Social Work (MSSW)

Master of Science in Social Work
Unit: Kent School of Social Work and Family Science (GK)
Department: Social Work
Program Website 
Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30, SW_ _MSW30O, SW_ _MSW60, SW_ _MSW60O, or by concentration (See Concentrations Areas tab). 

Program Information

This program has degree options that can be completed 100% online.

The mission of the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science MSSW program is to prepare students for ethical, evidence-informed, advanced social work practice with diverse, vulnerable, and marginalized individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. We take an anti-oppressive stance in educating students for careers as advanced social work practitioners who apply critical thinking skills and available evidence to inform practice that responds to complex social problems. Graduates will use these skills to actively pursue social change, advocating with and on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized client systems. The program will contribute to the mission of the University as a great place to learn by providing engaged service and outreach opportunities that improve the quality of life for local and global communities. The educational part of our mission is accomplished through theoretically and empirically driven approaches to pedagogy in our on-campus and online instruction and transformative learning experiences. 

Accreditation of the MSSW

The Master of Science in Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 

BSW to MSSW Accelerated Program

Undergraduate students interested in the program's accelerated option should visit the catalog page for the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) for more information.

MSSW Concentrations

Though it is not required for students to tailor their education while obtaining the MSSW degree, the MSSW program offers several concentration areas. In general, these concentrations require the student to take prescribed electives (please refer to the Concentration Areas tab) and may offer the opportunity to engage in a field placement tailored to their population of interest. Accepted students can declare their interest in pursuing a concentration through a designated form provided after admission.

Concentration options include: 

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Substance abuse is widely recognized as one of the top health problems in the USA and is attracting increasing attention and funding. However, there is an identified shortage of qualified addiction counselors--and students who prepare themselves for a career in chemical dependency can hope to gain immediate employment after graduation and possibly before. In this regard, students should be aware of professional certification, the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, that is valued by addiction treatment agencies with comparable respect and compensation as the Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW) qualification. Those who are interested in initiating their careers in a clinical substance abuse treatment setting can begin to fulfill specialized requirements of the CADC certification while completing normal requirements of the MSSW program. The Kent School's alcohol and drug concentration will:

• Satisfy many of the requirements of the CADC program,
• Teach specialized knowledge and skills, and
• Position students for employment and advancement in a broad array of specialized substance abuse roles.

Forensic Social Work

The forensic social work concentration equips students with unique knowledge and skills essential to multi-system, social justice oriented practice with vulnerable populations as related to law and legal systems, including criminal and civil issues surrounding juvenile and criminal justice, human trafficking, immigration, and mandated treatment.

Gerontology

The nation's burgeoning aging population is increasing the demand for well-trained and competent social workers to respond to the needs of older adults and their families. The US Department of Labor reports that geriatric social work is one of the most rapidly growing occupations, with the promise of job security. 

Mental Health

The mental health concentration prepares students to enter into the mental health field by focusing on theoretical perspectives regarding the course and etiology of mental illness, diagnostic and assessment skills, evidence-based approaches, and knowledge of mental health services, policies, and programs in the context of social work practice and values.  

Military Social Work

The military social work concentration is designed to prepare students to provide services to persons who have served or are serving in the military and their families. The concentration focuses on theoretical perspectives and policy implications concerning problems facing service members and their families, as well as programs and application of interventions to ameliorate them. It is recognized that those seeking assistance from problems associated with military service may be seen in a myriad of programs both inside and outside the frame of the more traditionally recognized military service delivery systems. 

Psychosocial Oncology 

The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science offers the first concentration in psychosocial oncology in the nation. The high rate of cancer on local, national, and global levels and the potential shortage of oncology social workers are creating a demand for skilled practitioners. Responding to the growing need for social workers who are trained in cancer care, this program will prepare students with the knowledge and skills to meet the psychosocial health needs of persons with cancer and their families. Students will learn how to apply skills such as assessment, counseling, palliative care, program planning, and evaluation in cancer care settings. Our students work in a variety of health settings in the full range of care for cancer patients.  This concentration requires an approved specialized practicum placement. Therefore, students must submit additional documentation and receive approval to pursue the concentration. 

School Social Work—available to KY residents only

MSSW students who want to practice social work in a school setting will complete the requirements to meet the criteria for the school social work certification in Kentucky. Students who select this concentration learn how to help children and families overcome barriers to learning through home intervention. Those who complete the specialization meet the Kentucky Council on Teacher Education's requirements for certification as a school social worker. This concentration requires an approved specialized practicum placement. Therefore, applicants and students must submit additional documentation and receive approval to pursue the concentration. 

MSSW Dual Programs

(not available to exclusively online students)

The Kent School offers a joint program that combines the MSSW with a graduate certificate in Latin American and Latino Studies. Additionally, the Kent School offers joint degrees with the Couple and Family Therapy Program (MSSW/MS CFT), the Brandeis School of Law (MSSW/JD), the Department of Pan-African Studies (MSSW/MA), the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies (MSSW/MA), the Department of Philosophy/Healthcare Ethics (MSSW/MA), and the Louisville Presbyterian Seminary (MSSW/MDiv).

Applications must be submitted independently to each academic unit/institution. In general, these programs require that the student take additional coursework, take the three MSSW electives in the other program, and potentially take a targeted specialized practicum that has the focus of and is approved by the other program. 

For more complete descriptions of these programs, please refer to the prospective students link on the Kent School website.

MSSW/Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) Graduate Certificate

The dual MSSW/LALS graduate certificate allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultures of Latin America and Latino communities in the United States. By combining the MSSW and LALS Graduate Certificate, students can develop a deeper appreciation for the social, cultural, and economic issues facing Latin American and Latino communities in the US. The MSSW/LALS dual program prepares graduates to become effective and compassionate social work practitioners with a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the Latin American and Latino communities.

MSSW/MS in Couple and Family Therapy

The dual MSSW/MS CFT degree program allows students to complete coursework accredited to educate and prepare future licensed professionals in both Social Work and Couple and Family Therapy (formerly Marriage and Family Therapy). This dual degree program within the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science is dedicated to developing professionals in CFT (MFT) and master's-level Social Work to work with at-risk individuals & families within their community contexts.

MSSW/Master in Divinity

The dual MSSW/MDiv program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both ministry and social work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. A student may enter the dual degree program from social work or theology.

MSSW/Juris Doctor

The dual MSSW/JD program recognizes the value of interdisciplinary study and encourages students having an interest in both social work and law to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and lawyers often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both professional capacities. Law courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of legal doctrine and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help lawyers to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution, and social welfare institutions.

MSSW/MA in Pan-African Studies

The dual MSSW/MA in Pan-African studies program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both Pan-African Studies and Social Work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and Pan-African studies scholars often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both the analysis of and engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues. Pan-African Studies courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of the historical foundations for policies and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help Pan-African scholars or activists to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution, and social welfare institutions. A Pan-African Studies and Social Work combination provides the tools of social change for a historic problem of racial injustice.

MSSW/MA in Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies

The dual MSSW/MA in Women's, Gender and Sexuality program recognizes the value of professional education in two interrelated fields and encourages students who have an interest in both Women's, Gender and Sexuality and Social Work to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and Women, Gender, and Sexuality scholars often seek to address identical or related societal concerns, albeit from different perspectives; understanding both disciplines enhances one's effectiveness in both the analysis of and engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues. Women's, Gender and Sexuality courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of the historical foundations for policies and structures that have an impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help Women's, Gender, and Sexuality scholars or activists to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution, and social welfare institutions. A Women's, Gender and Sexuality, and Social Work combination provides the tools of social change for a historic problem of gender inequality and injustice.

MSSW/MA in Applied Philosophy - Health Care Ethics

The dual MSSW/MA in Applied Philosophy - Health Care Ethics degree program focuses on providing our social work graduates with a contextual experience within the interdisciplinary fields that comprise health care ethics in addition to the development of social work skills. MA in Applied Philosophy - Health Care Ethics is an inherently interdisciplinary field, located principally at the intersection of philosophy, the law, and the health care professions, such as clinical medicine and nursing, but drawing as well from social science disciplines as diverse as sociology, clinical psychology, and social work. In addition to any career options presented by the MSSW, degree holders may then participate in hospital ethics committees, teach medical ethics and humanities, or be prepared for future doctoral-level work in medical ethics and humanities.

MSSW Admission Requirements

Admission to the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science MSSW program is competitive. The selection process includes an evaluation of each applicant's demonstrated and potential abilities as a student, practitioner, and leader in the social work field. Applicants should utilize the MSSW Application Checklist to ensure that all application requirements and relevant deadlines are met, which can be found on the MSSW Admissions page of Kent's website. Attending an MSSW prospective student session is beneficial and will likely assist applicants in strengthening their application. Please consult the Kent School website for a list of scheduled prospective student sessions. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is recommended for consideration to the MSSW program. 

Applicants to the MSSW program must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor's degree from a postsecondary institution that is institutionally accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)
• A minimum of 27 credit hours in the social sciences, i.e., communications (six (6) credit hours), natural sciences (three (3) credit hours), humanities (nine (9) credit hours), and social sciences (nine (9) credit hours)

The Graduate School Application Requirements

The application file is complete when all of the following are uploaded in your graduate application portal and received by the Graduate School.

Graduate Admission Application

 All applicants must complete an online application through the University of Louisville Graduate School. The online application requires a non-refundable application fee. For information on application fee waiver eligibility criteria, review Application Fee Waiver Information.  Click Here to Apply!

Official Academic Transcripts 

Transcripts are required from every college/university attended, including those at which students were enrolled for academic credit as non-degree students and/or credits that transferred to another college. All transcripts must bear the official seal and signature of the institution attended. Official electronic transcripts are encouraged and must be sent directly to the UofL Graduate School. 

• UofL transcripts for the University of Louisville graduates will be provided automatically, with no request needed.​

• All other transcripts must be sent directly from the Registrar or appropriate officer of each institution. Electronic copies are encouraged; however, paper official transcripts can be sent from the Registrar or appropriate officer directly to:

Graduate School
University of Louisville 
Houchens Building, Suite 105
​Louisville, KY 40202

Letters of Recommendation

• Regular 60 Credit Hour Program Applicants - Two  Recommendation Letters. List the email addresses of two recommenders in the "Recommendation" section of the Online Graduate Application. Recommendation forms are automatically emailed after the recommender's information is entered and the send to recommender button is clicked.   
  • One recommendation must be from a former professor. Applicants who have not been enrolled in classes within the past two years must substitute a professional reference. Please direct all questions pertaining to acceptable recommenders to msswkent@louisville.edu.
  • Personal recommendations are not accepted. These include relatives, co-workers, friends, mentors, personal therapists, clergy, advisors, etc. 
  • The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science reserves the right to request additional supportive material from persons acquainted with the applicant's academic or practice capabilities if deemed necessary. 
• Advanced Standing 30 Credit Hour Program Applicants:Applicants who wish to be considered for the 30 credit hour Advanced Standing program must submit their BSW Final Practicum Field Evaluation (or a fall final evaluation if currently in a BSW program) and one letter of recommendation. 
• Applicants who obtained a BSW within the last seven years from an undergraduate social work program accredited or in candidacy by CSWE may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing, 30 credit hour program. There is a preferred, though not required, cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a social work GPA of 3.25. 

Resume 

Please include current/past employment as well as volunteer and service roles served. This document can be uploaded in the "Upload Materials" section of the Online Graduate Application. 

Admission Essay 

Under the "Education and or Life Experiences Responses" section of the Online Graduate Application, applicants must respond to their choice of two prompts. Each response is limited to 300 words. 

Personal Statement

The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science MSSW Program takes an anti-oppressive stance in educating students for careers as specialized social work practitioners who apply critical thinking skills and available evidence to inform practice that responds to complex social problems. Upload to the application a 2-part, three page double-spaced, 12-font essay with sources cited addressing the following:

• Analyze a systemic/institutionally oppressive policy or practice and discuss the scope, the population affected, causes and consequences, as well as what social workers can do to combat the oppressive policy or practice.
• Review the NASW Code of Ethics Preamble and Ethical Principles and discuss how your personal values and beliefs are or are not compatible with NASW values. How will you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession? View the Code of Ethics here: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English.
• Please contact msswkent@louisville.edu with any questions about the admissions essay.

Kent School BSW to MSSW Admission Criteria

The University of Louisville BSW students may be eligible for special Advanced Standing admission to the MSSW program by providing only one letter of recommendation from a BSW professor, a copy of their BSW Final or Fall Practicum Evaluation (current BSW seniors will have their evaluations provided for them automatically) in addition to the other application requirements. The University of Louisville transcripts will be provided automatically. For more information, contact msswkent@louisville.edu or visit the Kent School's Admission page. The Admissions Committee may request additional admissions materials prior to admission if necessary. 

MSSW Dual Programs

If you wish to pursue any of the dual degree programs, you must also complete the other unit’s application process. All dual degree options may not offer fully online opportunities, so students in the Online MSSW program may be ineligible for some dual degrees.

International students 

All MSSW candidates who completed their undergraduate degrees outside of the US are required to have their transcripts evaluated by the credential services World Education Services at wes.org or Educational Credential Evaluators at ece.org. Any candidate may be required to participate in a brief telephone interview as part of the admissions process.  Candidates who are required to complete an I-20 form should note that they will be placed in a practicum program as part of their education.  Admitted students to the on-campus program should contact UofL's International Center to determine if any other immigration documentation is necessary to begin practicum at  louisville.edu/internationalcenter.

ALL candidates for whom English is not their primary language must:

• show English proficiency by demonstration of a specified level of proficiency on the TOEFL exam, IELTS, or Duolingo examination or by providing an official transcript from an acceptable English language institution
• Minimum TOEFL scores: 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or a score of 79 on Internet-based TOEFL is required. More information on TOEFL at www.ets.org/toefl.
• Minimum IELTS score: 6.5 for more information review www.ielts.org
• Duolingo score of 105 for more information review englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

MSSW Online US Citizens Living Abroad & Outside of Kentucky

Applicants who live outside of the US will need to consult with the Practicum Education Office in advance of applying to the MSSW program to ensure the feasibility of meeting the practicum placement requirements in accordance with CSWE policies by contacting the field education office. A qualified practicum supervisor must be readily available (e.g., the supervisor has an MSSW/MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited institution or similar CSWE-type accreditation), and/or the applicant must participate in identifying a qualified practicum supervisor with the support of the Practicum Education Office. Both applicants outside of the US and outside of Kentucky must be willing to participate in the process of identifying a qualified practicum supervisor with the support of the Practicum Education Office. MSSW Online applicants in rural areas must consider that they may be required to travel to their practicum placements if no qualifying practicums are available in their local area.

MSSW Admission Deadlines

The final deadline varies, as explained below, but because entry into the program is highly competitive, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure a space. All admissions materials must be received in the Graduate School by the listed date in order for an applicant to be considered for admission by a particular deadline.  

Kent School deadlines for admission are classified as follows:

Fall 2025 Start: August 

• Deadline: July 1

Spring 2026 Start: January 

• Deadline: November 1

Summer 2026 Start: May  

• Deadline: March 20

Exceptions to deadlines

Applications submitted past the deadline may be considered on a case-by-case basis if space allows and only if the applicant is willing to pursue courses with availability and potentially delay field/practicum start until the following semester. Please contact the MSSW Admissions Office at msswkent@louisville.edu for questions about the MSSW Program and the Practicum Education Office for field/practicum questions. 

Program Requirements

The MSSW program offers flexibility through its variety of degree completion options. Courses are offered on multiple days, times, and can be completed in a traditional classroom format, entirely online, or a combination of the two.

The coursework includes two academic year-long field/practicum placements that require on average 16 to 18 hours per week in the field/practicum placement.

Though not required, students have the opportunity to tailor their education by exploring an optional concentration while obtaining their MSSW.

For concentration elective course requirements, please refer to the Concentration Areas tab.

MSSW 60 Credit Hour Regular Program

Students who are admitted and do not have a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree enter the 60 credit hour regular program. This program can be completed on-campus or online within two to four years. The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program:

Generalist Coursework

¹

16 clock hours per week

Specialized Coursework
(Prerequisite: all Generalist Courses)

¹

18 clock hours per week

MSSW 30 Credit Hour Advanced Standing Program

Students holding a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree who have demonstrated good academic performance in their social work courses may be enrolled in the 30 credit hour advanced standing Program.

This program equates to completing the 30 credit hour specialized portion of the 60 credit hour program. No academic credit is given for life or work experience. Advanced Standing is limited to applicants who have earned BSW degrees within the last seven years, at the time of enrollment in the Kent School. This program can be completed on-campus or online within one to two years.

The next listing provides a basic description of the courses needed to complete this program;

Specialized Coursework

¹

18 clock hours per week

Concentration Area Requirements

Alcohol and Drug Counseling 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30A, SW_ _MSW60A, SWONMSW30A, SWONMSW60A

Gerontology 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30G, SW_ _MSW60G, SWONMSW30G, SWONMSW60G

Forensic Social Work

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ MSW30R, SW_ _MSW60R, SWONMSW30R, SWONMSW60R

Mental Health 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30M, SW_ _MSW60M, SWONMSW30M, SWONMSW60M

Military Social Work 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30V, SW_ _MSW60V, SWONMSW30V, SWONMSW60V

Psychosocial Oncology 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30P, SW_ _MSW60P, SWONMSW30P, SWONMSW60P

School Social Work 

Academic Plan Code(s): SW_ _MSW30S, SW_ _MSW60S, SWONMSW30S, SWONMSW60S

The Master of Science in Social Work  program and the concentration areas of Alcohol and Drug Counseling and School Social Work prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: http://louisville.edu/online/About-Us (please scroll down near the bottom of the page and click on the licensing disclosures tab).