Land Acknowledgement

The School of Social Welfare acknowledges that the University of Kansas occupies land that has been cared for by several tribal nations.

This land acknowledgment 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 affirms, advocates for, and supports the sovereignty of the four-federally recognized tribes of Kansas, and the other 570 federally recognized nations in the U.S.

The acknowledgment reminds us to continue our commitment to advocating for, and supporting Indigenous students, staff, and faculty while working towards decolonizing the systems of power and oppression. Please visit the Land Acknowledgment webpage for a listing of our current actions of commitment.

Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)

100%

of PhD students receive financial aid guaranteed for three years

94%

of PhD students hold a Graduate Research Position

31%

of PhD students hold a Graduate Teaching Position

Overview

Our students graduate from the program with the critical knowledge and skills they need to become innovative stewards of the discipline who generate and disseminate knowledge as researchers, scholars and educators.

Next application deadline is Jan. 5, 2024

We admit a new PhD cohort every other year. The next cohort applications will open Oct. 1, 2023 to Jan. 5, 2024 for a fall 2024 start date.

Application Information Application Information

Guaranteed Funding Guaranteed Funding

PhD students and faculty at SSWR conference poster presentation

Unique Curricula

Through a rigorous curriculum, real-world research experience, and individualized mentoring by world-renowned scholars, KUSSW Doctoral Program graduates develop the knowledge and skills to drive discovery and advance the field of social work.

Curriculum

PhD Student presentation at End of Year DEI Celebration

Research

Full-time doctoral students are guaranteed three years of financial support, as long as student remains in good standing in the program.

Funding

Support for a Successful Journey

PhD Students at end of year DEI celebration

Individualized Support

One-on-one faculty mentoring and support throughout the program.

Advising

Added Value Opportunities

Students engaged in research, active PhD Student group, numerous opportunities to provide input and help shape and improve school policies and procedures.

Get Involved

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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

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Questions? Questions?

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

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.

Let us help you

Contact your recruiter

We are available and ready to answer questions and help with next steps.

Questions