Morehead State University MSW

Morehead State University (MSU) is a respected public institution nestled in the foothills of Daniel Boone National Forest in Morehead, Kentucky. Starting as Morehead Normal School in 1887, the university has grown substantially over the last 135+ years.

The university’s academic excellence shows in its rankings. MSU ranks #14 among public regional universities in the South according to U.S. News & World Report—its highest position so far. This achievement marks MSU’s 21st straight year as a top-ranked institution and 9th consecutive year in the Top 25. The university also earned recognition as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans, Best Value Schools, and Top Performers on Social Mobility.

MSU’s campus stretches across 700 acres within Morehead city limits and has more than 50 major structures worth over $650 million. The university owns additional properties including the 320-acre Derrickson Agricultural Complex, Eagle Trace golf course, and 166 acres of the Browning Orchard. Students learn in 135 classrooms and 150 laboratories, while housing facilities accommodate about 2,900 students.

The university’s academic structure has four colleges:

• Caudill College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
• Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology
• Ernst & Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
• College of Science & Engineering

Students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and small classes averaging 17 students (or 16 according to some sources). This close-knit learning environment helps MSU graduates get into professional schools at rates higher than state and national averages.

MSU offers 65 undergraduate majors alongside various master’s and doctoral programs. The university pioneered online education in Kentucky by launching the state’s first complete online degree program—the Master of Business Administration (MBA). MSU stands among just five U.S. institutions offering a bachelor’s degree in space science.

Making education affordable remains MSU’s priority, with 98% of students getting financial aid. The university provided $48.6 million in scholarships and grants from federal, state, institutional, and external sources last year. This mix of affordability and academic excellence makes MSU a smart choice for students seeking quality education at reasonable costs.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has recognized MSU’s community service. The university earned designations as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, Kentucky College of Distinction, and Public College of Distinction for its steadfast dedication to student success.

Programs offered

Morehead State University pioneers a Master of Social Work program to address critical workforce shortages in Kentucky’s rural communities. The university received a $310,000 grant from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans to support this initiative. The program will launch in Fall 2025, pending final approval from the Council on Postsecondary Education. However, some university sources suggest the first cohort might start in Fall 2026.

Students will experience a unique hybrid learning model that combines flexibility with personal connections. You’ll take most classes online and meet in person just one day each month. These monthly campus meetings help you build relationships with faculty and classmates. You’ll develop essential skills and become part of a strong student community.

MSU’s program offers three specialized concentration pathways that match community needs:

• Clinical Social Work – Has specialized clinical electives in Trauma-Informed Care and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Students complete a 600-hour practicum placement in clinical settings
• Public Health – This pathway emerged from expanded opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic. Students learn core public health practices through specialized courses and structured practicum experiences
• Substance Use Disorder – Students learn to address stigma and discrimination while advocating for equitable access to treatment and recovery services

The program adapts to your educational background. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can take an advanced standing track for faster completion. Those without a BSW can build a solid foundation through the generalist track. MSU also created an innovative five-year path to earn both BSW and MSW degrees.

The program’s faculty brings exceptional value with their extensive clinical and ground social work experience. Their expertise keeps your education relevant to current field realities. You’ll graduate ready to fill crucial service gaps in Kentucky’s communities.

This MSW program shows MSU’s steadfast dedication to enhancing social work education. The focus remains on regional needs, especially behavioral health and substance use treatment – Kentucky’s top priorities.

About the online program

Morehead State University’s MSW program combines online and in-person learning that gives you flexibility without compromising quality. You’ll do most of your work online and meet once a month to connect with others and build hands-on skills. This setup works great for professionals who want to advance their careers while keeping their current jobs.

Blackboard, MSU’s online learning platform, is where most of the action happens. You’ll find your course materials, join discussions, and turn in assignments there. While most learning happens online, you’ll learn from instructors who bring their real-world clinical and social work experience to every class.

MSU Online stands out for its excellence. The university made it to the Top 10 Online Master’s Programs in Kentucky according to Online Masters Colleges. They looked at graduation rates, costs, and program accreditation. This shows how MSU delivers quality education that fits your schedule.

The program comes with several key benefits:

• Financial accessibility – MSU has some of Kentucky’s lowest tuition rates, and all online students pay in-state rates, no matter where they live
• Complete support services – You get help from academic advisors, online tutors, tech support, and career counselors
• Recognition for prior learning – Your work experience, volunteer work, military service, or life experiences might count toward academic credit
• Library resources – Camden-Carroll Library gives you online access to journals, publications, and research databases

The MSW program understands that working adults with established careers learn differently. The curriculum focuses on practical applications that matter in today’s social work, especially in rural communities that need more services.

MSU’s online format opens doors for students who might find it hard to get advanced degrees otherwise. The flexible format fits your life, whether you’re taking care of family, working full-time, or living in areas with limited education options.

Kentucky’s urgent workforce needs sparked the creation of this program. It targets behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment – areas that face serious staff shortages across the state.

Accreditation

Accreditation status plays a vital role when evaluating academic programs, especially when you have professional disciplines like social work. Morehead State University is institutionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). This accreditation allows the university to award various degrees – from associate to doctoral levels. The regional accreditation ensures quality across all MSU’s academic programs.

MSU’s new Master of Social Work program seeks accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program has received substantial funding to achieve this goal – $145,000 each for the first two years and $20,000 for the third year. This money helps the program meet strict professional standards.

The CSWE accreditation happens in three stages:

• Pre-Candidacy – Program has standards approved in draft form
• Candidacy – Program has completed at least one year of the process
• Full Accreditation – Program meets all standards

MSU’s undergraduate BSW program is already fully CSWE-accredited. This shows the university’s proven track record in delivering quality social work education. The existing CSWE relationship helps MSU expand into graduate-level social work education.

MSU also maintains specialized accreditations in many other fields through organizations like:

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
• National Association of Schools of Music
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

CSWE accreditation matters greatly to social work students. Every CSWE-accredited program tracks and reports how well students learn based on specific competency standards. These competencies are skills that all social workers need to become skilled at during their training. This ensures graduates can serve their clients effectively.

The MSW program plans to welcome its first students in fall 2025, pending final approval from the Council on Postsecondary Education. MSU’s Quality Assurance & Accreditation office will support you throughout your studies. They help students develop professional knowledge, gather data about program progress, and track successful progression through various stages.

You can ask questions about MSU’s institutional accreditation by contacting either the SACSCOC Commission on Colleges or MSU’s SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Christopher Beckham.

Admission Requirements

Morehead State University’s MSW program has specific requirements you need to meet before starting your application. A clear understanding of these criteria will make your admission experience smoother.

You must meet some simple eligibility standards to apply for the MSW program. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education is mandatory. Your bachelor’s degree transcript should show a minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with a previous master’s degree need a minimum 3.0 GPA on their transcript. Some qualified MSU seniors might also be eligible for admission.

The Fall 2026 cohort applications are now open through the MSU website’s online graduate application form. A one-time, non-refundable $30.00 application processing fee applies to all submissions. The relevant departments will evaluate your application and make admission recommendations to the Graduate School Director.

Documentation plays a vital role in your application experience. The Graduate School must receive all program admission requirements directly. The university does not accept transcripts from students or those marked “issued to students”. MSU graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees need not submit their transcripts again.

Your intended department can guide you about standardized testing requirements, as each program sets its minimum scores for the GRE, GMAT, or MAT. Students who don’t meet minimum test scores can appeal to their department chair or program director if they show exceptional scholarly activity or research potential through a high GPA.

Graduate students can only take up to 12 graduate credit hours until they receive unconditional admission. After unconditional admission, you must complete all program requirements. Departments have the authority to remove students from unapproved courses.

Tuition

Morehead State University’s educational philosophy has affordability as its core. MSU earned recognition as a 2025-26 College of Distinction for affordability. This recognition highlights MSU’s steadfast dedication to quality education at reasonable costs.

MSU offers a simple tuition structure for graduate students starting the MSW program in Fall 2025. Students pay $573.00 per credit hour whatever their residency status. This is a big deal as it means that out-of-state and international students save money compared to other institutions’ premium rates.

Your educational investment includes these extra costs for online courses:

• Internet course fee: $29.00 per credit hour
• Recreation and Wellness Center fee: $6.00 per credit hour (maximum $66.00 per semester)
• Facility fee: $5.00 per credit hour (maximum 60.00 per semester)

Tuition makes up just part of the total cost. Students need to budget for books, supplies, transportation, and possibly housing. MSU launched Eagle Books for the 2025-26 academic year – a program that provides all required course materials at $25.00 per credit hour.

MSU’s track record in financial support stands out remarkably. In fact, about 98% of students get some type of financial aid. The university gives out $48.60 million in scholarships and grants yearly from federal, state, institutional, and external sources.

New applicants should know that graduate programs cost more than undergraduate ones. Notwithstanding that, this investment opens doors to specialized training and better career opportunities with an MSW degree.

MSU believes in clear financial policies. Students create a financial responsibility to the university upon registration. Semester charges cover tuition, fees, and other costs after deducting financial aid, scholarships, waivers, and third-party payments.

Additional Information

Morehead State University’s MSW program provides complete support systems to help students through their academic experience. Expert faculty members with extensive clinical and research experience lead the program.

First-generation college students can access great resources through Student Support Services (SSS). The program gives students tutorial services, peer mentoring, academic counseling, financial guidance, and cultural enrichment opportunities. MSU’s Eagle Books program will give students all required course materials before classes begin at just $25 per credit hour.

Field education is a vital part of MSU’s social work training. The university works with over 200 placement agencies across Kentucky to provide students with a variety of practical experiences. Students get structured supervision for at least one hour weekly during their field placements and receive constructive feedback to improve their professional development.

MSU’s Career Services helps students find internships that improve their job prospects by a lot. The National Association of Colleges & Employers reports that candidates with career-related experience get more interviews, job offers, and higher starting salaries. Students need instructor consent and a signed learning contract to join the MSU 339 internship program, which combines education theory with practical work experience.

Students can update their personal information through the MyMoreheadState portal during their studies. The Office of the Registrar’s online systems help students get additional verification documents or replacement diplomas.