7 Top MSW Programs in Louisville: Campus vs Online Options for 2026
Want to build your future with MSW programs in Louisville? That’s a smart career move. Social workers are just needed everywhere, and jobs will grow 6 percent through 2034—faster than average careers.
Social work graduates in Louisville can earn a mean annual wage of $68,800. Kentucky has eight universities that offer MSW programs. You can choose traditional campus experiences or online MSW programs without GRE requirements. These schools welcome BSW holders through advanced standing tracks and graduates from any discipline through traditional programs.
Tuition costs at accredited Louisville colleges range between $15,000 and $25,000 per year for in-state students. Many schools provide great financial support. Spalding University offers 50 percent tuition scholarships to many students through a $1.2 million federal grant.
You’ll find excellent options like the University of Kentucky’s detailed program at $47,400 total tuition. The University of Louisville’s advanced generalist MSSW degree offers similar experiences online or on campus. Let’s look at the top seven MSW programs that will help you choose the right path for your social work career in 2026.
1. University of Kentucky (UK) – Online and Campus MSW
The University of Kentucky is crucial to social work education in the Commonwealth. UK’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means graduates can get licensed in all 50 states.
Program Overview
UK has created an innovative MSW curriculum that works as an Advanced Generalist program. Students learn to work with people from all backgrounds at every level. You can choose between two formats: a 60-credit Regular Standing option if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field, or a 30-credit Advanced Standing track if you have a BSW degree. Both programs blend classroom learning with field experience. Regular Standing students complete 51 credits of coursework (including 12 elective hours) and 9 credits of fieldwork. Advanced Standing students need 24 credits of coursework (with 9 elective hours) and 6 credits of fieldwork.
UK has the highest clinical licensing pass rates in Kentucky and scores better than the national average. Graduates are ready to work in many settings, from clinical practice to community organization and policy development.
Online vs Campus Format
Students at UK can pick between fully online and hybrid formats. Both options deliver the same CSWE-accredited education. The hybrid option meets five times each semester in late afternoon and early evenings. This schedule works well for working professionals. The online program lets you learn at your own pace with complete flexibility.
Studies show that CSWE-accredited online and campus MSW programs lead to the same results in licensure, employment, and career growth. Both paths make you eligible for LCSW licensure. The main differences show up in how you network and learn, not in educational quality or what employers think. Most employers care about accreditation status and proven skills rather than how you earned your degree.
Specializations Offered
Students can shape their MSW through specialized certificates that replace elective courses. The total credit requirements stay the same. These certificates include:
- Clinical Social Work Certificate
- Child Welfare Practice Certificate
- Military Behavioral Health Certificate
- School Social Work Certificate
- Substance Use Disorder Certificate
- Trauma-Responsive Practice Certificate
- Rural Population Wellbeing
Students can also create an Individualized Plan of Study by choosing electives that match their career goals.
Admission Requirements
Regular Standing program needs:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- 0 minimum overall GPA
- No GRE required
Advanced Standing program needs:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program (within past 7 years)
- 5 social work curriculum GPA
- 0 minimum overall GPA
Both programs require a personal résumé, two letters of recommendation, autobiographical personal statement, 250-word writing sample on an ethical dilemma, and all college transcripts. You can start in fall, spring, or summer, with priority deadlines about 45 days before final deadlines.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Online graduate students pay in-state tuition whatever their location, making the program available nationwide. Current rates are:
| Program Type | Per Credit Cost | Total Program Cost | With Block Tuition Savings |
| Regular Standing (60 credits) | $790/credit | $47,400 | Save up to 40% |
| Advanced Standing (30 credits) | $790/credit | $23,700 | Save up to 40% |
Block tuition helps you save money. Students taking 9+ credits per semester pay a flat rate of $7,092.50 instead of per-credit pricing. UK offers many scholarships based on academic performance and financial need. These include the Risepoint Partnership Scholarship, Evelyn J. Black Memorial Fund, and Jewels in the Mountain Scholarship Endowment. Graduate students can also get federal loans up to $20,500.
Career Outcomes
UK’s MSW graduates work in many professional roles across social work. Most find public sector social work positions in local government. Others work with the NHS, charitable organizations, and private care providers.
The program builds both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through professional placements. Students develop a detailed understanding of social sciences and specialized social work skills. These skills help in problem-solving, conflict management, communication, and time management. Such abilities are valuable in any sector.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social work jobs to grow 6 percent through 2034—faster than average for all occupations. UK’s high licensure exam pass rates and detailed preparation give graduates confidence and an edge in their careers.
2. University of Louisville (UofL) – MSSW Program
The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science at UofL runs the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program, established in 1936 with full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Louisville’s MSSW is different from other Kentucky MSW programs by focusing on social justice, human rights, and anti-oppression frameworks while providing similar professional training.
Program Overview
Students in UofL’s MSSW program learn through an advanced generalist curriculum that helps them work with vulnerable and marginalized populations in many settings – from individual counseling to community organization. Students can choose between two program formats:
- Regular Standing (60 credit hours): Students with any bachelor’s degree take 45 credits of core curriculum, 6 credits of practicum education, and 9 credits of electives
- Advanced Standing (30 credit hours): Students who earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last seven years complete 15 credits of core curriculum, 6 credits of practicum, and 9 credits of electives
Both paths blend theory and research to create learning experiences based on anti-racist and trauma-informed views.
Online vs Campus Format
Students can choose from three flexible ways to complete their degree:
- 100% online asynchronous courses
- Traditional on-campus classes
- A mix of online and on-campus learning
Full-time students can finish in two semesters (Advanced Standing) or four semesters (Regular Standing), while part-time options are also available. The online MSSW degree matches the campus-based program’s coursework and meets all master’s level requirements for social work licensure.
Specializations Offered
Students can customize their MSSW with seven concentration options using their 9 elective credits:
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling
- Forensic Social Work
- Gerontology Social Work
- Mental Health Social Work
- Military Social Work
- Psychosocial Oncology/Medical Social Work
- School Social Work (Kentucky residents only)
The program also pairs with other disciplines for unique dual degrees including Latin American Studies, Couple and Family Therapy, Law (JD), Pan-African Studies, Women’s/Gender/Sexuality Studies, Philosophy/Healthcare Ethics, and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary.
Admission Requirements
Regular 60-Hour Program needs:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA
Advanced Standing 30-Hour Program asks for:
- A BSW earned in the last seven years from a CSWE-accredited program
- A preferred 3.0 cumulative GPA
- A preferred 3.25 Social Work GPA
Every applicant should submit:
- A completed online application with $65 non-refundable fee
- A 300-word essay about leadership, resilience, and diversity
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Two recommendation forms (BSW applicants need one from field education director, practicum supervisor, or seminar instructor)
- Final practicum evaluation or latest evaluation
The program doesn’t require GRE scores, making it easier to apply compared to other online MSW programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
All online MSSW students pay the same tuition whatever their location. Extra costs range from $200-$800 throughout the program for professional liability insurance, practicum insurance, and NASW annual membership.
Students can get help paying for their degree through:
- Federal financial aid for degree-seeking students
- Flexible payment plans and employer assistance
- Military service members’ application fee waiver
- Need-based and merit scholarships
Active-duty service members pay just $250 per credit hour for most graduate programs, showing why UofL earned its Military Friendly status.
Career Outcomes
MSSW graduates can become Certified Social Workers (CSW) or pursue Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials in their state. The job market looks promising with 6% growth expected from 2024 to 2034.
Graduates work in many areas including:
- Children and family advocacy
- Adult protective services
- Community action agencies
- Shelter services
- Oncology social work
- Volunteer coordination
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health facilities
- International practice
- Case management
The program teaches ethical, evidence-based practices that help graduates make real changes in their communities while supporting vulnerable populations.
3. Spalding University – Hybrid MSW Program
Spalding University’s MSW program offers a unique hybrid learning experience that combines classroom teaching with online education. The Louisville-based program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for more than a decade. This ensures graduates meet all national professional standards.
Program Overview
The curriculum at Spalding shapes practitioners who embrace a comprehensive approach to social work practice. Students learn to focus on both human and community well-being throughout their careers. The program offers two paths to completion:
- Regular Standing Program: Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work complete 60 credit hours
- Advanced Standing Program: Students with BSW/BSSW degrees from CSWE-accredited institutions can finish with 31 credit hours
Graduates qualify to take licensure exams at the first graduate level (CSW) in Kentucky and other states. They become eligible for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential after two years of supervised post-master’s experience.
Online vs Campus Format
The program uses a balanced hybrid format where:
- Students attend face-to-face classes on Thursday and Friday evenings for 50% of instruction time
- Online and in-vivo experiences guided by instructors make up the other 50%
- Students choose between full-time or part-time enrollment
This setup works well for adult learners who balance work and personal life. Part-time students must meet with the MSW Director to create an individual academic plan that needs approval from the Chair.
Specializations Offered
The Integrative Practice concentration prepares advanced practitioners to work in settings of all types. Students can:
- Build skills for both clinical and macro practice
- Study courses that count toward drug and alcohol counseling certification
- Select field placements that match their interests
Admission Requirements
Regular Standing admission typically needs:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field
- A cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher on a 4.00 scale
- The program might accept lower GPAs in special cases, especially when upper-level grades show improvement
Advanced Standing applicants need:
- A BSW/BSSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- A 3.00 GPA in social work courses
- A 2.80 overall GPA
The application package includes:
- Completed application forms
- Three professional/academic references
- A personal essay that shows both content knowledge and writing skills
- Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work
Tuition and Financial Aid
Spalding University is one of Kentucky’s most affordable private schools. The costs are:
- Tuition: $770 per credit hour
- Total program cost: About $46,200 for Regular Standing and $23,870 for Advanced Standing
Students receive substantial financial support through:
- A $1.20 million federal grant that covers 50% tuition for many students
- A $1.15 million federal grant offering practicum stipends in primary care settings serving vulnerable populations
- A share of $4 million in yearly scholarships and grants
- Health and counseling services fee: $100 each semester
Career Outcomes
Graduates work in many settings:
- Clinics and hospitals
- Schools
- Advocacy organizations
- Social service agencies
They take on roles as:
- Administrators
- Clinicians/therapists
- Policy analysts
- Community organizers
- Case managers
Job prospects remain strong, with 80% of new MSW graduates nationwide finding jobs or receiving offers soon after graduation. Spalding reports a 57% overall graduation rate. Healthcare and nursing graduates earn some of the highest post-graduation incomes, averaging $56,254 per year.
4. Western Kentucky University (WKU) – Rural Social Work Focus
Western Kentucky University respected among MSW programs in Kentucky with its focus on rural social work practice. This approach helps graduates tackle unique challenges in small cities, towns, and rural areas that make up Kentucky’s landscape.
Program Overview
WKU’s Master of Social Work program creates integrated practitioners with the values, knowledge, and skills to work at multiple intervention levels—from individual care to community organization. Students can choose between two paths:
- Traditional Program (60 credit hours): For students with bachelor’s degrees in any field
- Advanced Standing Program (30 credit hours): For students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs
Both tracks help students understand and serve rural populations. The coursework enables rural communities to implement social welfare policies and practices. The program’s mission aims to “educate and prepare students for advanced professional social work practice to meet the needs of increasingly diverse rural populations”.
Online vs Campus Format
Students have flexible learning options:
- Hybrid Format: Face-to-face classes meet on Tuesdays or Thursdays at the WKU Bowling Green campus
- Fully Online Format: Classes happen via Zoom on Tuesdays or Thursdays
Both formats deliver similar curriculum quality and outcomes. Part-time web classes run Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 CST. Students must attend mandatory orientation—either in-person for hybrid students or via Zoom for online participants.
Specializations Offered
WKU focuses on Advanced Generalist Practice in Rural Settings rather than offering multiple concentrations. The curriculum builds nine unique competencies for this specialization. These competencies include:
- Social work practice in rural areas of all types
- Meeting workforce needs of rural agencies
- Understanding rural populations’ complex needs
- Giving rural communities the ability to grow
- Working with social welfare policies in rural settings
Students planning careers in Kentucky’s rural regions will find this specialized focus valuable.
Admission Requirements
Traditional 60-hour program applicants need:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Minimum 2.75 overall undergraduate GPA
- Liberal arts background (30+ hours)
Advanced Standing applicants must have:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (GPAs of 2.75-2.99 may be considered with interview)
- 400+ hours of completed field instruction
- Specific social work coursework
Students must submit applications to both WKU’s Graduate Studies and the Department of Social Work.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate tuition rates are:
| Residency Status | Per Semester (9 hours) | Annual Cost |
| In-State | $5,463 | $10,926 |
| Out-of-State | $8,253 | $16,506 |
Housing costs range from $6,090-$11,000 annually, and food expenses run $3,842-$5,256 annually.
Graduate assistantships offer financial support through:
- Tuition remission (covers out-of-state and international portions)
- Stipends (taxable income)
- 10-20 hours weekly commitment during fall and spring
Students can apply for four types of assistantships: Graduate Assistant Instructor, Graduate General Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant, and Graduate Teaching Assistant.
Career Outcomes
WKU graduates can take on various roles serving rural populations:
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Social and community service managers
- Child, family, and school social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
- Marriage and family therapists
The program’s rural focus helps graduates work with advocacy groups, schools, churches, mental health hospitals, and community organizations in rural settings. WKU’s emphasis on rural practice gives students specialized preparation for Kentucky’s underserved areas, meeting critical workforce needs where social services are limited but essential.
5. Northern Kentucky University (NKU) – Trauma-Focused MSW
Northern Kentucky University’s MSW program is known among Kentucky’s offerings with its trauma-informed clinical curriculum. The program prepares skilled practitioners who lead efforts to advance social and economic justice and improve everyone’s quality of life.
Program Overview
NKU’s MSW program features advanced clinical practice with a trauma-informed curriculum that helps students grow through real-world, case-based learning. Students learn to work in multiple settings using proven interventions with a focus on clinical behavioral health and community practice. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, which ensures graduates can qualify for national licensure.
The program offers two paths based on your background:
- Standard MSW (60 credit hours): Students with bachelor’s degrees in any field except social work
- Advanced Standing MSW (30 credit hours): Recent graduates with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs
Both options include supervised clinical practice that prepares you for licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) or Licensed Independent Social Workers (LISW) in any state.
Online vs Campus Format
Students can choose from several flexible program formats:
- Online Accelerated Standard MSW: Complete the program in six semesters with fully online 7-week classes
- Online Accelerated Advanced Standing MSW: Finish in just three semesters with 100% online 7-week sessions
- Hybrid Advanced Standing MSW: Complete the program in one year through a mix of online and campus classes
Working professionals benefit from 24/7 access to online courses and multiple yearly start dates.
Specializations Offered
The program focuses on clinical behavioral health while offering micro-credentials in key areas:
- Trauma-Focused Care: Learn to treat the mechanisms behind behaviors rather than just symptoms
- Forensic Social Work: Prepare for roles in criminal justice settings
- Gerontology: Build expertise in working with aging populations
Students learn about trauma’s neuroscience, its biological and behavioral effects, and treatment approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Admission Requirements
Standard MSW admission requires:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA (provisional admission possible with 2.74+ GPA)
- Grade of C or better in statistics, psychology, and sociology courses
Advanced Standing MSW candidates need:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last 10 years
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Minimum 3.5 GPA in social work courses
- Statistics course with grade of C or higher
The application process includes an online form, official transcripts, and professional resumé with three academic or professional references.
Tuition and Financial Aid
NKU’s tuition rates vary by residency:
- Kentucky residents: $647 per credit hour
- Graduate Metro (Ohio/Indiana counties): $665 per credit hour
- Non-residents: $909 per credit hour
These rates make NKU the third most affordable social work graduate program in Kentucky. The university’s financial aid office helps qualified candidates find various funding options.
Career Outcomes
The program boasts strong results – 89% of graduates find jobs within three months of graduation. Graduates work in various roles:
- Clinical social work/mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Medical social work
- Community-based social work
- Policy development
- Program evaluation
Students get extensive field experience (600-900 hours based on their track) and comprehensive preparation for LCSW or LISW licensure exams in any state.
6. Campbellsville University – Christian Values MSW
Campbellsville University’s MSW program uniquely blends Christian servant leadership principles with professional social work training in Kentucky. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which helps graduates qualify for national licensure.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at Campbellsville builds on Christian servant leadership, academic excellence, and personal development. Students learn through a person-in-environment framework with focus on trauma-informed care and evidence-based practice. The program strengthens integrity, critical thinking, and advocacy skills while promoting human rights and justice. Students learn to embrace intersectionality and inclusivity. The program offers two paths: a 60-credit Traditional Track for students without a social work bachelor’s degree and a 30-credit Advanced Standing Track for BSW graduates.
Online vs Campus Format
Students can complete the program entirely online through asynchronous learning, which works well for busy professionals. The program requires hands-on field education – 900 hours for Traditional Track and 450 hours for Advanced Standing students. Students typically finish in two years while managing their work and family responsibilities.
Specializations Offered
The program features these Areas of Focus:
- Faith-Based Track (with field placement in faith-identified organizations)
- Clinical Social Work
- Addiction/Substance Use Disorder
MSW professionals with two years of post-degree experience supervise students in the Faith-Based Area.
Admission Requirements
Students need to provide:
- Graduate admissions application
- MSW program application
- Signed Social Work Professional and Technical Standards
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA (or written explanation if lower)
- Three letters of recommendation
Advanced Standing applicants should have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last seven years.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Each credit hour costs $624. The total program cost comes to about $18,720 for Advanced Standing and $37,440 for Traditional Track students. Students can access federal aid through FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, and payment plans. Military personnel get additional benefits through Campbellsville’s Yellow Ribbon program.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work as:
- Faith-based social workers
- Clinical social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Substance abuse counselors
- Mental health professionals
- Child and family specialists
Their skills in critical thinking, ethical leadership, clinical practice, and program evaluation help many graduates move into leadership roles.
7. Brescia University – Fully Online MSW
Brescia University proudly offers Kentucky’s only fully online MSW program that doesn’t require students to visit their Owensboro campus. This program is a unique option in the state because of its convenient format and specialized focus.
Program Overview
Students can choose between two tracks in Brescia’s MSW program: a 60-credit traditional track for those with any bachelor’s degree and a 30-credit advanced standing option for BSW graduates. The curriculum emphasizes Advanced Generalist Practice and provides complete training in both clinical practice and macro social work. The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program, which means graduates can qualify for licensure anywhere in the country.
Online vs Campus Format
Brescia delivers all MSW classes completely online in 15-week sessions, unlike other hybrid programs. Students meet weekly through distance learning software that creates an active learning community in the virtual environment. Students can complete their field education requirements while keeping their professional commitments with this format.
Specializations Offered
The program focuses exclusively on Advanced Generalist Practice. Students learn specialized skills to:
- Provide therapy and handle complex problems
- Implement evidence-based interventions
- Ask scientific questions
- Take on leadership roles
Admission Requirements
Traditional program applicants must have:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0+ major GPA
Advanced standing applicants need:
- CSWE-accredited BSW earned within last five years
- 2+ cumulative GPA
Tuition and Financial Aid
The graduate MSW tuition costs $685 per credit hour. Advanced standing students pay approximately $20,550, while traditional students invest $41,100. Brescia helps its graduates by reimbursing up to $230 when they pass the ASWB licensing examination.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work in a variety of social work settings and earn a median salary of $46,895. Their advanced generalist training helps them handle complex problems in multi-system settings. Many take leadership positions within their organizations and the profession.
Choose Your Louisville MSW Today
Your future career in social work depends heavily on picking the right MSW program. Seven CSWE-accredited programs in Kentucky each bring something special to the table. UK stands out with its clinical licensing pass rates, while UofL focuses on social justice, and Spalding offers a flexible hybrid approach. Kentucky gives you excellent options to start your educational experience.
Several factors will shape your decision. The program format is a vital consideration. Brescia and UofL have fully online options that give you maximum flexibility. Spalding and WKU’s hybrid models combine face-to-face interaction with digital convenience. Each program lets you customize your studies based on your career goals. NKU takes a trauma-informed approach, while Campbellsville offers a faith-based curriculum.
Money matters need careful thought too. Program costs vary quite a bit. Brescia’s Advanced Standing track costs about $18,720, while UK’s Regular Standing program runs $47,400. The good news is that most schools offer substantial financial aid. Spalding even gives 50% tuition scholarships to students who qualify.
Your job prospects look bright after graduation. Social work jobs are growing faster than most other careers. Graduates work in many roles, from clinical practice to community organization. Best of all, these seven programs prepare you for the licensure exam – your key step to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Schedule virtual information sessions with your top choices as you make your decision. Program directors are happy to help match your goals with the right program. Any of these MSW programs will set you up for a rewarding career. You’ll serve Kentucky’s communities while earning competitive pay.