University of Kansas campus in Lawrence, Kansas

Master of Social Work

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Earn Your MSW at KU

The Master of Social Work program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare equips graduates with the knowledge to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families and groups. Our graduates make changes in organizations, communities and policies.

KU’s MSW has been fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947 and is ranked among the top MSW programs at public schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Apply to the MSW program

The 2026 MSW application opens on Oct. 1. Learn about admissions requirements and how to apply.
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One Program, Many Paths to Your KU MSW

The Master of Social Work degree prepares graduates for advanced social work practice in one of two broad specializations — either clinical social work practice with individuals, families and groups or social work macro practice aimed at social service administration, policy development and policy practice.

Our flexible social work program and updated course offerings were designed with community and student input to ensure a dynamic educational experience that incorporates real-world opportunities. KU's Master of Social Work program is available at campuses in Lawrence, Overland Park and Salina, and as an Online MSW through Jayhawk Global.

What plan of study should I choose?

BSW
Advanced Standing: If you already have your BSW from a CSWE-accredited university with a 3.0 or above GPA, then you should apply to the Advanced Standing plan of study.
No BSW
Traditional: If you have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university with a 3.0 or above GPA, then you should apply to the Traditional MSW plan of study.

Advanced Standing MSW Locations

KU MSW students talk at desks in a social work classroom

Lawrence Campus Advanced Standing

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Four KU Master of Social Work graduates pose for a selfie with a KU School of Social Welfare banner in the background

Edwards Campus Advanced Standing

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A student working at a laptop outside

Online Advanced Standing

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A group of graduates from the KU Advanced Standing MSW program in Salina pose in front of the KU School of Social Welfare logo

Salina Advanced Standing

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Traditional MSW Locations

Two students talk at desks in a KU social work classroom

Lawrence Campus Traditional MSW

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Student sitting in an Edwards Campus classroom

Edwards Campus Traditional MSW

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A student working at a laptop with a KU mug next to them

Online Traditional MSW

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A student in the Salina MSW program asks a question during class

Salina Traditional MSW

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KU MSW Application Dates

Oct. 1
Application opens
Varies
The final deadline to submit an application varies by the plan of study. Be sure to check each plan of study campus location for specifics.

Student Support & Aid

Tuition & Aid

Make your MSW a reality by knowing your estimated tuition, fees and common expenses.
Tuition & Aid

Scholarships & Funding

MSW students can apply for scholarship programs and other funding sources. Three social work scholars programs provide monetary support and expanded learning opportunities.
Scholarships & Funding

Advising & Practicum Support

MSW students access quality teaching, mentoring and enrollment assistance through advising services and practicum experiences.
MSW Advising & Practicum

MSW Stories

MSW 2025 graduate Ella Hinson

Social Work MSW Macro Alumni Spotlight: Ella Hinson

Recent KU MSW graduate Ella Hinson is putting her macro social work skills to work as an advocacy specialist with the Greater Kansas City Coalition to End Homelessness, managing a community outreach program. Hinson built skills in program administration, community practice and advocacy in the MSW macro specialization at KU.
School of Social Welfare student Julieta Zamora

Practicum Spotlight: Julieta Zamora

Julieta Zamora is a student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Her Practicum is at the the Family Conservancy Dame La Mano Program.
MSW Student Spotlight: Marcello Dodd-Holliday

Practicum Spotlight: Marcello Dodd-Holliday

Marcello Dodd-Holliday, a Master of Social Work student in the University of Kansas’ advanced standing program in Salina, wants to give the youth a role model they can relate to. His practicum with Central Kansas Mental Health Center allows him to do that.
MSW student Shaye White

MSW Spotlight: Shaye White

“I’ve always been set in stone in going back to my community,” White said. “I really want to help and there’s so much to be done. I see some things are still affecting us and I want to go help my people.”
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Learn more about the KU MSW Program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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Stone Jayhawk in front of Strong Hall on the Lawrence Campus

Advance your career in social work

KU licensure pass rates exceed the national averages for the LMSW and LSCSW. The KU MSW prepares graduates for careers in clinical or macro practice.

Licensing & Career Options

85+ years

KU School of Social Welfare is Kansas's longest-running accredited MSW. KU is the only program in the state to offer degree preparation from the undergraduate to doctoral levels, with BSW, MSW, DSW and PhD social work degree programs.

Study Social Work at KU

KU's School of Social Welfare offers social work degree programs at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels: BSW, MSW, DSW and PhD. Learn more.
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