Academics
Wildly Passionate. Exceptionally Prepared.
The College of Social Work offers challenging and experiential undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level degrees. Students interact with innovative faculty who have a wealth of practice and research experiences. From the very beginning of their educational pursuits, students at all levels are supported in finding a suitable, meaningful career path. Ultimately, our graduates will be uniquely prepared to tackle the challenges facing disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized populations.
THE UK DIFFERENCE
Flexible Program Options
CoSW degrees are available in a variety of formats, including on-campus, fully online, or hybrid, depending on the program.
Experiential Learning
CoSW provides students with opportunities to engage in experiential learning and demonstrate their application of skills and knowledge by working directly with on-the-job professionals. Students can also leverage the college’s Centers and Labs for unique learning and research opportunities.
Exceptional Career Prep Support
Whether it is prep for meeting social work licensure requirements or transitioning from learner to professional, our students receive career counseling and mentorship to ensure a successful transition into practice.
Multiple Certificate Options
CoSW students have the option to earn specialized certificates in Clinical Social Work, Child Welfare, Military Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorder, Trauma-Responsive Practice, and Diversity and Inclusivity Awareness, to name a few.
College of Social Work
by the numbers
#1
RANK FOR KY SOCIAL WORK LICENSING EXAM PASS RATE
2K+
Field Education Opportunities
97%
Students who receive some type of aid
WHAT'S NEW AT CoSW?
Calendar of Events
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1 event,
2025 DSW Capstone Showcase
Join us for the DSW Capstone Showcase, a three-day event where Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) candidates share their groundbreaking research and innovative contributions to social work practice. These scholar-practitioners
3 events,
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Harlan County Open House
Harlan County Open House
Join us at Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets in Harlan, Kentucky as we discuss what a degree in Social Work & Criminal Justice can bring to you. Several members of
1 event,
2 events,
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Reading Days Support and Snacks
Reading Days Support and Snacks
Join us for a Reading Days Support and Snacks to prepare for finals This event is designed for students looking for a quiet, supportive environment to focus on their studies.
0 events,
0 events,
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1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
2 events,
The Lakes Citizen Review Panel
The Lakes Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
3 events,
Northern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Northern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
MSW Info Session
MSW Info Session
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
2 events,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
KIN-VIP Support Group With Mary Jo Dendy
KIN-VIP Support Group With Mary Jo Dendy
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on
1 event,
Jefferson Citizen Review Panel
Jefferson Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Northeastern Citizen Review Panel
Northeastern Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Certificate Info Session
Certificate Info Session
College of Social Work advisors host monthly certificate information sessions via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month. These sessions are designed for current MSW students who want to
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
1 event,
Kinship Live Webinar Training – Planning for the Future: Elder Law for Kinship Caregivers
Kinship Live Webinar Training – Planning for the Future: Elder Law for Kinship Caregivers
Kinship caregiving offers a loving home for children, but it can also present unique legal challenges when planning for your child’s well-being in the event of unforeseen circumstances in the
2 events,
Two Rivers Citizen Review Panel
Two Rivers Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
2 events,
Salt River Trail Citizen Review Panel
Salt River Trail Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
4 events,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
MSCJ Info Session
MSCJ Info Session
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link
BASW Info Session
BASW Info Session
Are You Wildly Passionate About Social Work? Explore the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program during an online info session. REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Info Session
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Info Session
Pursue your Passion for the Greater Good Explore College of Social Work’s newest Criminal Justice program during our online info session!  REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
1 event,
Eastern Mountain Region Citizen Review Panel
Eastern Mountain Region Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
0 events,
1 event,
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
1 event,
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
