LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced the launch of a Sports Social Work Concentration within its nationally recognized Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program—the first programmatic offering of its kind in the United States.
Designed in response to the growing mental health needs of athletes and athletic communities, the Sports Social Work Concentration prepares doctoral-level social workers to provide critical support in diverse athletic environments. The concentration also explores the strategic use of sport as a therapeutic and community-building intervention, particularly for youth and clinical populations.
“This concentration represents a bold step forward in advancing the reach and relevance of social work,” said Dr. Laura Escobar Ratliff, Director of the DSW Program. “By entering the world of sport, our DSW scholars are uniquely positioned to influence systems, challenge stigma, and drive meaningful change where it’s urgently needed.”
Housed within CoSW’s Core Plus DSW model, the concentration includes a three-course sequence featuring advanced coursework in sport theory, policy, and practice. Students will be equipped to lead at the intersection of sports, health, and social justice—fields that increasingly demand professionals with specialized, evidence-informed training.
“Social work continues to expand its footprint in nontraditional spaces, and sport is no exception,” said Dr. Jay Miller, Dean of the College of Social Work. “This concentration acknowledges the unique needs of athletic communities and equips social workers with the skills to meaningfully support athletes and their systems.”
The launch of the concentration builds on the momentum of the Sport Social Work Collaborative—a national partnership between the Sport Social Work Research Lab (SSW-RL), the Sport Social Work Journal (SSWJ), and the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS). Together, these organizations advance the field through research, education, and community engagement.
“This new concentration solidifies our role as a national leader in emerging social work specialties,” said Dr. Matt Moore, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. “Students will gain access to cutting-edge curricula and a network of professionals committed to positively impacting athletes and communities.”
Courses are delivered fully online in an asynchronous format, complemented by a required summer residency week. An asynchronous residency option is also available to provide additional flexibility.
For more information on the DSW Sports Social Work Concentration, visit https://online.uky.edu/doctorate/social-work/dsw.
