Master of Social Work Online
This online master's program is designed to help you address the needs of vulnerable populations as well as influence public policy and the well-being of your community.
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Program Overview
Explore NKU's online Master of Social Work
Demonstrate leadership and social work values in your profession and community with the Master of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University. In this clinical online program, you will be empowered to advance social and economic justice and graduate ready to improve the quality of life for all people. With an emphasis on clinical behavioral health and community practice, you will learn to engage in professional practice at multiple levels with a wide variety of evidence-informed interventions. The program is CSWE accredited.
This flexible master's program is for individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work. Our online MSW provides the path to help you transition into this sector and take on leadership roles in a clinical setting. Curricula provide the option to add micro-credentials to your expertise by exploring trauma-informed care through a perspective that combines psychology and therapy. Our courses, taught by the same distinguished faculty who teach on campus, will provide you with opportunities to develop, understand, and apply assessment models and treatments in settings such as community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, residential and day treatment facilities, child welfare agencies, and advocacy organizations.
To further prepare you for success, you will complete 900 hours of supervised clinical practice in a field agency that suits your interests and goals. Completing the Master of Social Work online program qualifies you to sit for LISW/LCSW licensure in any state. Earning this credential grants you the authority to diagnose and treat clients in clinical settings.
In this online program, you will:
- Study the DSM-5, focusing on the diagnostic criteria required to accurately assess psychiatric disorders, as well as critically examine the DSM from a social justice perspective
- Analyze how social policy affects human rights and social and economic justice, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations
- Develop your understanding of the biological, psychological, and sociological variables that influence human behavioral development
- Explore advanced clinical practice decision-making and learn to be a critical thinker in the use of research, knowledge, and theory for assessment, intervention, and evaluation
- Study the DSM-5, focusing on the diagnostic criteria required to accurately assess psychiatric disorders, as well as critically examine the DSM from a social justice perspective
- Analyze how social policy affects human rights and social and economic justice, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations
- Develop your understanding of the biological, psychological, and sociological variables that influence human behavioral development
- Explore advanced clinical practice decision-making and learn to be a critical thinker in the use of research, knowledge, and theory for assessment, intervention, and evaluation
Graduates of this MSW online program can transition into such roles as:
- Occupational Social Worker
- Mental Healthcare Worker
- Social Services Agent
- Private Counselor or Therapist
- Family Therapist
- Occupational Social Worker
- Mental Healthcare Worker
- Social Services Agent
- Private Counselor or Therapist
- Family Therapist
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work online for those with a BSW degree. Learn more about our Advanced Standing Master of Social Work online.
Accreditation
The Master of Social Work program at Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Tuition
NKU offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition
The Master of Social Work online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees |
---|---|---|---|
MSW | $617 | $1,025 | $38,045 |
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
Our online degree programs fit your schedule
With six start dates a year, the Master of Social Work online program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines.
Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer 1 | 5/6/24 | 4/24/24 | 4/30/24 | 5/3/24 | 5/6/24 |
Summer 2 | 6/24/24 | 6/12/24 | 6/18/24 | 6/21/24 | 6/24/24 |
Fall 1 | 8/19/24 | 8/7/24 | 8/12/24 | 8/16/24 | 8/19/24 |
Fall 2 | 10/16/24 | 10/3/24 | 10/8/24 | 10/11/24 | 10/16/24 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
Explore the admission requirements for the online Master of Social Work program
The admission process is the first step toward earning your degree online.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
- Resume that lists three references
- 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
Master of Social Work Online Admission Requirements
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from an accredited institutions
- Undergraduate foundation courses, completed with a C or higher, in psychology, sociology, and statistics
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- A professional resume tailored to your educational goals, including educational background, employment history, awards, and accomplishments. Resume must list three references (former instructors, supervisors, colleagues, etc.) who are qualified to evaluate academic and professional potential in the field of social work
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
A look at the Master of Social Work online program curriculum
In order to earn the Master of Social Work online, you must complete a total of 60 credit hours, including three clinical field experiences.
Request Information
Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.
Or call 800-985-7215
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