Overview
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.
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.
Accreditation Status Notice - MSW Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at the institution is currently in the process of seeking accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Accreditation is a multi-step process that requires review and approval by the accrediting body. The program is actively working toward meeting all required standards, and updates regarding accreditation status and program progression will be shared as they become available.
Traditional MSW - 60 hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOW 502 | Ethic. Foun. & Prac. in Soc Wk | 3 |
| SOW 504 | Adv. Soc Wrk Prac w/ Ind & Fam | 3 |
| SOW 506 | T in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOW 508 | Soc. Wk Pol. & Serv.: Ana & Im | 3 |
| SOW 510 | Addr Pov, Ineq, and Jus in SW | 3 |
| SOW 512 | Prac. w/ Comm, Org & Soc. I | 3 |
| SOW 516 | Mixed Methods Research | 3 |
| SOW 518 | Foundation Practicum | 6 |
| SOW 608 | Prac. w/ Comm, Org and Soc. II | 3 |
| SOW 611 | Advanced Practicum II | 6 |
| SOW 614 | Methods of Community Research | 3 |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOW 505 | Adv.Psychopath. for Soc Wrk. | 3 |
| SOW 604 | Assess in Ment. Hea.& Addictio | 3 |
| SOW 606 | Advanced Social Policy & Analy | 3 |
| SOW 610 | Advanced Practicum I | 6 |
Advanced Standing MSW - 30 Hours
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOW 505 | Adv.Psychopath. for Soc Wrk. | 3 |
| SOW 604 | Assess in Ment. Hea.& Addictio | 3 |
| SOW 606 | Advanced Social Policy & Analy | 3 |
| SOW 610 | Advanced Practicum I | 6 |
| SOW 611 | Advanced Practicum II | 6 |
| SOW 614 | Methods of Community Research | 3 |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SOW 616 | Leadership & Management | 3 |
| SOW 621 | Self-Care Strat. for Soc. Wrks | 3 |
| SOW 623 | Com., Dev. & Grant Writ for SW | 3 |
| SOW 624 | Gert. & African Amer. Commen. | 3 |
| SOW 622 | Soc. Wrk in Lib & Info. Serv. | 3 |