Kentucky · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Covington, KY (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Covington, Kentucky (population 40,972) has no MSW campus within city limits . 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.
What are the best MSW programs in Covington, KY?
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Covington, KY. See the nearby and online options below.
Which online MSW programs can you take from Covington, KY?
Kentucky-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Covington, 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 Covington, KY in 2026?
Covington, Kentucky sits within the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 5,620 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $70,670 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 | 1,600 | $70,670 | $47,540 – $95,290 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 970 | $45,390 | $35,050 – $72,330 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 2,580 | $55,080 | $40,340 – $76,080 |
| Social workers, all other | 470 | $65,770 | $39,210 – $103,440 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,080 | $72,940 | $49,710 – $113,010 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Covington, KY earn a median of $55,080 versus $59,100 statewide in Kentucky and $59,550 nationally. That is below the Kentucky median.
Where do social workers work in Covington, KY in 2026?
Covington, Kentucky sits in Kenton County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- NorthKey Community Care
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare
- Covington Independent Public Schools
- Kenton County government
- 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 Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Covington, KY?
The social work license you need in Covington, KY is a Kentucky license, and after an MSW from here or anywhere these are the ones the state issues, 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.
Common questions about MSW programs in Covington, KY
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Covington, KY?
How much do social workers earn in Covington, KY?
Can I earn an MSW online from Covington, KY?
What license do MSW graduates need in Kentucky?
Which other Kentucky cities have MSW programs?
Other Kentucky cities with MSW programs in them or within commuting distance are listed below, ordered by how many. The count after each city is programs inside it, then programs nearby.
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.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-10-05. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.