Advance your impact and career with Kentucky State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW), designed for working professionals, recent graduates, and those seeking to lead change in their communities. Complete a rigorous, evidence-based curriculum—delivered fully online—with the flexibility to fit your life and schedule. Expert faculty guide you through hands-on field placements, advanced practice courses, and two track options focused on Clinical Social Work or Social Justice.
Whether you’re pursuing clinical licensure or aiming for leadership roles in advocacy, policy, or administration, this MSW program provides the advanced skills and credentials to thrive in diverse professional settings.
The KSU MSW program meets the urgent demand for culturally competent social workers who are committed to equity, healthcare access, and community empowerment. The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds and offers an accelerated Advanced Standing option for those with a recent BSW.
The program is approved by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and provides students with two distinct tracks for advanced social work practice:
- Traditional MSW Pathway – Credit Hours: 60
- For students from any undergraduate major. Includes advanced coursework and extensive field practicum in clinical, advocacy, and community-based settings.
- Advanced Standing MSW Pathway – Credit Hours: 30
- For applicants with a recent CSWE-accredited BSW degree. Complete your MSW in as little as one year full-time.
Kentucky Licensure & Certifications
- This program fulfills the educational requirements for the Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials in Kentucky. Additional supervised experience and exams are required post-graduation for clinical licensure.
- Specialized field placements through the CWPrep (Child Welfare Preparation) initiative are available to MSW students who are participating in the program and who also took part in the CWPrep program during their BSW studies, with interests in child protective services, foster care, and family advocacy.
- The MSW is stackable with advanced certifications, certificates, or micro-credentials, including the Trauma-Informed Response Certificate, the Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies, and the CW SUSTAIN program for eligible students who previously participated in the Public Child Welfare Certification (offered through the CWPrep program).
- CW SUSTAIN is a unique opportunity for current child welfare employees to advance and sustain their professional growth. The program provides full tuition, financial assistance, and academic support to help participants earn their graduate degree.
