The College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky is launching an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program to address the critical shortage of social workers across the country, as well as in Kentucky.

A recent study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a 16 percent increase in the need for social workers nationwide since 2016. Social work practitioners with advanced training and education are especially in demand.

The first of its kind in the state, the program will successfully prepare students for advanced social work practice, clinical research, administrative leadership and executive roles. The DSW program is designed to prepare students to creatively address society’s most complex social issues.

The growth in child abuse and neglect cases, the opioid epidemic and complex mental health issues are overwhelming social workers with complicated caseloads. To lessen the burden, the DSW program will provide social work practitioners the opportunity to build upon their skills by receiving specialized training in one of three areas: administrative leadership, advanced clinical practice or military behavioral health (MBH).

In a continued effort to make UK programs accessible and attainable, the DSW is fully online and can be completed in two years (full time). There are also part-time options available.

Full article can be found here.