BSW Degree Requirements & Curriculum


Student in Blake Hall

Degree Requirements

The KU BSW curriculum helps students prepare for the professional responsibilities of social work and acquire the skills needed for effective social work practice.

Bachelor of Social Work Degree Requirements 

Visit the KU Academic Catalog for a list of BSW Degree Requirements

Requirements include:

  • A minimum of 120 credit hours of course work including 12 credit hours of practicum.    
    • 48 Social Welfare hours.
    • 34 hours of Core 34 requirements including SW 220 (degree requirement).
    • 6 hours of degree required social and behavioral sciences beyond the Core 34 requirements.
    • 32 hours of electives.
  • A 2.0 minimum grade-point average in all coursework (cumulative KU GPA).
  • Successful completion of practicum.
  • Recommendation by the faculty of the school to the chancellor and the Kansas Board of Regents that the degree be granted.

Curriculum

The curriculum prepares graduates for beginning generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Visit the KU Academic Catalog for a sample BSW 4-Year Degree Plan

Students must complete a required course – SW 220 Intro to Social Work, Social Welfare and U.S. Society – before entering 500-level social work classes. SW 220 must be completed with a grade of B or higher. 

Junior Year: 500-Level BSW Courses

Students typically take 500-level social work courses during the junior year of a 4-year degree plan. Explore a list of sample course offerings below. Visit the KU Academic Catalog for a full list of social work courses

Courses

Senior Year: 600-Level BSW Courses

Students typically take 600-level social work courses during the senior year of a 4-year degree plan. Explore a list of sample course offerings below. Visit the KU Academic Catalog for a full list of social work courses

Courses

Child Welfare Certificate

The KU School of Social Welfare’s Certificate in Child Welfare provides seniors in the BSW program with specialized knowledge and skills to prepare them for a career in child welfare.

BSW students in lobby of Twente Hall

Experiential Learning Programs

KU offers a wide variety of experiential learning programs and certificates that work well with the undergraduate social work major. Students who complete a program or certificate will receive a notation on their transcripts.

KU BSW students attend Legislative Day at the Kansas capital building

Resources for Current Students

Information and student support
Find program guides, student support services and more within the School.
Current Student Resources

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.