Program Overview
The Master of Social Work at the University of Kansas prepares compassionate, skilled leaders to address social injustice, strengthen communities, and promote mental, emotional, and behavioral health across diverse populations. Rooted in KU’s nationally recognized School of Social Welfare, the program emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-informed decision-making, and culturally responsive engagement at the individual, family, organizational, and policy levels.
Designed to meet the evolving demands of social work practice, the Master of Social Work integrates culturally responsive clinical training, advocacy, policy development, and community engagement throughout the curriculum. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in complex systems. The KU MSW program offers two specializations: clinical practice or macro practice. The clinical practice specialization prepares students for social work with individuals, families, and groups in diverse therapeutic settings. The macro specialization prepares students for leadership positions in organizations and communities, with a focus on program administration, community practice, and advocacy.
The program offers two distinct pathways to support students at different points in their academic and professional journeys. The Traditional pathway is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work and provides comprehensive foundational and advanced coursework. The Advanced Standing pathway is available to students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program and allows them to build on prior social work preparation in an accelerated format.
Both pathways are available in on-campus and online formats, allowing students to pursue a Master of Social Work online or in person while receiving the same rigorous curriculum, faculty expertise, student support and practicum education opportunities. Regardless of modality, students complete supervised practicum placements and meet academic requirements aligned with clinical licensure standards.
KU’s social work graduate programs prepare students for professional licensure and leadership roles across a wide range of settings. Graduates serve as clinical social workers, mental health therapists, school social workers, healthcare advocates, policy analysts, and nonprofit leaders. Throughout the program, students deepen their understanding of social work values, professional ethics, and culturally responsive practice within a supportive, inclusive academic environment.
Whether your professional goals focus on direct clinical practice, community leadership, healthcare systems, or social policy reform, the Master of Social Work from KU equips you with the competencies to make a measurable impact in people’s lives and the systems that shape their well-being.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Social Work, MSWKU School of Social Welfare
The Master of Social Work is part of the School of Social Welfare, where we educate, train and support qualified, compassionate social workers.Master of Social Work Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Social Work program will be able to:
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
- Apply evidence-informed strategies to support individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Engage in policy practice by understanding, analyzing and advocating for social policies that affect well-being and access to social services
- Demonstrate competence in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
- Evaluate and adapt interventions based on client needs and community context
- Uphold professional ethics and advocate for vulnerable populations
- Meet academic and practicum requirements aligned with preparation for social work licensure
What Careers are Possible with a Master of Social Work?
Graduates from KU’s Master of Social Work online and in-person pathways pursue meaningful, high-impact careers. According to Lightcast:
- Median Salary: $55,000–$75,000 depending on specialization and licensure
- Career Paths: Clinical social worker, mental health therapist, school social worker, medical social worker, policy analyst, nonprofit director
- Top Employers: Hospitals, mental health agencies, schools, social service nonprofits, government organizations
Employment for graduates of social work master’s programs is projected to grow by approximately 11% over the next decade, according to Lightcast data.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers affordable tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, fellowships, and employer tuition reimbursement. Learn more at the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.Admission Requirements
Admissions requirements for the Advanced Standing MSW plan of study:
- Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program
- Bachelor of Social Work grade-point average of 3.0 or above is preferred
Admissions requirements for the Traditional MSW plan of study:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements
- Undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or above is preferred
KU MSW application requirements:
- Narrative statement: Narrative statement about your interest in graduate social work education; specific questions to address in the statement are included on the application
- Professional references: Contact information for three professional references. All applicants who have been employed in a social work setting should submit a reference from at least one supervisor who can address the applicant’s knowledge, skill, and readiness for graduate social work education as one of the three references.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college attended
- Area of interest: Select if you are interested in specializing in clinical social work practice or macro social work practice.
All applicants who have been employed in a social work setting should submit a reference from at least one supervisor who can address the applicant’s knowledge, skill and readiness for graduate social work education as one of the three references.
Learn more about how to apply to the KU MSW program at the School of Social Welfare
Student Life and Learning Experience
KU’s social work graduate program emphasizes applied learning through practicum education, research opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and professional development.
Students pursuing a master’s degree in social work online complete interactive, instructor-led coursework and an in-person practicum placement. Online students receive the same academic support, faculty mentorship, and additional student support as on-campus students.
The KU School of Social Welfare is committed to supporting students from the first day of class until graduation. Support for KU MSW students includes a professional writing coach, academic advisors, a student support coordinator, and faculty advising. The School of Social Welfare also offers financial support through scholarships, scholars programs, and other programs.
Master of Social Work Sample Courses
KU’s social work masters program 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, policy development and policy practice.
Generalist social work classes for Traditional MSW students may include:
- Generalist Practicum
- Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Multi-Level Intervention & Evaluation
- Social Policy Analysis and Advocacy in Social Work
Clinical specialization classes may include:
- Mental Health and Psychopathology
- Clinical Practice Strategies
- Advanced Practicum in Clinical Practice
Macro social work specialization classes may include:
- Advanced Policy Analysis
- Leadership and Supervision in Program Management
- Advanced Practicum in Macro Practice
Review the full list of courses in the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Social Work Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The admissions application for the KU Master of Social Work program opens in October. Application deadlines vary by campus and program plan. Check the MSW apply page for upcoming application dates and deadlines.
How long will the MSW program take?
Advanced Standing can be completed in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. The Traditional plan takes 2 years full-time or 3–4 years part-time.