Program Overview

---

Social Work Degree Programs

The mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Social workers play a critical role in enhancing the well-being of individuals, addressing social injustices, supporting clients living with mental illness, substance abuse, or other challenges, and advocating for individuals and groups to receive needed resources.

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

The social work major requires a comprehensive set of courses that integrate knowledge, skills, and values to prepare students for entry into the social work profession. Social work courses educate students on fundamentals of interpersonal communication, human development, social welfare programs, goal-setting, problem-solving strategies, and effective techniques for intervening with clients. The final semester includes an intensive field practicum, in which students are placed full-time at a social service agency to implement skills learned in class to real-world situations.

Available Degrees

• Social Work (BA)
• Social Work (BS)

Career Opportunities

Social workers solve personal, family, and community problems and help people obtain the necessary resources to live with dignity. Social work graduates are qualified for generalist social work practice to work in diverse fields, including:

• Child welfare
• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• Criminal justice
• More

Career Paths

• Clinical social worker
• Criminal justice specialist
• Employment/occupational social worker
• Mental health worker
• Social worker

The K-State Difference

K-State offers a high-quality, affordable educational experience for the training of future social workers. The social work department is accredited by the key accrediting agency for social work education within the U.S., the Council on Social Work Education. Our graduates are eligible for social work licensure in the State of Kansas.

Accreditation and Rankings

K-State is ranked nationally as one of the top social work programs for earning potential. Our bachelor's degree graduates have the highest median salary among other programs in the state of Kansas.

Academic Support and Resources

The Career Center offers an extensive career library, free assessments for exploring major/careers, job search training, career advising, employer connections, and a staff dedicated to assisting students in the career development process.

Undergraduate Research

At a public research university like K-State, you'll have direct access to research opportunities from the start. K-State undergraduates have studied sustainable energy, cancer cells, musical lyrics, and many other topics alongside nationally renowned faculty at K-State's 90-plus research centers.

Study Abroad

Studying in another country not only allows you to experience the wonders of another culture, but it also broadens your horizons and makes you a stronger citizen in our global society. There are more than 85 countries currently participating in K-State's education abroad programs.

Health Professions

Whether you are interested in a career in human or animal health, K-State is a great place to start the journey toward becoming a healthcare professional. You will have a dedicated health professions advisor who will help you navigate the professional school application process for your chosen healthcare field.

Pre-Law

K-State pre-law students are accepted into law school at a rate substantially exceeding the national average. In preparing for law school, you will work with a dedicated pre-law advisor and select the major of your choice in any department in any college within the university.