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.

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

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.
Center for the Advancement of Health Equity

New research center to focus on health equity

A new research center in the KU 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.
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.

Latest News

School of Social Welfare alumni Marqueia Watson, Sarah Owsley and Ashley Vernon in the cafeteria of KC Beehive in Kansas City in October, 2024.

Social Welfare's road trip in Kansas City highlights importance of community-engaged work

The KU School of Social Welfare collaborated with ACOSA to visit the KC Beehive and discuss the fight to house the homeless.
Focus on 4s: Advancing Family Well-being through Data-Driven Interventions in Early Childhood Mental Health

Panel event centers around mental health of young children

On Feb. 25, Grand Challenges for Social Work panel “Focus on 4s: Advancing Family Well-Being Through Data-Driven Interventions in Early Childhood Mental Health” will be available for free on Zoom with prior registration.
An image of two people talking in a therapy session.

Research finds alternative anxiety, depression treatment for LGBTQ individuals shows results

A University of Kansas researcher analyzed results of an alternate treatment for LGBTQ individuals contained in “LGBTQI Workbook for CTI,” which is designed to help individuals who can’t access or have not had success with professional therapy.
Former associate professor of practice Dr. Renee White

Former Social Welfare associate professor of practice Dr. Renee White reflects on social work career

Dr. Renee White’s extensive career in social work that spanned over four decades included difficult conversations with people in need, door-knocking in unsafe situations and teaching the next generation of social workers.

Research Impact

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

Upcoming Events