Online MSW Programs in Kentucky

Are there online MSW programs based in Kentucky?

Yes. Nine Kentucky-based universities offer CSWE-accredited MSW programs in online or hybrid formats. Based on the CSWE accreditation details provided, online or hybrid options from in-state institutions include:

Brescia University

Campbellsville University

Eastern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University

Spalding University

University of Kentucky

University of Louisville

University of Pikeville

Western Kentucky University

Can Kentucky residents enroll in out-of-state online MSW programs?

Often, yes. Many online MSW programs enroll students who live outside the school’s home state, but Kentucky residents should confirm three things before applying: the school is authorized to enroll students in KY, field education can be completed in-state or at another approved location, and the curriculum is designed to support KY social work licensure requirements.

Is CSWE accreditation important?

Yes. CSWE accreditation is important because Kentucky’s standard exam-based licensure pathway references social work degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students should verify a program’s current accreditation status in the CSWE directory before enrolling.

Does an online MSW automatically qualify you for LCSW licensure in Kentucky?

No. An online MSW may help meet Kentucky’s graduate education requirement if the program meets Kentucky Board of Social Work standards, but the degree alone does not qualify someone for LCSW licensure. Kentucky also requires applicants to hold or move through the Certified Social Worker path, complete post-master’s supervised clinical social work experience, document 150 hours of supervision, pass the required ASWB Clinical exam, submit board application materials, and meet other Kentucky Board of Social Work requirements. Students should confirm current requirements with the Kentucky Board of Social Work before enrolling or beginning supervision.

State licensing board

Professional licensure for social workers in Kentucky is administered by the Kentucky Board of Social Work.

Relevant state law and rules

Kentucky’s social work licensing laws are in KRS Chapter 335. The Kentucky Board of Social Work regulations are in 201 KAR Chapter 23 and cover topics such as fees, renewal, continuing education, scope of practice, supervision, ethics, complaints, and temporary permission to practice.

Common MSW-level license path

CSW to LCSW. Kentucky’s licensure uses the Certified Social Worker (CSW) credential for master’s-level social workers and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential for independent clinical social work.

Graduate education

For both Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure, Kentucky requires, according to 201 KAR 23:070, Section 1(2), that an applicant hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) or Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) from a graduate school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Exam

Kentucky applicants must report whether they have taken and passed an ASWB social work licensure exam, and identify which exam they took. Under 201 KAR 23:025, Section 2(1)(m), certain CSW and LCSW applicants must submit an ASWB Exam Official Score Transfer Report, including CSW applicants licensed outside Kentucky and LCSW applicants who are not already Kentucky CSWs. Students should confirm the required ASWB exam category and sequence with the Kentucky Board of Social Work.

Supervised experience

For LCSW licensure, Kentucky requires post-master’s supervised clinical social work experience under board-approved supervision. Under 201 KAR 23:070, Section 8(2)(a), supervision must total at least 150 hours over the two-year minimum supervised practice period. Kentucky also requires at least 100 hours of individual supervision and allows up to 50 hours of group supervision. The supervised experience must include at least 60% direct client-professional work, direct responsibility for clinical social work services, and broad exposure to a variety of mental disorders, diagnoses, acuity levels, and population groups.

State-specific requirements

Applicants should review Kentucky Board of Social Work application instructions, temporary permit rules, supervision contract requirements, renewal fees, continuing education requirements, and current online licensing system instructions before applying.

Contact Information

Kentucky Board of Social Work

125 Holmes Street, Suite 310, Frankfort, KY 40601

Phone: 502-564-2350

Email is available via the contact us form.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Schools, child welfare agencies, family service organizations, and community programs

$59,100

Healthcare Social Workers

Hospitals, clinics, hospice, care coordination, and public health organizations

$64,080

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Behavioral health agencies, mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers

$42,570

Social Workers, All Other

Policy, administration, research, community development, and specialized social service roles

$85,160

All Occupations

Summary of all reported wages within the state across all job types

$46,920

Kentucky Board of Social Work

Current Kentucky license categories, applications, supervision requirements, renewal, continuing education, fees, and contact information.

KRS Chapter 335

Kentucky statutes governing social work licensure.

201 KAR Chapter 23

Kentucky administrative regulations for the Board of Social Work.

CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

Program accreditation, candidacy status, and accredited delivery methods.

ASWB Exam Information

Exam categories, registration, score transfers, and testing information.

NC-SARA Directory

State authorization participation for distance education. SARA does not confirm licensure alignment.

School professional licensure disclosures

Whether the school states that its curriculum meets, does not meet, or has not determined the Kentucky professional licensure education requirements.

Official school program pages

Current format, admissions requirements, tuition, field education support, advanced standing, certificates, and in-person requirements.