12 CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Kentucky: Complete Guide for 2026
BSW programs in Kentucky create an excellent path to a growing career field. Students can choose from 15 CSWE-accredited options that include campus-based, online, and hybrid formats to match their learning priorities.
A BSW in Kentucky leads to promising career opportunities. Kentucky’s social work jobs should grow by 9% in specialized roles like healthcare social workers through 2032. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Kentucky’s social workers earn between $46,000 and $63,000 on average, based on their specialty area.
Kentucky’s BSW programs need 120 credit hours and about 400 hours of field placement. This complete training prepares you for LSW licensure and opens doors to career opportunities throughout the state. A BSW from a Kentucky school gives you the credentials and experience that employers need, whether you want to work in healthcare, community organizations, or school systems.
University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky ranks among the top BSW programs in Kentucky. Its CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program gives students a detailed path into social work practice.
Program overview
UK’s BASW program will prepare you to become a generalist social worker. The curriculum arranges around social justice, strengths, and solutions. You’ll learn to view individuals, communities, and societies from different viewpoints to aid positive change. The curriculum lets you shape your educational experience through upper-level electives that match your interests. After graduation, you can start practicing or continue your education through UK’s 4+1=MSW Initiative. BSW graduates can complete their Master’s degree in just one year.
Format options
Students can complete their BSW degree in multiple ways. The program runs both on-campus and fully online. Online courses run asynchronously, so you can finish your work by the deadlines that fit your schedule. This makes the program available to students who work or have other commitments.
Tuition and costs
The online BASW program costs $654.00 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. This rate applies to both in-state and out-of-state students. Students need 120 credits to graduate, making the total tuition about $78,480.00. Campus students from Kentucky pay $570.50 per credit hour or $6,953.50 for full-time study. Non-residents pay $1,455.50 per credit hour or $17,582.00 full-time.
Admission requirements
The professional BSW program requires you to:
- Keep a minimum 2.5 GPA on all college work
- Get a grade of B or better in SW 124 and SW 222 (or equivalents)
- Pass PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
- Submit an application with a written personal essay
Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from two-year schools but must complete 30 credit hours at UK.
Field placement opportunities
Students can choose from over 1,000 practicum sites that match their interests. These hands-on experiences help you use classroom knowledge while growing your professional network. UK’s field education office partners with 300+ local and state agencies across Kentucky. Online students outside Kentucky get help finding suitable practicum sites in their area.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits UK’s BSW program. This stamp of approval shows the curriculum meets strict, competency-based standards needed for ethical and effective practice. It also guarantees state licensure eligibility and shows employers UK’s steadfast dedication to quality education.
University of Louisville
The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at the University of Louisville stands out as one of the top BSW programs in Kentucky. This CSWE-accredited program helps students build stronger relationships between people and their environment to create a better quality of life.
Program overview
UofL’s BSW program prepares students to work with diverse, vulnerable, and marginalized populations through generalist social work practice. Students learn to make a difference at micro, mezzo, and macro levels by using critical thinking and evidence-informed practice. The program builds on liberal arts foundations and teaches students how to tackle complex social problems effectively. The curriculum also creates a strong base for graduate studies, and eligible students might qualify for advanced standing in MSW programs.
Format options
Students can choose from several ways to complete their BSW degree at UofL. The program runs both on campus and fully online. Students who need flexibility can opt for part-time studies. These options make the BSW program available to students with different priorities and life situations.
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year costs full-time undergraduate residents $6,695 per semester, while non-residents pay $14,868. Part-time resident students pay $559 per credit hour, and non-residents pay $1,239 per credit hour. Online program students pay $559 per credit hour whatever their residency status, plus a $10 per credit hour online course fee.
Admission requirements
Lower division entry needs a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher and ACT/SAT scores of 20/1030 or above. Transfer students with 24+ credit hours should have a college GPA of 2.5 or higher. Upper division admission requires 45 semester hours of college credit, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and completion of Kent School’s internal application.
Field placement opportunities
UofL considers field education the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. BSW students complete a year-long practicum during their senior year. This includes two consecutive semester placements that total 450 hours (225 hours each semester, about 16 hours weekly). These placements give students hands-on experience with different client populations and help develop professional skills.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits UofL’s BSW program. The program got its latest reaffirmation in 2024 with no reporting requirements. The next review will happen in 2032. This accreditation shows that the program meets high standards for professional social work education.
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University stands out among the respected BSW programs in Kentucky. Students get a well-laid-out path to social work careers through its complete curriculum and rich field experiences.
Program overview
The BSW program at Western Kentucky University needs 54 semester hours. This breaks down into 42 core hours in social work and 12 hours in supportive courses. Students complete the program in four semesters. They learn the knowledge, skills, and values needed to show competency in generalist social work practice. Students don’t need a minor to graduate. The program builds on liberal arts foundations. First-year and sophomore students take courses in English, political science, economics, math, biology, sociology, psychology, public speaking, and history.
Format options
Western Kentucky University’s BSW degree stands out from other Kentucky programs. Students can take the 42 upper-level credit hours at several locations. The main campus is in Bowling Green, with regional options in Elizabethtown, Owensboro, or Glasgow. This makes the program available to students all over western and southern Kentucky.
Tuition and costs
Kentucky residents pay $12,072 annually for full-time undergraduate tuition in 2025-2026. The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) offers a $14,136 yearly rate to students from border states (Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri). Other out-of-state students pay $27,000 per year. Students should also plan for housing ($6,090-$11,000), meal plans ($3,842-$5,256), and books ($1,000).
Admission requirements
The BSW major admission needs you to:
- Be a sophomore when you apply
- Keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Finish all prerequisite courses (with at least a C grade in SWRK 101)
- Submit an application for BSW faculty review
Students can apply by April 1 for fall admission (four-semester track) or November 1 for spring admission (five-semester track).
Field placement opportunities
Students complete a 400-hour field practicum at a social service agency. This hands-on experience lets them apply classroom learning with professional supervision. WKU works with social service agencies throughout Kentucky and nearby states. The Field Education office helps match students’ interests with educational goals during placement. Working students might arrange worksite placements. These follow specific guidelines that separate work and learning roles.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Western Kentucky University’s BSW program. Graduates can work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various settings. The accreditation also lets graduates apply to any CSWE-Accredited Advanced Standing MSW program in the U.S. This can speed up their master’s degree completion.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University’s social work program ranks among the longest running BSW programs in Kentucky with CSWE accreditation since 1977. This 46-year-old program equips students with skills needed for generalist practice that enhances human well-being.
Program overview
The BSW program at EKU creates an environment where students come first. Students learn ethical social work practices they can apply in different settings. The program combines thoughtful self-reflection with strong academics and hands-on learning. Students build skills to engage, assess, and help clients at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. They also learn anti-racist and anti-oppressive points of view.
Format options
Students can earn their BSW on-campus or through a 100% online program. The online version runs in two 7-week terms during fall and spring semesters, plus two 6-week summer terms. Students take two classes per term and maintain full-time status. Working students find this setup works well with their schedules.
Tuition and costs
On-campus students from Kentucky pay $5,220 per semester for 12-15 credit hours, with each credit hour above 15 costing $348, plus fees. Online students pay $462 per credit hour, whatever their location. EKU’s BookSmart program gives all students free textbooks.
Admission requirements
Professional program entry needs:
- 32+ hours of college credit
- 5 GPA minimum
- SWK 210 and support courses with “C” grade or better
- Successful application completion
Field placement opportunities
Students gain real-world experience through internships at social service agencies. Their work includes case management, program development, and mentoring. These placements let students use classroom knowledge under expert supervision.
Accreditation status
EKU holds accreditation from both CSWE (since 1977 for the BSW program) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The BSW program’s next complete CSWE review comes up in 2029-2030.
Murray State University
Murray State University’s social work program has been CSWE accredited since 1974. This respected BSW program in Kentucky puts strong emphasis on practical skills and professional values.
Program overview
The BSW degree prepares students to become entry-level social work professionals, obtain state licensure, and pursue advanced education. Students learn to enhance the quality of life for others, with special focus on vulnerable populations. The curriculum helps students develop skills to work in settings of all types including schools, mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, probation departments, hospitals, and crisis centers.
Format options
A key advantage of this BSW program is its multiple location offerings. Students can complete their degree at the main campus or at regional campuses in Fort Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Paducah. This makes the program available to students across western Kentucky.
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 academic year costs in-state tuition of $10,320 and out-of-state tuition of $19,332. Students should budget approximately $25,512 for in-state and $34,152 for out-of-state total costs, which include room, board, and expenses. Students from specific Tennessee counties (Henry, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley) can qualify for in-state tuition rates.
Admission requirements
Program entry requirements include:
- 60 hours of coursework with a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Four foundational social work courses with a 2.5 GPA average
- Social work course grades must be ‘C’ or higher
- Students must submit an application and pass a review with the Admissions Committee
Field placement opportunities
The program ends with a 500-hour block internship at a regional social service agency in the final semester. This detailed field experience provides essential hands-on training under professional supervision.
Accreditation status
The social work program has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1974. Graduates meet professional standards recognized nationwide, which ensures eligibility for licensure and career growth.
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University’s School of Social Work stands as one of the best BSW programs in Kentucky. The school gives students practical training through its accredited curriculum that emphasizes ethical practice and social justice.
Program overview
NKU’s BSW program has helped students become skilled at generalist practice in a variety of populations over the last several years. The curriculum really covers social justice, diversity, human behavior, policy, research, and practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students learn to combine empirical and practice-based knowledge effectively.
Format options
The Highland Heights campus serves as the main location for this program. Students follow a well-laid-out four-phase curriculum that builds professional skills step by step.
Tuition and costs
Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana residents will pay $463 per credit hour or $5,748 per semester full-time (12-16 hours) in 2025-26. Students from other states pay $625 per credit hour or $7,692 per semester. The university made education more available with its “3 States, 1 Rate” model in Fall 2025.
Admission requirements
The professional program requires you to:
- Keep a minimum 2.75 GPA
- Pass six prerequisite courses with C- or higher
- Complete SWK 105, 106, 204, 205, 206, and Statistics
Northern Kentucky University field placement opportunities
CSWE recognizes field education as the “signature pedagogy” in social work education. Students spend their final semester completing 400 hours (about 25 hours weekly). NKU works with over 100 agencies in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati metropolitan area.
Northern Kentucky University accreditation status
The BSW program has managed to keep CSWE accreditation since 1979. Northern Kentucky University also holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Morehead State University
Morehead State University offers an available pathway into social work through its CSWE-accredited BSW program that combines hands-on experience with rigorous academics.
Program overview
The selective program equips you with skills for entry-level generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students gain competencies in empirical knowledge and practice-based skills throughout their curriculum.
Format options
You can complete your BSW at any of four campuses: Mt. Sterling, Morehead, Ashland, or Prestonsburg. The curriculum combines face-to-face and online courses. Regional campuses typically schedule classes one day weekly, while the main campus holds classes over two days.
Tuition and costs
Kentucky residents’ full-time tuition for 2025-2026 is $5,096 per semester, while out-of-state students pay $7,681. Part-time students pay $425 per credit hour (in-state) or $645 (out-of-state).
Admission requirements
The program requires completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students must declare social work as their major and submit an application with the online Interest Profiler.
Field placement opportunities
Field education serves as the “signature pedagogy” of this BSW program and has junior and senior practicums. Students apply their classroom knowledge in real-life settings.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University’s Carver School of Social Work offers a faith-based BSW program that blends academic excellence with Christian servant leadership principles.
Program overview
The BSW program at Campbellsville equips you with generalist social work skills through a curriculum that builds on liberal arts and person-in-environment framework. Students work in a variety of settings after graduation, including mental health agencies, child protection, juvenile justice, hospitals, substance abuse treatment, and court systems. The program emphasizes academic excellence and promotes human and social well-being by working with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Format options
This BSW program gives you exceptional flexibility with multiple location choices: Campbellsville campus, Harrodsburg, Somerset, and a fully online option. Students can complete their online coursework at their own pace through asynchronous learning while staying connected with professors through video interactions.
Tuition and costs
The undergraduate tuition for 2025-2026 is $440 per credit hour across all locations and online programs. Students need 120 credit hours to graduate. Kentucky Community & Technical College System transfer students can receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Admission requirements
The admission process has two steps:
- Start by applying to Campbellsville University
- Then submit your application to the Carver School with these requirements:
- 75 minimum GPA (2.50 considered for conditional acceptance)
- 30 credit hours completed including BIO 110, ENG 111, PSY 111, SOC 110, and POL 110
- One letter of recommendation
Field placement opportunities
Students must complete 450 hours of supervised practicum at a social service agency in one or two semesters. This ground experience helps you demonstrate core social work competencies in actual practice settings.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits this BSW program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges also accredits Campbellsville University.
Brescia University
Brescia University’s BSW program stands out as the only fully online CSWE-accredited degree completion program in the nation. Students don’t need to visit campus during their educational trip.
Program overview
The Marilyn Younger Conley School of Social Work at Brescia University offers a Bachelor of Social Work that blends social work theory with hands-on practice. Students learn skills they can use in child protection, aging services, anti-poverty programs, corrections, criminal justice, and human services agencies of all types.
Format options
Brescia delivers this BSW program both on campus and completely online. Adult students can complete their degree in just two years through flexible online courses. Students starting their educational trip can begin with Brescia’s Associate in Human Services.
Tuition and costs
Online undergraduate tuition costs $450 per credit hour for 2025-2026. Students attending on campus pay $15,750 per semester or $31,500 yearly. The university evaluates your financial needs and offers scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans to make education affordable.
Admission requirements
Students need 45 credit hours to enter the BSW program. Required courses include:
- BIO 100 (Introduction to Biology)
- PSY 105 (Introduction to Psychology)
- SOC 204 (Principles of Sociology)
- College-level Math GER
- SW 280 (Introduction to Social Work)
- SW 301 (Human Behavior in the Social Environment I) or current enrollment
Students submit an autobiographical video and essay responses after completing prerequisites.
Field placement opportunities
Students get practical experience through field education. The university’s partnerships with local agencies give students valuable hands-on experience that builds professional skills.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education accredits the BSW program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges also accredits Brescia University to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.
Kentucky Christian University
Kentucky Christian University offers a faith-based option among BSW programs in Kentucky. The university’s Grayson campus combines Christian principles with professional social work education.
Program overview
KCU’s BSW program focuses on ethical practice and prepares students for generalist social work roles. The curriculum builds on liberal arts foundations and helps students develop skills to work in a variety of settings. Students who graduate can take state licensure examinations and qualify for Advanced Standing in MSW programs.
Format options
The program runs on-campus at the Grayson location.
Kentucky Christian University tuition and costs
The undergraduate tuition for 2025-26 is $26,730 per year with additional required fees of $600. Students pay approximately $10,780 yearly for on-campus housing and meal plans. The average financial aid package of $24,913 makes this bsw ky program more affordable than the original costs indicate.
Admission requirements
KCU’s requirements include:
- Freshmen need a minimum 2.25 GPA
- Transfer students must have a 2.0 GPA
- An ACT score of 18 or SAT of 990 (test-optional)
- A completed application with essay
Field placement opportunities
Students complete their practicum hours at approved local churches or parachurch organizations. These supervised experiences help students apply their classroom learning practically.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the BSW program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited the university.
Spalding University
Spalding University’s social work program combines community involvement with academic excellence. Their BSW program makes social justice and self-care the foundation of their curriculum.
Program overview
Students at Spalding’s social work program work directly with the community through service-learning opportunities. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice that prepares students for careers at individual, communal, and policy levels. The Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree takes 120 credit hours and equips students for entry-level generalist practice positions.
Format options
The program’s flexible class schedule helps students balance their life commitments. Students can start their BSSW coursework in January or August.
Tuition and costs
The undergraduate tuition costs $13,450 per semester for 12-18 credit hours. Students taking 11 hours or less pay $896 per credit hour. Social work classes have an additional $5 per credit hour technology fee.
Admission requirements
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 and a social work GPA of at least 2.75 to join the BSSW Program. Most students apply during their junior year’s first semester while taking SW 208.
Field placement opportunities
Field placements help students connect with the community and learn about social work practice firsthand. The downtown Louisville location makes networking easier with local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Accreditation status
Spalding University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation will give students quality education that follows industry best practices.
Asbury University
Asbury University blends social work education with Christian perspectives. Their BSW program helps graduates become skilled at generalist practice while emphasizing spiritual vitality.
Program overview
The BSW program’s mission helps prepare social workers with strong foundations in liberal arts, Christian and Wesleyan perspectives, and professional values. We focused on generalist practice in the curriculum to give you the skills needed to work with people from different backgrounds. The program tackles modern social challenges like homelessness, child abuse, and poverty.
Format options
Students can choose between traditional on-campus studies at the Jessamine County location or complete their degree through a fully-online program designed for working adults.
Tuition and costs
The 2025-2026 on-campus tuition and fees are $34,342, with total costs reaching $49,986. Online students pay $9,576 each year.
Admission requirements
Students need a 2.5 GPA or higher, a completed program application, three recommendations (one from a non-social work faculty), and must complete an interview.
Field placement opportunities
The field education program has two parts: Practicum I with 175 hours and Practicum II with 280 hours. Students can also choose international opportunities in Uganda, France, and Romania.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation fully accredits this program.
Online BSW options
The rise of digital education has made BSW programs in Kentucky more accessible through flexible online options. Working professionals, parents, and students in rural areas benefit substantially from these programs. Five institutions now provide fully online BSW degrees throughout the state.
Online programs deliver the same academic standards as campus-based options while giving students much more freedom with their schedules. To cite an instance, most online courses let students complete assignments by deadlines instead of attending scheduled sessions.
Programs differ in structure, but several key features stand out in many online options:
- 8-week accelerated courses help students graduate faster
- Students can start their program at different times throughout the year
- The same expert faculty teach both online and on-campus classes
The distance learning options excel at maintaining vital field experience requirements. Remote students still complete about 400 hours of supervised practicum work. Program staff help arrange placements in students’ local communities, so they get hands-on experience whatever their location.
These advantages make online BSW programs an attractive choice for future social workers in Kentucky who need flexible education without sacrificing professional quality.
Career Outlook for BSW Social Workers in Kentucky
BSW graduates in Kentucky have bright career prospects ahead. The social work field expects to grow 12% by 2030, creating about 78,300 job openings nationwide each year. Some specialties in the state show even better numbers – healthcare social workers should see a 37.5% jump, while mental health positions are set to grow by 31.5%.
BSW graduates’ salaries in Kentucky change based on their specialty. Child, family, and school social workers make around $57,390 per year. Healthcare social workers earn about $64,840, and mental health specialists typically bring home $45,450. These numbers sit slightly below national averages, but Kentucky’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average. This helps balance things out.
BSW graduates from Kentucky programs can start their careers in these roles:
- Case managers ($38,000-$50,000)
- Child welfare workers ($38,000-$48,000)
- Social service coordinators ($35,000-$45,000)
- Community outreach specialists ($35,000-$45,000)
The state’s strong job market stems from several key factors. We see an aging population that just needs more healthcare support. The ongoing opioid crisis calls for substance abuse specialists. Rural communities remain underserved. BSW graduates can find work in hospitals, nonprofits, schools, residential treatment programs, and throughout the criminal justice system.
Kentucky Social Work Licensure Pathway
Your next professional step after graduating from one of the BSW programs in Kentucky is to get state licensure. Kentucky’s licensure system provides a straightforward path for social work professionals.
The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential helps BSW graduates start their professional practice. You’ll need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify. The process includes passing the ASWB bachelor’s examination and submitting your application with a $75 fee. You must renew your license every three years and complete 15 continuing education hours.
Career growth opens doors to higher credentials. The Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential needs a master’s degree in social work and a passing score on the ASWB master’s exam. Clinical practice enthusiasts can pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) path. This advanced credential needs a master’s degree plus two years of full-time post-master’s clinical experience with 200 hours of supervision.
The Kentucky Board of Social Work handles all applications. You’ll need to submit required forms, pay a $25 non-refundable application fee, and provide supporting documentation. Kentucky doesn’t have reciprocity agreements with other states. However, the state accepts ASWB exam scores from bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical categories.
This well-laid-out pathway helps BSW graduates advance their careers while they retain their professional credentials.
Next Steps
Your choice of a BSW program ended up depending on your personal needs, career goals, and learning priorities. Kentucky’s 12 CSWE-accredited programs offer many paths to enter this rewarding profession. These schools give you options from traditional campus experiences to fully online degrees that work well for both fresh high school graduates and professionals looking to switch careers.
Field education is the basis of these programs, whatever the delivery format might be. You’ll get hands-on experience through 400-450 supervised practicum hours and build professional networks. These connections often lead to jobs right after graduation.
BSW programs are a smart investment when you look at Kentucky’s projected growth in social work positions. Healthcare social workers can expect a 37.5% growth rate, while mental health specialists will see a 31.5% increase by 2024. The state’s lower cost of living helps balance out salaries that run slightly below the national average.
Once you finish your degree, you’ll need to get your Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential by passing the ASWB bachelor’s examination. This certification opens doors to entry-level positions in hospitals, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
Kentucky’s BSW programs share one clear purpose – they prepare caring, skilled professionals who can tackle complex social challenges. The University of Kentucky’s prestigious program or faith-based approaches at Asbury or Campbellsville will give you the tools to make real differences in people’s lives.