LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 15, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is expanding its leadership in the growing specialty of sport social work with the launch of a new Graduate Certificate in Sport Social Work, the first graduate certificate of its kind in the nation.
The fully online, nine-credit-hour certificate prepares Master of Social Work students and post-graduate professionals to address the unique mental health, behavioral health and social needs of athletes, teams and sport organizations through evidence-informed practice.
As sport organizations increasingly recognize the importance of supporting athletes beyond physical performance, the demand for professionals with specialized training in athlete wellbeing, mental health and systems-level intervention continues to grow. The new certificate equips social workers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to meet those evolving needs across youth, collegiate, and professional sport settings.
“Sport is much more than competitive outcomes,” said Matt Moore, Ph.D., associate dean for academic and student affairs and director of the graduate certificate. “It has the power to shape mental health, personal development, and community wellbeing. This certificate prepares social workers to support athletes and the systems surrounding them while helping create healthier, safer, and more inclusive sport environments.”
The certificate builds on CoSW’s leadership in sport social work. The College is home to the Sport Social Work Research Lab and the International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health and is affiliated with the Sport Social Work Journal and the Alliance of Social Workers in Sport. The CoSW also offers the world’s only Doctor of Social Work concentration in sport social work.
Designed to bridge traditional social work education with the realities of athletic environments, the certificate emphasizes athlete assessment, mental health and wellbeing, ethical decision-making, advocacy and systems-level intervention. Students will learn to apply evidence-informed strategies while strengthening their ability to work with athletes, families, coaches, and sport organizations.
“Social workers are uniquely positioned to strengthen the systems that support athletes both on and off the field,” Moore said. “Whether working with youth athletes, collegiate programs, professional organizations or community partners, graduates will be prepared to address challenges while promoting resilience, wellbeing and positive development through sport.”
The certificate consists of three fully online courses totaling nine credit hours:
- SW 562: Introduction to Sport Social Work
- SW 662: Advanced Application of Sport Social Work
- SW 711: Trauma-Informed Practice or SW 730: Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers
The asynchronous format allows both current graduate students and working professionals to complete the certificate while balancing academic, professional, and personal commitments. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The program prepares graduates for careers in athletic departments, youth and community sport organizations, professional sport organizations, nonprofit agencies and clinical practice serving athlete populations. By combining social work values with specialized sport-focused training, the certificate provides learners with the tools to address emerging workforce needs while advancing mental health, social justice and positive youth development through sport.
For more information and to apply, please visit the UK Online Graduate Certificate in Sport Social Work website. The deadline for spring 2027 enrollment is December 11, 2026.