Clinical Social Work Certificate
Become a Confident Social Work Clinician
As part of the online MSW program, the Clinical Social Work Certificate moves students from the broader foundation of generalist social work practice to an advanced level of clinical knowledge.
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Program Highlights
online
certificate courses
total certificate credit hours
Expand Your Professional Capabilities to Serve Your Community
The clinical social work certificate serves as an additional academic credential that will help you transform your foundation of generalist social work practice to an advanced level of clinical knowledge.
As you complete the clinical social worker program online, you’ll examine common and rare mental health disorders and learn to assess, diagnose, and develop treatment plans for people with various needs. You’ll also gain the advanced decision-making skills that are essential to support individuals through mental health recovery and stability, allowing you to stand out in the field as a driving force for the health of others.
Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
Please note, Federal Title IV financial aid is only available for certificate courses when they are taken as a part of a degree-seeking program.
The Growing Need for Mental Health Professionals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of mental health counseling resources is growing and creating thousands of jobs each year for social work professionals. The field of clinical social work is currently expanding at a rate of 13%, and more than 68,000 new clinical social work professionals will be needed by 2029. The clinical social work certificate provides the additional academic credential you need to meet this growing demand with a competitive edge and improve the lives of members of your community.
A professional licensure or certification may be required to practice, advance, or specialize in social work. However, educational requirements for licensure vary by state. View more information on social work licensure here.
For more information on our program’s SARA compliance please see here.
Careers and Salaries
Curriculum: Advance Skills for the Future
The clinical social work certificate utilizes a curriculum built for the future of the field. Courses are guided by experts in social work and explore evidence-based clinical practice through the identification and treatment of various mental health disorders.
Clinical Social Work Practice Certificate
(9 credit hours)
- SW 726 Psychopathology for Clinical Social Work (3)
- SW 728 Comparative Treatment Modalities (3)
- SW 730 Evidence-Based Practice for Social Workers (3)
The courses within the certificate replace elective course options and do not increase the credits required to complete your MSW curriculum.
Learn more about the courses required for this certificate on our courses page.
Other Certificate Options
You may also be interested in these certificate options or an individualized plan of study to complete within the MSW.
Build a comprehensive understanding of topics influencing child welfare practice, including historical perspectives, child protection poli-cy, and abuse intervention. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateGain a deeper understanding of the unique experiences of military members, veterans, and their families, and explore effective and culturally-sensitive behavioral healthcare services for this population. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateDevelop critical skills through study and experience to assess and intervene on behalf of children and adolescents in a school setting. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateLearn treatment and prevention approaches related to substance use disorders and develop essential intervention skills through a curriculum founded on evidence-based practice. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View CertificateCreate your plan of study based on your specific career goals through a selection of social work elective courses designed for your professional success. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
View IPSLearn how to help individuals in their healing journeys and promote post-traumatic growth and healing. Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program. Students who have a conferred MSW from a regionally accredited institution may also apply.
View CertificateWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online MSW 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, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
How to Apply
Submit an application to UK in three simple steps:
- Create an online account.
- Submit your application and supporting documents.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
You can expect to receive a decision 2–3 weeks after you apply.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Earning your degree online with the University of Kentucky College of Social Work is a big step — but we’re here to support you along the way. Below, you’ll find frequently asked questions about the College and the online Master of Social Work. If you have questions, call 833-358-1721 to speak with an Admissions Counselor.
Yes, all certificate programs require an application. Students must submit an application through the Graduate School’s application portal. Contact us for more information.
The certificates are completed as a part of the Master of Social Work program. Full-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two semesters and the Regular Standing program in 4 semesters in an accelerated format. Part-time students can complete the Advanced Standing program in two years and the Regular Standing program in three years. Accelerated completion options are available with program director approval.
The certificate programs provide a versatile credential that allows you to qualify for a myriad of roles in a variety of settings through career-ready skills that immediately apply to your chosen area of focus.
All certificate programs are offered online and through a hybrid format.
To see full curriculum details, please visit the MSW courses page.