7 Accredited BSW Programs in Kansas

Ready to kickstart your social work career with a BSW program in Kansas? Social work graduates in Kansas have bright career prospects. The median salaries range from $47,030 to $64,280 based on your specialization.

Kansas has 11 CSWE-accredited BSW programs. Students typically need 120 credit hours spread over 4 years. The programs include more than 400 hours of supervised field practicum to prepare you for real-life practice. These programs qualify you for various entry-level positions. The accreditation applies to all approved locations and ways these social work degrees are delivered.

Social workers are in high demand throughout Kansas. The field offers strong employment opportunities in many specialization areas. BSW graduates often start their careers in case management, youth services, residential treatment, and community outreach positions. This piece guides you through each of Kansas’s accredited BSW programs. It helps you make a smart choice about your social work education and future career.

University of Kansas – Lawrence

The University of Kansas (KU) runs the state’s largest and most detailed social work program. About 200 undergraduate students join the BSW program each year. Students get hands-on experience along with classroom learning.

Program Overview

KU’s Bachelor of Social Work program helps you become an entry-level generalist practitioner. You’ll learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program needs 120 credit hours, including 12 hours of practicum experience. You must get a B or higher in SW 220 (Introduction to Social Work, Social Welfare and U.S. Society) before starting 500-level social work classes. The program builds your social work skills. You’ll learn about strengths in social systems and how gender, race, class, and culture shape social work.

Specializations Offered

Students can pick from three specialized tracks: child welfare, health/mental health, and community practice. These paths let you focus on specific careers while getting solid generalist training. The faculty guides you toward your preferred path in clinical or macro practice.

Field Education

Field education puts everything you’ve learned into practice. Senior BSW students do one practicum placement in their final year while taking practice courses. You’ll complete 416 clock hours in practicum. This means two days of classes and two days of field work each week during fall and spring semesters. The Practicum Education Office sets up placements in settings like:

• Public health clinics and medical settings
• Community mental health centers
• Child welfare agencies
• Court services and nonprofits

Half your practicum hours must involve direct practice with individuals and families.

Admission Requirements

New freshmen and transfer students get direct admission to the School of Social Welfare. Moving into 500 and 600 level courses requires you to:

• Complete 54 hours of General Education requirements or elective hours
• Keep a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Get a grade of B or higher in SW 220
• Submit signed electronic copies of required policies and procedures documents

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2024-2025 academic year was $12,102 for in-state and $30,432 for out-of-state students. Total yearly costs, including housing, books, and extras, reach $28,808 for in-state and $47,138 for out-of-state students. The good news? Most students (86%) get financial aid. Students who finish their degree typically borrow $21,000 in federal loans. This means monthly payments of $223 over 10 years at 5.05% interest.

Why Choose University of Kansas

KU’s BSW program teaches evidence-based practice and social justice advocacy. Graduates become leaders in a variety of settings. Students love the program’s support. One student shares, “The program itself is catered very well to students and their needs, and I feel well supported”. Most KU BSW graduates (70%) continue their education. Your bachelor’s degree lets you apply for the Advanced Standing MSW program and earn a Master of Social Work in just one more year. The university also offers several hands-on certificate programs that fit perfectly with social work majors.

Wichita State University

Located in Kansas’ largest city, Wichita State University offers a fully accredited BSW program. The program combines quality curriculum with hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of community agencies.

Program Overview

Wichita State’s Bachelor of Social Work is a Bachelor of Arts degree with a social work major. It prepares you to work with clients of all backgrounds. Students need 45 hours of coursework and practicum experience. The program follows specific sequences in social welfare policy, human behavior, social work research, practice, and field experience. The BSW program received reaffirmation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in June 2021 for eight years, through June 2029. Students learn to become competent, effective entry-level social workers. The program emphasizes professional values of diversity, ethics, and challenging oppression.

Specializations Offered

Wichita State doesn’t offer formal concentrations. The curriculum prepares you for general practice instead. You’ll learn to apply social work values and ethics in any discipline. The metropolitan setting shapes the curriculum’s focus on communities of color, women, and LGBTQ+ populations. This general model prepares you for urban environments where many professional roles and disciplines meet.

Field Education

Field practicum is the heart of your BSW education at Wichita State. Students complete 480 clock hours of field experience. This experience combines classroom study with supervised practice in social work settings. The university’s location in Kansas’ largest city gives access to over 100 community and state agencies for student supervision. The field practicum director or associate director helps you choose placement settings based on your educational needs and interests. Your practicum turns knowledge from all areas into practical skills and competencies.

Admission Requirements

The BSW program has several entry requirements:

• Sophomore rank or above (at least 45 credit hours)
• Simple skills courses completed with a grade of ‘C-‘ or better, including English composition, college English II, public speaking, and mathematics
• Overall GPA of 2.0 or above
• BSW orientation session attendance
• BSW application package submission including application form, personal narrative, two reference forms, transcript copy, and model release form

The BSW Admissions Committee reviews applications after submission deadlines. These criteria are minimum standards to think about.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Kansas residents pay approximately $11,380 in tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year. Non-residents pay $21,960. Students eligible for Shocker City Partnership or Shocker Legacy programs get substantial discounts that match resident rates. Total estimated annual costs range from $22,910 to $29,970 for Kansas residents, depending on living arrangements. This includes books, housing, personal expenses, and transportation. WSU runs a “One-stop Shop” for student scholarships and fellowships.

Why Choose Wichita State University

WSU stands out through its applied learning opportunities. Every degree guarantees hands-on learning or research experience. This gives you relevant skills and makes you ready for the workforce before graduation. The urban location offers great chances to build your resume while still in school. The program works hard to create a learning environment that promotes understanding and respect for diversity. This includes age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation. As a graduate, you’ll be ready for professional practice as a general social worker and advanced degrees.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University stands as the only social work program in Western Kansas. Students can choose between on-campus and fully online BSW degree options that serve the entire region.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Fort Hays State University prepares you to become an entry-level generalist practitioner in social work. Your curriculum blends liberal arts foundations with professional courses. These courses give you specific knowledge, values, and skills to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures your degree meets national standards for professional practice. FHSU offers something unique – you can earn your BSW degree either on-campus or completely online.

Specializations Offered

The program takes a generalist approach but includes all educational requirements you need for licensure as an addictions counselor. You can specialize in this area by taking Pharmacology and High Risk Medical Issues as your social work elective. Complete your practicum in a licensed addictions counseling facility. This means you’ll graduate ready for both general practice and specialized work in substance abuse treatment.

Field Education

Field education serves as the key of your professional development with 400 hours of supervised practicum experience. You’ll apply your classroom learning with real clients throughout Kansas. Your faculty advisor helps find internships that match your personal and career goals. The program connects you with agencies either locally or in your home community.

Admission Requirements

Students start as pre-social work majors. The formal application needs:

• Completion of or concurrent enrollment in SOCW 260 (Introduction to Social Work) and SOCW 380 (Generalist Practice: Foundations of Practice)
• A minimum grade of ‘C’ in each social work course
• A 2.50 or better GPA in the major
• An overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.50

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year costs about $6,112 in tuition and fees for in-state students. This makes it one of Kansas’s most affordable BSW programs. Out-of-state students pay around $18,434. Room and board adds $9,309, bringing the total to roughly $16,121 for residents and $28,443 for non-residents. FHSU helps make education affordable by distributing over $59 million yearly in loans, grants, scholarships, and employment funding.

Why Choose Fort Hays State University

FHSU partners with community colleges in Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Colby through cohort programs. You can complete your degree in your local community through evening classes. These cohorts create real change – one graduating class doubled the number of Licensed Bachelor Social Workers in Ford County. The program looks at people through their environments. This prepares you for a rewarding career helping vulnerable populations.

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University stands out as a regional center for social work education in southeast Kansas. Students from Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas come here for quality education at affordable rates. Small class sizes and customized mentoring make PSU’s BSW program stand out among other state options.

Program Overview

PSU’s BSW program has trained social workers for over 60 years. The curriculum gets you ready for general practice at every level of social environment throughout life. You’ll learn to support social and economic justice while becoming an agent of social change. The program aims to give bachelor-level social workers the knowledge, skills, and values they need to improve lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Specializations Offered

While PSU doesn’t have formal specializations, you’ll get skills for many settings. Graduates can work in clinical social work, medical social work, school social work, child welfare, corrections, probation, assisted living centers, addiction treatment, crisis centers, and government agencies. The curriculum gives you a full picture of working with children, families, people facing economic hardship, those with special needs, individuals fighting addictions, and seniors.

Field Education

PSU’s field education gives you plenty of hands-on learning chances. You’ll complete four rotations at local agencies where you’ll work with certified social workers. These rotations let you handle real cases with Crawford County social workers. The program has job shadow rotations that help you find your passion while working with community partners like the Lord’s Diner, SEK Addiction Treatment Center, and Safehouse Crisis Center.

Admission Requirements

To join PSU as a freshman, you must:

• Graduate with a 2.25 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale or score 21 or higher on ACT (SAT of 1060 or higher)

Transfer students need a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for all college coursework.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year costs $4,299.50 per semester for in-state undergraduates, including campus fees. Out-of-state students pay $9,971.50 per semester. Books, supplies, and dorm living bring the total to $10,116.50 for in-state and $15,788.50 for out-of-state students each semester. PSU uses flat-rate tuition, so your costs stay the same whether you take 12 or 18+ credits.

Why Choose Pittsburg State University

PSU shines through its community work. Social work students help towns without grocery stores by collecting shelf-stable items, organize self-defense courses, and gather toys for kids in hospitals. Students raised $3,632 for non-profits and donated 2,090 hygiene, household, and clothing items in 2021 alone. The 4+1 program lets advanced standing students earn their Master’s in Social Work with just one extra academic year. Each spring, macro social work students visit Topeka for Kansas Student Legislative Day to meet government representatives and discuss current social issues.

Washburn University

Washburn University sits in the heart of Topeka. The university values personal attention with small class sizes and flexible schedules that work well for students who need to balance work and studies.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Washburn prepares you for professional generalist practice. You’ll learn to help individuals, families, groups, and communities by applying diverse knowledge, values, and skills. The BSW curriculum builds on social justice core values while helping enhance psycho-social functioning. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which requires 39 credit hours of social work courses and 12 hours of special topics courses.

Specializations Offered

While this is a generalist program, you can pursue specialized training through social work electives. The special topics courses include:

• Healthcare social work (multiple courses)
• Geriatric social work practice
• Child welfare practice
• Case management
• Work with survivors

Students interested in child welfare can take a specialized path with 9 hours (3 electives) and complete their field placement in a child welfare setting.

Field Education

Your capstone experience comes through field education that lets you work in professional community settings. The final year includes two semesters of practicum where you work 16 hours weekly under qualified social worker supervision. This hands-on experience strengthens your steadfast dedication to improving oppressed populations’ well-being while measuring your readiness for bachelor-level social work practice.

Admission Requirements

The BSW program requires you to:

• Stay in good academic standing at Washburn University
• Keep an overall GPA of at least 2.5
• Complete minimum 34 hours of General Education credits
• Successfully finish core courses including SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, and SW 352

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time in-state undergraduate students should budget around $10,256 for tuition and fees in 2025-2026. Out-of-state students can expect to pay about $20,952. The total annual costs range from $18,663 to $26,300 based on your housing choice, books, and other expenses.

Why Choose Washburn University

Small class sizes at Washburn create meaningful connections with faculty as you develop client relationships. The program shows a steadfast dedication to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion while preparing you for licensure eligibility after graduation. High-achieving students can also earn BSW honors by maintaining a 3.2 overall GPA and 3.5 social work GPA.

Emporia State University

Emporia State University (ESU) gives students practical learning opportunities right from their freshman year. Students get hands-on experience in education and related fields that align well with social work careers.

Program Overview

ESU’s School of Applied Health Sciences and The Teachers College have programs that build skills you can use in human services settings. The university helps students prepare for their future careers through meaningful learning experiences. You can choose from education programs in Elementary/Early Childhood, Special Education, School Leadership, and Middle/Secondary Education. These programs let you work with children and youth starting in your first year.

Specializations Offered

While ESU doesn’t have a dedicated social work program, it has related programs in different schools. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences teaches Sociology and Criminology. The Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies focuses on ethnic, gender, and identity studies. These subjects give you essential skills to understand human behavior and society – knowledge that’s valuable in social work.

Field Education

ESU places students in schools throughout Kansas and parts of Missouri. The university has strong ties with nearby school districts. Students can get observations, practicums, internships, and tutoring placements through the Field Placement Office. The Family Literacy Program lets students gain extra experience by tutoring young people in schools.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need one of these to get in:

• High school graduation with an unweighted GPA of 2.25 or higher, OR
• ACT composite score of 21 or higher, OR
• SAT composite score of 1060 or higher

Transfer students with less than 24 credit hours need to meet these same requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The undergraduate tuition costs $3,640 per semester for Kansas residents. Students from Alaska and Hawaii pay $7,797. Full-time students taking 12 or more credit hours benefit from ESU’s flat-rate tuition. Housing costs run between $2,830 and $3,605 per semester based on your choice. Meal plans cost from $1,377 to $2,325 per semester. ESU awards millions in scholarships each year to help students pay for their education.

Why Choose Emporia State University

The active Wellness Education Club at ESU lets students grow personally and coordinate service projects. First-year students get support from the Student Advising Center. The Academic Center for Excellence and Success provides free tutoring and success coaching. Career Services helps students pick majors, plan careers, get experience, and find jobs. Students also get chances to do research with faculty members during their undergraduate years.

Kansas State University – Salina

K-State Salina provides a close-knit social work education with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students learn through hands-on experience and ground applications from day one of their classes.

Program Overview

K-State Salina’s Bachelor of Social Work program received CSWE accreditation effective Fall 2025. Students can choose between BA and BS degree paths. The BA path requires foreign language courses while the BS needs additional science/quantitative coursework. The curriculum gives you a strong foundation in social and behavioral sciences. You’ll learn the knowledge, skills, and values needed to start your social work career.

Specializations Offered

The program focuses on generalist training, but social work majors can take Addiction Counseling courses as restricted electives. This path helps you become certified in person-centered case management. You’ll be ready to take the Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) exam after graduation.

Field Education

Your educational journey peaks with the social work practicum – 430 hours completed in one semester. Students work full-time at social service agencies where they use classroom knowledge in ground situations. Faculty members match your interests with meaningful placements to ensure valuable practical education.

Admission Requirements

Students follow two steps to join the program. First, they declare the social work major. Next, they apply to the Social Work Practice Sequence. Requirements include a 2.5 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in core social work courses. The evaluation process looks at your personal statement and academic record.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can access various scholarships and financial aid options to fund their education. The university offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal work-study, and loans. You’ll find detailed breakdowns of tuition, fees, and other costs to plan your investment.

Why Choose Kansas State University – Salina

Our faculty’s years of practical experience bring ground examples to the classroom. Their industry connections become your professional network. The program strengthens interprofessional training and lets you immerse yourself in agencies during the final semester. Small class sizes combined with hands-on learning prepare you to work in settings from urban to rural communities.

Online BSW Options

Kansas provides respected online BSW options that help students with family commitments or geographic constraints avoid relocation.

Fort Hays State University is one of three universities that offers a fully accredited online Bachelor of Social Work degree. The program holds the same CSWE accreditation as its campus-based counterpart and remains available to students across the nation. Students can complete their core coursework remotely while they develop their practice skills.

FHSU’s online program serves students who need to stay in their communities because of family responsibilities. This matches the university’s mission to train social workers who will serve underserved populations in Western Kansas and beyond.

Kansas State University will launch a CSWE-accredited online social work degree effective Fall 2025. Students can choose between BA and BS degree paths at $431.68 per credit hour.

It’s worth mentioning that all online BSW programs require in-person field practicum experiences, whatever institution you choose. Students must complete 400+ supervised hours at approved agencies they can commute to. This hands-on training will give students the same practical skills as campus-based learners while meeting CSWE accreditation standards.

Career Outlook for BSW Grads in Kansas

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BSW graduates from Kansas programs step into a rewarding job market. Social workers in Kansas earn about $64,360 annually ($30.94 hourly), which shows the state’s strong need for these professionals.

Kansas social work careers show excellent potential. The field expects a 12% expansion by 2030, growing by a lot faster than other careers. More than 540 job openings emerge each year across the state, giving new graduates plenty of career paths to choose from.

A social worker’s paycheck depends on their specialty and years of experience. Child and family specialists earn around $47,030, while healthcare social workers take home $64,280. Mental health professionals usually receive $52,100. To name just one example, a Child Welfare Specialist reported an annual salary of $56,680.

New BSW graduates usually start in case management, youth services, residential treatment, or community outreach. Experience helps them move up to program coordinator and supervisor roles that offer better pay.

Healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, nonprofits, and mental health centers actively recruit BSW graduates. These employers of all types let graduates pick roles that match their career dreams and professional interests.

Kansas Social Work Licensure Pathway

Getting your Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) credential starts right after graduating from Kansas’s BSW programs. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) handles all applications.

The licensing process has several key steps. You need a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program. The application must reach KSBSRB within four months of getting your degree. Three professional references will support your application – one from your field practicum supervisor and two from licensed social workers with bachelor’s level qualifications or higher.

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s Level exam becomes available once KSBSRB approves your application. ACT Testing Centers offer computer-based exams throughout the week, with some locations open on Saturdays. You must score at least scaled score of 70 to pass.

BSRB issues your LBSW license for about $100 after you pass the exam. Your license needs renewal every two years, and you must complete 40 hours of continuing education during each period.

Kansas’s social work system has two more advanced licensing levels: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW).

Find Your Kansas BSW Today

Your social work career begins with selecting the right BSW program in Kansas. Seven accredited programs offer unique strengths and specializations that match your professional goals. Students can choose from the complete resources at University of Kansas, the urban setting at Wichita State, affordable online options at Fort Hays State, or smaller institutions with intimate learning environments.

Field education is the foundation of these programs. Students typically complete 400-480 supervised hours that turn classroom knowledge into practical skills. This hands-on work gives you ground experience and helps build valuable professional connections.

BSW graduates have promising career prospects in Kansas. The field is expected to grow 12% through 2030, creating over 540 job openings each year. Social work is financially rewarding too, with salaries ranging from $47,030 to $64,280 based on your specialty. The work brings personal fulfillment as well.

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board oversees your path to professional practice after graduation. Getting your LBSW credential needs a CSWE-accredited degree, professional references, and a passing score on the ASWB Bachelor’s Level exam.

Without doubt, an accredited Kansas BSW program gives you vital skills to serve people from all backgrounds while tackling critical social issues. Your degree opens doors to many entry-level positions in healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and community organizations. Your BSW also creates a foundation to get advanced standing in MSW programs if you want to pursue clinical licensure or specialized areas later.

The right educational foundation matches your personal situation, priorities, and career goals. This guide gives you the information to make a smart choice about your social work education in Kansas. It’s your first step toward changing countless lives throughout your career.