Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Kentucky
Online MSW programs in Kentucky offer flexible, CSWE-accredited pathways to advance your career in social work. These programs provide training that meets national standards, with part- and full-time options to accommodate various schedules.
Key Takeaways:
- Northern Kentucky University leads with the highest online enrollment, serving 4,022 graduate students.
- Brescia University boasts the lowest student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.
- Western Kentucky University is the highest rated by students, with a 97% recommendation rate.
We base our rankings on total online graduate enrollment and provide insights into program quality and student outcomes. Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard guide our evaluations. Visit our methodology page for a complete overview of our approach.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Kentucky University | $26,610 | N/A | Yes | ||
| University of Kentucky | 3,046 | $13,522 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Louisville | 1,759 | $24,900 | N/A | Yes | |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 1,340 | $10,059 | N/A | Yes | |
| Western Kentucky University | 1,223 | $21,210 | N/A | Yes | |
| Campbellsville University | 969 | $18,090 | N/A | Yes | |
| University of Pikeville | 145 | $16,200 | N/A | Yes | |
| Brescia University | 78 | $19,950 | N/A | Yes |
Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Kentucky
Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University Northern Kentucky University
- Online Enrollment: 4,022
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $26,610
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: NKU ranks among the top 5% of institutions for online enrollment, with over 4,000 graduate students participating in its online programs. The university offers an MSW program that can be completed online or in a hybrid format. The program focuses on clinical behavioral health and community practice, with optional micro-credentials in trauma-informed care, forensic social work, and gerontology. The standard track requires 60 credit hours over two years, while the Advanced Standing track for BSW graduates requires 30 credit hours in one year, preparing students for clinical and community-based social work careers.
University of Kentucky University of Kentucky University of Kentucky
- Online Enrollment: 3,046
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,522
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UK excels in online graduate education with a total enrollment of 3,046 students, ranking it in the top 8% nationwide. The accredited MSW program offers flexible pathways, including a Regular Standing track of 60 credit hours and an Advanced Standing track of 30 credit hours for recent BSW graduates. The curriculum emphasizes practical learning, with 900 hours for regular and 600 for advanced students. Specializations include Clinical Assessment, Social Policy, and Anti-Oppressive Practices, with certificates in Clinical Social Work, School Social Work, and Trauma-Responsive Practice.
University of Louisville University of Louisville University of Louisville
- Online Enrollment: 1,759
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $24,900
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UofL has a total online enrollment of 1,759 graduate students, ranking it in the top 16% nationally. The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) prepares future social workers to advocate for social justice. This online program, accredited by the CSWE, offers two tracks: an Advanced Standing path of 30 credit hours for those with a social work undergraduate degree and a Regular program requiring 60 hours for any undergraduate degree. Key concentrations include Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, and School Social Work, exclusive to Kentucky residents.
Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Kentucky University Eastern Kentucky University
- Online Enrollment: 1,340
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $10,059
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: EKU ranks fourth for its extensive online offerings, with 1,340 graduate students enrolled online, placing it in the top 21% of institutions for online graduate school participation. This fully online MSW program in Kentucky provides flexibility through full-time and part-time options, requiring 31 to 62 credit hours to complete. Recognized by the CSWE, the curriculum includes specialized Child and Family Services and Leadership & Management certificates at no additional cost. Students have 24/7 access to materials, allowing for convenient learning from any location.
Western Kentucky University Western Kentucky University Western Kentucky University
- Online Enrollment: 1,223
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $21,210
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: WKU ranks 5th in our review, with a total online enrollment of 1,223 graduate students, placing it among the top 21% for this criterion. This online solid engagement is complemented by a , indicating high satisfaction. The Master of Social Work program is online, equipping graduates to work across various social work practices, including mental health and family services. With a curriculum designed for integrated practitioners, it supports diverse career paths, ensuring graduates can meet licensure requirements in multiple states and effectively serve a variety of populations.
Campbellsville University Campbellsville University Campbellsville University
- Online Enrollment: 969
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $18,090
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: CU ranks among the top institutions for online education, with a total graduate-level online enrollment of 969 students. The online MSW program offers a flexible 60-credit curriculum accredited by the CSWE, catering to both newcomers to the field and those with related bachelor's degrees. Students complete 900 hours of field practice, gaining comprehensive preparation for diverse social work roles. Specialty tracks, including Clinical, Substance Use Disorder, Faith-Based, and Forensic Social Work, provide tailored learning opportunities. Courses like Change Theory, Clinical Diagnosis, & Psychopharmacology build essential skills for leadership and specialized practice.
University of Pikeville University of Pikeville University of Pikeville
- Online Enrollment: 145
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $16,200
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: UPike stands out for its strong appeal to distance learners, with many online graduate students enrolled. Its fully online MSW program offers specialized Clinical Mental Health and addiction training with flexible completion options, including accelerated, two-year, and three-year tracks. Year-round courses provide additional scheduling flexibility. The program's Path to Licensure Initiative supports students in licensure preparation, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles in social work.
Brescia University Brescia University Brescia University
- Online Enrollment: 78
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $19,950
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: BU hosts an MSW online program in Kentucky that offers two tracks, including a 30-credit advanced standing option for those with a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work and a 60-credit option for other bachelor's degree holders. The curriculum includes courses such as Ethical Decision Making in Social Work and Social Welfare and Policy Practice, culminating in a capstone project that enhances practical knowledge.
Overview of Kentucky's Online MSW Programs
Social workers in the state of Kentucky work with a variety of populations to administer critical social services. Those who obtain their social work license provide direct counseling and support to vulnerable children and families and help connect people with the resources they need to improve their quality of life. Social work professionals can choose to specialize in many different areas including public health, family and child services, and mental health and addiction. They can work in a variety of settings, like hospitals, outpatient centers, and schools. Kentucky offers three different levels of social work licensure that students can obtain:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Becoming a Social Worker in Kentucky
To obtain a social work license in Kentucky, applicants must apply through the Kentucky Board of Social Work and meet the educational requirements for their desired certification level. At minimum, candidates must complete a bachelor's in social work and pass a state-level exam. While not mandatory for all certifications, earning a degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program is recommended to ensure readiness for the exam. Coursework typically includes psychology, sociology, human behavior, and the history of marginalized populations, with most programs requiring supervised fieldwork or internships for hands-on experience.
While not mandatory for all certifications, earning a degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program is recommended to ensure readiness for the exam.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) certification allows professionals to provide non-clinical services independently. Certified Social Worker (CSW) certification permits both non-clinical practice and supervised clinical work, while Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification enables full independent practice, including clinical services.
Certified Social Worker
To obtain a Certified Social Worker (CSW) license in Kentucky, candidates must hold a master鈥檚 in social work or doctoral degree in social work from an approved institution. After earning their degree, applicants must submit an application to the Kentucky Board of Social Work, including an official transcript and three professional references. A $25 application fee is required. Once approved, applicants may receive a temporary license valid for up to 240 days, allowing them to practice while preparing for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters exam, which has a $230 registration fee.
After passing the exam, candidates must pay a $125 license fee to obtain their official CSW license. This license authorizes independent practice of non-clinical social work and supervised clinical services under a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Unlike some other certifications, no clinical hours are required to earn a CSW license.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
To earn a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in Kentucky, candidates must first complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) or doctoral degree in social work from an approved institution. They must then gain supervised clinical work experience, either through two years of full-time post-graduate work or three years of part-time work. Supervision must be conducted by an LCSW with at least three years of licensure who has completed Board-approved training in supervision practices. After meeting these requirements, candidates must submit an application to the Kentucky Board of Social Work, including an official transcript, three references, and documentation of supervised experience.
A $25 application fee is required. Once approved, applicants may receive a temporary license valid for up to 240 days, allowing them to practice while preparing for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam, which costs $260 in registration fees. Upon passing the exam, candidates must pay a $200 license fee to obtain their official LCSW certification. This license permits independent clinical practice and the ability to supervise other social workers in Kentucky.
Navigating Social Work Licensing: Reciprocity and Renewal in Kentucky
Social Work License Reciprocity in Kentucky
Kentucky does not have formal reciprocity agreements for social work licenses with other states. Individuals licensed elsewhere must apply for licensure through the Kentucky Board of Social Work and meet the state's specific requirements. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, their ASWB exam scores, and verification of licensure from the originating state.
For those seeking LCSW certification, candidates must provide documentation of two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience, totaling 200 hours under an approved LCSW, or demonstrate they have been licensed at the clinical level and actively practicing clinical social work for at least five years in another state.
Applicants must ensure they have taken the appropriate ASWB exam based on the desired licensure level, as Kentucky does not accept the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam. For the most up-to-date information, consult the .
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
In Kentucky, social work practitioners must renew their licenses every three years to maintain legal practice status. The renewal fees are as follows:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW): $75
Certified Social Worker (CSW): $125
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): $200
To renew, licensees must complete an online renewal form available through the Kentucky Board of Social Work.
Meanwhile, continuing education (CE) requirements for each renewal period are as follows:
LSWs: 15 CE hours
CSWs and LCSWs: 30 CE hours
All social work licensees in Kentucky must fulfill specific during each renewal period. Among these, a three-hour Kentucky Social Work Ethics course, approved by the Board, is mandatory for every renewal cycle. Additionally, during the first three-year renewal period after initial licensure, practitioners must complete three hours of training on domestic violence and elder abuse. Every six years, all licensees are also required to complete a one-and-a-half-hour course on pediatric abusive head trauma and a six-hour training on suicide prevention.
Conclusion: Advancing Your Career with Online MSW Programs in Kentucky
Online MSW programs in Kentucky provide flexible, CSWE-accredited options tailored to aspiring social workers seeking career growth. These programs emphasize practical training, academic excellence, and accessibility, offering pathways for students to meet state licensure requirements at all levels, including LSW, CSW, and LCSW. With specialized tracks like Trauma-informed Care and Addiction Counseling, graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact.
Kentucky's online MSW offerings cater to diverse needs. Institutions like Northern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky lead with high enrollment and comprehensive curricula, while others, such as Brescia University, excel in student-focused learning. Explore the MSW degrees above to find the one that aligns with your goals and starts you on the path to a fulfilling career in social work.
You can also explore our list of the most affordable online MSW programs, ranked by tuition costs for a broader range of options.