Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

What careers are possible with a Master of Social Work degree?

Overall employment of social workers nationwide is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. KU’s online MSW degree prepares graduates with the skills they need to enter a variety of relevant career fields: school social work or school settings, health care, nonprofit management, community service, private practice, administrative settings, and counseling for substance misuse and behavioral health.

How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors, and consist of the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as our on-campus programs.

The School of Social Welfare offers Advanced Standing and Traditional plans of study. At this time, the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare cannot accept international applications for the online Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

Advanced Standing requires:

• A Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited social work program to apply.

Traditional plan requires:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited university to apply.
  • Undergraduate studies must reflect the successful completion of liberal arts courses, including those in the social sciences and humanities which focus on the development of knowledge in communication; social, biological, and behavioral sciences; history; philosophy and the ways in which knowledge is gained and applied; and the value of a multicultural and diverse society.

Why get an online MSW degree from KU?

KU’s Master of Social Work degree program offers newly revised courses designed with community and student input to ensure a dynamic, educational experience that incorporates real-world opportunities. Online MSW courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and instructors as our on-campus programs. Graduates of the MSW program are equipped with the knowledge to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families, and groups and make changes in organizations, communities, and policies that affect large populations in our society.

Vision of justice, mission of change

To supplement the student experience, all incoming students are asked to state their vision of justice — big or small. We hope students use their vision to assist and help structure ideas for their coursework. If used throughout various aspects of the program, by graduation, the student will have a body of work that is designed to create change and move us all closer to a more just society.