Land Acknowledgement

The School of Social Welfare acknowledges that the University of Kansas resides on the ancestral territory of several tribal nations, including the Kaw, Osage, and Shawnee Peoples. Specifically, the University occupies land taken from these Native Peoples in 1825 with the Kaw Treaty and with the Shawnee Treaty enforced in 1854.

This land acknowledgement recognizes that Indigenous people are traditional guardians of the land and that there is an enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and these traditional territories. Our School recognizes, advocates, and supports the sovereignty of the four-federally recognized tribes of Kansas, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

This acknowledgement reminds us to continue advocating for and supporting Native students, staff, and faculty while working towards decolonizing the systems of power and oppression.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

50%

of master's students received a scholarship

85%

of MSWs are employed full-time after graduation

86%

LMSW first-time pass rate compared to 74% nationally

Overview

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.

Important Application Dates

1-Feb

Advanced Standing Full-Time application deadline

4-Mar

Deadline for Advanced Standing Full-time admits to finalize acceptance for admission to the MSW program. Admits must accept the offer online and pay the seat fee by this deadline.

1-Apr

Traditional MSW Full-Time, Traditional MSW Part-Time and Advanced Standing Part-Time final application deadline. These three plans of study have a priority deadline of March 1, 2022.

6-May

Deadline for Traditional MSW Full-Time, Traditional MSW Part-Time, and Advanced Standing Part-Time admits to finalize acceptance for admission to the MSW program. Admits must accept the offer online and pay the seat fee by this deadline.

Applications Open Oct. 1!

Advanced Standing Full-Time deadline is Feb. 1. Traditional MSW and Advanced Standing Part-Time priority deadline is Mar. 1, Final deadline is Apr. 1.

How to Apply How to Apply

Financial Aid Financial Aid

Scholarships Scholarships

Unique Curricula

The curriculum prepares students for the professional responsibilities of social work and helps them acquire the skills needed for effective social work practice. The unique curricula is reflective of community needs and designed to prepare students for the changing world of social work.

Curriculum

Real World Experience

MSW students have required practicums, or internship, each semester that provides students with a real world learning experience in a safe environment.

Field Education

Support for a Successful Journey

Individualized Support

Required academic advising each semester, all students receive professional and faculty advising, 32,575 hours/year of individualized field practicum support, and all programs and field hold required orientations each year.

Advising

Added Value Opportunities

Students engaged in research, three faculty-led study abroad locations focusing on global social work, pathways to the professional series, active BSW Student group, numerous opportunities to provide input and help shape and improve school policies and procedures.

Get Involved

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholars and Fellows Program, Multicultural Scholars Program, DEI Council, RISE, more than 100 events with specific focus on social justice topics, annual DEI end of the year celebrations, culture that acknowledges, supports, and honors diversity.

The Toni Johnson Center

Learn More

Download the MSW program guide, register to attend a virtual, interactive webinar or ask us a question.

MSW Program Guide MSW Program Guide

Info Session Registration Info Session Registration

Send an email Send an email

Social Work is Social Justice

How do you want to make an impact on the world? We support, encourage and collaborate with all of our partners to create change and free the world of injustices.

VISION OF JUSTICE BOARD

Want to help others

By 2030, there will be a total shortfall of 195,000 social workers nationally.

Licensing & Career Options

Let us help you

Our recruiter is available and ready to answer questions and help with next steps.

Send an email

83 years running

KU School of Social Welfare is the longest running, accredited social work program in the state and is the only one to offer degree preparation from undergraduate through doctoral degrees in social work.