University of Kentucky Online Master of Social Work, Kentucky

Why University of Kentucky?

The online Master of Social Work offered by University of Kentucky prepares students for a career in social work.  University of Kentucky,  a large public research university in Lexington, Kentucky accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject.  Note that this program has only conditional authorization from social work licensing bodies in IN, KS, ME, MS, NH, NM, UT, and WI. Applicants should check with the University if they live in these states.

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name University of Kentucky
Location Lexington
State Kentucky
Niche.com Grade B+
Name of Degree Master of Social Work
School or Department Administering Program College of Social Work
Credits 60
Cost per credit $700.50
Tuition for Entire Program $42,030
Test Requirements No
Minimum GPA 3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills none
Campus Visit Required? No Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete 2 years
When Can Students Start the Program? Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations Advanced Generalist
Synchronous Classes No
Required Courses
  • Practice with Individuals and Families
  • Theory-Informed Social Work Practice with Groups
  • Understanding Theory in Social Work Practice
  • Understanding Poverty, Inequality, and Injustice: Foundations of Practice
  • Introduction to Social Work: Professional Behavior and Ethics
  • Introduction to Social Work: Welfare Policy and Services
  • Foundation Practicum
  • Research Methods in Social Work
  • Social Work Practice within Organizations and Communities I and II
  • Psychopathology for Social Work Practice
  • Assessment and Treatment Planning in Social Work
  • Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Analysis
  • Advanced Practicum I and II
  • Applied Research Methods in Social Work
  • Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work
  • Comparative Treatment Modalities
  • Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers
  • Substance Misuse
  • Trauma-Informed Care Advanced Practicum I and II
Does the Program Include a Capstone? No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique Conditional Authorization in IN, KS, ME, MS, NH, NM, UT, WI. Check with the school if you live in these states; Certificates in Clinical Social Work or Substance Use Disorder
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Program Description This 60-credit program allows students to gain a range of skills in clinical practice and in the theoretical and administrative foundations of social work. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum.  Students can earn certificates in Clinical Social Work or Substance Use Disorders.

What will I Learn?

As with all programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the Master of Social Work program at the University of Kentucky focuses on teaching students professional ethics and foundations.  Students learn to engage with issues of diversity and difference, and to understand the role of human rights and social justice in social work theory and practice. All coursework is guided by a basis in evidence and research, and students learn to assess and evaluate their own practice, and to be active in policymaking..

Students learn key professional skills in Practice with Individuals and Families, Theory-Informed Social Work Practice with Groups, Foundations of Practice, Social Work Practice within Organizations and Communities I and II. Leadership and administrative competencies are taught in Understanding Theory in Social Work Practice, Research Methods in Social Work,  Advanced Social Welfare Policy and Analysis, and Applied Research Methods in Social Work. Students learn to understand their clients in Understanding Poverty, Inequality, and Injustice, Introduction to Social Work: Professional Behavior and Ethics, and Introduction Social Work: Welfare Policy and Services. 

Clinical practice methods are covered in Psychopathology for Social Work Practice, Assessment and Treatment Planning in Social Work, Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work, Comparative Treatment Modalities, Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers, Substance Misuse and Trauma-Informed Care. The required practicum experience is accompanied by Advanced Practicum I and II;  Advanced Practicum I and II Foundation Practicum

Students can choose to specialize further by obtaining a certificates in Clinical Social Work or a certificate in Substance Use Disorder.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $700.50 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $42,030 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 2 years. Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring, or Summer. 

Summary

Offering a greater number and range of required courses in therapeutic methods than many other programs, this degree program represents a good value considering its mid-range price.  This program may be more accessible than others due its lack of prerequisites for application and its asynchronous course schedule. Applicants should be aware that the program only has conditional authorization from social work licensing bodies in some states.