Social Work (MSW) | KYSU Online

The Program

Program Overview

This program is designed for working professionals, recent graduates, and those seeking to lead change in their communities — with a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum delivered fully online. Expert faculty guide you through hands-on field placements and advanced practice courses across two tracks: Clinical Social Work or Social Justice. Approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, the program fulfills the educational requirements for the CSW and LCSW credentials in Kentucky; additional supervised experience and exams are required post-graduation for clinical licensure. Note: this program is currently in the process of seeking CSWE accreditation.

MSW

Social Work

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates are prepared for advanced social work practice in clinical or social justice-focused roles, including clinical assessment and intervention, policy and advocacy work, and leadership in health and human service systems.

Clinical Practice

Clinical assessment, intervention, and therapy in health and behavioral health settings.

Policy & Advocacy

Policy analysis, advocacy, and systems change across public and nonprofit organizations.

Community Practice

Practice with communities, organizations, and society — including community development and grant writing.

Leadership

Leadership and management roles in health and human service systems.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The program offers two pathways: Traditional MSW (60 hours) for students from any undergraduate major, and Advanced Standing MSW (30 hours) for applicants with a recent CSWE-accredited BSW. In addition to standard graduate admission requirements, this program requires the items below.

Personal statement (500–700 words)
Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a social work professional or professor)
Advanced Standing: recent CSWE-accredited BSW degree

See full admissions details

Curriculum

What You'll Study

Two pathways to the MSW: Traditional (60 hours) for any undergraduate major, or Advanced Standing (30 hours) for recent CSWE-accredited BSW graduates.

Foundation & Advanced Coursework

Traditional MSW Required (60-hour track)

SOW 502 — Ethical Foundations & Practice
SOW 504 — Practice w/ Individuals & Families
SOW 506 — Theories in SW Practice
SOW 508 — Policy & Services: Analysis
SOW 510 — Poverty, Inequality & Injustice
SOW 512 — Practice w/ Communities I
SOW 516 — Mixed Methods Research
SOW 518 — Foundation Practicum (6 hrs)
SOW 608 — Practice w/ Communities II
SOW 611 — Advanced Practicum II (6 hrs)
SOW 614 — Methods of Community Research

Advanced Standing Required (30-hour track)

SOW 505 — Advanced Psychopathology
SOW 604 — Assessment: Mental Health & Addictions
SOW 606 — Advanced Policy & Analysis
SOW 610 — Advanced Practicum I (6 hrs)
SOW 611 — Advanced Practicum II (6 hrs)
SOW 614 — Methods of Community Research
Plus 2 electives (6 hrs)

Advanced Standing Electives

SOW 616 — Leadership & Management
SOW 621 — Self-Care Strategies for Social Workers
SOW 623 — Community Development & Grant Writing
SOW 624 — Gerontology & the African American Community
SOW 622 — Social Work in Libraries & Info Services

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition is billed per credit hour. See Tuition & Financial Aid for current rates.

See tuition & financial aid

Master of Social Work