Kentucky MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Work Careers
Kentucky Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Kentucky Social Work Licensure
Quick Answer:
Kentucky offers 9 CSWE-accredited MSW programs including University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. Online options are available through Campbellsville University and others, with specializations in clinical social work, military social work, and gerontology. Graduates can pursue Kentucky CSW licensure after passing the ASWB Masters exam. According to 2024 BLS data, social workers in Kentucky earn median salaries ranging from $57,390 to $73,200 depending on specialization.
Featured Programs:Sponsored School(s)
Table of Contents
- MSW Program Comparison
- Online MSW Programs
- Admission Requirements
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Field Placement Information
- Licensure Requirements
- Salary & Career Outlook
- Career Outcomes & Employers
- Frequently Asked Questions
MSW Program Comparison in Kentucky
Kentucky’s MSW programs vary significantly in their delivery formats, specialization options, and admission requirements. Understanding these differences helps prospective students identify programs that align with their career goals and life circumstances. The following comprehensive comparison highlights key features of each CSWE-accredited program in the state.
| University | Location | Format Options | Specializations | Advanced Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville | Louisville | Online, Hybrid, Campus | Military Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Psycho-Oncology | Yes |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington | Campus, Hybrid | Clinical Social Work, Community Practice | Yes |
| Western Kentucky University | Bowling Green | Online, Campus | Rural Advanced Generalist | Yes |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Online, Campus | Advanced Generalist | Yes |
| Spalding University | Louisville | Campus, Weekend | Clinical Mental Health | Yes |
| Brescia University | Owensboro | Hybrid | Generalist | No |
| Asbury University | Wilmore | Campus | Faith-Based Practice | Yes |
| Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights | Campus, Part-time | Clinical Practice | Yes |
| Murray State University | Murray | Hybrid | Rural Social Work | Yes |
Online MSW Programs in Kentucky
The shift toward flexible education has made online MSW programs increasingly popular among Kentucky students balancing work, family, and educational goals. These programs maintain the same rigorous standards as campus-based programs while offering greater accessibility to students across the Commonwealth.
Campbellsville University leads the state in online MSW offerings, offering comprehensive full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. Their Advanced Generalist specialization prepares students for both clinical and macro practice roles—the program’s asynchronous format enables students to complete coursework at their own pace while meeting weekly deadlines.
University of Louisville provides one of Kentucky’s most diverse online MSW programs. Students choose from five distinct specializations, including the unique Psycho-Oncology track developed in partnership with the university’s renowned cancer center. The program combines online coursework with local field placements, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in their communities.
Western Kentucky University addresses the critical need for rural social workers through its online Rural Advanced Generalist program. This innovative curriculum incorporates telehealth training, rural community assessment skills, and strategies for working with limited resources, preparing graduates for the unique challenges of rural practice.
Admission Requirements
Kentucky MSW programs maintain selective admission standards while recognizing diverse pathways to social work education. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0, although some consider applicants with lower GPAs who demonstrate strong potential through professional experience or personal statements.
Standard application materials include official transcripts, three professional references, and a personal statement addressing career goals and commitment to social work values. Many programs have eliminated GRE requirements, instead focusing on a holistic evaluation of candidates. Advanced standing applicants must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the past seven years with a minimum 3.25 GPA in social work courses.
Students without a bachelor’s degree should first explore BSW programs in Kentucky, which include both online and campus-based options. Completing a BSW provides strong preparation for graduate study and qualifies graduates for advanced standing, significantly reducing the time and cost of an MSW program.
Application deadlines vary by program and enrollment term. Priority deadlines for fall admission typically fall between February 1 and March 15, with some programs offering rolling admission until their cohorts are filled. Spring admission, where available, generally requires applications by October 1. International students should apply earlier to allow time for visa processing.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financing an MSW education requires strategic planning, but Kentucky offers numerous funding opportunities to reduce financial burden. State residents benefit from relatively affordable tuition at public universities, ranging from $12,000 to $15,000 annually for in-state students. Private institutions typically charge $18,000 to $25,000 per year, though they often provide more generous institutional aid.
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) administers several state-specific programs, including the College Access Program (CAP) Grant for eligible Kentucky residents and the Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program. The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) recognizes high school academic achievement and can be applied toward graduate education if funds are available.
Federal Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Programs offer full tuition and stipends to students dedicated to child welfare practice. The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville participate in this program, which requires recipients to work in public child welfare for two years following graduation. Additionally, the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program offers up to $50,000 for social workers serving in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas throughout Kentucky.
Many universities offer graduate assistantships providing tuition remission and monthly stipends in exchange for research or teaching support. Field placement agencies are increasingly offering paid internships, particularly in healthcare settings, which helps students offset educational expenses while gaining valuable experience.
Field Placement Information
Field education forms the cornerstone of MSW preparation, requiring 900 hours of supervised practice for traditional students or 500 hours for advanced standing students. Kentucky programs maintain partnerships with diverse placement sites, including hospitals, schools, community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and policy organizations.
First-year placements emphasize generalist practice skills, with students typically spending 16 hours weekly in agencies while attending an integrative seminar. Second-year placements increase to 20-24 hours weekly, focusing on specialized practice areas aligned with students’ concentration choices. Virtual field placements gained acceptance during the pandemic, with many programs now offering hybrid options combining in-person and telehealth service delivery.
Notable placement sites include Norton Healthcare, UK HealthCare, Louisville Metro Government, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and numerous nonprofit organizations. Rural programs facilitate placements in Area Development Districts, Critical Access Hospitals, and Federally Qualified Health Centers, addressing workforce needs in underserved communities.
Licensure Requirements in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Social Work oversees professional licensure, ensuring that practitioners meet the standards for safe and ethical practice. The Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential is the primary license for MSW graduates, requiring completion of a CSWE-accredited program and passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination.
CSW applicants submit official transcripts, verification of supervised experience if applicable, and examination scores directly to the board. Kentucky participates in licensure reciprocity agreements, facilitating the mobility of social workers who are licensed in other states. The application fee is $100, with biennial renewal requiring 30 hours of continuing education, including three hours in ethics.
Advanced clinical licensure (LCSW) requires two years of supervised clinical experience following MSW, totaling 4,000 hours, with at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Supervisors must hold an active LCSW licensure in Kentucky. Upon meeting supervision requirements, candidates take the ASWB Clinical examination. LCSWs maintain independent practice authority, including the ability to diagnose, plan treatment, and bill third parties.
Salary & Career Outlook in Kentucky
According to 2024 BLS data, Kentucky’s social work profession offers competitive salaries with strong growth projections. The state employs approximately 44,000 social workers across all specializations, with demand expected to increase 12% through 2034, outpacing overall job growth.
| Social Work Category | Median Annual Salary | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Employment Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $64,840 | $40,580 | $84,620 | 1,900 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $57,390 | $39,370 | $76,380 | 7,780 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $58,290 | $35,080 | $73,210 | Not specified |
| Social Workers, All Other | $73,200 | $42,010 | $116,080 | 660 |
Geographic variations exist within Kentucky, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher salaries. Lexington leads with median salaries reaching $82,640 for healthcare social workers, followed by the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox region. Louisville, despite being the largest city, has a median salary of around $46,840, although this figure includes entry-level positions and varies significantly by employer and specialization.
Private practice social workers and those in specialized medical settings command the highest salaries, with experienced LCSWs earning $75,000 to $95,000 annually. Federal positions with the VA Medical Centers in Lexington and Louisville offer competitive GS-11 to GS-12 scale salaries plus federal benefits.
Career Outcomes & Top Employers
Kentucky MSW graduates find diverse employment opportunities across healthcare systems, government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The state’s emphasis on integrated healthcare creates a demand for behavioral health specialists in primary care settings, while rural communities seek versatile practitioners who are comfortable with varied caseloads.
Major Healthcare Employers: Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health maintain the largest social work departments, employing over 300 MSW professionals combined. UK HealthCare and UofL Health offer specialized positions in transplant services, cancer care, and trauma response. The Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Lexington and Louisville provide stable federal employment with comprehensive benefits.
Government Opportunities: The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services remains the state’s most significant social work employer, with positions in child protective services, adult protective services, and disability determination. Local Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, embedded in schools, employ school social workers to support student success.
Emerging Fields: The expansion of telehealth has created new roles for social workers, including those providing remote therapy and case management. Integrated behavioral health positions in Federally Qualified Health Centers offer loan forgiveness opportunities while serving underserved populations. Corporate employee assistance programs increasingly hire MSW professionals for workplace wellness initiatives.
Career services support varies by university, with some institutions offering established programs that provide lifelong benefits to alums. The University of Louisville’s comprehensive career center offers job boards, interview preparation, and networking events that connect students with potential employers. Professional development opportunities continue through the NASW Kentucky Chapter, which offers continuing education, advocacy, and peer consultation groups.
Alum networks prove invaluable for career advancement, with graduates often recruiting from their alma mater. LinkedIn groups for Kentucky MSW programs facilitate professional connections and job sharing. Many programs host annual conferences that bring together students and employers for networking and professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an MSW in Kentucky?
Traditional MSW programs typically require two years of full-time study or three to four years part-time. Advanced standing students with BSW degrees complete programs in one year full-time or two years part-time. Some programs offer accelerated summer options, reducing completion time by one semester.
What is the minimum GPA required for Kentucky MSW programs?
Most Kentucky MSW programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, although competitive applicants typically present a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Advanced standing applicants need a 3.25 GPA in BSW coursework. Programs consider exceptional professional experience or compelling personal statements for applicants who are slightly below the GPA requirements.
Can I get my MSW online in Kentucky?
Yes, Campbellsville University, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University offer fully online MSW programs to Kentucky residents. These maintain CSWE accreditation and prepare students for licensure. Online students complete field placements locally, ensuring hands-on experience while studying remotely.
How much do social workers make in Kentucky?
According to 2024 BLS data, Kentucky social workers earn median salaries ranging from $57,390 for child and family social workers to $73,200 for specialized roles. Healthcare social workers earn an average of $64,840, while mental health and substance abuse social workers earn approximately $58,290. Metropolitan areas, such as Louisville and Lexington, typically offer higher salaries than rural areas. Experience, location, and specialization significantly impact earning potential.
Do I need a BSW to apply for MSW programs in Kentucky?
No, Kentucky MSW programs accept students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Liberal arts, psychology, sociology, and human services majors commonly pursue MSW degrees. However, BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs qualify for advanced standing, which reduces the program length and cost.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
