Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Overview
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Kentucky State University’s online program offers a flexible pathway to a career focused on helping others. Through this program, you’ll dive into essential areas like mental health, family support, child welfare, and substance abuse treatment. You’ll learn to assess needs, advocate for social justice, and connect individuals with resources that make a difference in their lives. This program equips you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for today’s fast-evolving field of social work, all from the convenience of an online format that lets you balance study with other commitments.
KYSU’s fully online format provides the support and quality of an in-person program while allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule. The curriculum is designed to blend theory with hands-on learning, with courses led by experienced professionals who bring real-world insights to each class. Through online discussions, case studies, and internships, you’ll gain both foundational knowledge and practical experience. You’ll also connect with a community of peers and faculty dedicated to addressing social challenges and uplifting communities.
A Bachelor’s in Social Work from KYSU opens doors to diverse and meaningful career paths. Social work is a field with strong job growth and a deep sense of purpose. Whether you’re passionate about supporting mental health, assisting children and families, or advocating for public health, this degree provides the skills and opportunities to help others lead better lives.
Tuition and Fees:
$350
per credit hour
Efficient Completion:
1-4 years*
*depending on transfer credits
and your course load
Financial Aid
Kentucky State University's Office of Financial Aid coordinates federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs to ensure equitable and efficient use of available funding.
Our mission is to support and advocate for students, providing guidance on financial assistance to enhance their success in higher education.
Our vision is to remove financial barriers by offering resources with a focus on CARE, DIVERSITY, GUIDANCE, ACCESS, and EFFICIENCY. While financial aid helps cover educational costs, it typically does not fully fund tuition.
Financial Aid Services
FAFSA Help
Reviewing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving any database matches or other criteria for participating in the student aid programs
Eligibility
Assessing eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid awards
Awards Management
Send award notifications and make awards adjustments based on additional resources
or due to enrollment status changes.
Advising
Advising on next step actions for application process, disbursement of aid, and other special circumstances via in-person, telephone, and email contacts.
Outreach
Participation in outreach activities: orientation, financial aid workshops, etc.
Financial Aid is available
We're here to help you through the process! Contact the Financial Aid office for more
information.
Contact KSU Financial Aid
Career Outlook
A Bachelor of Science in Social Work offers a solid career outlook, as social work is a growing field with steady demand across various sectors. Employment for social workers is projected to increase by about 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of mental health, and the ongoing need for social services, including support for families, children, veterans, and those battling substance abuse issues.
Salary expectations for social workers vary by specialization and location. In 2023, the median annual wage for social workers was around $51,760, with those in healthcare and clinical settings typically earning higher wages, averaging up to $66,350 annually. Specializations such as healthcare, mental health, and school social work are expected to experience particularly robust job growth. Overall, social work careers offer stability and meaningful impact, with numerous job openings anticipated each year as current professionals retire or change fields.
Unlocking Opportunities
A Bachelor of Science in Social Work opens doors to a wide variety of roles that support individuals, families, and communities in need. Some of the key job titles for graduates include:
- Case Manager: Works with clients to connect them with resources, such as healthcare, housing, or
job training, based on their unique needs.
- Child and Family Social Worker: Supports families and children facing challenges, including child abuse and neglect
cases, by coordinating resources and providing guidance.
- School Social Worker: Helps students succeed academically by addressing issues related to mental health,
family dynamics, and behavioral concerns.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Works in hospitals or clinics to support patients with chronic illnesses, mental health issues, or recovery from surgeries, helping them navigate healthcare systems and resources.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: Assists clients in managing mental health disorders or substance abuse, providing
counseling, support, and resources for recovery.
- Community Outreach Coordinator: Develops and oversees programs aimed at improving community welfare, often working
with non-profits or local government agencies.
- Probation Officer: Supervises and supports individuals on probation, ensuring they adhere to probation requirements and access needed support services.
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Salary and Job Growth Expectations
Salary Expectations
In 2023, the median annual wage for social workers was around $51,760, with those in healthcare and clinical settings typically earning higher wages, averaging up to $66,350 annually. Specializations such as healthcare, mental health, and school social work are expected to experience particularly robust job growth. Overall, social work careers offer stability and meaningful impact, with numerous job openings anticipated each year as current professionals retire or change fields.
Job Growth Expectations
Employment for social workers is projected to increase by about 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of mental health, and the ongoing need for social services, including support for families, children, veterans, and those battling substance abuse issues.
Admissions
Students who meet the criteria of unweighted high school grade point average of 2.5-4.00 on a 4.00 scale will be granted Standard Admission.
Kentucky State University’s Excel Program is designed to provide First-time Freshman students with an opportunity to attend and matriculate through a four year institution despite not meeting traditional admissions requirements.
Excel Students are afforded the opportunity to earn both their Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees by successfully completing 60 hours (two years) and receiving their Associate’s Degree and continuing to complete their remaining 60 hours (two years) and receive their Bachelor’s degree. Click here for more information.
Admission Process
1
Complete Application
2
Submit Transcripts
3
Discover Funding
4
Enroll in Classes
Major Courses and Requirements
- Career Choice - Human Service Professional - Credits: 3
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse - Credits: 3
- Human Behavior I - Credits: 3
- Human Behavior II - Credits: 3
- Dynamics Marriage/Family - Credits: 3
- Cultural Inc. & Social Justice - Credits: 3
- Generalist Practice I - Credits: 3
- Generalist Practice II - Credits: 3
- Generalist Practice III - Credits: 3
- Policy I - Credits: 3
- Policy II - Credits: 3
- Child Abuse & Neglect - Credits: 3
- Child Abuse Interventions - Credits: 3
- Introduction to Public Health - Credits: 3
- Statistics for Social Work - Credits: 3
- Research Methods Social Work - Credits: 3
- Field Instruction I - Credits: 6
- Social Work Seminar I - Credits: 3
- Field Instruction II - Credits: 6
- Social Work Seminar II - Credits: 3
- Child Welfare Services - Credits: 3
- Research Methods for Social Work - Credits: 3
- Statistics for Social Work - Credits: 3
- Statistics for Social Work - Credits: 3
- Special Topics in Social Work - Credits: 3