University of Kentucky®
Bachelors Degree (BASW) in
Social Work
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 120
CREDENTIALS BASW Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$624.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Bachelors Degrees
- Social Work (BASW)
About this Program
Become an agent of change through this online program in social work. You will be able to view individuals, communities and societies from different perspectives to best facilitate positive change.
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Designed For
This program is appropriate for students passionate about helping others and addressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, and mental health challenges. It is suitable for individuals interested in pursuing careers as social workers, case managers, counselors, or advocates within diverse community and healthcare settings.
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Learn more about the Social Work online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Bachelors (BASW) in Social Work program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Students in this program interact with world-class faculty, staff, and a diverse cohort of students. Students gain practice and research experience in a variety of settings, including: clinical social work schools child welfare gerontology community organizing mental health international practice and more.
Course Examples
- SW 300 Social Work Practice I
- SW 421 Human Behavior and Social Environment
- SW 430 Social Welfare Policy
- SW 422 Human Behavior and Social Environment II
- SW 435 Intro to Professional Ethics
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
All new students will apply as Social Work or Undeclared/Exploratory studies in Social Work. Admitted social work majors will work with their academic advisor to determine when they should apply for the Professional Social Work education program. If you are a prospective freshman or transfer student, your first step toward admission is to apply for admission to the University of Kentucky as a social work major.
Professional Social Work Eligibility Requirements
- Current UK Social Work major
- An overall GPA of 2.5 or higher on all college work
- 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
- Submit the application to the major (when advised by your academic advisor). The application requires a written essay.
Application Requirements
- High school transcript
- College transcript (if college credit has been earned)
- Emergency contact information
- Resume or list of activities (for freshman only)
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026 (Transfer deadline is July 1)
Spring 2026 (Transfer deadline is Nov. 15)
Summer 2026 (Transfer deadline is April 15)
Sign up for a Virtual Open House
Join an upcoming information session to learn more about the program, curriculum and faculty
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for online students?
Yes! Online students enrolled in a degree-bearing program are eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships. Learn more at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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