A social worker assists a client in a wheelchair.

Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

Online Master of Social Work

Offered through the KU School of Social Welfare, the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree 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, social policy development, and social advocacy. The flexible curriculum was designed with community and student input to ensure a dynamic educational experience that incorporates real-world opportunities. KU’s online MSW is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has consistently ranked in the top 12% of public institution social work programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The School of Social Welfare offers Advanced Standing and Traditional plans of study. 

Advanced Standing requires:

  • A Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited social work program to apply.
  • A total of 38 credit hours consisting of 24 credit hours of online coursework and 14 credit hours of in-person practicum, which can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time.

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.
  • A total of 64 credit hours consisting of 36 credit hours of online coursework and 28 credit hours of in-person practicum, which can be completed in two years full-time or part-time in three or four years. 

38-64 credits | 100% online coursework | In-person practicum

Apply by Feb. 1

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.

CONTACT US

Tara Combes, Success Coach

taracombes@ku.edu
913-897-8438

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Master of Social Work Careers

$62k*
annual salary
Top 12%
of public institution social work programs

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.

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.

 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

The School of Social Welfare strives to be a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the university and in our community. We want to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff feel safe, heard, and valued. The Toni Johnson Scholars for Racial and Social Justice Program helps fund students at three levels: BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. Visit the Toni Johnson Scholarship page for more details about the scholarship program and the School of Social Welfare's DEI page for more details about the School’s Strategic Priority 1: DEI.

 

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.

CONTACT US

Tara Combes, Success Coach

taracombes@ku.edu
913-897-8438

Program Details

Costs

The flat-rate tuition for fully online MSW students is $695 per credit hour regardless of a student’s residency status. Contact us to learn more about costs and aid.

Admissions

Degree-seeking students must follow the admission process of their program.

Advanced Standing curriculum

Requires a total of 38 credit hours and takes one year to complete.

Traditional curriculum

Requires a total of 64 credit hours and takes two years to complete.

Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, curriculum, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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FAQ: Online Master of Social Work

Both the Advanced Standing and Traditional applications must be submitted by Feb. 1

The Master of Social Work degree 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, social policy development, and social advocacy.

Graduates have the skills they need to enter a variety of relevant career fields: postsecondary education, health care, nonprofit management, community service, schools, leadership and government, and counseling for substance misuse and behavioral/mental health.

The Advanced Standing plan of study can be completed in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. The Traditional plan of study can be completed in 2 years full-time or 3 to 4 years part-time.

The online format is blended synchronous, combining online coursework with live online classes taking place bi-weekly at a specific date and time.



Advanced Standing Practicum

The Advanced Standing plan of study requires two consecutive semesters of practicum work, totaling 14 credit hours. The advanced level in-person practicum requires 16 clock hours a week over two semesters for a total of 512 hours at the practicum site (from the end of August through April). Some students employed at a social service agency may be eligible to count their employment toward practicum hours. Some students employed at a social service agency may be eligible to count their employment toward practicum hours. 



Traditional Practicum

The Traditional plan of study requires two separate practicum placements: one during the foundation level, and one during the advanced level of the program. Each placement is for two consecutive semesters, totaling 14 credit hours for that year. During the first year of the Traditional plan of study, students will spend 16 clock hours a week for a total of 416 hours at the practicum site (from the end of August through April). During the second specialized year of the Traditional plan of study, students will spend 16 clock hours a week for a total of 512 hours at the practicum site (from the end of August through April). All practicum experiences are in person. Some students employed at a social service agency may be eligible to count their employment toward practicum hours.

For information on degree-specific scholarships, visit the School of Social Welfare's scholarship page.