Kentucky · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Bowling Green, KY (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Bowling Green, Kentucky (population 76,212) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 9 Kentucky programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Kentucky licensure.
Best MSW programs in Bowling Green, KY
Accredited programs with a campus in Bowling Green, KY, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Bowling Green, KY
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY, KY · CSWE-accredited since 2002 · Online or On-Campus
6.4
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Western Kentucky University has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Bowling Green, KY). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Bowling Green, KY
Kentucky-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Bowling Green, KY residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | 1970 | Yes | #15 |
| University of Louisville | 1937 | Yes | #17 |
| Northern Kentucky University | 2010 | Yes | #122 |
| Western Kentucky University | 2002 | Yes | #151 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 2020 | Yes | #195 |
| Spalding University | 1999 | Yes | #227 |
| Campbellsville University | 2008 | Yes | #251 |
| Brescia University | 2016 | Yes | #269 |
| University of Pikeville | 2020 | Yes | #278 |
How much do social workers make in Bowling Green, KY in 2026?
Bowling Green, Kentucky sits within the Bowling Green, KY metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 430 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is child, family & school social workers at a $64,050 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 60 | $61,610 | $41,040 – $78,250 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 50 | $41,860 | $36,560 – $49,250 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 320 | $64,050 | $39,240 – $94,140 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 90 | $63,490 | $46,640 – $109,500 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Bowling Green, KY earn a median of $64,050 versus $59,100 statewide in Kentucky and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Kentucky median.
Where do social workers work in Bowling Green, KY in 2026?
Bowling Green, Kentucky sits in Warren County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- LifeSkills, Inc.
- Med Center Health
- Warren County Public Schools
- Western Kentucky University
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Bowling Green, KY; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Bowling Green, KY?
After an MSW from Bowling Green, KY or anywhere, these are the Kentucky social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Social Worker (CSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Two years required number of hours not specified | Masters |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Two years required number of hours not specified | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker 1 (LSW1) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Social Worker 2 (LSW2) | Required number of hours not specified | Bachelors |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Kentucky state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Bowling Green, KY?
How much do social workers earn in Bowling Green, KY?
Can I earn an MSW online from Bowling Green, KY?
What license do MSW graduates need in Kentucky?
MSW programs in other Kentucky cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Kentucky license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.