Students walking in front of Twente Hall

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

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

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

Academics

12%
Ranked in the top 12% of public graduate institutions
85
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.
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A Vision of Justice

Drive discoveries that TRANSFORM LIVES

Research

$8M+
new research funding awarded (2022)
72
scholarly research presentations (2022)
50
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.
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.

Community

5
Locations offering the MSW program, with options in person and online
59
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.
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Social Welfare Stories

Sun: New Faculty Member Focuses on Health Equity

Dr. Sicong "Summer" Sun

Sicong "Summer" Sun examines how lack of access to financial resources impacts health and wellbeing.
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Kang: New Faculty Member will Lead the School of Social Welfare in Emerging Field of Eco Social Work

Dr. Joonmo Kang

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is on the leading edge of a new area of social work that could have important implications for people around the world: eco social work.
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Willey-Sthapit: New Faculty Member Gleans Insight for Preventing Domestic Violence from Work in Nepal

Dr. Willey-Sthapit

Claire Willey-Sthapit, Ph.D., assistant professor in the KU School of Social Welfare, has studied responses to DV both in the United States and Nepal, gaining insight into community responses that empower survivors and hold those who use violence accountable.
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Latest News

Haricombe Gallery to open new exhibit with events featuring KU scholars in association with Common Book Program

A new digital exhibit in Watson Library’s Haricombe Gallery will showcase KU scholars, centering the importance of imagination and visiona

One year after Mahsa Jina Amini's death, KU researchers analyze social media responses in Iran

LAWRENCE — One year ago, Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Jina Amini was killed, setting off some of the largest protests in Iran’s recent history.

Study examines role religion substance use services finds often located communities color

LAWRENCE — People have turned to religion and spirituality to deal with crises and critical needs for centuries. Yet little is known how religion plays a role in substance use care.

Search for Assistant Professor of Social Welfare

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare (KUSSW) is seeking candidates for two tenure-track assistant professor positions to begin Fall 2024 for academic year appointments.
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Upcoming Events

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