As the only helping profession that emphasizes both human well-being and social justice, social workers strive to empower others to make the changes they desire in their lives and advocate to bring about social change on both individual and community levels. Social workers help communities provide maximum equality of opportunity for all; help vulnerable individuals learn to cope more effectively with their problems and needs; and seek continually to strengthen and improve the institutional systems responsible for education, justice, health, business, labor, and welfare, so that people are better served. Social workers impact all walks of life--from those who work with and advocate for the elderly, to those who work in schools with young learners.

University of Kentucky offers the Bachelor of Social Work as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Lexington, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for social work and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.
About Bachelor of Social Work
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Social Work at University of Kentucky
Entry Requirements
- Freshman Admission: Applicants who have not attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND who have met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Transfer Admission : Applicants who have attended a college or university upon completion of secondary school AND met all requirements including English proficiency as noted below.
- Non-degree Admission: Applicants who are exchange or visiting students.
- Conditional Admission: Applicants who meet UK’s academic requirements for admission but do not meet the minimum language proficiency requirement or the departmental specific requirements (such as certain SAT/ACT math scores for Engineering and Nursing).
- Students who are offered conditional admission because of English may either resubmit a higher TOEFL/IELTS score or enroll in UK's Center for English as a Second Language program. The duration of these courses will depend on placement test results and individual student progress. Upon successful completion of the English language course(s), the student will move seamlessly into a degree program at UK. This means no TOEFL/IELTS scores will be required if students complete CESL.
- Students who require a higher math score for Engineering may submit a higher score or switch their intended major to a program that does not have specific requirements.
- No additional application is required for Conditional Admission.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6
- TOEFLMin 71
Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Social Work
Career Opportunities in Social Work
YOU can make a difference!
- Administration
- Adoption
- Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Community Outreach
- Counselor
- Criminal Justice
- Developmental Disabilities
- Education
- Foster Care
- Gerontology
- Immigrants and Refugees
- International Social Work
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Medical Social Worker
- Mental Health Case Worker
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Public Health Outreach
- School Social Worker
- Substance Abuse
- Poverty
- Public Policy
- Veterans and Military Families
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Social Work at University of Kentucky
How to Apply for Bachelor of Social Work at University of Kentucky
1. Complete UK International Application for Undergraduate Admission or Common Application
2. $60 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 71 iBT, 543 IPT (UK administered)
- TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 105
5. Optional tests: ACT / SAT (M+CR) Scores
- ACT school code: 1554 | SAT school code - 1837
- Required for engineering programs and scholarships
Priority Deadline:
- December 1 for Fall semester (August start)
- October 15 for Spring semester (January start)
*Scholarship deadline for freshmen international undergraduate students is December 1.

United States of America, Lexington