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Social Work
Your Mission Starts Here
Social work is everywhere, for everyone. Whether you’re focused on mental health, child welfare, sports, environmental justice, or community leadership, our programs will prepare you to serve our communities and make positive impacts where they’re needed the most.
Why Choose UK College of Social Work?
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#1Licensing Exam Outcomes
Highest academic pass rate in Kentucky
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+3,000Practicum Partners
Build experience in the setting that fits your goals
Our BASW is your launchpad to becoming a certified difference-maker.
This hands-on program prepares you for real-world social work practice in a variety of fields—from advocacy to child welfare, mental health, and beyond.
Prospective students must first apply to the University of Kentucky, and then during the application process must select the appropriate exploratory or pre-professional social work option.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, a wide range of scholarships are available to support students across social work and criminal justice programs.
How to Apply
All UK Scholarships are managed through Scholarship Universe.
Login using your UK linkblue email and password and complete your student profile. Navigate to the “Scholarships” tab to view and apply for opportunities.
When you apply, you’ll automatically be considered for all available scholarships.
Deadline for Lewis Honors College scholarship consideration is December 1.
Last Dollar In Initiative
The Last Dollar Initiative (LDI) expands access to the University of Kentucky by reducing financial and academic barriers for undergraduate students in social work and criminal justice. It connects students across Kentucky with UK programs (online and on-campus), clarifies misconceptions about cost, and provides the support needed for academic success.
Eligibility Requirements
Complete the FAFSA, Scholarship Application, and UK Admission Application by the priority deadline.
Demonstrate unmet financial need, with priority given to Pell-eligible and first-generation students.
Residency requirement: Applicants must be residents of Kentucky.
Minimum GPA requirement: Applicants must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA.
Agree to a work study within CoSW.
Full-time enrollment: Students must enroll full-time in either the Social Work or Criminal Justice program.
Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
Transform Lives—Starting With Yours
Our flexible, nationally recognized master’s programs are designed to elevate your career and prepare you for advanced practice in a variety of settings, from clinical social work to community leadership. With an emphasis on real-world experience and social justice, our MSW sets you up to create meaningful change.
Why choose UK Social Work?
No GRE required
Learn your way, with online and hybrid options
Choose the pathway that fits your background:
Advanced Standing for qualified BSW graduates
Regular Standing for applicants with bachelor’s degrees in any field
Complete your degree in approximately 30 credit hours (Advanced Standing) or 60 credit hours (Regular Standing).
Career-driven curriculum that prepares you to lead in diverse settings
Quality you can trust: Quality Matters-certified, CSWE-accredited online program
Top-tier results: Our grads consistently score 10–20 points higher than the national average on licensing exams
Unmatched support in coursework, practicum, and career planning.
Endless career options, with pathways in clinical practice, policy, nonprofit management, and beyond
Admission decisions are made by the MSW Admissions Committee.
Program admission decisions are communicated by email and/or phone.
Admission requirements may differ between Regular Standing and Advanced Standing applicants. Applicants seeking admission through the Advanced Standing pathway should review eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Customize your path and stand out in the field with graduate certificates designed to match your goals. Choose from seven specialized options, including:
Rural Health and Wellbeing, Military Behavioral Health, Child Welfare Practice, School Social Work, Clinical Social Work, and more!
Applicants should review all program-specific requirements below before beginning the Graduate School application.
MSW Admission Pathways
Regular Standing
For applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
Minimum cumulative GPA requirements as established by the College of Social Work and Graduate School
Completion of all required application materials
Advanced Standing
For applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Requirements
Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
Degree earned within the past 7 years
3.0 cumulative GPA (if applicable)
3.5 Social Work GPA
Completion of all required application materials
Advanced Standing students may complete the MSW program in as few as 30 credit hours, while Regular Standing students complete approximately 60 credit hours.
Submission Materials
Current professional résumé
Unofficial transcripts from every institution of higher education where coursework was attempted
Official transcripts will be required upon admission
Contact information for two references who can submit letters of recommendation.
Recommended reference types include: Professor, Social Work Professor, Professional Social Worker or Field Instructor, Work Supervisor, Volunteer Supervisor
Please do not use: Personal references, Pastoral references, Relatives
Applicants who have attended or attempted post-secondary coursework within the last five years must provide at least one academic reference.
Personal Statement (Autobiographical Statement)
Explains your motivation for pursuing the MSW degree
Describes relevant academic, professional, volunteer, and life experiences
Highlights strengths, skills, and preparation for graduate study
Reflects on factors that may influence your success in graduate education
Requirements:
3 to 4 pages
Double spaced
Follow any additional formatting instructions provided by the admissions committee
Writing Sample
As AI tools become more widely available, future social workers must consider the ethical implications of using emerging technologies in professional practice and communication.
In what ways might using AI tools to write your admissions application be helpful or harmful?
How do the NASW Code of Ethics and social work values apply to the use of AI in writing?
What does your response reveal about your values and judgment as a future social worker?
Additional Advanced Standing Verification – This is required for those applying for Advanced Standing only.
Documentation demonstrating eligibility for Advanced Standing admission
Verification of BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
Verification that degree was earned within required timeframe
AI Disclosure Requirement
The University of Kentucky is committed to the responsible and ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), consistent with the University’s Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI).
Use of AI at any stage of the application process, whether for brainstorming, outlining, editing, or revising is permitted. However, you must include a brief disclosure describing how it was used in the DSW application before submission. This supports our shared commitment to transparency, integrity, and professional accountability. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy, originality, and final content of all submitted application materials.
Application Deadlines
Fall
July 15
Spring
Dec. 1
Master of Social Work (MSW) Application Deadlines
Admission Term
Priority Deadline
Final Deadline
Fall
June 1
July 15
Spring
November 1
December 1
Summer
N/A
April 1
Advanced Standing Applicants
Individuals applying for Advanced Standing who wish to begin practicum in the Fall or Spring term must meet the applicable priority deadline.
International Applicants
International application deadlines are April 15 for Fall admission and September 15 for Spring admission.
Hybrid and Lexington Campus applications are currently accepting Fall admission only.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Review all admission requirements before beginning your Graduate School application.
Army-UK Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
Serve with purpose—at a higher level.
The Army–UK MSW Program educates over two-thirds of all new social workers entering active-duty Army each year and provides an essential function to help maintain the readiness and enhance the well-being of our military service members, family members, and retirees.
Application Process
To apply, you must:
Connect with an Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Health Care Recruiter (HCR) to begin your application
Be selected by the USAREC accession board for long-term health education
Be admitted to both the University of Kentucky Graduate School and College of Social Work
Get Started
Find a recruiter: http://www.goarmy.com (Select “Healthcare Students and Professionals” and search by zip code)
Next Steps to Apply to UK
Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by June of the application year
Have a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA (4.0 scale)
Submit GRE scores (minimum 290 combined verbal + quantitative; taken within the last 5 years)
Important Notes
Applications must be submitted through an AMEDD recruiter (not directly to UK)
The USAREC selection board typically reviews applications in November each calendar year.
Applicants are notified of results through their recruiter before completing UK admission.
After receiving notification of admission through the U.S. Army Recruiting and Retention College, applicants must complete the University of Kentucky admissions process and submit all required application materials listed below.
Up-to-date résumé
Personal statement
Writing sample (if required)
Contact information for two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
These references must be obtained from individuals in the following categories:
Professor
Social Work Professor
Professional Social Worker/Field Instructor
Work or Volunteer Supervisor
Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references. Applicants who are currently, have been enrolled, or attempted academic credit in any post-secondary education program within the past five (5) years, must provide at least one academic reference who can speak specifically to the applicant’s academic ability to be successful in a graduate program.
Unofficial Transcripts from every institution of higher education with attempted coursework (officials required upon admission)
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Practice with Purpose
Take the next step in your social work career with our fully-online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program. Built for experienced practitioners, this program equips you to lead with confidence and tackle complex challenges, with specialized tracks to fit your goals.
Why UK Social Work?
Affordable, 100% online program with flexible learning schedule that lets you learn anytime, anywhere
Built for experienced practitioners in clinical practice, administration, education, and policy
Earn your degree in 2 years (full-time) or 3 years (part-time)
Graduate into a growing job market with high demand
Take courses that are certified for excellence in online learning
Admissions Overview
To apply, you must:
Hold a CSWE-accredited MSW
Have a minimum 3.0+ cumulative graduate GPA
Have at least 2 years of post-MSW professional experience at the time of application
Demonstrate proficiency with online learning tools
Submission materials:
Unofficial Transcripts from every institution of higher education with attempted coursework (officials required upon admission)
Résumé or CV
Contact information for two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
These references must be obtained from individuals in the following categories:
Professor
Social Work Professor
Professional Social Worker/Field Instructor
Work or Volunteer Supervisor
Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references. Applicants who are currently, have been enrolled, or attempted academic credit in any post-secondary education program within the past five (5) years, must provide at least one academic reference who can speak specifically to the applicant’s academic ability to be successful in a graduate program.
Personal statement (4–5 pages)
AI Disclosure Requirement
The University of Kentucky is committed to the responsible and ethical adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), consistent with the University’s Commonwealth AI Transdisciplinary Strategy (CATS AI). Use of AI at any stage of the application process, whether for brainstorming, outlining, editing, or revising is permitted. However, you must include a brief disclosure describing how it was used in the DSW application before submission. This supports our shared commitment to transparency, integrity, and professional accountability. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy, originality, and final content of all submitted application materials.
International applicants:
TOEFL (79 iBT) or IELTS (6.5) required
No visa sponsorship (I-20 or DS-2019) available
Application Deadlines
Spring Priority
Oct. 1
Summer Priority
Mar. 1
*Applications for DSW admission may close after the priority deadline based on application volume and cohort capacity. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all required application materials by the priority deadline to ensure consideration for the intended semester.
Level up your career in social work education, research, and practice with a Ph.D. in Social Work. Built for scholars and practitioners, our program prepares you to drive real change through research, policy, and leadership.
Why choose UK Social Work?
Funding opportunities available through scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships
Full-time and part-time paths for working professionals
Individualized mentorship from expert faculty
Conduct research that fits your interests with the potential to influence policy and change lives
Advance your career in higher education, policy development, and leadership
Admissions Overview
To apply, you’ll need:
A master’s degree in Social Work or a related field
Strong academic background and commitment to advancing the profession
Submission materials:
Online application and required fee
Unofficial Transcripts from every institution of higher education with attempted coursework (officials required upon admission)
Résumé or CV
Personal statement explaining research interests, goals, and motivations
Writing sample (thesis, published article, or research paper preferred)
Contact information for three references who can provide letters of recommendation.
These references must be obtained from individuals in the following categories:
Professor
Social Work Professor
Professional Social Worker/Field Instructor
Work or Volunteer Supervisor
Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references. Applicants who are currently, have been enrolled, or attempted academic credit in any post-secondary education program within the past five (5) years, must provide at least one academic reference who can speak specifically to the applicant’s academic ability to be successful in a graduate program.
To be considered for teaching or research assistantships, include a cover letter and name of preferred faculty collaborators
Unlock Funding Opportunities
You’re passionate about your education, research, and career. Secure the funding you need to take your degree to the next level. From teaching and research assistantships to fellowships, scholarships, and travel and research grants, UK offers funding opportunities to help you stay focused on your impact, not expenses. Reach out to explore options.
Application Deadlines
Upcoming Fall
Dec. 1
PhD applications for admission are only accepted for Fall start. More information regarding Ph.D. application deadlines will be coming soon.
Our programs are academically rigorous, and prior academic performance is an important indicator of success. If your academic record does not fully reflect your abilities, you may submit additional information for exceptional consideration. Admission decisions are made by a faculty Admissions Committee, with notification provided by phone and/or email. Click the petition below and fill out the form if you wish to be considered.
Program Petition for Exceptional Consideration
Frequently Asked Questions
Our programs are rigorous, and academic performance is an important indicator of success. If your record does not fully reflect your abilities, you may submit additional information for consideration.
