Academic Programs
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The BSW program prepares students for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at the entry-level. The program prepares students for advanced graduate work in social work, as well as for degree programs in other disciplines.
The KU BSW program is available at the Lawrence campus and at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.
Campuses - BSW Program
Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing
Our Master of Social Work degree Advanced Standing plan of study prepares graduates for advanced clinical or macro social work practice. Advanced Standing requires a Bachelor of Social Work degree to apply. Students can complete the Advanced Standing MSW in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
The Advanced Standing MSW is available in Lawrence, Overland Park (KU Edwards Campus), Salina and Online.
Campuses - Advanced Standing MSW Program
Master of Social Work, Traditional
Our Master of Social Work degree Traditional plan of study prepares graduates for advanced clinical or macro social work practice. Students with a bachelor's degree in a field outside of social work from a regionally accredited college or university can apply to the Traditional MSW program. Students can complete the Traditional MSW program in two years of full-time study, or three or four years of part-time study.
The Traditional MSW is available in Lawrence, Overland Park (KU Edwards Campus), Salina and Online.
Campuses - Traditional MSW Program
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
The fully online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is designed to produce expert social work practitioner-scholars who go on to teach, supervise and mentor. KU DSW courses help experienced social workers develop leadership and administrative skills. Students can complete the KU DSW program in two years of full-time study, or three or four years of part-time study.
Campuses - DSW Program
Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD students at the KU School of Social Welfare graduate with the critical knowledge and skills they need to become innovative stewards of the discipline. They generate and disseminate knowledge as researchers, scholars and educators.
The PhD program is offered in person at the KU Lawrence campus.
Campuses - PhD Program
Continuing Education
The KU School of Social Welfare offers several continuing education events for practicing social workers throughout the year. These events are not offered for academic credit. Social workers can earn continuing education credit for licensure.
Continuing Education
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degree programs at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation.
Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
DSW Program Accreditation Information
CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA) is currently piloting the accreditation of practice doctorate programs. Although there are currently no CSWE-BOA accredited practice doctorate programs, in June 2020, CSWE-BOA approved and adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work (.pdf). The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare has adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work (.pdf) and is prepared to undergo accreditation once it becomes available. For information about practice doctorate program accreditation and the current pilot, visit the Council on Social Work Education website.