Program Overview
Introduction to the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in social work. The school is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for careers in social work and related fields.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program
The BSW program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is designed to provide students with a foundation in social work theory, practice, and research. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to prepare students for generalist social work practice.
BSW Curriculum
The BSW curriculum includes a combination of social work courses, electives, and general education requirements. Students take courses in social work theory, practice, and research, as well as electives in areas such as human behavior, social policy, and cultural diversity.
- Social work courses:
- Introduction to Social Work
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Electives:
- Human Sexuality
- Stress and Supporting Well-Being
- Substance Use and Addiction
- Child Welfare
- Mental Health
- General education requirements:
- English Composition
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
BSW Degree Requirements
To graduate with a BSW degree, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including:
- 60 credit hours of social work courses
- 30 credit hours of electives
- 30 credit hours of general education requirements
- A practicum or internship experience
- A senior seminar or capstone course
BSW Practicum
The BSW practicum is a required component of the program, providing students with hands-on experience in a social work setting. Students work with a field instructor to develop their skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice.
BSW Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BSW program are prepared for careers in generalist social work practice, including:
- Caseworker or case manager
- Mental health assistant
- Victims' advocate
- Patient advocate
- Social worker
Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The MSW program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is designed to provide students with advanced training in social work theory, practice, and research. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice.
MSW Curriculum
The MSW curriculum includes a combination of social work courses, electives, and a practicum or internship experience. Students take courses in social work theory, practice, and research, as well as electives in areas such as clinical social work, macro social work, and social policy.
- Social work courses:
- Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Research Methods in Social Work
- Electives:
- Clinical Social Work
- Macro Social Work
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Program Evaluation and Development
- Practicum or internship experience:
- Students work with a field instructor to develop their skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world practice
MSW Degree Requirements
To graduate with an MSW degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including:
- 30 credit hours of social work courses
- 15 credit hours of electives
- 15 credit hours of practicum or internship experience
- A thesis or capstone project
MSW Career Opportunities
Graduates of the MSW program are prepared for careers in advanced social work practice, including:
- Clinical social worker
- Macro social worker
- Program manager
- Policy advocate
- Researcher
Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program
The DSW program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is designed to provide students with advanced training in social work theory, practice, and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in social work education, research, and leadership.
DSW Curriculum
The DSW curriculum includes a combination of social work courses, electives, and a dissertation. Students take courses in social work theory, practice, and research, as well as electives in areas such as social work education, research methods, and leadership.
- Social work courses:
- Advanced Social Work Theory
- Advanced Social Work Practice
- Social Work Research Methods
- Social Work Education and Pedagogy
- Electives:
- Social Work Leadership
- Program Evaluation and Development
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- Dissertation:
- Students work with a dissertation committee to develop and complete an original research project
DSW Degree Requirements
To graduate with a DSW degree, students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours, including:
- 30 credit hours of social work courses
- 10 credit hours of electives
- 5 credit hours of dissertation research
- A dissertation defense
DSW Career Opportunities
Graduates of the DSW program are prepared for careers in social work education, research, and leadership, including:
- Social work educator
- Researcher
- Program director
- Policy analyst
- Consultant
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work Program
The PhD program in Social Work at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is designed to provide students with advanced training in social work theory, practice, and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in social work research, education, and leadership.
PhD Curriculum
The PhD curriculum includes a combination of social work courses, electives, and a dissertation. Students take courses in social work theory, practice, and research, as well as electives in areas such as social work education, research methods, and leadership.
- Social work courses:
- Advanced Social Work Theory
- Advanced Social Work Practice
- Social Work Research Methods
- Social Work Education and Pedagogy
- Electives:
- Social Work Leadership
- Program Evaluation and Development
- Social Policy and Advocacy
- Grant Writing and Fundraising
- Dissertation:
- Students work with a dissertation committee to develop and complete an original research project
PhD Degree Requirements
To graduate with a PhD degree, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours, including:
- 30 credit hours of social work courses
- 15 credit hours of electives
- 15 credit hours of dissertation research
- A dissertation defense
PhD Career Opportunities
Graduates of the PhD program are prepared for careers in social work research, education, and leadership, including:
- Social work researcher
- Social work educator
- Program director
- Policy analyst
- Consultant
Research Areas
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare has a strong research focus, with faculty and students engaged in a range of research projects and initiatives. Some of the current research areas include:
- Child welfare
- Mental health
- Substance use and addiction
- Social policy and advocacy
- Program evaluation and development
- Social work education and pedagogy
Conclusion
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in social work. The school is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that prepares them for careers in social work and related fields. With a strong research focus and a range of research areas, the school is dedicated to advancing the field of social work and improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.