Traditional MSW at Pittsburg State University
Update for Students Starting Traditional MSW in 2024
The KU Traditional MSW plan of study will not be offered at the Pittsburg State University campus to students beginning the program in 2024 and beyond.
The Traditional MSW will be available at the following campuses for students starting in 2024:
Program Overview
The Pittsburg State University (PSU) Social Work Program and the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare are partnering to offer the KU Master of Social Work (MSW) on the PSU campus.
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 social work program and newly revised course offerings were redesigned with community and student input to ensure a dynamic educational experience that incorporates real-world opportunities.
Our uniquely qualified and confident graduates are equipped with the knowledge to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families and groups. They make changes in organizations, communities, and policies that affect large populations in our society.
Courses guide students on how to engage and assess the needs of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students learn how to intervene and evaluate those interventions at all levels of practice.
KU's MSW is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The KU MSW has consistently ranked in the top 12% of graduate social work programs at public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report. It is the top-ranked and longest-running MSW program in Kansas.
Advance your career in social work
KU licensure pass rates exceed the national averages for the LMSW and LSCSW. The KU MSW prepares graduates for careers in clinical or macro practice.
Licensing & Career OptionsCurriculum
Learn more about the program curriculum and class schedule below.
Note: For students beginning the program in 2024 and beyond, KU will not offer the Traditional MSW at the Pittsburg State University campus. The Traditional MSW will be offered at the following campuses for students starting the program in 2024 and beyond: Lawrence, Edwards (Overland Park), Salina and online through Jayhawk Global.
The first two semesters are offered through PSU’s Social Work program. These classes lead to a Graduate Social Work Foundation Certificate. Classes take place on the PSU campus on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
The second year is offered by the KU School of Social Welfare on the PSU campus. Classes are taught in a blended format that combines online learning with in-class attendance occurring every other Saturday on the PSU campus.
Applicants who meet the following criteria will apply to the KU School of Social Welfare Traditional plan of study.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate studies must reflect the successful completion of liberal arts courses, including those in the social sciences and humanities which focus on the development of knowledge in communication; social, biological, and behavioral sciences; history; philosophy and the ways in which knowledge is gained and applied; and the value of a multicultural and diverse society.
- Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or above is preferred
For students beginning the program in 2024 and beyond, the Traditional MSW plan of study is offered on the Lawrence campus, Edwards Campus or Kansas State University Salina campus, and online.
You will choose to specialize in either Clinical Practice or Macro Practice.
Clinical Social Work Practice
Emphasis on a particular field of practice, such as children and families, health, mental health, schools, or aging populations.
Macro Social Work Practice
Emphasis on leadership, social service administration, social policy development and social advocacy.
PSU and KU have entered into a cooperative MSW program in which students take their first year (foundation year) curriculum from PSU's social work program. Upon completion of the foundation year, the students will transition to the second year (clinical year) at KU's program, delivered on the PSU campus. This certificate will allow students to continue their studies with KU and will give students something to show for the work they completed at PSU.
The School of Social Welfare requires a total of 64 credit hours for the MSW degree.
The first-year Graduate Social Work Foundation Certificate offered from PSU consists of:
- 18 credit hours of classroom work
- 14 credit hours of field practicum
Upon completion of this certificate, students advance to the second year of the program, which is offered by the KU School of Social Welfare on the PSU campus. These are the same classes that the Advanced Standing students take and consist of:
- 18 credit hours of classroom work
- 14 hours of field practicum
Current students may enroll in a part-time, three or four-year MSW. Students enrolled in the program will enroll in their field practicum in the third year. More information on the Traditional MSW online part-time curriculum webpage.
Generalist Curriculum
Students in the Traditional MSW program complete 32 credit hours of generalist coursework. Full-time students complete these courses in the first year of the program.
Following generalist courses and practicum, students advance to one of two areas of specialization: clinical practice or macro practice.
Clinical Specialization Curriculum
This 32-credit-hour specialization prepares MSW students for clinical social work with individuals, families and groups.
We recommend students who anticipate taking the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) examination pursue a clinical specialization.
Macro Specialization Curriculum
The 32-credit-hour macro practice curriculum prepares MSW students for leadership in social work agencies and social justice organizations.
MSW Degree Requirements & Plans
Visit the KU Academic Catalog for MSW Degree Requirements and MSW Degree Plans.
Notes:
Not all MSW courses are offered every semester or on all campuses/online. Course options may change based on enrollment. Check the Schedule of Classes for current offerings.
The Macro specialization is currently offered on campus only at the Edwards location. It is also available online to students at other campus locations. On campus courses may be moved online due to low enrollment.
Student Support
MSW students are provided quality teaching, mentoring, and enrollment assistance through advising services and field practicum experiences.
Admission & Application Requirements
Admission Requirements
Applicants who meet the following criteria will apply to the Traditional plan of study.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Undergraduate studies must reflect the successful completion of liberal arts courses, including those in the social sciences and humanities which focus on the development of knowledge in communication; social, biological, and behavioral sciences; history; philosophy and the ways in which knowledge is gained and applied; and the value of a multicultural and diverse society.
- Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or above is preferred
The full-time Traditional MSW application is open October 1 to March 1. The part-time Traditional MSW application is open October 1 to April 1. All Traditional MSW students are admitted for a fall semester start date.
Application Requirements
KU will offer the Traditional MSW plan of study at Lawrence, Edwards, Salina and online for students beginning in 2024 and beyond.
Application requirements and deadlines for each campus are available on these program pages:
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