Online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Exceptionally prepare with a CSWE-Accredited B.A. in Social Work
Develop the in-demand skills you need to become a catalyst for change. Graduate ready to make an impact in a variety of settings.
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At-a-Glance
Format 100% Online
Cost Per Credit $611
Program Length 4 Years
Total Credits 120
Flexible, Rewarding Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Develop the skills you need to make an impact in your community. The enriching Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) online program at the University of Kentucky will prepare you for generalist social work practice and/or prepare you to continue your education with a Master of Social Work. You’ll also gain practice and research experience in a wide range of settings.
Learn from our experienced, supportive faculty and graduate exceptionally prepared to make a difference. This CSWE-accredited program will equip you with the ability to serve others and find the right fit for your academic, personal and professional aspirations.
Get Career-Ready with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Work
The online B.A. in Social Work from the University of Kentucky will prepare you for a rewarding career in a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030.1 Social workers can be employed in a wide range of settings, from schools, community-based non-profits and residential treatment programs, to city government, hospitals, the criminal justice system, and more. As a graduate, you will be well prepared to find a career path that best suits your passion and your goals.
A Rigorous Curriculum Rooted in Social Justice
The online Bachelor’s in Social Work provides a curriculum that will challenge you, enrich your academic experience and prepare you for a successful career. Taught by expert faculty, many of whom are licensed social workers, the courses will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for licensing and taking the next step—whether it’s into the workforce or continuing to graduate study. Eligible students who graduate from UK’s B.A. in Social Work program can complete their Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in just one year through UK’s 4+1=MSW Initiative.
The online B.A. in Social Work curriculum also includes field study and the ability to gain real-world experience. With more than 1,000+ field placement options, you will gain experience in a wide variety of social work and inter-professional settings in your community.
Highly motivated and exceptional students may apply for the University Scholars program (USP). You’ll have the opportunity to take up to four MSW courses during your final two semesters of coursework to count dually towards your BASW and MSW degrees.
Explore CurriculumAdmission Requirements
Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application.
If you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, please review the University of Kentucky admission information.
- Completed application. Apply now.
- 2.5 minimum GPA on all college work
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- A grade of B or better in both SW 124 (or equivalent) and SW 222 (or equivalent), or a grade of B or better in SW 322 (or equivalent)
- A grade of C or better in PSY 100, SOC 101, BIO 103, and PS 101
- Written personal essay
Tuition & Financial Aid
The cost per credit hour for the online Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program is $611* with a total of 120 credits. Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at UK.
We’re here to support you in your commitment to academic excellence and connect you with a variety of forms of financial aid — from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits.
Note that additional fees may apply, and total tuition will depend on factors such as the number of credits taken and time to complete. Tuition rates are subject to annual changes.
*Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.
Tuition Details
Military Student Support
The flexible nature of our Bachelor’s in Social Work online program is ideal for U.S. military service members and veterans. With faculty who have military backgrounds, courses specific to the issues that are relevant to you, and military-specific benefits like our Veterans Resource Center, our mission is to support your academic success.
Get SupportFaculty: Learn From Experience
UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field — many of them are experienced, licensed professionals who bring their deep passion and practice experience to the virtual classroom.
Learn from professors committed to the ideals of justice and equity in social work.
Our FacultyWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online Bachelor’s in Social Work program at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, a thoughtfully designed curriculum, and the highest licensure exam pass rate in the Commonwealth, we make sure you graduate ready and exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
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University of Kentucky College of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Visit our Resource Center to find answers fast.
Resource CenterStudents are assessed a $10 per credit hour Distance Learning Fee in addition to tuition, mandatory fees, and any other course-specific fees. Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year. For further information regarding specific charges for instruction and related services (excluding other living and personal expenses), please refer to the tuition and fees page.
The online program is designed for maximum flexibility and may be taken full-time if you have the time to do so successfully. To see the curriculum, view our courses page.
The online B.A. in Social Work does not include any concentrations.
No, prior work experience is not required. You can learn more about our requirements on our admissions page.
You’ll complete 120 credits to earn the online B.A. in Social Work. You can review courses now. Students can transfer up to 67 credit hours from a two-year institution, but must complete a minimum of 30 of the final 36 credit hours at Kentucky.
Students must be admitted to the University of Kentucky as a Social Work major prior to submitting this application. The requirements for the online B.A. in Social Work include:
- Completed online application form
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
- Transcripts from all completed courses
- A grade of B or better in both SW 124 (or equivalent) and SW 222 (or equivalent), 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
- A Personal Essay
You can learn more about our admission requirements on our admissions page.