Four MSW graduates smile and pose in graduation regalia

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 specializations. Students can pursue their degree full-time or part-time, both on campus and online.

A small group of students study at the Edwards Campus

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.

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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

Architect's rendering of the renovated lobby on the third floor of Green Hall

Move to Green Hall

The School of Social Welfare will move 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.
Learn more
Students from the MSW program in Salina celebrate at graduation

MSW partnership with Kansas State Salina

The first group of KU MSW students to graduate from a new partnership program with Kansas State University Salina formed a close-knit cohort. Read about students' experiences in the program, now in its second year.
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Latest News

Collage of images showing a researcher in a biomedical sciences laboratory, researchers in an engineering lab space, and K-12 students in a classroom. Kansas prairie grasses create a background for the images.

Record-high research at KU benefits Kansans, fuels state economy

Research and development expenditures spanning all University of Kansas campuses increased to $546.1 million in fiscal year 2024, surpassing the half-billion-dollar mark for the first time in university history. The reverberations of that growth extend far beyond KU to benefit people throughout the Sunflower State and beyond.
Baby Jay and Big Jay mascots holding signs that read Thank You

Social Welfare raises over $43,600 on One Day One KU

The eighth annual One Day One KU set a new giving day record for the KU School of Social Welfare. Gifts will support social work students and education at KU.
Dr. Logan Shinkai Knight

Faculty research profile: Logan Shinkai Knight

Dr. Logan Shinkai Knight's research prioritizes survivor leadership and expertise for developing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to address human trafficking. Her work on survivor resilience and altruism involves survivors in all stages of research from study design to dissemination.
An image of a sunset in Nepal.

Research finds local approaches to addressing domestic violence can guide international efforts

International policy organizations that aim to address social problems such as domestic violence tend to provide guidance, especially to developing nations, but more could be done to consider what they could learn from those on the ground.
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Magnolia trees bloom in front of the KU School of Social Welfare

Discoveries That Transform Lives

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

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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