Carver School of Social Work
Empowering Social Change Through Faith and Practice
Gain the knowledge, support, and values-based training to lead in the field of social work. At the Carver School of Social Work, you’ll be prepared to serve others with integrity and purpose.
The Carver School of Social Work at Campbellsville University prepares compassionate, skilled social workers ready to make a difference in communities. With a focus on social justice, ethics, and hands-on experience, our program combines academic excellence with practical application. Led by faculty with real-world expertise, we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address the challenges faced by individuals and families, preparing them to lead with empathy and professionalism.
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Rooted in Faith. Called to Serve.
The mission of the Carver School of Social Work is to Prepare Compassionate Leaders for Community and Global Service. Just as Christ taught us to love and care for our neighbors, we are committed to equipping men and women with the knowledge, skills, and heart needed to advocate for justice, empower individuals, and transform lives. Inspired by Jesus’ example of servant leadership, we approach social work as a calling to serve with humility, integrity, and grace. Through a Christ-centered curriculum grounded in social justice, ethical practice, and community engagement, the Carver School of Social Work fosters professionals who are ready to be agents of healing and hope in a world that deeply needs it. As part of Campbellsville University, we nurture learners who are dedicated to being instruments of God’s love, shining light into the places where it is needed most.
- Social Worker: Social workers help individuals, families, and communities navigate life’s challenges, providing emotional support, resources, and intervention strategies.
- Clinical Social Worker: These professionals provide mental health therapy and counseling, helping clients manage emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues in settings such as hospitals or private practices.
- School Social Worker: School social workers support students, teachers, and families by addressing mental health concerns, bullying, and academic challenges, while promoting a positive school environment.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Healthcare social workers assist patients and their families in navigating medical, emotional, and financial challenges within healthcare settings like hospitals or nursing homes.
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Specializing in addiction, these social workers help individuals struggling with substance abuse by providing therapy, resources, and support to promote recovery.
- Family Social Worker: Family social workers assist families in crisis, providing support through counseling, resource management, and helping families cope with issues like divorce, abuse, or domestic violence.
- Child Welfare Social Worker: These professionals work to protect children from abuse or neglect, often investigating cases and working with families to provide a safer environment.
- Gerontological Social Worker: Gerontological social workers focus on the elderly population, providing support and services to help seniors live healthy, independent lives.
- Social Work Administrator: These social workers manage social service agencies or programs, overseeing operations and ensuring they deliver effective services to clients.
- Community Social Worker: Community social workers focus on improving community resources, organizing programs, and advocating for social justice issues to create positive community change.
Campbellsville University’s social work program began in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, accredited by regional organizations but not yet by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program was phased out in 1989. In 1994, due to community demand and institutional support, the program was revived to achieve national accreditation.
The program entered CSWE candidacy in 1998 and received initial accreditation in 2001. Students graduating during the candidacy period (1998-2001) were also recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program. In 1997, Campbellsville University acquired the Carver School of Church Social Work from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, renaming it the Carver School of Social Work and integrating its Christian mission.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has expanded to include the main campus, Harrodsburg extension, and fully online options. It was reaffirmed in 2021 and will seek further reaffirmation in 2029. In 2008, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program was established and earned CSWE accreditation in 2012. The MSW program, now fully online, was reaffirmed in 2024 and will seek reaffirmation in 2032.
Today, the Carver School of Social Work remains dedicated to preparing students to advocate for social justice with a Christian servant leadership perspective, empowering them to make a positive impact in diverse communities.
The team behind Campbellsville University’s Carver School of Social Work program is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you need more information about our program, admissions process, or career opportunities, we’re just a message away. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email at cssw@campbellsville.edu. We’re excited to help you take the next step in your journey to becoming a social worker!
Academic Programs
Campbellsville University's Certificate in Addiction Recovery equips students with the skills to support individuals facing substance use disorders. Grounded in Christian principles, this program prepares professionals for impactful roles in both clinical and faith-based settings, offering flexible training for career advancement in addiction recovery.
Certificate Offered At: CU Online
The Master of Social Work, M.S.W., at Campbellsville University prepares students for advanced practice in social work with specialized areas of focus, including Clinical, Substance Use Disorder, Faith-Based, and Forensic social work. This program equips graduates with the expertise to tackle complex social issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and provide transformative care in diverse settings, all while integrating ethical, faith-based values.
Areas of Focus: Clinical/Substance Use Disorder/Faith-Based/Forensic
Degree Offered At: Louisville and CU Online
Check out our CU Online Online Advanced Standing Track as well.
The Social Services, A.S. at Campbellsville University provides foundational training for careers in social work and human services. This program prepares students to support individuals and communities in need, with a focus on ethical practice, communication, and problem-solving skills. It’s an ideal starting point for those looking to make a difference in the social services field.
Degree Offered At: CU Online
The Social Work, B.S.W. at Campbellsville University prepares students for impactful careers in social work by providing a strong foundation in human behavior, ethics, and community practice. With a focus on serving diverse populations, this program equips graduates with the skills needed to address social issues and advocate for positive change in various professional settings.
Degree Offered At: Campbellsville and CU Online
Child Welfare Preparation (CW Prep)
The Child Welfare Preparation (CW Prep) program is designed to help undergraduate social work students jumpstart their careers in child welfare. It provides a combination of tuition coverage, a stipend, and hands-on training to ensure students succeed in this vital field. Through field placements and real-world experience, students gain practical skills in case management, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, preparing them for impactful careers in child welfare. CW Prep aims to support and train the next generation of professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Learn more about the Child Welfare Preparation (CW Prep) program on the official website.
Applications are Due in the Fall by October 15th or in the Spring by April 15th.
For any questions, please contact Carver School of Social Work's CW Prep Director, Dr. DeNika VanCleave, at advancleave@campbellsville.edu.