Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Earn your online Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Kansas. KU's CSWE-accredited program prepares working professionals for advanced social work practice through flexible online coursework, supervised field education and full-time or part-time study option
Earn Your Online MSW at KU
The University of Kansas offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) that combines the flexibility working professionals need with the academic quality of a leading public research university. Through online coursework, supervised field education and instruction from faculty in KU's School of Social Welfare, students prepare for advanced social work practice in a variety of professional settings.
The program is offered through the KU School of Social Welfare, the oldest school of social welfare in Kansas. Its curriculum is grounded in KU's Strengths Perspective, an approach developed at the University of Kansas that emphasizes the strengths and potential of individuals, families and communities. As one of only 38 public universities in the Association of American Universities (AAU), KU is recognized for excellence in research and graduate education.
Students can choose Traditional or Advanced Standing pathways, with full-time and part-time study options available. The program combines the convenience of online learning with field education completed in your community, allowing you to build professional experience while earning your degree.
What Can You Do with a Master of Social Work (MSW)?
An online Master of Social Work can prepare you for advanced practice roles in clinical, community, health care, school, and human service settings. KU's online MSW helps students build the skills and field experience needed to serve individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Social Work Career Outlook
Occupations associated with social work and related human service fields show continued national demand. According to Lightcast labor market data, these occupations account for:
- 946,071 jobs nationwide
- 98,085 annual openings
- $58,400 median annual earnings
- 13.9% projected growth through 2035
In-Demand Social Work Skills
Employers hiring for social work and related roles frequently seek candidates with practical, people-centered skills that support client care, planning, and intervention.
- Mental health and behavioral health
- Treatment planning
- Crisis intervention
- Case management
- Advocacy and ethical practice
- Communication and coordination
Career Paths for MSW Graduates
MSW graduates may pursue roles across clinical practice, health care, schools, community organizations, and social service agencies.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Mental Health Therapist
- Medical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Child, Family, and School Social Worker
- Health Care Social Worker
- Social and Community Service Manager
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
Top Employers Hiring Social Workers
Organizations across healthcare, government, nonprofit, and community settings actively hire social workers to provide clinical services, advocacy, case management, and leadership. Employers commonly hiring social workers include:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- CVS Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- Optum
- State of Kansas
- Children's Mercy
- HCA Healthcare
Why Choose KU for Your Online MSW?
The University of Kansas has been preparing social workers for more than 80 years. The School of Social Welfare has maintained continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947, reflecting a long history of preparing graduates for professional social work practice.
As Kansas' flagship university, KU is one of only 38 public universities in the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization of the nation's leading public research universities. That distinction reflects KU's commitment to research, scholarship, and academic excellence while giving students access to the resources and opportunities of a nationally recognized public university.
KU's online Master of Social Work (MSW) is designed for working professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. Choose from Traditional and Advanced Standing pathways, available in full-time and part-time formats, while completing field education in your community. You'll learn from faculty with experience in research, policy, and professional practice while developing the knowledge and skills needed for advanced social work careers.
How the Online MSW Program Works
KU's online Master of Social Work (MSW) is designed for working professionals who need flexibility while earning a graduate degree. Choose the pathway and pace that fit your background, schedule and goals.
Flexible Online Learning
- 100% online coursework
- Study from wherever you live
- Designed for working professionals
Traditional & Advanced Standing
- Two online MSW pathways
- Full-time or part-time options
- Multiple start terms
Field Education
- Complete placements locally
- Gain supervised experience
- Receive placement support
Built for Working Professionals
- Balance work and graduate school
- Learn from KU faculty
- Support through graduation
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 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, 2026
- Traditional Part-time: April 1, 2026
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.
KU's online MSW combines online coursework with live online class sessions held every other week. Students also complete required field education (practicum) in person at an approved agency in their community.
Advanced Standing MSW
- Two consecutive semesters of practicum
- 16 hours per week
- 512 total practicum hours
- Placements typically run August through April
- Some students employed by a social service agency may be able to count eligible employment toward practicum hours.
Traditional MSW
Students complete two practicum placements during the program.
Foundation Placement
- Two consecutive semesters
- 16 hours per week
- 416 total practicum hours
Advanced Placement
- Two consecutive semesters
- 16 hours per week
- 512 total practicum hours
Some students employed by a social service agency may be able to count eligible employment toward practicum hours.
KU offers two online MSW pathways. The Traditional pathway is designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. The Advanced Standing pathway is for eligible students who have earned a recent BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution and allows them to complete the degree in less time.
Yes. KU's online MSW is designed for working professionals. Students can choose full-time or part-time study options and complete coursework online while gaining supervised field education experience in their communities.
Field education placements are completed in your community whenever possible. KU's field education team works with students to identify appropriate placement opportunities that meet program requirements while providing meaningful professional experience.
Yes. The University of Kansas Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates earn the same accredited degree regardless of whether they complete the program online or on campus.
Students complete the same CSWE-accredited degree while learning from KU School of Social Welfare faculty. The primary difference is the delivery format, with coursework completed online.