MSW Programs in Kentucky

Thinking about MSW programs in Kentucky? You’ll find a state that stands out in social work education and job opportunities. Kentucky shines with two social work schools ranked in the top 60 nationwide by the 2019 US News & World Report. The University of Louisville’s Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work ranks 44th, while the University of Kentucky School of Social Work holds the 59th position. Three more master’s programs rank among the top 175 schools, making Kentucky an excellent place to build your social work career.

Social work jobs thrive in Kentucky. The state leads the nation as the highest per-capita employer of child, family, and school social workers. Recent data shows around 900 mental health and substance abuse social workers were hired in the state as of 2019. The future looks promising – mental health and substance abuse social work jobs should grow by 16% between 2016 and 2026. This growth means about 110 new jobs each year. Healthcare social worker roles should grow even faster at 17% during this time.

You might want a flexible online MSW program in Kentucky, or you’re looking for the most affordable online MSW options to keep costs down. Maybe you just need a complete list of Kentucky’s MSW programs to weigh your choices. This piece will guide you toward the right educational path for your future.

University of Kentucky – College of Social Work

The University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work is one of the top MSW programs in Kentucky. Students learn to handle the complexities of modern social work practice through its carefully designed curriculum. The program stands 50 years old with CSWE accreditation[link_1] and has produced more than 6,000 graduates who serve throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.

Program overview

UK’s MSW program uses an Advanced Generalist model that prepares students to work with people of all backgrounds across the micro-macro continuum. Graduates receive versatile skills they can use in multiple settings—from direct client services to organizational leadership and policy development.

UK’s MSW degree offers two main paths:

Regular Standing students start with 30 credits of foundation courses and complete 30 credits of advanced generalist coursework. Students can finish both programs full-time or part-time, which works great for working professionals.

UK’s commitment to complete social work education shows in its curriculum structure. Regular Standing students complete 900 hours of clinical social work practicums, while Advanced Standing students need 600 hours. These experiences let students apply their knowledge in real-life settings and build professional networks.

UK’s MSW program has achieved the highest clinical licensing pass rates in Kentucky, with scores that beat the national average. This success rate proves the program’s educational quality and student preparation.

Program specializations

Students can choose from several specialization options through certificates or an Individualized Plan of Study (IPS). These specialized tracks take the place of elective courses without adding extra credits.

Certificate options include:

• Clinical Social Work: Advanced clinical knowledge and skills for various clinical settings
• Military Behavioral Health: Understanding the unique experiences of military members and their families
• School Social Work: Critical skills to work with children and adolescents in school settings
• Substance Use Disorder: Treatment and prevention approaches founded on evidence-based practice

Students who want something different can create their own Individualized Plan of Study with specific elective courses that match their career goals.

Students learn in a variety of professional settings, including healthcare environments, clinical practice, gerontology, policy practice, community organizing, mental and behavioral health, and international practice. This broad experience helps graduates prepare for the 11% job growth expected through 2028—which grows by a lot faster than other occupations.

Program pricing

UK’s MSW program comes with competitive pricing and plenty of ways to save. The 2025-2026 academic year tuition breaks down like this:

• $790 per credit hour for 1-8 credit hours per semester
• $7,092.50 block tuition rate for 9+ credit hours per semester

Total estimated costs (minus fees):

• Regular Standing (60 credits): $47,400
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): $23,700

UK gives students a chance to save through its block tuition system. Online MSW students pay one flat rate when they take nine or more credits per semester. Students can save up to 40% on tuition costs and graduate faster with block tuition.

UK provides many more financial support options beyond tuition savings. The College of Social Work gives out various scholarships based on grades, financial need, and other factors. These include the Risepoint Partnership Scholarship, Evelyn J. Black Memorial Fund, Social Work Advancement Fund, and Jewels in the Mountain Scholarship Endowment.

Graduate students can get federal loans up to $20,500. Military students receive extra benefits like waived application fees, emergency loans, book vouchers, and veteran transition classes. Military Times EDGE magazine ranks UK consistently in the Top 10 schools for veterans, recognizing it as both a Best for Vets college and a Yellow Ribbon school.

Online options

Students looking for online MSW programs in Kentucky will find UK’s online MSW program fits their needs perfectly. Students get the same quality education whether they study online or on campus.

Students choose between Regular Standing (60 credit hours) and Advanced Standing (30 credit hours) tracks online. Fall and spring semester courses run for 16 weeks, while summer courses take 8 weeks.

Online students get the same Field Education Program as campus students. They learn to work with different communities while mastering social work core competencies. Program coordinators help students find internships that create supportive learning environments.

UK’s online MSW students enjoy several benefits:

• In-state tuition rates regardless of residency
• Block tuition savings of up to 40%
• CSWE accreditation
• Faculty with military backgrounds (beneficial for service members and veterans)
• Veterans Resource Center and military-specific benefits
• High licensure exam pass rates

Students graduate ready for success in their chosen field through career-focused skills from specialized certificates or elective courses. They learn clinical assessment and intervention, social policy and advocacy, and anti-oppressive practices—key skills that make social work effective.

UK offers one of Kentucky’s most complete and affordable online MSW programs, blending academic excellence with hands-on experience and flexible learning options.

University of Louisville – Kent School of Social Work

The Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at the University of Louisville has a rich history going back to 1936. It is one of Kentucky’s oldest social work education providers. The school has grown into a leader in social work education. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the #1 social work program in Kentucky.

Program overview

Louisville’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program takes an advanced generalist approach. Students learn ethical, evidence-informed practices to work with vulnerable and marginalized populations. The curriculum gives graduates skills they can use in a variety of settings – from working directly with clients to helping entire communities.

The Kent School gives students two main ways to earn their MSSW degree:

Regular Standing students complete foundation and specialized coursework. Advanced Standing students jump right into specialized courses. The program offers great flexibility through:

• Full-time and part-time study options
• On-campus and 100% online course delivery
• Multiple start dates throughout the year

Louisville’s program stands out because it uses theoretical and ground approaches to teaching. This creates learning experiences that help graduates tackle complex social problems. Students learn critical thinking skills and how to use evidence in their practice. The program’s impressive outcomes show this approach works.

The MSSW program’s full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) means graduates can get licensed anywhere in the United States. This accreditation shows the program’s academic quality and professional value.

Program specializations

One of Louisville’s MSSW program’s best features is its range of concentration options. While picking a specialization isn’t required, many students choose one of seven focus areas:

1. Alcohol and Drug Counseling: Students learn about addiction treatment and can get Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification with their MSSW.
2. Forensic Social Work: Students gain special knowledge about legal systems, covering criminal and civil issues in juvenile justice, human trafficking, immigration, and required treatment.
3. Gerontology: The U.S. Department of Labor lists geriatric social work as one of the fastest-growing jobs. This track helps students work with aging populations.
4. Mental Health: Students learn about mental illness theories, diagnosis skills, proven approaches, and mental health services in social work.
5. Military Social Work: This rare specialized program helps students work with active service members, veterans, and their families.
6. Psychosocial Oncology: The first program of its kind in the country prepares students to help cancer patients and their families as demand grows for oncology social workers.
7. School Social Work: Students learn to meet Kentucky’s school social work certification requirements and help children and families overcome learning barriers.

Each focus area has specific electives and field placements matched to student interests. Students can also mix courses from different specializations to create their own path.

Program pricing

Louisville keeps its tuition rates the same for all students, no matter how they take classes. Online MSSW students pay $850 per credit hour:

• Regular Standing (60 credits): $51,000
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): $25,500

Online courses have an extra $10 fee per credit hour. Other costs range from $200 to $800 throughout the program:

• Professional liability insurance
• Practicum insurance
• Annual NASW membership

Doctoral students pay a $1,660 fee for the Doctoral Candidacy (DOCT 600) course.

Active-duty military, Coast Guard, and qualifying Reserve and National Guard members get a great deal – just $250 per credit hour. UofL’s status as a Military Friendly school means these students also get application fee waivers and special support.

The Kent School offers several scholarships just for social work students. These help students who want to work in rural Kentucky or focus on gerontology, policy, or legislative areas.

Online options

Louisville’s online MSSW program matches its on-campus version in quality and content. Students can complete coursework on their schedule with 100% asynchronous classes.

Fall and spring courses last 16 weeks. Summer courses pack the same content into 8 weeks. Students follow a set curriculum based on their track:

• Regular 60-hour students start with foundation courses before specialized content
• Advanced 30-hour students begin with specialized coursework

All online MSSW students must complete supervised practice at social service organizations where they live. Field education helps build practical skills:

• Generalist Practicum: 16 hours weekly or 450 hours yearly
• Specialized Practicum: 18 hours weekly or 500 hours yearly

Online students get several perks:

• No GRE needed
• Flexible completion times (2-5 semesters for Advanced Standing; 4-8 semesters for Regular Standing)
• Learning from top faculty
• Special programs like the HBCU Cardinal Express to Success for Historically Black Colleges and Universities students

The program’s psychosocial oncology concentration has been around for 14 years and remains unique nationwide. This shows Louisville’s commitment to meeting new healthcare needs.

Graduates can get licensed and work in settings of all types – from helping children and families to international practice, substance abuse treatment to oncology social work. The program fits Louisville’s mission to tackle complex social problems through education, research, and service to build a better world.

Western Kentucky University – Department of Social Work

Western Kentucky University’s Department of Social Work stands out among MSW programs in Kentucky. The department prepares social workers specifically for rural communities. Their mission aims “to educate and prepare students for professional social work practice to meet the needs of increasingly diverse rural populations.” This focus helps address workforce needs, especially in south central and western Kentucky’s agencies that serve families and communities.

Program overview

The MSW program at Western Kentucky University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn through a detailed educational approach that creates “integrated social work practitioners with the values, theoretical knowledge and skills to function at many levels of intervention: individual, family, group, organizations, and community”.

WKU offers two distinct pathways to earn your MSW degree:

The Traditional program welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in any field who have a minimum 2.75 GPA. Students with GPAs below 2.75 might qualify for alternate admission. Advanced Standing candidates need a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned within seven years with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Those with GPAs between 2.75-2.99 can still apply and may get an interview opportunity.

Students must complete a capstone course (SWRK 661) before graduation. This course blends the entire curriculum into a comprehensive practice experience. A Practice Readiness Exam serves as the final requirement for degree completion.

Program specializations

WKU’s program takes a unique approach compared to other Kentucky MSW programs. Rather than offering formal concentration tracks, it uses an integrated method that puts rural social work practice first. Students learn to work in “small cities, towns, and very rural communities” with special attention to Kentucky’s rural areas.

The program focuses on four main goals:

1. Creating competent practitioners for rural areas
2. Growing the number of practitioners who understand diverse rural populations
3. Using critical knowledge to address complex rural community needs
4. Making positive changes in rural areas’ social, economic, and political environments

Graduates can work in various professional roles including:

• Mental health and substance abuse social work
• Social and community service management
• Child, family, and school social work
• Healthcare social work
• Probation and correctional treatment
• Marriage and family therapy

This rural practice focus makes WKU unique among Kentucky’s MSW programs. Students get specialized training to become primary resources for multiple community needs.

Program pricing

WKU shows transparency in application fees while directing students to current tuition schedules for exact program costs.

The MSW program requires two applications: one for the Department of Social Work and another for Graduate Studies. Here’s the application fee structure:

• Domestic students: $65.00
• International students: $95.00

Total program cost depends on:

• Credit hour requirements (30 vs. 60 hours)
• Residency status
• Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
• Hybrid vs. fully online format

Program fees might change, so checking with WKU’s billing office will give you the most current information.

Online options

WKU gives students flexibility through its online MSW program options. The online degree matches the campus program’s quality and lets you “help clients and better society while taking your career to greater heights”.

The online MSW follows the same curriculum as on-campus:

• Advanced Standing: 30 credit hours (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
• Traditional: 60 credit hours (2 years full-time, 3-4 years part-time)

Part-time web classes usually run Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 CST. This schedule helps working professionals while keeping educational standards high.

Students can also choose a hybrid format at the Bowling Green Campus that mixes:

• Online components
• Face-to-face classes on Tuesdays or Thursdays
• Options for part-time and full-time study

Student orientation varies by format – hybrid students attend in person while online students complete it virtually.

Field education plays a crucial role in both online and hybrid formats. Students apply their knowledge in real-life settings and build professional networks. This hands-on practice ensures graduates can handle modern social work challenges.

WKU’s Department of Social Work offers something special among Kentucky’s MSW programs through its rural social work focus. Students in both traditional and advanced standing tracks, whether studying online or on campus, learn to tackle unique challenges in rural and small-town communities across Kentucky and beyond.

Spalding University – School of Social Work

Spalding University’s School of Social Work stands out as a valuable private institution among MSW programs in Kentucky. The school combines budget-friendly education with individual-specific instruction. This CSWE-accredited program prepares students to get their license while making self-care the foundation of their social justice curriculum.

Program overview

Students at Spalding’s MSW program learn an integrative practice approach that prepares them to be advanced generalist practitioners. The program gives students two paths to choose from:

Students with bachelor’s degrees in any field can join the Regular Standing program. The Advanced Standing option works best for those who have BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs. The program uses a unique hybrid format. Students attend face-to-face classes on alternating Thursday and Friday evenings along with online learning.

After graduation, students can take state exams and get their license. They can also qualify for the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) credential after two years of supervised post-master’s experience. Many Spalding alumni now work in clinics, hospitals, schools, advocacy organizations, and social service agencies.

Program specializations

While other MSW programs in Kentucky offer multiple concentration tracks, Spalding focuses on one integrative practice concentration. This approach creates advanced practitioners who understand both aspects of social work: human and community well-being.

The curriculum gives equal weight to clinical and macro practice preparation. This helps students work effectively at multiple levels – from one-on-one client sessions to community organizing. Students can also take courses that count toward drug and alcohol certification.

Program pricing

Spalding ranks among Kentucky’s most budget-friendly private institutions. The MSW program costs $760 per credit hour for 2023-2024, up from $740 previously. Here’s what you can expect to pay in total:

• Regular Standing (60 credits): $45,600
• Advanced Standing (31 credits): $23,560

Students should also plan for these additional costs:

• Books: about $700 per year for full-time graduate students
• Student Services Fee: $150 yearly
• Technology Fee: $5 per credit hour for MSW students

Spalding gives out more than $4 million in scholarships and financial aid each year. Students should look into these options to help reduce their costs.

Online options

The MSW program uses a hybrid model instead of being fully online. Students spend about half their time in face-to-face classes on alternating Thursday and Friday evenings. The other half involves online learning.

To join the program, you’ll need to:

• Submit official transcripts
• Provide three professional recommendation letters
• Write a personal essay
• Complete an interview after your application review

The program shows strong diversity numbers. Recent graduating classes were 95.2% women and 52.4% racial-ethnic minorities – higher than national averages of 87.2% and 42%.

Students can choose full-time or part-time study. Part-time students need to meet with the MSW Director to plan their academic journey. While Spalding’s hybrid format needs some campus visits, other Kentucky schools offer fully online MSW programs.

Campbellsville University – Carver School of Social Work

Campbellsville University’s Carver School of Social Work launched its faith-based MSW program in 2008. The program blends Christian values with professional social work education. The CSWE granted its original accreditation in 2012, and the program received reaffirmation in 2024. The next reaffirmation is set for 2032.

Program overview

Students can choose between two paths in the MSW program:

Students with bachelor’s degrees in social work can take the Advanced Standing track. The Foundation Program welcomes students from other disciplines. Both tracks prepare students for graduate-level social work licensure, which lets them provide direct client services under supervision. Students need to secure their field placements, and the program counts BSW practicum hours toward the CSWE-required 900 total hours.

Specializations

The program offers a generalist track or four specialized areas of focus:

1. Clinical: Students learn clinical social work practice under supervision, perfect for careers in mental health settings.
2. Substance Use Disorder: The curriculum focuses on clinical substance abuse social work and drug/alcohol counseling. Substance abuse treatment experts developed this specialization.
3. Faith-Based: This track takes a justice point of view that honors human dignity. Students work in faith-based organizations.
4. Forensic: The track focuses on human rights and social justice. Students take dedicated courses in conflict resolution and substance use disorder treatment.

Program pricing

Students pay $624 per credit hour. The total program costs are:

• Foundation Program (60 credits): $37,440
• Advanced Standing (30-39 credits): $18,720-$24,336

The university ranks No. 2 in Kentucky and No. 6 in the South for lowest student debt. Students can access various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and reduced tuition for active-duty military members. FAFSA applications are available, and students can transfer up to 6 credits into the program.

Online options

Working professionals can complete the program entirely online. Students study at their own pace while getting support from expert faculty. The online program maintains the same high standards and accreditation as campus-based options. The curriculum combines ethical and Christian ideals with trauma-informed practice.

The program values field experience, requiring Advanced Standing students to complete 450 practicum hours. Campbellsville University also takes part in the Yellow Ribbon program to support military students and veterans.

Choosing the Right MSW Program in Kentucky

Kentucky shines as a top destination for social work education. The state has five CSWE-accredited MSW programs that match different career goals and learning styles. Each program delivers unique benefits while meeting all professional standards needed for licensure and practice.

Your path to picking the right program starts with what matters most to you. Money might be your top concern – Campbellsville University charges $624 per credit, and Western Kentucky University offers great rates too. You might want to focus on specializations instead. The University of Louisville has seven different concentrations, while the University of Kentucky lets you earn extra certificates.

Working professionals need programs that fit their schedule. Good news – all five schools offer online or hybrid options that work differently. UofL has courses you can take anytime, WKU runs evening classes, and Spalding lets you study every other weekend. Programs also vary in length between Regular Standing (60 credits) and Advanced Standing (30-39 credits).

The program you pick matters, but Kentucky’s reliable job market welcomes graduates from any school. Kentucky employs more child, family, and school social workers per person than any other state. Mental health and healthcare social workers can expect 16-17% more jobs by 2026. These numbers show why getting an MSW in Kentucky makes sense.

The best program matches your career dreams, how you learn best, and your current situation. Each school has something special. UK welcomes military members, Louisville teaches psychosocial oncology, WKU focuses on rural practice, Spalding emphasizes social justice, and Campbellsville takes a faith-based approach. Your perfect match exists among Kentucky’s MSW options.

Social work education shapes both your professional skills and who you are as a person. These programs teach you crucial skills while embracing social work’s core values: service, social justice, dignity, relationships, integrity, and competence. Kentucky’s MSW programs prepare you for more than just a job – they equip you to make real changes in communities that need your help.