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.
Applications for summer and fall 2025 are closed. The 2026 application will open in early October.
Learn more about this online program
Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.
Program Information
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.
Master of Social Work Careers
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.
Take the next step
Apply to the online Advanced Standing MSW
Apply to the online Traditional MSW
Program Details
Costs
Admissions
FAQ: Online Master of Social Work
Both the Advanced Standing and Traditional applications must be submitted by:
- Advanced Standing (full-time and part-time) and Traditional Full-time: Feb. 3, 2025
- Traditional Part-time: April 1, 2025
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. 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. 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.