Kansas MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Kansas Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Kansas Social Work Licensure
Quick Answer:
Kansas offers 4 CSWE-accredited BSW programs at Fort Hays State University, Pittsburg State University, University of Kansas, and Wichita State University. These programs typically require 120 credit hours over 4 years, including 400+ hours of supervised field practicum. According to 2024 BLS data, social work graduates in Kansas earn median salaries ranging from $47,030 to $64,280 depending on their specialization area.
Overview of Kansas BSW Programs
The Bachelor of Social Work degree represents the foundational professional credential for entering the social work field in Kansas. Each of the state’s four accredited programs maintains rigorous standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring graduates receive comprehensive preparation for professional practice and state licensure.
Kansas BSW programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, emphasizing the state’s unique social service needs including rural healthcare access, agricultural community support, and Native American population services. Students develop competencies in direct practice, policy analysis, community organizing, and research methods while gaining hands-on experience through extensive field education placements.
The demand for social workers in Kansas continues growing, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting strong employment opportunities across multiple specialization areas. BSW graduates find rewarding careers in child welfare agencies, hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and veterans’ services throughout the state’s urban centers and rural communities alike.
CSWE-Accredited BSW Programs in Kansas
Each of Kansas’s four accredited BSW programs offers unique strengths and specialization opportunities tailored to different student needs and career goals. These programs maintain full accreditation status, ensuring eligibility for state licensure and advanced standing MSW programs nationwide.
University of Kansas – Lawrence
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare stands as the state’s largest and most comprehensive social work program. Located in Lawrence, KU’s BSW program enrolls approximately 200 undergraduate students annually and offers specialized tracks in child welfare, health/mental health, and community practice. The program’s distinguished faculty includes nationally recognized researchers and practitioners who bring cutting-edge knowledge to the classroom.
KU’s BSW curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and social justice advocacy, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse practice settings. Students benefit from the university’s extensive resources, including the Beach Center on Disability and the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research, providing unique research and learning opportunities unavailable elsewhere in Kansas.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University’s School of Social Work leverages its urban location to provide exceptional field placement opportunities within Kansas’s largest city. The program maintains strong partnerships with over 150 community agencies, ensuring students gain diverse practice experiences across healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, and government services.
WSU’s BSW program contains 45 credit hours of specialized social work coursework complemented by 480 clock hours of supervised field practicum. The curriculum specifically prepares students for Kansas licensure requirements, with dedicated advising support throughout the application process. The program’s emphasis on interprofessional collaboration uniquely positions graduates for integrated healthcare settings increasingly common in modern practice.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University offers Kansas’s most flexible BSW program, with both traditional on-campus and innovative hybrid delivery options serving students across western Kansas and beyond. The program particularly excels in preparing social workers for rural practice, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of serving geographically dispersed populations.
FHSU’s BSW curriculum incorporates specialized content on agricultural communities, frontier healthcare delivery, and technology-enhanced service provision. Students develop competencies essential for rural social work practice, including resource development, community coalition building, and telehealth service delivery methods increasingly vital in underserved areas.
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University’s BSW program distinguishes itself through intimate class sizes and personalized mentorship opportunities. Located in southeast Kansas, PSU serves as a regional hub for social work education, drawing students from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas seeking quality education at an affordable price point.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning through community engagement projects and service-learning opportunities embedded throughout the curriculum. PSU’s strong connections with regional healthcare systems, including Via Christi Health and Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, provide exceptional field placement experiences in integrated behavioral health settings.
BSW Program Comparison Table
| University | Location | Format Options | Annual Tuition (In-State) | Field Hours Required | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kansas | Lawrence | On-campus | $11,166 | 400+ | Research opportunities, specialized tracks |
| Wichita State University | Wichita | On-campus, Hybrid | $8,789 | 480 | Urban placements, interprofessional focus |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays | On-campus, Online, Hybrid | $5,634 | 400+ | Rural practice emphasis, flexible formats |
| Pittsburg State University | Pittsburg | On-campus | $7,706 | 400+ | Small classes, regional partnerships |
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
While specific requirements vary among institutions, Kansas BSW programs generally maintain selective admission standards ensuring students possess the academic preparation and personal qualities essential for social work practice. Most programs require completion of prerequisite coursework before formal admission to the social work major, typically during the sophomore year.
Common prerequisites across Kansas BSW programs include introductory courses in psychology, sociology, human biology, and statistics. Programs typically require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5-2.75, though competitive applicants often exceed these thresholds. Additionally, programs evaluate applicants’ demonstrated commitment to social justice, community service experience, and alignment with professional social work values.
The application process generally includes submission of transcripts, personal statements addressing motivation for social work practice, and professional references. Some programs conduct admission interviews or require attendance at orientation sessions before final acceptance. Prospective students should carefully review each program’s specific requirements and application deadlines, typically falling in February or March for fall semester entry.
BSW Curriculum and Core Coursework
Kansas BSW programs follow CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential social work competencies. The curriculum typically spans eight semesters, integrating liberal arts education with professional social work courses in a carefully sequenced progression.
Core social work courses common across Kansas programs include Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Work Practice Methods, Social Welfare Policy and Services, Research Methods for Social Work, and Diversity and Social Justice. These foundational courses provide theoretical frameworks and practical skills essential for generalist social work practice.
Specialized Course Offerings
Beyond core requirements, Kansas BSW programs offer specialized courses reflecting regional needs and emerging practice areas. Students may explore topics such as:
- Rural Social Work Practice: Addressing unique challenges of frontier communities including limited resources, professional isolation, and dual relationships
- Child Welfare Services: Preparing for careers in Kansas’s child protection system, foster care, and adoption services
- Healthcare Social Work: Understanding integrated care models, medical terminology, and healthcare systems navigation
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Developing competencies in assessment, crisis intervention, and treatment planning
- Gerontological Social Work: Serving Kansas’s aging population through specialized knowledge of elder care systems and age-related challenges
Field Education Requirements and Opportunities
Field education represents the signature pedagogy of social work education, providing students with supervised practice experiences essential for professional development. Kansas BSW programs require minimum 400-hour field placements, typically completed during the senior year through structured practicum courses.
Students complete field placements in diverse settings throughout Kansas, including community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, corrections facilities, and nonprofit organizations. Programs maintain extensive networks of approved field sites, carefully matching student interests with available opportunities while ensuring exposure to varied client populations and practice methods.
Field education integrates classroom learning with real-world application through concurrent seminar courses where students process experiences, develop professional identity, and demonstrate competency achievement. Qualified field instructors provide mentorship and evaluation, supporting students’ transition from academic preparation to professional practice.
Career Outcomes and Salary Expectations
BSW graduates in Kansas enter a robust job market with diverse employment opportunities across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, social workers in Kansas earn competitive salaries varying by specialization area and geographic location.
Kansas Social Work Salary Ranges (2024 BLS Data)
| Specialization Area | Entry-Level (10th percentile) | Median Salary | Experienced (90th percentile) | Employment Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family & School Social Workers | $32,500 | $47,030 | $68,900 | Growing – 540+ annual openings |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $41,200 | $64,280 | $84,600 | Very Strong – 12% growth projected |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse | $35,400 | $52,100 | $73,200 | Excellent – High demand statewide |
BSW graduates commonly begin careers in case management, youth services, residential treatment, and community outreach positions. With experience and additional credentials, professionals advance to supervisory roles, program coordination, and specialized practice areas. Many BSW graduates pursue MSW degrees in Kansas for clinical licensure and expanded career opportunities.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Kansas BSW students access various financial aid sources to make their education affordable. Beyond federal aid programs including Pell Grants and subsidized loans, Kansas offers state-specific assistance through the Kansas Comprehensive Grant program for residents demonstrating financial need.
Social work-specific scholarships provide additional support for committed students. The NASW Foundation offers multiple scholarship opportunities for BSW students, while individual universities maintain dedicated social work scholarship funds. Notable opportunities include:
- Kansas Social Work Education Scholarship: Annual awards up to $5,000 for Kansas residents pursuing social work degrees
- Vern and Arlene Bauman Scholarship (KU): Supporting students committed to child welfare practice
- Wichita State Social Work Alumni Scholarship: Merit-based awards for outstanding BSW students
- Rural Health Professions Scholarships: Supporting students committed to practicing in underserved Kansas communities
Students should explore any scholarship resources and work closely with financial aid offices to maximize available funding. Many agencies offer tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs for graduates committing to public service employment in high-need areas.
Next Steps for Prospective Students
Beginning your journey toward a BSW degree in Kansas requires careful planning and strategic preparation. Prospective students should start by researching each program’s unique features, visiting campuses when possible, and connecting with admissions counselors to discuss specific requirements and opportunities.
Consider attending information sessions, shadowing current students, or volunteering with social service organizations to confirm your career interests. Building relevant experience through community service, internships, or employment in human services strengthens applications while providing valuable insights into professional social work practice.
Timeline recommendations for prospective BSW students include:
- Junior Year (High School) or Two Years Before Transfer: Research programs, maintain strong GPA, gain volunteer experience
- Senior Year/One Year Before: Complete applications, submit FAFSA, apply for scholarships, schedule campus visits
- Summer Before Enrollment: Complete orientation, register for classes, connect with advisors, secure housing
- First Two Years (College): Complete prerequisites, maintain required GPA, apply to social work major
For those unable to attend traditional on-campus programs, consider exploring online BSW programs offering flexibility for working professionals and place-bound students. Kansas residents may also benefit from reciprocity agreements with neighboring states, expanding available program options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA is required for Kansas BSW programs?
Most Kansas BSW programs require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 2.75 for admission to the social work major. However, competitive programs like the University of Kansas often see average admitted GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Students should maintain strong academic performance in prerequisite courses, as some programs calculate separate pre-professional GPAs.
Can I complete my BSW online in Kansas?
Yes, Fort Hays State University offers hybrid and online BSW options for Kansas residents. While core coursework can be completed online, all CSWE-accredited programs require in-person field practicum experiences. Online students must complete their 400+ hour field placements at approved agencies within commuting distance of their location.
How long does it take to earn a BSW in Kansas?
Traditional full-time students complete BSW programs in four years (eight semesters). This includes two years of general education and prerequisites followed by two years of professional social work courses and field education. Part-time options may extend completion to 5-6 years, while students with associate degrees or substantial transfer credits might finish in 2-3 years.
What’s the difference between a BSW and BA in Social Work?
The BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) is the professional degree accredited by CSWE, qualifying graduates for licensure and advanced standing MSW programs. Some universities offer BA degrees in social work or human services, but these typically lack CSWE accreditation and don’t meet licensure requirements. Kansas employers and graduate programs strongly prefer BSW degrees from accredited programs.
What can I do with a BSW degree in Kansas?
BSW graduates qualify for diverse entry-level positions including case manager, youth counselor, residential treatment specialist, family support worker, and community outreach coordinator. Common employers include Kansas Department for Children and Families, community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations. With experience, BSW holders advance to supervisory and program management roles.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Healthcare Social Workers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
