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

Pegah Naemi Jimenez wins research achievement award

Pegah Naemi Jimenez wins Research Achievement Award

Naemi Jimenez’s scholarship focuses on cross-system approaches and community-engaged research that addresses social problems experienced by children and families in marginalized communities.
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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.
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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.
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Latest News

Dr. Roslyn Christopher

Associate professor of practice will join School of Social Welfare in fall 2024

Dr. Roslyn Christopher brings lecture experience on various topics of social work and social work practice, including work as an adjunct lecturer and practicum instructor at KU since 2011. She received her Ed.D. in educational leadership at Baker University and her Master of Social Work from the KU School of Social Welfare.
Christina Boyd, associate professor of practice

School of Social Welfare professor of practice remains dedicated to rural areas

Christina Boyd, an associate professor of practice at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare, was doing a training session when a mom in the audience shared an experience. A neighbor’s son got cancer, and the community responded by showing up with casseroles and words of support. Boyd called them the “casserole brigade.” An endearing sign of togetherness in a rural community.
Flowers bloom in front of the School of Social Welfare building at the University of Kansas

Transformative planned gift is largest in KU Social Welfare history

The planned gift, estimated to be over $1 million, will primarily provide scholarships to future KU social work students.
School of Social Welfare senior Brianna Herrera

BSW Student Spotlight: Brianna Herrera

"I think getting a degree in social work helps with understanding a lot of systems and hardships that people go through," Herrera said.
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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