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Master of Social Work

Department of Social Work

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Master of Social Work

Department of Social Work

College of Letters, Arts & Social Sciences

Online

Program

31 - 62 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$649 Per Credit Hour

Free Books

for All Students

Become an Innovative Leader and Advocate in the Field of Social Work

EKU’s 100% online master of social work (MSW) is designed with your success in mind. The program provides students with the advanced skills needed to become adaptable, innovative leaders and advocates. The MSW program offers maximum flexibility in course of study with employer-based field placements and few prerequisites. EKU’s MSW program provides the opportunity to gain direct experience and offers full-time and part-time options so you can take courses at your own pace. MSW graduates are prepared to serve as interprofessional social workers and are positioned to take on key roles across organizations and communities.

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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

Job Titles Include:

  • MSW
  • Therapist

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

Employers Include:

  • Astra Behavioral Health
  • Baptist Health
  • Blue Grass Community Action Partnership
  • Cabinet for Health and Family Services
  • Federal Bureau of Investigations
  • GreenHouse 17
  • Hope’s Wings Domestic Violence Program
  • Isaiah House Treatment Center
  • KVC Behavioral HealthCare
  • Marshal Pediatric Therapy
  • Norton Healthcare
  • Saint Joseph London
  • Seven Counties
  • 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
  • Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited
  • Accelerated terms
  • Multiple start dates
  • Full- and part-time options
  • Access 24/7 to course assignments
  • 75% of EKU degree holders find jobs in Kentucky, a higher percentage than any other university in Kentucky
  • No campus visits required
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Expert faculty who provide interactive feedback and a collaborative approach to learning
  • Practicum experience with flexible practicum placement

Certificates

Complement your Master of Social Work degree with a specialized certificate. Select one of five specialty areas, based on interests and career goals, and earn a certificate in that area as you complete your degree – at no additional cost.

Building on diverse perspectives, the MSW program prepares interprofessional social workers through an interdisciplinary approach to education. Interprofessional social workers build transformative partnerships by employing micro (individual), mezzo (group and family), and macro (organization and community) level practices to advance the social welfare of diverse clients and constituents. These certificate programs will complement your application of social work skills needed for positions in highest demand.

Designed for working professionals, certificates are an excellent way to customize your MSW for your own needs. This maximizes your flexibility to gain a competitive edge as an interprofessional social worker.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 8-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment


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 total of 62 credits are required to graduate. The full program can be completed in 24 months. Individuals with a bachelor degree in social work from a CSWE accredited institution may qualify for Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing recipients require 31 credit hours to graduate and may do so in as little as 12 months.

View the degree requirements:

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 18 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 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.

  • All applicants applying for admission to the 63-hour program must have a baccalaureate degree from a college or university accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency or foreign equivalent with a grade point average of 2.7 out of a possible 4.0 on all undergraduate work and a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of a possible 4.0 on all previous graduate work*.
  • All applicants applying for advanced standing status must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, must have an undergraduate major in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education accredited program and must have graduated within 5 years of entry to the MSW program.
  • Some work experience is preferred. Although GRE scores are not required for program admission, applicants may submit current scores from the GRE General Exam to supplement their application materials. GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the exam.

*Preference is given to applicants with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above in their undergraduate work.

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 2020.

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 our enrollment advisor today.

Amanda Stoddard

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-5826
amanda.stoddard@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features


Upcoming Events

Halls Open

Residence Halls Open for the Spring 2025 semester. Front desks begin normal operating hours.

Check-In Deadline

Check-in deadline for all returning and new students for spring 2025. For late return/check-in, contact our office at 859-622-1515.

News & Updates


Related Programs

M.S. in Psychology – ABA

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Modalities: online

Credit Hours: 43

M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Common Job Titles: substance abuse counselor, mental health counselor

Modalities: on-campus

Credit Hours: 60


Contact Information

Department of Social Work

223 Keith Building
Room 223

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