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

Toni Johnson Scholar directors Joonmo Kang and Claire Willey-Sthapit.

Social Welfare selects 14 students for Toni Johnson Scholars Program in 2024-2025

Scholars for racial and social justice receive mentoring and professional development opportunities dedicated to enhancing community, retention and success.
Fall color on the KU campus in 2023.

Social Welfare fall research events aim to facilitate important discussions

Research events cover self-care in election season, a pilot program to train social work students in supporting survivors of domestic violence, and faculty research on gender-affirming care.
Student Spotlights: MSW Salina student experience

Student Spotlights: MSW Salina student experience

Students and recent graduates from the KU MSW program in Salina share their experiences. The partnership with Kansas State University Salina is now in its second year.
KU School of Social Welfare student support staff members Amea Chandler, Joseph Bush and Hazel Rogers.

Social Welfare support staff is dedicated to guiding students

Expanded student services include a professional writing consultant, retention coordinator and support coordinator - specifically for social work students.
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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