UK Online, Photo by Pete Comparoni
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 29, 2026) — The UK College of Social Work’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program has earned the QM Quality Assurance certification from Quality Matters, a nationally recognized leader in quality assurance for online and innovative digital learning environments, further strengthening a program that has been advancing social work education since its launch.
Originally developed in response to a growing national shortage of social workers, the DSW program was launched to expand access to advanced education for working professionals while preparing leaders equipped to address complex social challenges. Since its inception, the program has played a key role in shaping a new generation of practitioner-scholars across the nation.
Quality Matters is a leading global nonprofit organization that provides a research-based framework for evaluating and improving the design of online and hybrid courses. Through faculty-centered peer review and established quality standards, QM helps institutions create digital learning experiences that are clear, accessible and effective.
The QM Quality Assurance certification is awarded following a rigorous review of course design, including the alignment of learning objectives, assessment strategies, instructional materials, learner engagement and accessibility.
The certification applies to all courses in the program’s Core Plus curriculum and all five concentrations: clinical practice, military behavioral health, social work education, sport social work and administrative leadership.
For UK’s DSW program, this recognition affirms that the curriculum is intentionally designed to support student success in a fully online environment while meeting nationally recognized standards for excellence.
“Earning the QM Quality Assurance certification reflects the intentional design and rigor behind our DSW program,” said Laura Escobar-Ratliff, DSW, clinical associate professor and DSW program director. “It ensures that our students are not only receiving a flexible online education, but one that meets the highest standards for engagement, accessibility and academic excellence.”
Designed with working professionals in mind, the DSW program offers a flexible, fully online pathway that can be completed in as little as two years, allowing students to advance their education while remaining engaged in their careers and communities.
The curriculum emphasizes applied research, leadership and real-world problem solving, allowing students to build advanced competencies while continuing their professional practice. The program culminates in a capstone project that translates into actionable solutions for complex challenges. This work is showcased annually through the Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars, a multi-day online event that invites social workers, students and community professionals to engage with doctoral candidates’ research and earn free continuing education credits.
At its core, the DSW program develops practitioner-scholars who apply knowledge to improve systems and outcomes. Students can choose from five concentrations: clinical practice, administration, military behavioral health, social work education and sport social work.
The Quality Matters certification reinforces the strength of the program’s academic design while reflecting the college’s ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality education.
As the demand for skilled social work leaders continues to grow, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is preparing graduates who are equipped to lead with confidence and create lasting change.