BSW Degree Requirements & Curriculum
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.
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.
