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

Graphic of Rebeca Sandoval

Rebeca Sandoval receives Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching

Sandoval helps lead a partnership with Kansas State University to offer the MSW program in Salina. She received the 2025-2026 Gene A. and Gretchen Budig Award for Excellence in Teaching for excellence in teaching, online instruction, and professional advising for MSW students.
Photos of Amea Chandler and Jerilyn Smith receiving Mignot Awards

Améa Chandler, Jerilyn Smith receive Mignot Award for dedication to BSW student success

Students in the Bachelor of Social Work program selected Améa Chandler, BSW retention coordinator, and Jerilyn Smith, adjunct instructor, for the 2025-2026 Mignot Award.
Audrey Cress receives Adjunct Teaching award from Dean Michelle Carney on stage at graduation.

Audrey Cress receives 2026 Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching

Audrey Cress, who teaches in the Master of Social Work program, was recognized as a "thoughtful social worker and dynamic presenter leading with integrity."
Graphic showing Cheryl Holmes and Dr. Brennan Miller

Cheryl Holmes and Brennan Miller receive Statland Award for Research Leadership

The Statland award recognizes two researchers for their commitment to community-engaged, partnership-driven projects that improve outcomes for communities across Kansas.
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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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