Academic Programs


Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The BSW program prepares students for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at the entry-level. The program prepares students for advanced graduate work in social work, as well as for degree programs in other disciplines.

Study group students

Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing

Our Master of Social Work degree one-year Advanced Standing plan of study prepares graduates for clinical or macro social work practice. Advanced Standing requires a bachelor’s of social work to apply.

Edwards Campus students sharing a book

Master of Social Work, Traditional

Our Master of Social Work degree two-year Traditional plan of study prepares graduates for clinical or macro social work practice. The Traditional plan requires a bachelor’s degree, of any major other than social work, from an accredited university or college to apply.

roundtable classroom discussion

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

The online DSW gives current social workers the opportunity to further advance their skills with coursework of practice at the leadership or management level.

Campuses

    student studying on a laptop

    Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

    Through a rigorous curriculum, real-world research experience, and individualized mentoring by world-renowned scholars, our KU School of Social Welfare Doctoral Program graduates develop the knowledge and skills to drive discovery and advance the field of social work.

    Campuses

      PhD student presenting a poster with faculty member

      Non-credit

      We focus on the professional development and education needs of social workers and other human service sector professionals in the community. Many trainings offer CEUs through the KU School of Social Welfare.

      Professor Rebeca Sandoval leads a continuing education session in Salina



      Accreditation

      The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree programs at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.

      Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

      Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.

      DSW Program Accreditation Information

      CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA) is currently piloting the accreditation of practice doctorate programs. Although there are currently no CSWE-BOA accredited practice doctorate programs, in June 2020, CSWE-BOA approved and adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work (.pdf). The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare has adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work (.pdf) and is prepared to undergo accreditation once it becomes available. For information about practice doctorate program accreditation and the current pilot,  visit the Council on Social Work Education website.

      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.