The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers the only comprehensive program in social work in Kansas: the professional degrees of
KU's School of Social Welfare is an excellent place to pursue your interests in professional social work education. It is the oldest school of social welfare in the state and the only one to offer degree preparation from undergraduate through doctoral degrees in social work. For over 80 years, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare has provided leadership and innovation in professional social work education.
Ashley Anguiano Gomez
Recruitment Coordinator
785-864-4768
Send an email
Our social work programs at the B.S.W., M.S.W., and Ph.D. levels are consistently rated as excellent by experts and alumni, and, especially, by those who employ our graduates. Whether they enter the arena of professional social work practice (B.S.W. and M.S.W.) or take on the challenging roles of social work researcher/educator (Ph.D.), our graduates report that they are well equipped to succeed.
The School strive to be leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion within the University and our community. We continue to work towards a learning and workplace environment that is more diverse and equitable. We want to ensure all students, faculty and staff feel safe, heard and valued. We demonstrate our integrity and trustworthiness as scholars, educators, practitioners and community members by promoting social work values, ethical practice and the process of critical reflection.
Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year to celebrate and honor diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as specific events sponsored through RISE (Resilience, Inclusion, Support, and Empowerment), which was created to empower BSW, MSW and PhD students of color (racially-ethnically) to excel personally, academically, and professionally in order to foster successful degree. It also provides safe spaces for students of color to connect, socialize and network together.
In the past year, the School developed and launched a Social Justice Scholars Program, which helps fund students at all three levels: BSW, MSW, and PhD. Learn more about our DEI initiatives.
The field education office works with community agencies throughout Kansas and western Missouri to provide field practicum opportunities for students. Students are placed in these agencies through a collaborative process among the field education office, the student, and the agency. The field education office is responsible for ensuring that all field placements are able to provide the appropriate learning opportunities for students and that qualified field instructors will be available to the student. The field education office arranges all placements.
Field placements are mainly in the Kansas City and Topeka areas, with a limited number of settings in Lawrence, Leavenworth, and other Kansas and Missouri communities. Students are responsible for transportation to the assigned field practicum. Most agencies also require a student to have transportation available for agency assignments. Learn more.
The Integrated Health Scholars Program (IHSP) provides a value-added educational experience for exceptional MSW students to develop knowledge and skills in integrated mental health, substance use, and primary health care services.
The goal of the IHSP program is to expand the number of social work professionals prepared to serve populations across the lifespan in integrated healthcare settings in rural and urban medically underserved areas in Kansas. Learn more.
Study Abroad opportuntities in places such as Costa Rica, India, Korea, Ireland and Italy. Study Abroad offerigns range from two weeks to a full month and allow you to learn first-hand the social, economic, and political currents that impact the social welfare systems internationally. Learn more about these opportunities.
