Campbellsville University's CSWE-accredited online MSW program prepares you to advance your career and take on a leadership role in the field of social work while learning how to work with individuals, families, communities and groups. The 60-credit foundation path welcomes students with bachelor's degrees in any field.
Program Details
Next Start Date:
1/11/2027
Estimated Length:
3 Years
Credit Hours:
60
Cost Per Credit:
$640Program Benefits
- Apply up to 12 transfer credits to reduce time and cost
- Expert faculty
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Foundation and accelerated Advanced Standing options available
- 100% online coursework
- CSWE-accredited, trauma-informed curriculum
- Qualifying students may complete an employment-based practicum
- Choose a generalist path or tailor your degree through an areas of focus
Master of Social Work Overview
What Is an MSW Degree?
CU offers two paths into the MSW: a foundation track for students without a social work background, and an advanced standing track for those who already hold a BSW.
Foundation Program
The online Master of Social Work degree from Campbellsville University prepares you for career advancement so that you can move out of entry-level positions in the field. With a curriculum rooted in ethical and Christian ideals along with trauma-informed practice, this program helps you develop an advanced understanding of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for becoming a leader in social work. You’ll learn to assess needs, design interventions, advocate for change and lead across individual, family, group, organizational and community settings.
Designed for students whose bachelor’s degree is outside social work, the foundation path builds essential competence in human development, policy, research, cultural competency and social justice before moving into advanced practice. After completing your foundation year, you’ll choose a generalist path or tailor your degree with one of five specialized areas of focus: Clinical, Substance Use Disorders, Faith Based, Forensic or School Social Work. Dual-focus combinations are also available.
Complete coursework online while learning in small classes from experienced practitioners. A personal academic advisor and one-on-one faculty access help you stay supported from enrollment through graduation.
With our CSWE-accredited online MSW, you can pursue a career in a wide range of areas, including therapy and counseling, community mental health, child protection, the criminal justice system, public advocacy and home health. You could also enter a career in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or as an addiction or substance abuse counselor while on active duty in the U.S. military.
This program is not eligible for the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) F-1 visa program.
Who Is This Online Program For?
Students who have an academic background in an unrelated field can gain the experience needed to enter the field of social work through this foundation program. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in social work can accelerate their studies by completing our advanced standing program.
| Online MSW Paths | Best for | Credits | Time to Complete |
| Foundation MSW | Applicants without a CSWE-accredited BSW who are looking to enter the social work field. | 60 credits | 3 years or less |
| Advanced Standing MSW | Eligible graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs looking to advance in the social work field. | 30 credits | As few as 9 months |
“The social work program has inspired me to do more good in my community. I am a care coordinator for the county I live in and some of the tools I learn in classes I can take to my current job.”
– Curtis Newcome, MSW
Additional Program Information
- MSW Student Handbook: The handbook is a detailed resource with more information about policies, available resources, faculty and course plans.
- Program Outcomes
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Course Map
Our online MSW degree consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in 3 years.
The Council on Social Work Education requires MSW students to have 900 hours of field practice at degree completion. This program includes 450 hours at the foundations level. Students are responsible for finding and securing their field placements. Students may be able to complete an employment-based practicum at their existing place of work.
The foundation year of the MSW program is for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work program or do not meet the admission criteria for advanced standing.
A student enrolled full time will take 6 graduate terms to complete the foundations curriculum and 8 graduate terms to complete the full 60-hour program. There are three entry points to the foundation year of the MSW program: August, January and May.
- SWK 510: Foundation Practicum I (225 clock hours)
- SWK 511: Foundation Practicum II (225 clock hours)
- SWK 520: Human Development
- SWK 530: Research Methods
- SWK 545: Practice Foundation I
- SWK 546: Practice Foundation II
- SWK 547: Practice Foundation III
- SWK 548: Practice Foundation IV
- SWK 570: Cultural Competency
- SWK 575: Policy & Practice
The advanced curriculum of the MSW program is for students who have either completed the foundation year of the curriculum or completed a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate social work program.
- SWK 610: Advanced Practicum I (225 clock hours)
- SWK 611: Advanced Practicum II (225 clock hours)
- SWK 615: World Problems & Advocacy
- SWK 626: Family Therapy and Group Practice
- SWK 655: Program Evaluation
- SWK 660: Psychopathology
- SWK 665: Leadership and Supervision in Social Work
Electives (Choose three courses)
- SWK 601: Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 630: Experiential Learning
- SWK 640: Forensic Social Work
- SWK 642: Conflict Resolution
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- SWK 682: Human Trafficking Interventions
- SWK 685: Managing Non-Profit Organizations
- SWK 686: Social Work in the School Setting
- SWK 687: Medical Social Work
- SWK 692: Theories for Social Work Practice
The Clinical curriculum of the online MSW program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in a clinical setting of your choice.
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 692: Theories for Social Work Practice
This area of focus combines Clinical and Faith Based courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. A licensed clinical social worker must supervise fieldwork at the clinical level in a clinical practice of your choice.
- SWK 601: Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 630: Experiential Learning
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 685: Managing Non-Profit Organizations
- SWK 692: Theories for Social Work Practice
This area of focus combines Clinical and Substance Use Disorders courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. A licensed clinical social worker must supervise fieldwork at the clinical level in a clinical and substance abuse practice of your choice.
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- SWK 692: Theories for Social Work Practice
The Faith Based area of focus will equip students to ethically integrate their spirituality in professional social work practice. The area of focus will be taught from a justice perspective that honors the dignity and worth of all persons and teaches students advanced aspects of integrating faith in all components of social work practice. Students seeking faith-based leadership skills and those who are “called to serve” will learn advanced skills to address societal problems found within any social work program.
Required courses:
- SWK 601: Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 685: Managing Non-Profit Organizations
Choose one:
- SWK 630: Experiential Learning
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
In today’s complex justice system, the areas of corrections such as probation, parole, community corrections, prisons and policing often intersect with social work practice. The Forensic area of focus was developed to address the specific skills required for social workers in these contexts and draws from social work, criminal justice and social justice principles to deliver specialized expertise.
- SWK 640: Forensic Social Work
- SWK 642: Conflict Resolution
- SWK 681: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The School Social Work area of focus prepares students to qualify for school social work certification through the Kentucky Department of Education. Students complete their advanced practicum in a school setting under the supervision of a school social worker.
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 686: School Social Work
- SED 506: Behavior Management of Children with Learning Behavior
Problems
The Substance Use Disorder curriculum of the online MSW program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in an agency setting that provides substance abuse services.
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
This area of focus combines Substance Use Disorders and Faith Based courses. This program is for students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution or those who have completed their foundation year. Fieldwork at the clinical level must be supervised by a licensed clinical social worker in an agency setting that provides substance abuse services.
- SWK 601: Integrating Spirituality and Practice
- SWK 630: Experiential Learning
- SWK 650: Evidence Based Clinical Practice
- SWK 661: Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology
- SWK 681: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- SWK 685: Managing Non-Profit Organizations
Admissions Requirements
To apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited online master’s degree in social work, students must complete or submit the following:
- Online application
- Carver School MSW graduate program application form (sent via Adobe Sign)
- Conferred degree transcripts from all accredited institutions
- Three recommendations using the standardized social work program recommendation form (sent via Adobe Sign)
Application Deadline Dates:
- Fall Term: Priority deadline is July 1, final deadline (no field) is August 1.
- Spring Term: Priority deadline is November 15, final deadline (no field) is December 1.
- Summer Term: Priority deadline is March 15, final deadline (no field) is April 15.
Field Deadline Dates**:
- Fall Term: July 15
- Spring Term: December 1
- Summer Term: April 1
*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may still apply and be considered for Advanced Standing but must include a personal statement along with the application.
**Full-time advanced standing applicants who want to complete the MSW degree, including field education, in two semesters MUST apply early and work with the MSW Director of Field Education to secure placement arrangements by the field deadline.
Costs & Financial Aid
How Much Does the Online MSW Program Cost?
The online MSW costs $640 per credit hour. Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options to make their education even more affordable.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
Students completing the foundation program may transfer a maximum of 12 credits from an accredited institution.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Social Work?
Campbellsville University’s online master’s degree in social work program supports advanced practice and leadership opportunities across clinical, healthcare, community, public and nonprofit settings. Potential career outcomes include:
- Clinical social worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Substance abuse counselor
- Mental health social worker
- Child and family social worker
- Geriatric social worker
- Faith-based social worker
- Forensic social worker
- Case manager
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the well-rounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- To determine your eligibility for any financial aid, your first step is to complete the FAFSA form. Our school code is 001959. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.
- MSW stands for Master of Social Work — a graduate credential that prepares social workers for advanced, licensure-track practice with individuals, families and communities. Earning it online at Campbellsville means the same CSWE-accredited coursework as the on-campus track, with in-person field placements built in along the way.
