University of Kentucky · Lexington, Kentucky

Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky

DSWOnlineResidencyCSWE candidacyClinicalLeadership

What Should You Know About Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky?

Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate (DSW) at University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, offered online (one synchronous Residency Week, with an asynchronous alternative available). It requires 42 credits and takes 2-3 years. Final project: capstone project embedded throughout coursework and supervised by a Capstone Mentor. At $790 per credit, estimated tuition is $33,180 before fees. CSWE status: candidacy.

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How Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Works

Degree
DSW
Format
Online
Residency and class meetings
One synchronous Residency Week, with an asynchronous alternative available
Credits
42 credits
Length
2-3 years
Final project
Capstone project embedded throughout coursework and supervised by a Capstone Mentor
Focus areas
Administrative Leadership; Clinical Social Work; Military Behavioral Health; Social Work Education; Sport Social Work
Start terms
Spring, Summer

Admission to University of Kentucky's DSW

Degree you need
MSW from a CSWE-accredited program; minimum 3.0 graduate GPA (3.5 strongly encouraged)
Practice experience
Two years of post-MSW experience in the social work/human services field
GRE
No GRE required

What University of Kentucky's DSW Costs

Tuition
$790 per credit hour for all online DSW students regardless of residence, plus a $10 per credit hour distance learning feeProgram tuition, per credit. Source: socialworkonline.uky.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
Estimated tuition
$33,180$790 per credit times 42 credits, before fees.

Add fees and federal loans to the University of Kentucky DSW estimate

From socialworkonline.uky.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.

How Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Compares

  • Estimated tuition of $33,180 is the 3rd lowest of 19 practice doctorates on this site with an estimate (median $45,000).
  • Its 42 credits compare with a median of 48 across practice doctorates that state credits.
  • It asks for 2 years of post-master's practice; the median among practice doctorates that state a figure is 2.
  • It doesn't require the GRE, like 13 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.
  • It ends in an applied capstone, as do 29 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.

Is Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky CSWE-Accredited?

University of Kentucky's practice doctorate is in CSWE candidacy (directory captured September 30, 2026): it is working toward accreditation and is not yet accredited.

Every CSWE-accredited and candidate DSW program

Other Social Work Doctorates at University of Kentucky

Similar DSW Programs at Other Schools

Practice doctorates sharing a format with this one, closest in estimated tuition first.

Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky: Common Questions

How Much Does Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky Cost?

$790 per credit hour for all online DSW students regardless of residence, plus a $10 per credit hour distance learning fee. That works out to about $33,180 for 42 credits, before fees.

How Long Is Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky?

2-3 years, 42 credits, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky?

MSW from a CSWE-accredited program; minimum 3.0 graduate GPA (3.5 strongly encouraged). Two years of post-MSW experience in the social work/human services field.

Does Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky Require the GRE?

No GRE required, according to University of Kentucky's admissions information.

Is Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky Online?

Yes. It is offered online: one synchronous Residency Week, with an asynchronous alternative available.

Is Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at University of Kentucky CSWE-Accredited?

University of Kentucky's practice doctorate is in CSWE candidacy (directory captured September 30, 2026): it is working toward accreditation and is not yet accredited.

Compare Programs Like This One

Sources

  1. socialworkonline.uky.edu: Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) program page, reviewed October 10, 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), practice doctorate program directory, captured September 30, 2026

Every program on this site was checked on the school's own website in October 2026. CSWE status for practice doctorates comes only from the Council on Social Work Education's own directory, and program size from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) doctoral completions. Sponsored listings are labeled as ads and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs