Social Work, MSW

Asian woman in back of protest demonstration holding a poster We need a change. She's surrounded by other students

Gain the expertise to become an agent of change in your community.

DEGREE:

Master of Social Work (MSW)

DELIVERY:

Courses are primarily online with one day of classes per month

LOCATION:

Hybrid, Ashland, Morehead, Mt. Sterling, Prestonsburg

TIME REQUIRED:

1 or 2 years

Curriculum Maps

What You'll Learn in the MSW Program

Morehead State’s MSW Program prepares students for advanced social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Through coursework and practicum education, students develop skills in clinical engagement, assessment, intervention, advocacy, ethical decision-making, research-informed practice, and program evaluation.

The curriculum emphasizes the connection between individual well-being and the broader family, community, organizational, and policy systems that shape people’s lives. Students learn to provide culturally responsive and ethically grounded services, evaluate the effectiveness of their practice, and respond to the unique strengths and challenges of Appalachian, rural, and other underserved communities. Graduates are prepared to promote social justice, advance equity, and provide thoughtful leadership across a range of social work settings.

What makes Morehead State's program different

Morehead State’s MSW Program combines the flexibility of online coursework with four required in-person learning days each semester. These sessions provide opportunities to practice clinical and professional skills, apply course concepts, receive direct feedback from faculty, and build meaningful relationships with classmates.

Small cohorts allow faculty to know students individually and provide personalized support throughout the program. Courses are taught by faculty with experience across clinical practice, substance use treatment, mental health, child welfare, community-based services, research, and program evaluation. The program is especially committed to expanding access to graduate social work education and strengthening the social work and behavioral health workforce in eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian region.

Admission to the MSW program

Now accepting applications for both Regular Standing and Advanced Standing for Fall 2027.

General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to Admission to Graduate Study).
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate work and a minimum Social Work GPA of 3.5.
A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate program.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the graduate school.
Additional admission requirements (completed through the Master of Social Work Program):
- Signed Statement of Understanding.
- Personal statement, utilizing a prompt.
- Final practicum evaluation from the undergraduate social work practicum.
- Two professional recommendations using the standardized social work program recommendation form. At least one recommendation must be from a social work professor or practicum supervisor.
- Video submission in response to a given prompt.
- View Additional Requirements Information

General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to Admission to Graduate Study).
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate work.
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution.
Official transcripts must be sent directly to the graduate school.
Additional admission requirements (completed through the Master of Social Work Program):
- Signed Statement of Understanding.
- Personal statement, utilizing a prompt.
- Two professional recommendations using the standardized social work program recommendation form. At least one recommendation must be from a former professor.
- Video submission in response to a given prompt.
- View Additional Requirements Information