Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Major in Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work degree at the KU School of Social Welfare provides the education and experience necessary for a career in social work.

Overview

By helping shape students’ capacity for caring, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare prepares social workers to carry out the specific purposes of the profession: to develop human potential, to promote individual well-being, and to bring about a more just society.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for generalist practice at the entry level with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program also prepares students for advanced graduate studies in social work, as well as for degree programs in other disciplines.

Students will be able to practice competently, under professional supervision, with a variety of client systems, and at all system levels upon graduation.

BSW Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 12 hours of practicum.

BSW Degree Requirements

BSW Admissions Requirements

Students are directly admitted to the School of Social Welfare as new freshmen and transfer students at the University of Kansas.

How to Apply

Request BSW Info

Resources

How to apply

Fall 2026 Application Dates

July 1
Admissions application opens
Apply Now
Dec. 1
Freshman scholarship deadline
Freshman Scholarships
Aug. 1
Transfer scholarship deadline
Transfer Scholarships

Jobs in Social Work

Majoring in social work at KU opens doors to a broad and fast-growing career field. Popular career areas include mental and behavioral health, substance use recovery, healthcare, school social work, and nonprofit management.
A social work graduate shakes hands with the school's dean during a graduation ceremony

Built-In Internship

Social work students complete a for-credit internship — called a practicum — during their senior year. The Practicum Education Office works with students to find their practicum placement and provide an enriching experience.
A social work student poses next to a sign outside their practicum placement

Accelerated Path to a Master's Degree

Students who earn a bachelor's degree in social work can apply for the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW) program, and complete a master's degree in just one additional year.
Master's of social work students cheer at a graduation ceremony

Innovative Curriculum

An updated curriculum includes classes in social work theory, advocacy and research. Single-topic mini-courses focus on current social work issues.
A professor talks with students while they work at laptops in a social work classroom

Get Involved

Get involved with research, attend a summer study abroad program focusing on global social work, or join the BSW student group. Students can join school committees to have a voice in school policies and procedures.
Students pose in front of a waterfall while studying abroad in Costa Rica

Supportive Community

KU social work students have access to support services including a professional writing consultant, a student support coordinator, a retention specialist and academic advisors.
A professor helps a student make a button during a welcome event

Social Work Major Timeline

Your 4-Year Guide for Majoring in Social Work at KU
Follow our timeline to preview classes, involvement opportunities and more.
BSW Timeline

Social Work Student Stories

BSW graduate Thanya Carlos-Calderon

Graduating BSW Spotlight: Thanya Carlos-Calderon

"I think our program, the students and the staff are very close-knit. It's been nice watching each other grow and learning from each other, learning from the professors," said Thanya Carlos-Calderon, a 2025 KU social work graduate.
Social Welfare BSW graduate Xavier Noriega

Graduating BSW Spotlight: Xavier Noriega

"I think how caring the professors and adjuncts are toward students makes our program unique, especially in the higher education environment," said Xavier Noriega, a 2025 KU social work graduate.
Shaza Al-Kassim

Graduating BSW Spotlight: Shaza Al-Kassim

“Being able to be in a field where you can go the medical route, you can go the therapy route, you can go the school route, you can go the older adults route, children's route, international route. It's really a gateway degree where I feel like I'll never get bored and I'll never hit a wall," said Shaza Al-Kassim, a 2025 KU social work graduate.
BSW student Molly Madden

Graduating BSW spotlight: Molly Madden

What stood out to Molly Madden about the KU social work program? “This class. I feel like we’ve all made a lot of good, solid friendships throughout our time and I just love that we’ve been able to become so close and know everyone’s stories and become that support system," Madden said.

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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