MSW Program
Explore the MSW Program
The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky offers an innovative and exciting MSW curriculum aimed to equip MSW graduates for the tasks and responsibilities encountered in professional social work practice. Our program is open to all undergraduate degrees and may be completed full time or part time, in either a hybrid or online format and is accredited by CSWE.
The MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program that prepares students for social work practice across the micro-macro continuum with diverse populations. Students are afforded the opportunity to gain practice and research experience in a variety of professional settings, including:
- healthcare/medical
- clinical
- gerontology
- policy practice
- community organizing
- mental and behavioral health
- international practice
- and more
An Army MSW program is offered at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas and is a selective admission process through the Department of Defense.
Our MSW graduates have the highest clinical licensing pass rates in Kentucky and routinely score above the national average, making our students uniquely poised to enter a competitive job market and make the most of forecasted growth within the social work profession. And in so doing, our students will positively impact the lives of individuals, groups, and communities.
THE UK DIFFERENCE
Flexible Program Options
Select from regular (two year) or advanced (one year) standing options. Students can also earn a MSW in hybrid or fully-online formats and attend classes at our program in Hazard.
Centers and Labs
CoSW is home to several unique research centers and labs, including the Training Resource Center, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Children and Families, Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, Self-Care Lab, Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, and Military Behavior Health Lab. Students can leverage these entities for unique learning and research opportunities.
Exceptional Career Prep Support
Our MSW graduates have the highest clinical licensing pass rates in Kentucky, and are well above the national average. Our students receive career counseling, mentoring, and post-graduation mentorship to ensure a successful transition into social work practice.
Multiple Certificate Options
MSW students have the option to earn specialized certificates in Clinical Social Work, Child Welfare, Military Behavioral Health, Rural Population Wellbeing, and Substance Use Disorder, to name a few.
MSW Program
by the numbers
#1
KY Rank for Graduate licensing Pass Rates
3K+
Practicum Placement Opportunities
97%
Student who receive some type of aid
WHAT'S NEW AT CoSW?
Events
Calendar of Events
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Healthy Boundaries in Teenage Relationships explores healthy and unhealthy dating behaviors. It is designed to assist caregivers in identifying warning signs that a teen may be involved in an abusive
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Drugs: Things You Need to Know is designed to inform parents of the many different classifications of illicit drugs, as well as the current trends related to adolescent drug abuse.
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
1 event,
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify |
6 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person 
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of 
Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky values the role every citizen plays in the prevention of child abuse. PCAK has designed curricula to address current trends and best practice for the prevention of
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Guiding Your Child Through Adolescence explores the physical and emotional changes that children undergo as they enter adolescence. Parents will discuss how parental roles change during this period of their 
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work |
3 events,
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The Substance Use Counseling Undergraduate Training Program is designed to meet urgent behavioral health workforce needs across Kentucky's Commonwealth. Created in partnership with the Kentucky Center on Addiction Studies and Research, this
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New Placements: Preparing & Adjusting Family Roles will help foster and adoptive parents introduce new placements into their existing family units. It gives ideas and strategies on how to prepare
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CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s |
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This course equips participants with a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics between bonding, and attachment, and the critical role they play in fostering healthy relationships with children. The course |
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3 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for 
Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program |
3 events,
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CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have |
1 event,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the |
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3 events,
FREE CEU (1.5 credits) Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK) values the role every citizen plays in the prevention of child abuse. PCAK has designed curricula to address current trends and
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify 
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 |
5 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work 
Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for |
1 event,
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CORE Teen Curriculum provides parents with information they need to develop safe relationships with youth, while also focusing on how they can adapt their parenting styles to support the youth’s |
0 events,
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0 events,
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1 event,
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have |
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3 events,
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by 
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by
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Internet Safety is a training designed and presented by KSP Detective John Sims to empower and equip parents and caregivers to help children navigate the digital world safely with a |
2 events,
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by |
5 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the 
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program that prepares
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for 
Join us for a virtual School Social Work Panel featuring professionals currently working in K–12 settings. Panelists will share insights into the full career lifecycle of school social work—from entry-level |
7 events,
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 
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
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by
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Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns encountered in clinical practice. This session supports clinicians in recognizing anxiety disorders in clients and developing treatment strategies to address
$60
Please join us as we discuss the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register below and select the appropriate |
1 event,
Blueprint Banter sessions are open forums where students can discuss key educational issues, share updates, and collaboratively develop solutions to enhance academic programming and student services. They are hosted by |
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1 event,
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
1 event,
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify |
3 events,
RESCHEDULED: The Lexington Continuum of Care is now accepting volunteers for the 2026 LexCount! This year's LexCount will take place on the evening of Wednesday February 25th 2026, from 10
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of |
1 event,
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1 event,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the |
1 event,
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work |
0 events,
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