Overview

The Social Work programme at Western Kentucky University provides students with the advanced skills necessary to serve as professional practitioners in diverse environments. This Master of Social Work degree focuses specifically on meeting the unique workforce needs of agencies that support families and rural communities.

The curriculum is designed to address the complexities of modern social services through two distinct pathways. The Traditional Program concentration is suited for those with a baccalaureate degree in any field, while the Advanced Standing Program is tailored for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in the subject from an accredited institution.

Both pathways culminate in a capstone experience that integrates the entire curriculum through a comprehensive practice module.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 17907 per year
National fee: USD 16506 per year
Local fee: USD 10926 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of both generalist and advanced practice. Modules may include:

Diversity, Oppression, and Equity in Social Work Practice
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Generalist Social Work Practice
Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice
Rural Community Organization and Development
Social Welfare Policy
Social Work Research Methods
Social Work Administration and Supervision
Advanced Psycho-Social Approaches for Rural Practice
Integrated Social Work Practice with Families
Social Work Clinical Assessment and Intervention
Rural Social Welfare Policy
Applied Social Work Research
Social Work in Diverse Rural Areas

Careers with Social Work

Graduates from Western Kentucky University are prepared for advanced roles within the social services sector. The programme specifically trains individuals to work within agencies that serve families and communities, with a particular emphasis on rural practice. Students develop the expertise required for clinical assessment, intervention, and administration. This qualification enables professionals to address the needs of increasingly diverse populations across various human service organisations.

Accreditation

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Generalist Social Work Practice
Group Dynamics in Social Work Practice
Rural Community Organization and Development
Foundation of Social Welfare Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-19 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.
Starting 2027-01-16 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

traditional program: 60 semester hours
advanced standing: 33 semester hours

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bowling Green, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 582 other Masters in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

139 _(verbal)

139 _{(quantitative)}

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

2.75 or greater GPA based on the last 60 hours of undergraduate and/or graduate semester credit hours prior to admission. Students with a lower GPA must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and achieve minimum scores of 139 on each of the sections (verbal and quantitative) and apply for Alternate Admissions
A Western Kentucky University Master of Social Work program application, personal statement, and writing sample.
Three completed WKU Master of Social Work program reference forms.
Demonstrated competence in the use of basic statistical methods through completion, with a minimum grade of "C", of an undergraduate or graduate course covering the portion of the research process involving the quantitative manipulation and analysis of data.
Liberal arts background - at least 30 hours in liberal arts coursework
An interview may be required.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17907 USD / year

≈ 17907 USD / year
Out-of-State

16506 USD / year

≈ 16506 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10926 USD / year

≈ 10926 USD / year

Living costs

Bowling Green

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bowling Green

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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