Four MSW graduates smile and pose in graduation regalia

University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Educating, training and supporting qualified, compassionate social workers.

Be a Jayhawk Social Worker

Explore our academic programs and learn get ready to apply for an undergraduate or graduate degree in social work.
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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Our master's program prepares graduates for advanced social work practice in clinical or macro specializations. Students can pursue their degree full-time or part-time, both on campus and online.

A small group of students study at the Edwards Campus

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Majoring in social work at KU prepares students for entry-level social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. KU offers the undergraduate BSW program in Lawrence and the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

A group of KU students walks across campus

Doctoral Programs

The online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate focused on teaching, leadership and translational science. The Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) is an in-person program focused on research, scholarship and education.

Fraser Hall on the University of Kansas campus

Resources for Current Students

Information and student support
Find student support services within the School.
Current Student Resources

KU Social Welfare Stories

A group of graduate students talk in a circle in the new KU School of Social Welfare lobby area on the third floor of Green Hall

Move to Green Hall

The School of Social Welfare moved to Green Hall at the beginning of the spring 2025 semester, leaving its long-time academic home at Twente Hall. The renovated third floor of Green Hall is designed to serve students.
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Students from the MSW program in Salina celebrate at graduation

MSW partnership with Kansas State Salina

The first group of KU MSW students to graduate from a new partnership program with Kansas State University Salina formed a close-knit cohort. Read about students' experiences in the program, now in its second year.
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Latest News

PhD candidate Kelly Young

PhD candidate to educate on body mapping as mental health tool

On June 17, KU School of Social Welfare will host a continuing education session on Zoom called "Bodymapping: A Tool for Understanding Secondary Occupational Trauma".
A close-up view of a bronze Jayhawk statue with a cloudy sky in the background.

KU announces promotion and tenure for two Social Welfare faculty

Chancellor Douglas A. Girod has approved the promotion and award of tenure, where indicated, for 44 individuals at the University of Kansas Lawrence and Edwards campuses and 114 individuals at the KU Medical Center campus.
2024-2025 Margo Awards

2024-2025 Margo Award Winners Announced

The Margo Awards are named for Margaret Schutz Gordon, Professor Emeritus who served with distinction as Professor and Director of Field Education at KU SSW from 1970 to 1983. The KU School of Social Welfare is pleased to announce the following 2023-2024 Margo Award recipients:
DSW graduate Sharilyn Ray

Graduating DSW Spotlight: Sharilyn Ray

Sharilyn Ray will be in the first cohort of students to graduate from KU's online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program. Ray, who is the founder and CEO at Restoration Family Services in Wichita, entered the program with decades of experience in social work.
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Magnolia trees bloom in front of the KU School of Social Welfare

Discoveries That Transform Lives

Research at the KU School of Social Welfare reaches across the state of Kansas and beyond.

Research & Service

Serving Our Communities

$2.4M+
estimated monetary value of student social service volunteer hours in Kansas (2023-2024)
145,000+
practicum hours contributed by KU social work students to the state of Kansas in 2023-2024
$3.6M+
sponsored research funding going directly to Kansas partners (2023)

Connect with KU Social Welfare

Connect with the School through continuing education, professional development, community engagement programs and alumni events.
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Upcoming Events

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