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 (CSWE) since 1947 and has consistently ranked in the top 12% of public institution social work programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

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Apply today

Ready to apply to the KU MSW Program? Applications open on Oct. 1. Deadlines vary by campus and plan of study.
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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, social policy development and social advocacy.

Our flexible social work program and newly revised course offerings were redesigned with community and student input to ensure a dynamic educational experience that incorporates real-world opportunities. KU's MSW program is available at Kansas campuses in Lawrence, Overland Park, Salina and Pittsburg. Students also have the option to take online MSW classes through Jayhawk Global.

What plan of study should I choose?

BSW
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
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

Students sitting in a classroom in Blake Hall

Lawrence Campus

Lawrence campus Advanced Standing students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught in the traditional in-person format on a weekday during the morning and afternoon.
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Student working with a young child in a wheel chair

Edwards Campus

Edwards Campus is located in Overland Park and Advanced Standing students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught in the traditional in-person format on a weekday in the afternoon and evening, or in the blended format that combines online learning with in-person classes every other Saturday.
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A student studies outside at the University of Kansas campus

Online Advanced Standing

Online Advanced Standing students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Our online format is taught as blended synchronous, which combines online coursework with online classes taking place every other Tuesday for macro specialization and Saturday for clinical specialization.
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Advanced Standing MSW Pittsburg, Salina

K-State Salina Partnership Site with picture of students sitting on the steps of a campus building

Salina Advanced Standing

Salina Advanced Standing students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught Tuesdays and Saturdays in the morning, afternoon and evening in the blended class format, which combines online learning with in-person classes scheduled every other week.
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Partnership site Pittsburg State University Gorilla logo next to the Jayhawk

Pittsburg State University Campus

Pittsburg Advanced Standing students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught Tuesdays and Saturdays in the morning, afternoon and evening in the blended class format, which combines online learning with in-person classes scheduled every other week.
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Traditional MSW Locations

Students in a classroom in Blake Hall on the Lawrence Campus

Lawrence Campus

Lawrence campus Traditional MSW students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught in the traditional in-person format on a weekday during the morning or afternoon.
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Student sitting in an Edwards Campus classroom

Edwards Campus

Edwards Campus is located in Overland Park and Traditional MSW students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Classes are taught in the traditional in-person format on a weekday in the afternoon and evening, or in the blended format that combines online learning with in-person classes every other Saturday.
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student working on a laptop

Online

Online Traditional students choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Taught as blended synchronous with online classes every other Saturday for the first year generalist curriculum and every other Tuesday for the macro specialization year and Saturday for the clinical specialization year.
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Traditional MSW at Salina and Pittsburg

Two students smile while sitting on stairs on the University of Kansas campus. Alternating text for Be a Jayhawk, Be a Wildcat and Be a Social Worker to promote the KU MSW at the K-State Salina campus.

Salina Traditional MSW

Traditional MSW students at the K-State Salina partnership program choose either the clinical or macro specialization. Students enroll in generalist year, in-person classes at K-State Salina. In the specialization year, classes are in a blended format, with on-campus classes every other Saturday.
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Partnership Site Pittsburg State Gorilla logo on left side and Jayhawk logo on right side

Pittsburg State University Campus

KU offers the Traditional MSW in Pittsburg through a partnership with Pittsburg State University. This program will not be offered to new students beginning in 2024.
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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.

MSW Stats

45%
of MSW students received a scholarship in 2022-2023
83%
LMSW first-time pass rate compared to 74% nationally (2018-2021)
Senior Associate Field Director Laura Hart at a practicum site with a student and children from the agency

Student Support

MSW students are provided quality teaching, mentoring, and enrollment assistance through advising services and practicum experiences.

Advising & Practicum Education
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

Invest in your future

Tuition & Aid

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

Scholarships & Funding

MSW students have the opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarship programs and additional funding sources.
Scholarships & Funding

Scholars Programs

Three scholars programs provide additional funding and safe spaces for critical conversations and expanded learning opportunities.
Scholars Programs

MSW Program Stories

Three graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars Program

Alumni Stories: Integrated Health

Nearly 250 graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars program are now providing integrated health care to under-served communities in Kansas and western Missouri. Hear from recent graduates of the program.
Read the story
MSW Macro Alumni Spotlight Q&A: Brandy Williams, Director of Education for MOCSA

Alumni Spotlights: MSW Macro Track

Graduates from the MSW macro social work specialization work in agencies and nonprofits across the country. Catch up on their careers with our collection of MSW Macro Alumni Spotlights.
MSW Macro Alumni Spotlights

85 years running

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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