Get Your Master's Degree in Social Work at KU

Help others and become an advocate for change

KU's MSW program 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.

Specialize in clinical or macro practice

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 course offerings were designed 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 and Salina. Students also have the option to take online MSW classes through Jayhawk Global.

Advanced Standing and Traditional plans of study

The School of Social Welfare offers Advanced Standing MSW and Traditional MSW plans of study. 

Advanced Standing details:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in social work to apply
• Total of 38 credit hours:
  • 24 credit hours of coursework
  • 14 credit hours of field practicum
• Takes one year of full-time study to complete

Traditional MSW details:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree of any major from an accredited university or college to apply
• Total of 64 credit hours:
  • 36 credit hours of coursework
  • 28 credit hours of field practicum
• Takes two years of full-time study to complete