Social Work

The program in social work is part of the School of Social Work in the College of Nursing and Human Services. Social Work is a dynamic, noble, and altruistic profession with a rich history of commitment to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable in our society. To achieve this, social work has a dual focus: to assist the individual to function as effectively as possible in their environment and to work to create conditions in society that foster healthy growth and development, personal freedom, and human dignity. This unique dual focus allows social workers to become involved in activities and service provision that protect, promote, or restore the well-being of all people. As such, social workers are employed in areas such as education, healthcare, mental health, counseling, services to the aging, substance abuse services, corrections and criminal justice, child welfare services, services for the mentally and physically disabled, rehabilitation, veteran services, government, politics and social policy, community development, and other similar areas.

The Social Work Program at the University of Pikeville educates students in the generalist practice approach, with an emphasis on social work practice in rural Appalachia. All social work majors are provided the opportunity to “practice” social work in the field in an approved agency under the direction of professional social workers and Program faculty. Graduates of the Social Work program are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to be competent entry- level social work professionals, as well as being prepared for graduate study in social work and other human service fields.

Criteria for Admission to the Social Work Baccalaureate Degree Program

The following criteria have been established for admission to the University of Pikeville Social Work program.

1. The applicant must be enrolled at or accepted to the University of Pikeville.
2. The applicant must apply for admission to the Social Work Committee no later than the priority deadlines: 
   1. Fall Semester April 1*
   2. Spring Semester October 1*
3. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 for all completed college work. Students with GPA below 2.50 may be considered; a statement requesting special consideration must be submitted with application materials.
4. The applicant must complete SW 215 (or equivalent) with a “C” or better, a “B” or better is preferred. Applicants currently enrolled in SW 215 (or equivalent) may be conditionally accepted until final grade is confirmed.
5. The applicant must complete the application process in its entirety. More detailed instructions can be found in the Social Work Program Student Handbook.

6. The applicant must submit two recommendation forms.

   Current UPIKE Students:

   1. One recommendation must be from a non-social work professor (the Program Director will request recommendation forms from faculty for all social work courses taken by the applicant.).
   2. The second recommendation will be accepted from an individual in any of the following categories:
      1. Non-Social Work Faculty or Staff Member
      2. Athletic Coach

      3. Work or Volunteer Supervisor

         *Personal references from relatives, friends, etc. will not be accepted.

   Transfer Students:

   1. One recommendation must be from a college professor (preferably from social work, human services or related field).
   2. The second recommendation will be accepted from an individual in any of the following categories:
      1. College Faculty or Staff Member 
      2. Athletic Coach

      3. Work or Volunteer Supervisor

         *Personal references from relatives, friends, etc. will not be accepted.

7. The applicant must agree to a criminal background check, which is necessary for field education/practicum placement.
8. The application must review and sign a declaration to always behave in a manner consistent with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

*Note: Admission to University of Pikeville does not guarantee admission to the social work program.