The Graduate Certificate in Child Welfare Practice provides specialized knowledge and skills related to serving neglected and abused children and their families. The nine hour credit curriculum offers post-baccalaureate and MSW students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge in the area of child welfare practice. Students who are admitted to the UK Graduate School and complete the certificate in post-baccalaureate status may use the credential as a foundational piece for the UK MSW program.
Child Welfare Practice
University Rank:#781
Duration1 year(s)
Tuition FeeUSD 53,014 / Year
Next IntakeAugust 21, 2023
Child Welfare Practice
About
Disciplines
College of Social Work
Requirements
Entry Requirements
- Students seeking admission to the Graduate School must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the term for which s/he is admitted, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. An accredited U.S. institution is one that is accredited by the appropriate regional agency (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern or Western Association of Colleges and Schools). A recognized foreign institution is an institution that is recognized by that nation's Ministry of Education or similar authority as a postsecondary, academic degree-granting institution.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work is required by the Graduate School. Individual departments may require higher grade point averages.
- Submission of scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical writing portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) unless their chosen program indicates otherwise. The Graduate School has no minimum GRE score requirement; individual programs may set specific score requirements and in some cases may require the advanced portion of the GRE.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The University of Kentucky requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). For IELTS, a minimum mean band score of 6.5 is required. Students may also use the Duolingo English Test (only tests taken after July 15, 2019 will be accepted. The minimum score will be 115, and students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by a CESL evaluator. TOEFL essentials may also be used and the minimum overall score is 9.
- Domestic applicants (U.S. citizens or resident aliens) must pay a $65 application fee; international applicants must pay a $75 fee. The application fee is non-refundable.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
Career
Child Welfare Practice
Child welfare practice requires professionals to be lifelong learners due to the complex and multiple factors that contribute to child trauma and maltreatment such as substance use disorders, violence, and poverty. Improving safety and well-being outcomes for children and families requires in-depth study of child welfare research, policy, and evidence-based practices. Child welfare professionals are employed across the nation and internationally. This graduate certificate is transferrable to other states and will benefit students who plan to practice beyond Kentucky.
Nationally, child and family social worker jobs in the U.S. are projected to grow 10% - 14% between 2014 – 2026 with 9,250 projected annual job openings (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Individuals who complete the certificate as an enhancement to the MSW degree or as an addition to their existing bachelor's degree will enhance their knowledge for serving children in a variety of settings including public child welfare agencies, community mental health centers, hospitals, and non-profits serving children.
Career opportunities utilizing child welfare expertise:
- Social Service Workers
- Youth Services Specialists
- Therapists
- School Social Workers
- In-Home Services Clinicians
- Child and Family Impact Service Coordinators
- Case Managers
- Child Evaluation Specialists
- Assessment Clinicians
Application Requirements
- An official transcript displaying a baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution is required. The official transcript should be submitted at the time of application to the UK Graduate School.
- The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
- Application Deadlines:
- Spring: December 9
- Summer: April 15
- Fall: July 22
Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.
Fee Information
Application Fee 75
How to Apply
1. Complete UK Graduate Application
2. $75 Application processing fee (non-refundable)
3. Official transcripts in English
4. English proficiency directly from testing center:
- TOEFL: 79 iBT
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 115
Deadline to Apply
- April 15 for Fall semester
- August 22 for Spring semester
- Some programs have earlier deadlines
Child Welfare Practice
University of Kentucky
United States of America, Lexington