Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green, Kentucky
Master of Social Work
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work at Western Kentucky University?
Master of Social Work is a MSW program at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, offered hybrid and online. It requires 60 semester hours (Traditional Program concentration) and takes 2 years full time; 4 years part time (part-time traditional plan on the Bowling Green campus only). Published tuition: Graduate tuition estimate (general graduate rate): $5,463 per semester in-state and $8,253 per semester out-of-state, based on 9 credit hours; distance-learning tuition may differ. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (30 semester hours). Western Kentucky University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | hybrid and online |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 60 semester hours (Traditional Program concentration) |
| Length | 2 years full time; 4 years part time (part-time traditional plan on the Bowling Green campus only) |
| Advanced standing | 30 semester hours; 1 year full time (Bowling Green campus and online cohort); BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the previous seven years with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (2.75-2.99 considered with an interview), plus a minimum of 400 hours of educationally based field instruction |
| Start terms | Fall |
| Tuition | Graduate tuition estimate (general graduate rate): $5,463 per semester in-state and $8,253 per semester out-of-state, based on 9 credit hours; distance-learning tuition may differ (2026-27) |
From catalog.wku.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Kentucky License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (Masters)For the CSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursMinimum of two years of post-master's supervised clinical experience; …
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
Kentucky license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Master of Social Work (Distance-Delivered) at University of Alaska Anchorage
University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage, AKFormatOnlineCredits31Est. tuition$17,019$549/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Primarily Online) at University of Alabama
University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, ALFormatOnline1,000 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$28,800$480/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Online) at University of North Alabama
University of North Alabama · Florence, ALFormatOnline900 field hoursCredits30Est. tuition$14,850$495/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work at Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville State University · Jacksonville, ALFormatHybrid900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$24,000$400/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work: Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work at Western Kentucky University Cost?
Graduate tuition estimate (general graduate rate): $5,463 per semester in-state and $8,253 per semester out-of-state, based on 9 credit hours; distance-learning tuition may differ. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with Western Kentucky University.
How Long Is Master of Social Work?
60 semester hours (Traditional Program concentration), 2 years full time; 4 years part time (part-time traditional plan on the Bowling Green campus only), according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 30 semester hours; 1 year full time (Bowling Green campus and online cohort); BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the previous seven years with at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA (2.75-2.99 considered with an interview), plus a minimum of 400 hours of educationally based field instruction.
Is Master of Social Work CSWE Accredited?
Western Kentucky University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.