KU School of Social Welfare

With each relationship, we vow to be a true partner by providing a diverse, equitable and safe environment that encourages forward-thinking and creates inclusive experiences that drive social change.

Our Vision & Mission

Let's Connect

Our School strives to reinvent, innovate, transform and educate. Learn about our degree programs, request information or share your support.

Apply Apply

Request Info Request Info

Donate Donate

Driven by our guiding principles and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, we strive daily to achieve our vision that all individuals, families and communities utilize their power to achieve justice, equity and well-being.

Michelle Mohr Carney

Dean and Professor

A Foundation of Strengths

Offer innovative programming that graduates and supports uniquely qualified and compassionate social workers

12%

Ranked in the top 12% of public graduate institutions

years providing exceptional social work education

students sitting in grass by Fraiser Hall

Future Students

KU is the longest-running social work program in Kansas and is the only comprehensive, premier research School of Social Welfare in the state. Explore our undergraduate and graduate programs.

BSW, MSW, DSW, PhD

Graduates dressed in Regalia with Christina Boyd, Coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Instructor-MSW Program, at the Lied Center getting lining up for graduation ceremony

Current Students

Current students have access to resources including professional and faculty advising, a writing consultant, and practicum placement. Find resources for student support and funding.

Resources for Current Students

Study Social Work at KU

Whether you are just starting your search or you know you are ready to apply, we are here for you each step of the way.

Degree Programs Degree Programs

Info Sessions Info Sessions

Scholarships Scholarships

A Vision of Justice

Drive discoveries that TRANSFORM LIVES

$8M+

new research funding awarded (2022)

scholarly research presentations (2022)

students working on research projects (2022)

Advancing Research

Research Clusters were designed to foster an integrated and inclusive environment for scholarship and research. Research Clusters work towards advancing the science and knowledge base of social work through collaboration, curriculum, scholarship and research.

Research Office

Research Projects

Research Highlights

Michael Riquino giving research presentation to a crowd in Garden City

A Mission of Change

Embrace our responsibility to promote social, economic, and environmental justice in Kansas, the nation and the world.

Locations offering the MSW program, with options in person and online

Children & parents served from all 4 federally recognized tribes in KS

$4.5M

given back to Kansas each year in social service volunteer hours

Policy Summit Panel at the BEST Conference Center at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park

Community Impact

Increasing transformative experiences through holistic support and DEI centered culture. Increasing research productivity around serious societal needs. Increasing community engagement and partnerships as international leaders in social work.

Community Engagement

Collaborate with us

We strive to be the ultimate advocate who serves the needs of our communities, equitably and honestly by collaborating to transform practice and policy through evaluation, training and technical assistance, and professional development.

Research Partners Research Partners

Evaluation & Training Evaluation & Training

CEUs CEUs

KU Social Welfare Stories

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

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

KU-led grant will empower underserved communities to address racial disparities in state's child welfare system

A new partnership led by the KU School of Social Welfare will empower members of underserved communities to identify and address the problems of racial bias and inequity in the child welfare system.

Study shows wealth does not ensure equal amounts of health across race, ethnicity

A recent study by Assistant Professor Sicong "Summer" Sun analyzes national data and reports of mental health and well-being. The study shows it takes more financial assets for people of color to have the same health outcomes as white Americans.

Research partnership shows parenting skills more effective at reuniting families

Researchers from KU’s School of Social Welfare worked with social service agencies in Oklahoma for more than 15 years to test several evidence-based interventions to enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of children and families affected by substance use.