University of Pikeville

School of Social Work
Genesia Kilgore-Bowling
Chair, School of Social Work
MSW Program Director
(606) 218-5011
GenesiaKilgoreBowling@upike.edu

 

The new fully online MSW program is designed for self-directed learners who seek the flexibility of online learning but desire to have meaningful relationships with their faculty and peers in a robust learning environment. UPIKE’s program has a unique specialization in mental health and addictions, which provide students with the advanced training needed to effectively direct clinical practice with individuals, families and small groups. Graduates finish fully prepared to take on leadership positions and pursue a future license as a clinical social worker.  

MSW Student Handbook

Admission Process

Admission Process – MSW Regular Standing- 60-Hour Program

*To be completed by students who do not hold an undergraduate social work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or who do not meet additional criteria for Advanced Standing.

  1. Complete the MSW graduate application and submit the application fee.
  2. Have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  3. Have obtained a preferred overall GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Must submit a transcript from a degree-granting institution and transcripts from any graduate work;
  4. Have earned a minimum of 21 credit hours of undergraduate liberal arts coursework.*

    Six hours of social science (sociology, psychology, communication, political science, economics, anthropology and human geography)

    Six hours in arts and humanities (philosophy, ethics, art, music, theatre, religion, foreign language and literature/writing)

    Three hours in an introductory biology course or human-based biology course

    Three hours in a statistics course

    Three hours in a natural sciences or mathematics course

  5. The applicant must submit three recommendation forms.  If you are currently enrolled in an academic program or have graduated within the last five (5) years, one of the recommendations must be from a current or former professor and the other recommendations will be accepted from individuals in any of the following categories:

    Professor
    Social Work Professor
    Field Supervisor
    Professional Social worker
    Work or Volunteer Supervisor

  6. Sign an acknowledgement form stating that applicant has accessed and reviewed the online MSW Handbook.
  7. Review and sign a declaration to behave in a manner consistent with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.  
  8. Sign an acknowledgement form stating willing to submit to a background check and drug screen which may be necessary for field education and that the applicant may be responsible for the costs of such.  
  9. Sign an acknowledgement form stating understanding that due to the online nature of the program, students may be required to submit recorded video of themselves as part of the program and/or course requirements. 
  10.  The applicant must submit a personal statement between four and six pages in length, double-spaced, which addresses all of the following:

    Why have you chosen to study social work? Why are you seeking graduate education at this time? What are your career goals for the five years following graduation?

    Describe the prior experiences, if any, that you have had with online learning, identifying any challenges that you anticipate with completing an online MSW and briefly discuss your strategies for academic success.

    Discuss specifically how you will plan for and accommodate the required weekly hours needed to complete the field hours while in the program. If you are expecting to be employed while in the program, discuss how you will ensure your availability for field-placement hours.

    What information or experience influenced your choice to apply to this school? How will you contribute to the University of Pikeville MSW program and to your peers?

*Please note that it is preferred that this requirement is completed prior to admission.  However, any liberal arts coursework not completed on admission to the MSW program, must be completed before beginning the advanced curriculum. 

Admission Process – MSW Advanced Standing- 30-Hour Program

*To be completed by students who have completed an undergraduate degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

  1. Complete the MSW graduate application and submit the application fee;
  2. An undergraduate social work degree from a program accredited by the CSWE with no more than eight years between degree conferral and the start date of the MSW program;
    1. Applicants holding a degree conferred more than eight years prior to beginning the MSW program may be considered if the applicant has been consistently employed in the field and/or consistently maintained a professional social work license.  Documentation of employment and/or license is required.
  3. A required overall GPA of 3.0 at the degree granting institution (on a 4.0 scale). Must submit transcript from degree granting institution and transcripts of any graduate work;  
  4. A grade of B or better on all undergraduate required social work courses;
  5.  The applicant must submit three recommendation forms.  One recommendation must be from a field supervisor or current employer if working in a social work-related position and the other two recommendations will be accepted from individuals in any of the following categories:   
    Professor
    Social Work Professor
    Field Supervisor
    Professional Social Worker
    Work or Volunteer Supervisor
  1. The applicant must sign an acknowledgement form stating that they can access and have reviewed the online MSW Handbook.  
  2. The applicant must review and sign a declaration to behave in a manner consistent with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.  
  3. The applicant must sign an acknowledgement form stating that they are willing to submit to a background check and drug screen which may be necessary for field education and that they may be responsible for the costs of such;
  4. The applicant must sign an acknowledgement form stating that they understand that due to the online nature of the program they may be required to submit recorded video of self as part of program and/or course requirements;  
  5. The applicant must submit a personal statement between four and six pages in length, double-spaced, which addresses all of the following:

    Why have you chosen to study social work? Why are you seeking graduate education at this time? What are your career goals for the five years following graduation?

    Describe prior experiences, if any, that you have had with online learning, identify any challenges that you anticipate with completing an online MSW, and briefly discuss your strategies for academic success.

    Discuss specifically how you will plan for and accommodate the required hours per week needed to complete the field hours while in the program. If you are expecting to be employed while in the program, discuss how you will ensure your availability for field placement hours.

    What information or experience influenced your choice in making an application to this school? How will you contribute to the University of Pikeville MSW program and to your peers?
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MSW Student Success

“Several things factored into me choosing UPIKE’s MSW program. The enthusiasm for the program voiced to me by Dr. G [Genesia Kilgore-Bowling] was contagious, and thankfully I was considered for the advanced standing track.I am thrilled for the opportunity to complete my degree at a university that I know and trust right here in Eastern Kentucky and I am excited to be a part of the inaugural MSW class at UPIKE!”

Kristi Lee ’22

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