Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work degree at the KU School of Social Welfare provides the education and experience necessary for a career in social work.
Major in Social Work at KU
By helping shape students’ capacity for caring, the school prepares social workers to carry out the specific purposes of the profession: to develop human potential, to promote individual well-being, and to bring about a more just society.
The BSW program prepares students for generalist practice at the entry level with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. The program also prepares students for advanced graduate work in social work, as well as for degree programs in other disciplines.
Students will be able to practice competently, under professional supervision, with a variety of client systems, and at all system levels upon graduation.
Fall 2025 Application Dates
![BSW student field trip to Haskell](/sites/socwel/files/images/2020/%C2%A9KUmarcom_11103_E_004.jpg)
Innovative Curriculum
KU BSW students take innovative courses, created to dig deeper into subjects that matter. An updated curriculum, introduced in 2022, connects to the School’s leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion. Students choose from deep-dive mini-courses on topics directly related to current social work practice.
![Students and field education instructors sit in a group while visiting an agency](/sites/socwel/files/images/2020/Field%20Placement.jpg)
Guaranteed Internship
BSW students have one required practicum, or internship, during the senior year that provides students with a real-world learning experience in a safe environment.
Practicum EducationSupport for a Successful Journey
![Three KU BSW students pose for a photo at graduation](/sites/socwel/files/images/academics/academics-bsw-overview_student-success_card-2.jpg)
Student Support Services
![Students talk with a professor during a poster presentation for the social work program at KU](/sites/socwel/files/images/academics/academics-bsw-overview_added-value_card.jpg)
Added Value Opportunities
A Student Perspective on Practicum
85+ years
KU School of Social Welfare is the longest running accredited social work program in Kansas. KU is the only program in the state to offer degree preparation from undergraduate through doctoral degrees in social work.