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Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, (B.S.W.)

Department of Social Work

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work, (B.S.W.)

Department of Social Work

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

On-Campus & Online

Options

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

On-Campus: $5,010 Per Semester

Online: $443 Per Credit Hour

(On-campus rate is for in-state students)

Free Books

for All Students

Help Others and Positively Impact Your Community

EKU’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) provides students with the knowledge, skills and professional values to become ethical leaders who advocate for social, economic, racial and environmental justice. This versatile degree opens the door to a variety of career options and builds the critical skills needed to help you advance in the field. EKU’s social work program is real-world focused, providing the opportunity to fulfill your passion for helping others and make a positive impact in your community.

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Career Outlook

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Social workers operate within a wide range of industries and perform a variety of job functions.

Employers Include:

  • Baptist Health
  • Blue Grass Community Action Partnership
  • Cabinet for Health and Family Services
  • Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program
  • Heritage Hospice
  • New Vista
  • Spero Health
  • Wooded Glen Recovery Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1977
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Expert faculty who provide interactive feedback and a collaborative approach to learning
  • Opportunities for practicum experiences to help you discover your calling and network with other professionals

Curriculum & Admission

Our regionally accredited online program is made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors dedicated to student success. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as crisis intervention, addictions, and race and ethnic relations.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

As required by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, the EKU BSW/MSW program does not grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience

On-Campus Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
FallAugust 1August
SpringDecember 1January
SummerMay 1May
Online Deadlines
TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AJuly 31August
Fall BSeptember 30October
Spring ADecember 31January
Spring BFebruary 28March
Summer AApril 30May
Summer BMay 31June

Students must be formally admitted to the Social Work Program. Requirements include:

  • Earned 32 semester hours of college credit
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a four-point scale
  • Completed the following courses (or their equivalent) with at least a “C” in each course: SOC 131 Introductory Sociology; PSY 200 Introduction to Psychology; SWK 210 Introduction to Social Work; ENG 101 English Composition I; ENG 102 English Composition II

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1977.

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to the enrollment counselor for your preferred program.

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Kelsi Butcher 

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2705
kelsi.butcher@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment
professional photo of Lindsey Turner

Lindsey Turner

Enrollment Advisor

859-622-7927
lindsey.turner@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

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Related Programs

B.S. in Psychology

Common Job Titles: social services workers, group home counselors, community recreation mangers

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

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Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 120

Contact Information

Department of Social Work

Keith Building
Room 223
205 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1645
Fax: 859-622-8167
social.work@eku.edu

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