Thank you for your interest in applying for the social work major. To complete the application process, please follow the instructions outlined below.
Please note: Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky and enrolled as a Pre-Social Work major prior to submitting this application. Pre-Social Work students collaborate with their academic advisor to determine when they are ready apply to the full major program. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact your academic advisor. If you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, please review the University of Kentucky admission information. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Application Deadlines
- August 1 for Fall semester
- December 1 for Spring semester
The Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Admissions Committee make admission decisions. You will be notified of the status of your application before the opening of the term for which you have applied.
Eligibility
- An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
- A grade of B or better in both SW 124 (or equivalent) and SW 222 (or equivalent), or a grade of B or better in SW 322 (or equivalent)
- A passing grade in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
- The application requires that you complete the application form in its entirety and submit a written essay
Personal Essay
In 500-750 words, complete the following:
You’ve made a decision to become a professional social worker, as such the College of Social Work wants to know more about you and your readiness for your social work education and practice. In a short (no more than 5 paragraphs) essay, answer each of the following prompts. Where appropriate, you may use first-person language. Additionally, where appropriate please use citations in APA formatting. As you write, please remember It is important for social workers to be able to engage in self-reflection, an expected component behavior of professional behavior, but in a way that is primarily grounded in academic content and not a means to solely share personal experiences. We recommend that you review the COSW BASW handbook prior to completing your essay.
- Articulate your understanding of social work as a profession
- Identify and explain the personal qualities, strengths, abilities, and/or skills that equip you to be a successful BASW student & professional social worker
- Additionally, identify those areas in which you foresee a need for personal growth and development to become successful in both the academic program and the profession
Essay Evaluation Criteria
- The degree to which your essay demonstrates an understanding of social work
- Your ability to effectively communicate your ideas through writing
- Appropriate use of APA style, including formatting and citations
Please Note: It is recommended that you use spell check and proofread your essay prior to submitting the application.
Petition for Exceptional Consideration
If you do not currently meet the admission requirements for the BASW program and would like to petition for exceptional consideration, you may do so through an online form.