Flowers bloom in front of the social work building at the University of Kansas

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.
Programs Programs
Apply Apply
Request Info Request Info

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)

The undergraduate program in social work prepares students to take the BSW licensing exam and start social work practice after graduation. KU offers the BSW program at the Lawrence campus and at 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

Pegah Naemi Jimenez wins research achievement award

Pegah Naemi Jimenez wins Research Achievement Award

Naemi Jimenez’s scholarship focuses on cross-system approaches and community-engaged research that addresses social problems experienced by children and families in marginalized communities.
Read the story
Three graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars Program shared their stories from the program

Alumni Stories from the Integrated Health Scholars Program

Nearly 250 graduates of the Integrated Health Scholars program are now providing integrated health care to under-served communities in Kansas and western Missouri. Hear from recent graduates of the program.
Read the story
Sunflowers

Partnerships Equip More Social Workers to Serve Rural Kansas

MSW students taking classes through partnership programs at Pittsburg State University and K-State Salina answer the call for more social workers in underserved communities.
Read the story

Latest News

Three new faculty joining the School of Social Welfare - Logan Shinkai Knight, Ricka Mammah and Kathryn Berringer

Three new tenure-track faculty will join School of Social Welfare in fall 2024

Three new tenure-track faculty will join the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare as assistant professors this fall. Kathryn Berringer, Logan Shinkai Knight and Ricka Mammah will start their roles in August 2024.
Sarah Jen, Jason Matejkowski, Meredith Bagwell-Gray

KU announces promotion and tenure for three Social Welfare faculty and researchers

Three social welfare faculty were promoted. Jason Matejkowski is now a full professor with tenure. Meredith Bagwell-Gray and Sarah Jen are now associate professors with tenure.
The Self Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is awarded to outstanding seniors from KU who will be transitioning into their first year of a master’s or doctoral degree program at KU in the fall 2024 semester.

Social Welfare students among new 2024-2025 Self Memorial Scholars

Twenty-two students have been selected to receive the University of Kansas Madison and Lila Self Memorial Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
MMIWG2ST+ art by Ahnawake Toyekoyah

Event to connect the issue of MMIWG2ST+ to social work values of service

MMIWG2ST+ is an inclusive acronym describing missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse relatives. Join us in learning about these tragic injustices and their roots in the violence of colonialism and anti-Indigenous U.S. policy — and in committing ourselves to solidarity and justice with Indigenous communities. 
Read all news

Research Impact

$8M+
KU social welfare projects received $8 million in new funding in 2022.
Research Projects
72
Faculty and research staff completed 72 scholarly research presentations in 2022.
Research Presentations
50
50 students worked on research projects in 2022.
Students in Research
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

$1.5M+
monetary value of social service volunteer hours in Kansas (2022-23)
159,000+
practicum hours completed by KU social work students in 2022-23
$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.
CEU events CEU events
Alumni & Friends Alumni & Friends
Donate to KUSSW Donate to KUSSW

Upcoming Events

See all events

Our Vision & Mission

A Foundation of Strengths. A Vision of Justice. A Mission of Change. Learn how the School of Social Welfare is working toward realizing our vision - that all individuals, families and communities utilize their power to achieve justice, equity and well-being.

Our Vision & Mission