Online Social Work Programs | UofL News & Resources

Where Will Your Master’s Degree in Social Work Take You?

By Heather Henley | January 28, 2026 | Comments 0 Comment

An online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from the University of Louisville prepares graduates for meaningful, in-demand careers helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. Offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work & Family Science, UofL’s accredited online MSSW program allows students to customize their degree through one of five specialized concentration paths aligned with their professional goals.

Graduates of UofL’s online Master’s in Social Work program are academically prepared to pursue Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials, depending on state requirements. Because licensure requirements vary by state, prospective students are encouraged to review the regulations for the state(s) where they intend to practice prior to enrollment.

MSSW Concentrations and Career Outcomes

Earning an MSSW with a defined concentration equips graduates with targeted skills for the diverse and evolving field of social work. Let’s dig into UofL’s five MSSW concentrations and the types of settings where graduates commonly work.

Alcohol & Drug Counseling Concentration

The Alcohol & Drug Counseling concentration prepares graduates for careers addressing substance use disorders through clinical practice, case management, and community-based intervention. As substance abuse continues to rise nationwide, trained professionals in this area are increasingly in demand. Coursework also fulfills select requirements toward Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credentials.

Potential career settings include:

Medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse hospitals

Outpatient substance abuse clinics

Inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation facilities

Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities

Private practice

Physicians’ offices

Gerontology Concentration

The Gerontology concentration prepares social workers to serve older adults and their families across healthcare, residential, and community environments. With an aging population, this specialization addresses a critical workforce need. Students gain hands-on experience through gerontology-focused field placements while building professional networks in aging services.

Potential career settings include:

All-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) programs

Senior assistance and aging services agencies

Hospices

Nursing homes

Residential care facilities

Mental Health Concentration

The Mental Health concentration provides a strong clinical foundation for students pursuing careers in behavioral health and therapeutic practice. Coursework emphasizes mental health theory, diagnosis, assessment, policy, and direct practice, supported by advanced practicum experiences.

Potential career settings include:

Private practice

Hospitals

Mental health clinics

Rehabilitation and treatment facilities

Community health organizations

Residential care facilities

Military Social Work Concentration

The Military Social Work concentration prepares graduates to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Coursework explores military-specific policies, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based interventions across civilian and military systems.

Potential career settings include:

Military bases and units

Medical facilities

Military support organizations

Veterans Affairs (VA) health centers

Community service agencies

Private practice

Psychosocial Oncology Concentration

The Psychosocial Oncology concentration addresses the growing need for social workers skilled in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer. Coursework emphasizes clinical practice across the cancer continuum. Graduates earn a Certificate in Psychosocial Oncology in addition to their MSSW degree.

Potential career settings include:

Cancer treatment centers

Hospitals

Hospice care organizations

Rehabilitation facilities

Community health organizations

Private practice

Job Outlook for Social Workers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. UofL’s online Master of Science in Social Work program is designed for the next generation of social workers—professionals committed to advancing social good, improving access to care, and creating positive change in their communities.

Whether your goal is clinical practice, healthcare social work, aging services, military support, or substance abuse counseling, earning your MSSW online from the University of Louisville positions you for a purpose-driven and impactful career.

Learn more about UofL’s online MSSW program and available concentrations, or hear firsthand from a UofL online MSSW graduate in the video below.

A Story of Leadership, Service and Advocacy: Meet DSW Student Lindsay Gutierrez

By Natalie Wess | December 11, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

On November 11, 2025, UofL DSW student Lindsay Gutierrez appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to share her inspiring story. Lindsay is a two-time living organ donor, an Air Force veteran and an advocate for both living donors and American veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day, Jennifer welcomed Lindsay as a special guest whose service did not end when the uniform came off. On the show, Lindsay shared how she saved multiple lives through living organ donation. Her first donation was her kidney, which went to a fellow veteran. Later, she gave 40% of her liver to someone she had never met. Her appearance served as a powerful reminder that service comes in many forms and that love can break barriers to create new hope for others.

Her commitment to service began during her years in the Air Force where she discovered a deep calling to help others. That calling led her to social work and later to UofL’s online DSW program where she is focused on the mental health and long-term support of living donors.

Her work shows the heart of the doctoral program in social work and highlights what it means to lead with knowledge and compassion.

Why Choose the University of Louisville’s Online DSW

UofL’s online Doctor of Social Work gives experienced social workers the advanced skills they need to grow their impact in classrooms, agencies and communities.

DSW Program includes:

A 100% online format built for working professionals

Applied coursework that supports leadership, teaching and organizational change

An applied capstone project shaped by your professional goals

A supportive and engaging online learning cohort

Apply by March 15 to Start Fall 2026

U.S News & World Report Recognizes University of Louisville with “Best Online Programs” Award

By Conner Mackowiak | January 21, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Once again, the University of Louisville (UofL) has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Programs in the nation! Our 2025 rankings solidify UofL’s continuing legacy of offering quality educational opportunities through online programs across various disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Among several UofL online programs ranked by U.S. News & World Report are our Bachelor of Science in Psychology (ranked in the top 19% in the nation), Undergraduate Business Programs (ranked in the top 10%), and our MBA program (ranked in the top 21% nationwide).

UofL’s online programs are designed to offer flexibility and accessibility while maintaining academic rigor. With dedicated faculty and a range of student support services, UofL continues to empower learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their goals. UofL has over 70 fully online programs across the graduate and undergraduate levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs. Whatever family, professional, personal or other obligations you may be juggling, our online programs are designed to help you succeed.

Kelvin Thompson, EdD, Vice Provost for Online Strategy and Teaching Innovation at UofL’s Delphi Center for Teaching and Learning, highlighted the importance of quality online education in advancing lives and careers while offering the flexibility to balance life’s responsibilities. Dr. Thompson stated, “Providing accessible, high-quality online education is a vital component of our mission at the University of Louisville. Our students come from all walks of life and in all manner of circumstances (e.g., First Generation, post-traditional, under-resourced, etc.), and recognition from organizations like U.S. News & World Report reaffirms our commitment to excellence in everything we do.”

Don’t wait any longer. Learn more about our award-winning programs and see why so many of our successful online learners have embraced the UofL advantage. Your future starts today!

View all our available programs

The Top 3 Things to Consider When Deciding on an Online DSW Program

By Conner Mackowiak | November 25, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Choosing the right online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program can be challenging, but focusing on three key factors can help guide your decision. Read below to see which three factors might help you decide which online DSW program is right for you!

1. Flexibility

As a working professional, you need an online program that aligns with your unique needs. The University of Louisville’s (UofL) online DSW program is designed specifically for busy social workers like you. All coursework and practicums are offered entirely online, with both synchronous and asynchronous classes, giving you the flexibility to balance work, life, and studies.

You won’t have to sacrifice the quality of your education for flexibility. The program is taught by world-class faculty from the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, part of an R1 research institution and one of Kentucky’s top-ranked social work schools.

2. Practical experience and career growth potential

Many DSW graduates advance into leadership roles within their organizations, and some also take on teaching responsibilities. The UofL online DSW program offers hands-on practicum in teaching and leadership, providing real-world experience to help you grow professionally in whichever direction you choose.

When we say “real-world,” we mean it. The leadership practicum takes place at your place of employment, focusing on the tasks and challenges faced by upper-level administrators—think of it as on-the-job training at the next level.

In the teaching practicum, you will learn by observing Kent School faculty in action and gain experience conducting your own teaching activities under their expert guidance.

While social workers are driven by a desire to help others, it is also important to ensure your educational journey will advance your career and salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. social worker employment is expected to grow by 16% from 2016 to 2026, with a median annual salary of $80,790 for postsecondary social work educators (bls.gov).

3. Personal connections and guidance

At UofL, “online” doesn’t mean “alone.” The online DSW program is designed to keep you connected with both your peers and faculty. Cohorts are kept small, so you can easily build personal connections with your classmates, who may later become valuable colleagues.

Kent School faculty are also deeply engaged with each DSW student. In addition to the coursework, you will receive one-on-one guidance during your teaching and leadership practicums. You will learn from acknowledged leaders in the field and receive mentorship as you work on your original capstone project, which showcases your expanded skills and understanding. Capstone projects are closely supervised by a faculty mentor and supported by three additional Kent School faculty members.

Next steps: Hear from graduates and apply

Now that you have considered what makes the UofL online DSW program a great fit for you, it’s time to apply! The deadline to submit your application for the next Fall term is February 1. Learn more about the application requirements here.

Want to hear about the experiences of one of UofL’s online DSW graduates? See Lizzie’s story below!

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