Social Work, M.S.W.

Linda Ault, Ph.D., MSW, Interim School of Social Work Director 

Amanda Brown, Ph.D., MSW Graduate Program Director 

Purpose

Northern Kentucky University’s School of Social Work program educates competent and ethical Master of Social Work graduates who demonstrate leadership and social work values in their profession and communities, advance social and economic justice; and work to improve the quality of life for all people. With a concentration in clinical behavioral health and community practice, MSW students learn to engage in professional practice at multiple levels with a wide variety of evidence-informed interventions. The program is Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited.

Contact Information

School of Social Work Graduate Office - MEP 295

msw@nku.edu or 859-572-7892

Admission Requirements

Individuals applying must meet all requirements for admission to graduate study at Northern Kentucky University as defined by the Graduate Catalog at the time of application in addition to the criteria below. The Standard MSW (also referred to as traditional or full MSW) is designed for individuals who do not hold a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) and wish to pursue an education and a career in social work. The Standard MSW is also for individuals who hold a BSW but do not meet the additional academic requirements of the Advanced Standing MSW. The Advanced Standing MSW is designed for individuals who have finished their BSW with particular GPA standards (see below) within the past ten years.

Standard MSW Track 

To be eligible for admission to the Standard MSW track applicants must have:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The program may consider applications from candidates who have a slightly lower GPA; however, admission decisions are based on a review of all candidates.
2. Undergraduate foundation courses, completed with a C or higher, in psychology, sociology, and statistics.

Advanced Standing MSW Track

To be eligible for admission to the Advanced Standing MSW track applicants must have:

1. A Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE accredited program, with a total cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The BSW must be from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. A statistics course with a C or higher.
3. A minimum of 3.5 GPA in social work courses.
4. Admitted students must start the Advanced Standing MSW in no more than 10 years from the semester of graduation with a BSW.

Application process for both tracks:

1. Submit an online application for admission and application fee to the Office of Graduate Education.
2. Submit official transcripts of undergraduate and any graduate coursework sent directly from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
3. Submit a professional resume tailored to your educational goals, including educational background, employment history, awards, and accomplishments.  Resume must include 3 references from people (former instructors, supervisors, colleagues, etc.) who are qualified to evaluate academic and professional potential in the field of social work.  The program as required may contact references.

♦ Indicates prerequisite.