Get Your Graduate Degree in Social Work at KU

Master of Social Work - MSW

KU’s MSW program equips graduates with the knowledge to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families, or groups, and make changes in organizations, communities, and policies that affect large populations in our society.

• Specialization: Choose clinical social work practice with individuals, families and groups, or social work macro practice aimed at administration, policy development and policy practice.
• Flexible options:
  • Online MSW with 100% online classes and an in-person practicum.
  • On-campus MSW programs in Lawrence, Overland Park and Salina.
• Advanced Standing and Traditional plans of study:
  • Advanced Standing requires a bachelor’s of social work to apply, and takes one year full-time to complete.
  • The Traditional plan requires a bachelor’s degree of any major other than social work from an accredited university or college to apply, and takes two years full-time to complete.
• Fully accredited: The KU MSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947.

Online Doctor of Social Work - DSW

The Online Doctor of Social Work – DSW program at KU gives current social workers the opportunity to advance their skills with coursework of practice at the leadership or management level. DSW graduates are expert practitioner-scholars who teach, supervise, and mentor.

• 100% Online: Our online courses are taught by highly regarded faculty and expert instructors, and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.
• Flexibility: The DSW is designed to be flexible enough to complete while employed, so students do not have to forego a salary to complete the program.
• Career Opportunities: The salaries expected of DSW graduates are highly competitive and higher than what may be expected with only an MSW.

While earning your DSW at the University of Kansas, you will build a framework of leadership best practices, develop a deep understanding of research implementation, and take away critical learning theories to the social work classroom.

Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work - PhD

The Doctorate of Philosophy – PhD program in social work at KU offers a rigorous curriculum, real-world research experience, and individualized mentoring by world-renowned scholars.

PhD students graduate with critical knowledge and skills. They generate and disseminate knowledge as researchers, scholars and educators. 

Note: The PhD application cycle is currently closed. Updates for the next application cycle will be posted in August 2026.