Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W. Degree)

How to Apply?

Students are directly admitted to the School of Social Welfare as new freshmen and transfer students. Visit the Office of Admissions for information about admission to KU. Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for information about international admissions.

Current KU students changing from another major to Social Welfare should complete a Change of School form and must meet the advancement requirements.

School of Social Welfare Advancement Review

For students to advance into 500 and 600 level Social Welfare coursework, they must complete the B.S.W. Advancement Review by June 15 preceding the fall semester in which they intend to begin 500 level classes. The Advancement Review includes the following:

• Completion of a personal essay answering three specific questions
  • Knowledge about Social Work:  What do social workers do?  What are your reasons for pursuing a social work degree?  How did you learn about social work as a career?
  • Commitment to Social Work:  There are many majors at KU that are considered helping professions.  What are the reasons for choosing a social work major over any of the other majors (do not just say that you want to work with people)?  Explain who you might want to work with and why.
  • Future plans:  How do you intend to use your social work knowledge/skills/abilities after graduating from the BSW program?  Discuss the job you see yourself doing when you complete the BSW.
• Three letters of reference;  one from a faculty member or instructor; one from a work or volunteer supervisor; one from any one of the previously listed. Personal or character references are not acceptable
• Professional resume
• Documented (50) hours of volunteer or paid work in a social service setting* 
• Earned grade of B or higher in SW 220
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50
• Completion of ENGL 101, ENGL 102, Math 101, SW 220, and at least (36) hours of General Education coursework
• Submitted signed electronic copy of BSW Student Standards and Advancement Policies and Procedures, NASW Code of Ethics, the KU Code of Student Rights and Resposibilities. If you have questions about any of these, please contact the BSW Program Director at 785-864-4720.

*The (20) volunteer hours required for SW 220 will count towards the total (50) volunteer hours. In addition, any volunteer hours in social service agencies completed through experiential learning courses (Service Learning Certificate courses or Alternative Break experiences) at KU or other institutions of higher learning will count as well. Social service agencies are defined as agencies that serve high risk human populations. 

Students must complete all general education requirements including electives prior to the start of 600 level course work and practicum.