Flowers bloom in front of the social work building at the University of Kansas

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.
Programs Programs
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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.

A group of KU students walks across campus

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

Twente Hall

Farewell to Twente Hall

The School of Social Welfare will move out of Twente Hall at the end of the fall 2024 semester, to a new home in Green Hall. The community is invited to a Farewell to Twente Hall Open House on Oct. 18.
Learn more
Three graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars Program shared their stories from the program

Alumni Stories from the Integrated Health Scholars Program

Nearly 250 graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars program are now providing integrated health care to under-served communities in Kansas and western Missouri. Hear from recent graduates of the program.
Read the story
Sunflowers

Partnerships Equip More Social Workers to Serve Rural Kansas

MSW students taking classes through partnership programs at Pittsburg State University and K-State Salina answer the call for more social workers in underserved communities.
Read the story

Latest News

Social Welfare assistant professor Whitney Grube is focuses on helping the most vulnerable.

Social Welfare Assistant Professor wants research to help children with mental illness

Whitney Grube is focused on helping the most vulnerable. That’s a passion she’s had since she was an undergraduate student studying behavioral science at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. ...

Barbara Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor

KU Social Welfare faculty, students honored with I AM First Too poster unveiling

The Achievement & Assessment Institute’s Center for Educational Opportunity Programs is hosting its sixth annual I Am First Too commemorative poster unveiling in honor of members of the KU community who have excelled as role models and advocates of first-generation student success.
Bronze Jayhawk statue with fall leaves

KU Social Welfare faculty, researchers to present at CSWE 2024 Annual Program Meeting

Faculty and researchers will share their work during the annual conference on social work education, taking place Oct. 24-27 in Kansas City.
Fraser Hall in fall

New KU Social Welfare research center focuses on health equity

A new research center in the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare will elevate health-related research, training and collaboration. The Center for the Advancement of Health Equity is committed to improving health, behavioral health and long-term care systems, as well as promoting health equity and access.
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Research Impact

$8M+
KU social welfare projects received $8 million in new funding in 2022.
Research Projects
72
Faculty and research staff completed 72 scholarly research presentations in 2022.
Research Presentations
50
50 students worked on research projects in 2022.
Students in Research
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

$1.5M+
monetary value of social service volunteer hours in Kansas (2022-23)
159,000+
practicum hours completed by KU social work students in 2022-23
$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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Our Vision & Mission

A Foundation of Strengths. A Vision of Justice. A Mission of Change. Learn how the School of Social Welfare is working toward realizing our vision - that all individuals, families and communities utilize their power to achieve justice, equity and well-being.

Our Vision & Mission