Shelita Jackson
Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies
College of Social Work
shelita.jackson@uky.eduAs the only helping profession that emphasizes both human well-being and social justice, social workers strive to empower others to make the changes they desire in their lives and advocate to bring about social change on both individual and community levels. Social workers help communities provide maximum equality of opportunity for all; help vulnerable individuals learn to cope more effectively with their problems and needs; and seek continually to strengthen and improve the institutional systems responsible for education, justice, health, business, labor, and welfare, so that people are better served. Social workers impact all walks of life--from those who work with and advocate for the elderly, to those who work in schools with young learners.
I decided social work was the field for me because I learned early on how versatile and flexible my job opportunities would be if I completed my degree in this field. I have been humbled by the support of my peers and faculty and the collaboration and teamwork towards a shared goal of having an impact on our world.
Class of 2019
Incoming students may select Social Work or Undeclared/Exploratory studies in Social Work as a major when applying to the university. Current UK students interested in changing majors to social work can submit the major change in myUK under "Degree Planning and Registration". Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the College of Social Work to discuss potential schedule changes and update their graduation plan when considering a major change. Students can connect with a College of Social Work Advisor at COSWAdvising@uky.edu
Social Work students may apply for the Professional Social Work Education program once they have met the pre-requisite requirements including:
Review full application instructions here.
One of the most important and exciting components of social work education is the field practicum. The Field Education practicum ensures students learn to integrate and apply social work values, knowledge, skills, and practice behaviors in a positive learning environment. Students’ high level of involvement in their own learning creates collaborative relationships that help them grow professionally and see practice in action. The College of Social Work partners with over 1000 public and non-profit organizations across Kentucky and the US. BASW students earn 10 credit hours completing over 400 hours in agency settings across two practicums within the social work curriculum. As the signature pedagogy of social work education, field education provides students a real world opportunity to begin to develop their professional identity.
Advanced Standing Master of Social Work Program
Students that have completed a bachelor’s degree of social work within the last 7 years may be eligible to apply for the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The Advanced Standing MSW program consists of 30 hours, compared to the regular 60 hour MSW program. To be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing, applicants must have received their BASW or BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last 7 years and present Grade Point Averages (GPA) at or above the following minimums:
Undergraduate GPA 3.0
Social Work GPA 3.5
Graduate GPA (if applicable) 3.0
Advanced Standing may be completed full-time, part-time, hybrid, or online.
Candidates who are not admitted to Advanced Standing program are automatically considered for the Regular 60-credit program. For more information, click here.
Social workers help people prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$58,380
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
728,600
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
53,800
new jobs (average)
Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including child welfare and human service agencies, healthcare providers, and schools. Most work full time, and some work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreThere are countless ways to “see blue.” on campus, but the best way to maximize your journey at the University of Kentucky is by engaging in an Education Abroad opportunity.
This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major! #SeeBlueAbroad
View Major Advising Page
Shelita Jackson
Director of BASW Undergraduate Studies
College of Social Work
shelita.jackson@uky.eduCollege of Social Work
859-257-6650
