University of Kansas

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum combines foundation knowledge in social welfare, human behaviour and research with advanced coursework and concentrated practice experience. Students study theoretical frameworks for practice, evidence-based interventions, social policy analysis and methods for evaluating services and outcomes.

• Core areas: human behaviour in the social environment; social welfare policy and services; social work research and evaluation; ethics and professional practice.
• Practice courses: assessment and intervention with individuals and families, group work, community and organisational practice, culturally responsive practice and trauma-informed approaches.
• Field education: sustained supervised practicum placements in community, clinical, school, health or policy settings that allow students to integrate coursework with applied practice.
• Electives and concentrations: options to focus on clinical practice, community development, substance use, child and family welfare, or other areas depending on faculty offerings and field placements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic preparedness, clear motivation for social work practice and readiness for professional field placement.

• A recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited programme may be eligible for advanced standing; check the school’s admissions guidance for specifics.
• Transcripts, a personal statement describing career goals and reasons for graduate study in social work, and a current résumé or CV.
• References or letters of recommendation, typically from academic and/or professional referees.
• Requirements related to background checks, immunisations or practicum clearances as required by community agencies providing field placements.
• International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements and provide documentation as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSW program enter a wide range of practice and leadership roles across health, mental health, child and family services, schools, criminal justice and community organisations. The degree is the standard route to clinical social work practice and is typically required for independent practice and for state licensure.

• Clinical social worker or therapist in community mental health, hospitals or private practice (pathway to licensure and clinical supervision).
• Child welfare and family services practitioner, including roles in foster care, adoption and family support.
• School social worker supporting students and families within educational settings.
• Community organiser, programme manager or policy analyst in government, non-profit organisations and advocacy groups.
• Positions in healthcare settings, integrated behavioural health teams and interdisciplinary practice environments.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers an MSW grounded in both rigorous scholarship and practice-focused training. The programme emphasises field education through partnerships with community agencies across urban and rural regions, giving students access to diverse practicum experiences.

Faculty at the School engage in applied research and policy work, allowing students to learn from instructors with active practice, research and community-engagement portfolios. Interdisciplinary collaboration with other units at the university — such as public health, psychology and public policy — supports broader perspectives on service systems and leadership development.

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional advancement, combining a strong foundation in theory and research with hands-on, supervised practice opportunities and connections to regional employers and service providers.