Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of MSW Programs in Kansas City, Lawrence, Olathe, Overland Park, Topeka, and Wichita.
Are you aiming to advance your career in social work?
Finding the best MSW programs in Kansas can be challenging.
This article highlights the top options to help you choose the right program for your goals.
University of Kansas – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The University of Kansas (KU) offers an exemplary Master of Social Work (MSW) program through its School of Social Welfare, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947. Ranking in the top 12% of public institution social work programs according to U.S. News & World Report, KU’s MSW program equips students for impactful careers in either clinical or macro social work practice.
Key Features
- Diverse Class Locations: KU offers the MSW program at its Lawrence, Edwards, and K-State Salina campuses, and online.
- Flexible Scheduling: Both full-time and part-time schedules are available to accommodate different lifestyles.
- Program Specializations: Students can focus on Clinical Practice or Macro Practice, based on their career interests.
- Integrated Health Scholars Program: Provides additional training for those interested in integrated health settings.
- Licensure Pass Rates: KU boasts strong licensure pass rates, reflecting the program’s quality.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: There are numerous funding opportunities to support students financially.
Program Pathways
- Traditional Program: Designed for students from various educational backgrounds.
- Advanced Standing Program: Available for students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW).
You can explore more about the University of Kansas MSW program here.
Fort Hays State University – Clinical MSW Program
Fort Hays State University offers a Clinical MSW Program that seamlessly blends online learning with hands-on clinical training. Aiming to prepare you for real-world social work, their innovative program structure combines the flexibility of online education with crucial in-person sessions.
Highlights
- Program Delivery: Synchronously delivered online with on-campus clinical training sessions.
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the CSWE.
- Program Tracks: Offers Regular and Advanced Standing pathways to accommodate students with and without a BSW.
- Hands-On Training: In-person clinical sessions ensure that students receive essential practical experience.
Curriculum and Fieldwork
- Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasizes current best practices and empirical evidence.
- Practicum: Provides valuable hands-on experience in various social work settings.
To find out more, visit the Fort Hays State University Clinical MSW Program page.
Washburn University – Dual Degree Program in Law and Social Work
Washburn University offers a unique Dual Degree Program that allows you to earn both an MSW and a Juris Doctorate (JD). Accredited by both the American Bar Association and CSWE, this program prepares you for multidisciplinary careers at the intersection of social work and law.
Program Advantages
- Flexible Enrollment: Offers start dates throughout the year and part-time options.
- Cost-Effective Education: A reduced number of credit hours means lower costs and a quicker path to dual qualifications.
- Comprehensive Training: Equips you for practice in areas such as mental health, family law, public policy, and more.
- Career Opportunities: Opens doors to a broad range of career paths in both fields.
Explore more about the Washburn University Dual Degree Program.
Wichita State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Wichita State University focuses on advanced generalist practice, preparing you for diverse, impactful roles in the social work sector. The program places a strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Key Program Features
- Advanced Generalist Practice: Offers broad training suitable for various social work roles including direct service delivery, supervision, and administration.
- CSWE Accreditation: Ensures high-quality standards and comprehensive education.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes an inclusive learning environment that respects and values diverse perspectives.
- Applied Learning: Extensive fieldwork provides real-world social work experience.
Curriculum and Practicum
- Core Courses: Cover human behavior, social policy, and intervention strategies.
- Practicum Opportunities: Ensure robust hands-on training in diverse settings.
For more information, visit the Wichita State University MSW program page.
The University of Kansas – Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The University of Kansas also offers an online MSW program designed to provide flexibility without compromising educational quality. It includes options for both traditional and advanced standing tracks.
Program Features
- Flexible Format: Blended synchronous format combines online coursework with live online classes.
- Specializations: Choose between Clinical Social Work and Macro Practice.
- CSWE Accreditation: Guarantees a rigorous and comprehensive program.
- Accessibility: Ideal for working professionals or those balancing multiple responsibilities.
Pathways
- Traditional Track: For students from various educational backgrounds aiming to enter the social work field.
- Advanced Standing Track: For students who already possess a BSW, allowing for an expedited completion time.
Discover more about the University of Kansas Online MSW program.
Choose wisely among these top-notched MSW Programs in Kansas to align your education with your career aspirations.
University of Missouri-Kansas City – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) offers a respected Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Tailored for students with or without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), the program stands out for its commitment to ethical decision-making, diversity, and social justice.
Program Highlights:
- Diverse Pathways: Offers both Regular and Advanced Standing options, accommodating students from varied educational backgrounds.
- Ethical Focus: Emphasizes ethical decision-making, preparing you to address complex social issues responsibly.
- Specialization Opportunities: Provides elective courses in areas such as gerontological social work, substance abuse, and child welfare.
- Field Practicum: Includes extensive practicum experiences, offering hands-on training in real-world social work settings.
Areas of Study
- Core Curriculum: Covers human behavior theories, social policy, and intervention strategies with diverse populations.
- Specializations: Allows for deep dives into specific social work areas through elective courses.
A comprehensive curriculum enriched with practical experience positions grads for various social work careers. Explore more about UMKC’s MSW Program to determine if it’s the right fit for your goals.
Pittsburg State University – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Pittsburg State University’s MSW program aims to address the local demand for clinical social workers in Southeast Kansas. The CSWE-accredited program offers both Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.
Key Program Features:
- Local Focus: Tackles the clinical social worker shortage in Southeast Kansas.
- Two Educational Tracks: Choose a one-year Advanced Standing track if you have a BSW, or a two-year Traditional track if you come from another academic background.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasizes research-backed methodologies and evidence-based practice.
- Practicum Experience: Robust practicum placements provide essential hands-on training.
Curriculum Overview
- Core Courses: Include advanced human behavior, policy analysis, and interventions with diverse populations.
- Field Experience: Ensures extensive experiential learning through practicum placements in various social service settings.
Discover if Pittsburg State’s MSW program could be the perfect stepping stone for your career.
Saint Louis University – Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) Program
Saint Louis University (SLU) offers an MSW program in Kansas City through a partnership with Avila University. The Jesuit tradition and flexible learning models distinguish this program.
Program Advantages:
- Hybrid Model: Combines online coursework with in-person classes at Avila University, offering the best of both worlds.
- Jesuit Values: Aligns with Jesuit traditions of social responsibility and ethical practice.
- CSWE Accreditation: Ensures adherence to high educational standards.
- Practicum Coordination: An on-site fieldwork coordinator helps secure meaningful practicum placements.
Core Components
- Ethics and Social Justice: Focuses on these foundational principles to prepare you for ethically complex roles.
- Hybrid Learning: Allows you to balance online learning with essential face-to-face interactions.
SLU’s MSW program offers a flexible yet rigorous pathway for advancing your social work career.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right MSW Program in Kansas
When selecting an MSW program in Kansas, several factors can guide you toward the best choice for your educational and career goals. Here are some critical points to consider:
- Accreditation Status:
- Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation guarantees that the program meets quality educational standards.
- Curriculum and Specializations:
- Examine the comprehensiveness of the curriculum. Does it cover essential social work topics, including human behavior, social policy, and diversity?
- Look for specializations or elective courses that align with your career interests, whether it’s clinical practice, macro practice, or another focus area.
- Faculty Expertise:
- Research the faculty’s qualifications. Instructors with industry experience and academic credentials provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Practical Experience:
- Consider the opportunities for hands-on training. Programs should offer practicums or internships that provide real-world experience in social work settings.
- Flexible Learning Options:
- Assess whether the program offers flexible schedules, such as part-time options or online courses, to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- Investigate the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and other funding opportunities to support your education.
MSW Programs By State
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect MSW Program in Kansas
Selecting the right MSW program in Kansas involves careful consideration of various elements such as accreditation, curriculum, faculty, and financial support. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, legal intersections, or social justice, Kansas offers a range of quality MSW programs. Explore each program’s links for further details and take the next step towards your career in social work.