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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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 Master of Social Work program is available at campuses in Lawrence, Overland Park and Salina, and as an Online MSW through Jayhawk Global.

What plan of study should I choose?

BSW
Advanced Standing: 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
Traditional: 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 Advanced Standing

Lawrence campus Advanced Standing classes are taught in-person on a weekday, during the morning and afternoon.
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Student working with a young child in a wheel chair

Edwards Campus Advanced Standing

Edwards Campus Advanced Standing 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 courses are taught in an online format that combines online coursework with synchronous online classes that meet every other week.
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A group of graduates from the KU Advanced Standing MSW program in Salina pose in front of the KU School of Social Welfare logo

Salina Advanced Standing

Salina Advanced Standing classes are taught 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 Traditional MSW

Lawrence campus Traditional MSW classes are taught in person on a weekday during the morning or afternoon.
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Student sitting in an Edwards Campus classroom

Edwards Campus Traditional MSW

Edwards Campus Traditional MSW 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 working at a laptop with a KU mug next to them

Online Traditional MSW

Online Traditional MSW courses are in a blended synchronous format that combines online learning with synchronous, online classes that meet every other week.
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A student in the Salina MSW program asks a question during class

Salina Traditional MSW

Traditional MSW students at the K-State Salina enroll in generalist year, in-person classes at K-State Salina. In the specialization year, classes are in a blended format, alternating online learning with on-campus classes every other week.
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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.

Student Support & Aid

Tuition & Aid

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

Scholarships & Funding

MSW students can apply for scholarship programs and other funding sources. Three social work scholars programs provide monetary support and expanded learning opportunities.
Scholarships & Funding

Advising & Practicum Support

MSW students access quality teaching, mentoring and enrollment assistance through advising services and practicum experiences.
MSW Advising & Practicum

MSW Stories

School of Social Welfare student Julieta Zamora

Practicum Spotlight: Julieta Zamora

Julieta Zamora is a student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Her Practicum is at the the Family Conservancy Dame La Mano Program.
MSW Student Spotlight: Marcello Dodd-Holliday

Practicum Spotlight: Marcello Dodd-Holliday

Marcello Dodd-Holliday, a Master of Social Work student in the University of Kansas’ advanced standing program in Salina, wants to give the youth a role model they can relate to. His practicum with Central Kansas Mental Health Center allows him to do that.
MSW student Shaye White

MSW Spotlight: Shaye White

“I’ve always been set in stone in going back to my community,” White said. “I really want to help and there’s so much to be done. I see some things are still affecting us and I want to go help my people.”
Read all stories

Learn more about the KU MSW Program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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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

85+ years

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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