College of Social Work

Social Work (BASW) - Residential

2x

Job Growth

compared to other occupations

170

Social Workers

serving as elected officials in national, state, and local offices

165k

Jobs

added by 2022

Restart your search

ZaDonna Slay, DSW

Acting Director of Undergraduate Studies

College of Social Work

College of Social Work

Program website

859-257-6650

  • BASW
Other programs from the College of Social Work:

As the only helping profession that emphasizes both human well-being and social justice, social workers strive to empower others to make the changes they desire in their lives and advocate to bring about social change on both individual and community levels. Social workers help communities provide maximum equality of opportunity for all; help vulnerable individuals learn to cope more effectively with their problems and needs; and seek continually to strengthen and improve the institutional systems responsible for education, justice, health, business, labor, and welfare, so that people are better served. Social workers impact all walks of life--from those who work with and advocate for the elderly, to those who work in schools with young learners.

Career Opportunities in Social Work

YOU can make a difference!

  • Administration
  • Adoption
  • Advocacy
  • Child Welfare
  • Community Outreach
  • Counselor
  • Criminal Justice
  • Developmental Disabilities
  • Education
  • Foster Care
  • Gerontology
  • Immigrants and Refugees
  • International Social Work
  • Intimate Partner Violence
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Mental Health Case Worker
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Public Health Outreach
  • School Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse
  • Poverty
  • Public Policy
  • Veterans and Military Families
Daniel Beasley, social work student
I decided social work was the field for me because I learned early on how versatile and flexible my job opportunities would be if I completed my degree in this field. I have been humbled by the support of my peers and faculty and the collaboration and teamwork towards a shared goal of having an impact on our world.

Daniel Beasley, BASW Student

Class of 2019

Professional Social Work Program

Incoming students may select  Social Work or Undeclared/Exploratory studies in Social Work as a major when applying to the university. Current UK students interested in changing majors to social work can submit the major change in myUK under "Degree Planning and Registration".   Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the College of Social Work to discuss potential schedule changes and update their graduation plan when considering a major change. Students can connect with a College of Social Work Advisor at COSWAdvising@uky.edu 

Social Work students may apply for the  Professional Social Work Education program once they have met the pre-requisite requirements including:

  • Current UK Social Work Major
  • An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
  • A grade of B or better in both SW 124 and SW 222, or a grade of B or better in SW 322 (or equivalent)
  • A passing grade in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
  • Submission of essay

Review full application instructions here.

Field Education

One of the most important and exciting components of social work education is the field practicum. The Field Education practicum ensures students learn to integrate and apply social work values, knowledge, skills, and practice behaviors in a positive learning environment. Students’ high level of involvement in their own learning creates collaborative relationships that help them grow professionally and see practice in action. The College of Social Work partners with over 1000 public and non-profit organizations across Kentucky and the US. BASW students earn 10 credit hours completing over 400 hours in agency settings across two practicums within the social work curriculum. As the signature pedagogy of social work education, field education provides students a real world opportunity to begin to develop their professional identity.

4+1 = MSW

Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Program

Students that have completed a bachelor’s degree of social work within the last 7 years may be eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The Advanced Standing MSW program consists of 30 hours, compared to the regular 60 hour MSW program. To be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing, applicants must have received their BASW or BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last 7 years and present Grade Point Averages (GPA) at or above the following minimums:

Undergraduate GPA 3.0
Social Work GPA 3.5
Graduate GPA (if applicable) 3.0

Advanced Standing may be completed full-time, part-time, hybrid, or online.

Candidates who are not admitted to Advanced Standing  program are  automatically considered for the Regular 60-credit program. For more information, click here.


Historical Major Sheets

2023-2024 Major Sheet

Imagine Your Future

Social Workers

Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$50,390

per year in 2021

Number of Jobs

708,100

in 2021

10 Year Job Outlook

64,000

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare providers, and schools. Most work full time, and some work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read More

Enhancing Your Time at UK

There are countless ways to “see blue.” on campus, but the best way to maximize your journey at the University of Kentucky is by engaging in an Education Abroad opportunity.

This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major! #SeeBlueAbroad

View Major Advising Page

Contact

ZaDonna Slay, DSW

Acting Director of Undergraduate Studies

College of Social Work

College of Social Work

859-257-6650

Other programs from the College of Social Work: