Five University of Kansas Master of Social Work graduates in regalia pose for a group photo at MSW graduation

University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Educating, training and supporting qualified, compassionate social workers.

Be a Jayhawk Social Worker

Explore our academic programs and learn get ready to apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree in social work.
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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Our master's program prepares graduates for advanced social work practice in clinical or macro concentrations. Students can pursue their degree full-time or part-time, both on campus and online.

Four social work graduate students talk and work on laptop computers

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Majoring in social work at KU prepares students for entry-level social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. KU offers the undergraduate BSW program in Lawrence and the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

Three KU social work students walk down a hallway in Green Hall

Doctoral Programs

The online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate focused on teaching, leadership and translational science. The Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) is an in-person program focused on research, scholarship and education.

Fraser Hall on the University of Kansas campus

Resources for Current Students

Information and student support
Find student support services within the School.
Current Student Resources

KU Social Welfare Stories

Students walk in front of Green Hall, home of the KU schools of social welfare and law

Partnership provides expanded mental health support for students

KU’s schools of social welfare and law are partnering to provide expanded mental health support for their students. New this academic year, a clinician from KU CAPS is offering counseling services to students in Green Hall.
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A group of graduate students talk in a circle in the new KU School of Social Welfare lobby area on the third floor of Green Hall

Move to Green Hall

The School of Social Welfare moved to Green Hall at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, leaving its long-time academic home at Twente Hall. The renovated third floor of Green Hall is designed to serve students.
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A KU MSW student in the Integrated Health Scholars Program shares their capstone project research in a poster presentation.

Strengthening the mental health workforce in rural Kansas

The Integrated Health Scholars Program trains KU MSW students to provide mental health services in rural, high-need Kansas communities. The program addresses critical gaps in care – 96 of 105 Kansas counties are in Health Professional Shortage Areas for Mental Health.
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Latest News

DSW hooding ceremony

KU DSW graduates complete capstone projects

Eight students in the online Doctor of Social Work program defended capstone projects in summer and fall 2025, taking the final step to earn their doctoral degrees in social work. Learn more about the real-world solutions developed by the first cohort of KU DSW graduates.
MSW 2025 graduate Ella Hinson

Social Work MSW Macro Alumni Spotlight: Ella Hinson

Recent KU MSW graduate Ella Hinson is putting her macro social work skills to work as an advocacy specialist with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, managing a community outreach program. Hinson built skills in program administration, community practice and advocacy in the MSW macro specialization at KU.
Community Care Days

Community Care Days foster connection and creativity across the School of Social Welfare

At the School of Social Welfare, Community Care Days offer a welcome pause from the pressures of academics. The series gives students, faculty and staff a chance to recharge and connect with one another through scheduled events.
Students walk outside of Green Hall, home of the schools of social welfare and law, on the KU campus

CAPS partnership provides in-house mental health support for KU social work and law students

An embedded clinician in Green Hall offers counseling appointments, drop-in support and workshops. KU’s schools of social welfare and law are partnering to provide expanded mental health support for their students.
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Discoveries That Transform Lives

Research at the KU School of Social Welfare reaches across the state of Kansas and beyond.
Research & Service Research & Service

Serving Our Communities

$2.4M+
estimated monetary value of student social service volunteer hours in Kansas (2023-2024)
145,000+
practicum hours contributed by KU social work students to the state of Kansas in 2023-2024
$3.6M+
sponsored research funding going directly to Kansas partners (2023)

Connect with KU Social Welfare

Connect with the School through continuing education, professional development, community engagement programs and alumni events.
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Upcoming Events

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