Description

The Sport Social Work Certificate Program provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory, values, and applied practice of social work within sport systems. Designed for students and professionals interested in athlete well-being, mental health, equity, and ethical practice, the program examines sport as a complex social institution shaped by identity, power, policy, culture, and interconnected systems. 

Across twelve interactive asynchronous trainings and accompanying assessments (16.5 hours), participants explore the historical foundations of sport social work; core professional competencies and values; athlete development and mental health; social justice and ecological frameworks; research, policy, and interprofessional

collaboration; and direct practice and clinical interventions within performance-driven environments. Emphasis is placed on evidence-informed, ethically grounded, and culturally responsive approaches that support athletes across levels of participation and across the lifespan. 

The asynchronous curriculum is complemented by three synchronous instruction sessions totaling 15.5 hours. These live sessions are intentionally designed to extend and deepen the asynchronous content through applied learning, case-based analysis, and critical discussion. Participants engage in facilitated dialogue, practice-oriented activities, and collaborative problem-solving that allow them to translate theory into practice, interrogate ethical and systemic challenges, and reflect on real-world applications of sport social work across diverse settings. 

By integrating asynchronous learning with structured synchronous engagement, this certificate program prepares participants to thoughtfully navigate sport systems, advocate for equitable and athlete-centered environments, and contribute meaningfully to the evolving field of sport social work as informed practitioners, collaborators, and change agents. 

This CE Sport Social Work Certificate is offered through a partnership with the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports and the University of Kentucky, College of Social Work. 

Learning Outcomes

By completing this certificate program, participants will be able to

• Analyze sport systems through a sport social work lens by integrating historical context, social work values, and interdisciplinary theories to understand athlete well-being, identity, and development across diverse sport environments.
• Apply social justice, ecological, and developmental frameworks to critically examine power, inequity, culture, and access in sport and to inform ethical, inclusive, and context-responsive interventions. 
• Evaluate and apply research, policy, and evidence-informed practice to support decision-making, advocacy, and organizational change within sport systems. 
• Demonstrate mental health literacy and collaborative practice skills by engaging effectively with interprofessional teams to promote accessible, culturally responsive, and sustainable systems of care for athletes. 
• Integrate direct practice and clinical intervention strategies appropriate to sport contexts, balancing performance demands with athlete autonomy, long-term well-being, and ethical social work practice.

Delivery Method

Synchronous interactive distance and asynchronous

Cost
2200$

Credit Hours
32.0 (ACE)

Accreditation

University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers completing this course receive 32 general continuing education credits. 

Instructor

The Sport Social Work Certificate Program is overseen by Dr. Matt Moore and Dr. Kimberly Outlaw. Dr. Outlaw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.  

Dr. Matt Moore is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs for the College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Moore is a Co-Founder of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports, Founder and Editor of the Sport Social Work Journal, and Co-Director of the International Institute for Sport and Behavioral Health. Dr. Moore is a highly published researcher, a frequent presenter at national conferences, and has secured over 6 million in external grant funding. He also has nearly two decades of coaching experience at the high school and NCAA levels, which includes coaching stops at Butler University, Anderson University, and Miami University.   

Dr. Outlaw holds multiple counseling licenses and has professional experience working in private practice, as well as serving athletes at the collegiate, youth, and professional levels, as well as the general population. She is the first Black woman elected to the local school board in Kinston, North Carolina. Dr. Outlaw is the author of two textbooks, including one focused on mental health and substance use among athletes, and “Beyond the Game,” which explores race, gender, and intersectionality in sports. She earned her doctorate from East Carolina University in 2019, a Master of Social Work degree in 2010, and a degree in Family and Community Systems in 2008. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Spor Social Work Certificate and is a faculty member at East Carolina University.

 

Number of Modules  

12 Asynchronous Modules and 3 Synchronous Class Sessions  

Are there time limits for course completion?

Yes. Individuals must complete the training within a 45-day period.

How to Claim Credit

Asynchronous: Completion of 12 knowledge checks (12-15 questions each) with a passing score of 70% 

Synchronous: Completion of required course evaluations for each session. 

Cancellation/Refund Policy
If this course is canceled, you will be contacted and given the option of a full refund, or course credit to be used within 1 year.

Questions
Contact Christina.Krantz@uky.edu with any questions regarding this course, registration assistance or to request accommodations.