Best MSW Programs in Kansas

Kansas MSW programs offer promising career prospects. The state employs about 5,000 social workers who earn an average salary of $48,343.

Students can choose from five accredited Master of Social Work programs at excellent universities in Kansas: Fort Hays State University, Newman University, the University of Kansas, Washburn University, and Wichita State University. These institutions welcome students with any bachelor’s degree through their traditional MSW tracks. They also provide advanced standing options for students with BSW credentials. The University of Kansas stands out as a top choice for students in the Kansas City area, with its #36 national ranking among graduate social work schools.

Your career options after graduation are diverse and rewarding. Child and family services employ 3,030 professionals with average earnings of $47,850 per year. Healthcare settings offer even higher salaries, with 1,500 social workers earning around $59,940 annually. The programs include at least 900 hours of hands-on field education that combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge. Kansas programs offer specialization options in clinical practice, advanced generalist work, and macro social work to help you achieve your professional goals.

Fort Hays State University MSW Program

Fort Hays State University stands out among Kansas MSW programs through its fresh take on clinical social work education. The program brings together online learning flexibility with hands-on clinical training.

Program Overview

Fort Hays State University’s Master of Social Work program puts clinical social work practice front and center. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given the program full accreditation accredited through 2029. The university’s Department of Social Work also offers a Bachelor’s degree. The MSW program is relatively new, getting Board of Regents approval in May 2019.

The program aims to create competent clinical social workers who stick to professional principles and know how to think critically while using evidence-based practices. FHSU’s MSW program serves Western Kansas and beyond. The program works toward five main goals:

1. Training students to become skilled, ethical clinical practitioners
2. Creating social workers who excel at critical thinking and evidence-based practices
3. Getting students ready to work with diverse populations
4. Shaping tomorrow’s human service agency leaders
5. Creating community partnerships that address behavioral health workforce needs

The curriculum aligns with Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by CSWE, which gives students a solid professional education.

Specializations Offered

Clinical Social Work Practice is the program’s sole focus. This emphasis prepares students for therapy work while keeping career options open. Students can become licensed clinical social workers (LSCSW) who work as therapists and bill second-party payers, but they aren’t locked into therapeutic roles.

The clinical specialization covers:

• Assessment and treatment of mental disorders
• Medical social work and behavioral health
• Forensic social work practice
• Advanced clinical practice with individuals, groups, and families
• Supervision and agency management

This focused curriculum opens doors to various careers while building the foundation needed for clinical licensure.

Field Education Requirements

Students need significant hands-on experience. Even with online coursework, field education happens in person at approved social work sites.

Students must complete 1,200 field practicum hours:

• Generalist Year: Two 240-hour foundational field practicums (480 hours total)
• Advanced Year: Two 360-hour advanced field practicums (720 hours total)

Advanced field practicum courses include two 2.5-day campus intensive sessions. These face-to-face meetings with faculty provide hands-on clinical training through ground simulations. The clinical intensives take place on campus in Hays, KS for three days when spring semester ends.

Field practicums start in the first couple weeks of each semester. Students usually stay at one agency for the whole academic year. They might do their practicum at work, but they need new learning experiences separate from their regular duties to meet CSWE standards.

Program Format

FHSU’s MSW program offers something special – online flexibility mixed with interactive learning. The program believes “online doesn’t mean alone”. Students get:

• All coursework online, ready whenever you need it
• Real-time face-to-face learning through Zoom and other audio-video tools
• Modern tech like Go-React and Yellowdig Engage
• A mix of solo learning and team projects
• Courses that work as “incubators” for practicing therapeutic knowledge and skills

This smart approach lets students enjoy online convenience while building strong clinical skills through interactive learning and in-person clinical intensives.

The program connects classroom learning with field experience. Weekly learning activities match up with concepts taught in practice classes.

Admission Requirements

FHSU offers two ways to earn an MSW degree:

Regular MSW Pathway (open to all bachelor’s degree holders):

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with liberal arts foundation
• 0 or higher overall GPA
• Professional resume
• Three references (one must speak to graduate social work education readiness)
• Personal narrative statement in APA format about motivation, experience, and goals

Advanced Standing MSW Pathway (just for BSW graduates):

• Bachelor’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
• 0 or higher overall GPA
• Professional resume
• Three references with the same requirements as Regular pathway
• Personal narrative statement covering the same topics

Both pathways share a January 15th priority deadline and April 15th final deadline. The program reviews applications monthly from November through April. You don’t need GRE scores to apply.

Duration and Completion Options

Students can choose completion times that fit their schedule:

Regular MSW Pathway:

• 66 total credit hours
• Full-time: Five semesters (about two years)
• Part-time: Three or more years, based on course load

Advanced Standing MSW Pathway:

• 36 total credit hours
• Full-time: One calendar year (three semesters)
• Part-time options available

Regular Pathway students take courses over four regular semesters plus one summer semester. Field practicum runs through four semesters. Students start with generalist courses (social welfare policy, human behavior, research methods) before moving to specialized clinical courses.

Both paths meet educational requirements for clinical social worker licensure. The program balances academic challenge with practical skills. Students might need to adjust their work schedule since managing both work and school can be tough.

Newman University MSW Program

Newman University stands out in Kansas social work education with its state-of-the-art trauma-competent curriculum. The university’s MSW program leads in Kansas by focusing on tailored education and practical skills that shape future social work leaders.

Program Overview

Newman University offers a Master of Social Work program with full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program strengthens graduates to reshape society. Students learn essential knowledge, skills, and values to address social issues through a trauma-informed lens. This mission matches the university’s broader educational goals.

The MSW program’s distinctive feature lies in its trauma-informed practice focus. The curriculum now centers on trauma-informed clinical practice. Students build a solid foundation to understand traumatic experiences. The program combines the latest scientific findings in neural science, interpersonal well-being, family systems, and human development with practice wisdom.

Small class sizes allow students to receive individual attention and mentorship from faculty. Students thrive in a supportive environment with guidance throughout their academic experience. Faculty members bring their diverse expertise to the classroom, which enriches student learning.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose from several unique concentration areas that match their career goals:

• Clinical Social Work – Students prepare for direct therapeutic practice
• School Social Work – Graduates ready themselves for roles in educational settings
• Administrative/Nonprofit Social Work – Students develop leadership skills for organizational management

These concentration areas build on trauma-informed practice. Graduates gain trauma competencies needed to deliver high-quality, responsive services whatever their specialization. This trauma-focused approach sets Newman’s program apart from other MSW programs in the region.

Newman’s MSW graduates succeed in mental health facilities, school systems, community organizations, higher education institutions, government agencies, hospitals, military clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, private practice, and the justice system.

Field Education Requirements

Field education plays a significant role in Newman’s MSW curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience that connects classroom learning with ground practice. Field education requirements differ by program track:

Traditional Program:

• Students need 20 credit hours of fieldwork and related integrative seminars
• Students finish 1,052 hours of field education

Advanced Standing Program:

• Students complete 10 credit hours of fieldwork and related integrative seminars
• Students finish 620 hours of field education

Field education provides meaningful learning experiences that match the program’s trauma-informed focus. Students apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills under supervision. These experiences help students enter the social work profession naturally after graduation.

Program Format

Newman University offers program formats that fit different student needs:

Students can access the MSW program at the Wichita main campus or through their Online MSW program. Students throughout Kansas can get quality social work education whatever their location.

Classes run in 16-week semesters with different delivery options:

• On-ground classes meet once weekly for three hours
• Hybrid classes mix in-person and online elements
• Online classes run asynchronously so students complete coursework on their schedule

Many MSW students work while studying. Newman schedules courses to fit various lifestyles. Evening courses complement conventional academic hours, making the program available to working students. This scheduling shows Newman’s dedication to meeting student needs while maintaining educational quality.

Admission Requirements

Newman University maintains high yet available admission standards for its MSW program:

Simple Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall coursework (including any previous graduate-level work)
• Criminal background check
• Three professional and/or academic recommendations using the MSW Recommendation Form
• Personal statement/essay about motivation for social work, career goals, values alignment, and professional experience
• Current resume showing professional, educational, and volunteer experience

Advanced Standing admission needs a degree from a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate social work program. Students who don’t meet minimum GPA requirements might still qualify for conditional admission with other proof of program completion ability.

Application deadlines vary by program track and entry point:

• Advanced Standing (Summer entry): April 30
• Advanced Standing (Fall entry): June 30
• Traditional (Fall entry, full-time): May 31
• Traditional (Fall entry, part-time): July 31

Newman doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. Sometimes interviews and the GRE help when applicants don’t meet minimum requirements.

Duration and Completion Options

Newman offers flexible completion times that work for various student needs:

Traditional Program:

• Students need 62 credit hours of coursework
• Full-time students finish in 2 years over 5 continuous semesters
• Part-time students complete in 4 years over 11 continuous semesters

Advanced Standing Program:

• Students need 34 credit hours of coursework
• Full-time students finish in 1 year over 3 continuous semesters
• Part-time students complete in 2 years over 6 continuous semesters

Students must finish the program within six years. These completion options attract students who balance education with other commitments.

Graduates can apply for licensure. Kansas graduates qualify for state licensure as an LMSW through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). After two years of supervised post-MSW practice, they can pursue clinical social work licensure. This opens doors to advanced practice opportunities including private practice.

University of Kansas MSW Program

The University of Kansas runs the state’s oldest accredited social work program, with 85 years of experience in training social work professionals. KU is the only institution in Kansas that offers degrees from bachelor’s through doctoral levels, making it the pillar of social work education in the region.

Program Overview

The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare runs a Master of Social Work program that has held full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947. This top-ranked program has consistently placed in the top 12% of public institution social work graduate programs according to U.S. News and World Report.

Students graduate with a complete knowledge base to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families, and groups. They also develop skills to create meaningful changes in organizations, communities, and policies that affect broader populations. The curriculum blends community and student input to create a dynamic educational experience with real-life opportunities.

KU remains unique as Kansas’s only program to offer social work degrees at all academic levels: BSW, MSW, DSW, and PhD. Students in any degree path can access newly revised courses and complete student support services. They end up joining a vast network of Jayhawk Social Workers after graduation.

Specializations Offered

KU’s MSW program features two specializations that help students align their education with career goals:

Clinical Social Work PracticeThis 32-credit-hour specialization prepares students to work directly with individuals, families, and groups. The focus areas include:

• Children and families
• Health and mental health
• Schools
• Aging populations

Faculty suggest this path if you have plans to take the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) examination.

Macro Social Work PracticeThis 32-credit-hour curriculum builds leaders for social work agencies and social justice organizations. The specialization emphasizes:

• Leadership development
• Social service administration
• Social policy development
• Social advocacy

Both specializations teach students to assess needs in various contexts—from individuals and families to organizations and communities. Students also learn intervention and evaluation skills they can use at all practice levels.

Field Education Requirements

Students get hands-on experience working directly with individuals, families, and communities. The Practicum Education Office works with community agencies throughout Kansas and Missouri to create enriching experiences for students.

Traditional MSW students complete two practicum placements:

1. Generalist Year (First Year): 16 hours weekly from late August through April, totaling 416 hours
2. Specialization Year (Second Year): 16 clock hours weekly from late August through April, totaling 512 hours

Each placement runs two consecutive semesters for 14 credit hours annually, adding up to 28 credit hours of practicum. Students take required practice courses alongside their practicums to blend classroom learning with field experience.

The Practicum Education Office manages all placements through teamwork between the office, student, and agency. Students need explicit authorization before contacting agencies. The office tries to find placements within an hour’s drive from students’ homes, but students must arrange their transportation.

Program Format

KU’s MSW program gives students several ways to learn:

• Lawrence Campus: Traditional in-person format
• Edwards Campus (Overland Park): Serving Kansas City area students
• Salina: Making education available to central Kansas
• Online Program through Jayhawk Global: Fits busy schedules with flexible study options

Online students mix self-paced coursework with bi-weekly live online classes. The same respected faculty and expert instructors who teach on-campus also lead online programs, using similar rigorous curriculum and instruction.

These different formats make the program available to students across Kansas and beyond. KU meets students where they are while maintaining educational quality.

Admission Requirements

Requirements vary based on program track:

Traditional MSW Plan If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Liberal arts undergraduate courses focusing on communication, social sciences, humanities, and multicultural diversity
• 0 or higher undergraduate GPA preferred
• Professional resume
• Official transcripts from each college attended (unless already a KU student)
• Online application with $65 application fee for domestic students

Advanced Standing If you have a BSW degree:

• Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
• Same application materials as Traditional plan

Non-native English speakers applying to online programs must prove full English proficiency for graduate admission. Traditional MSW students start in fall semester.

Duration and Completion Options

The MSW program offers flexible timeframes:

Full-time students in the Traditional MSW program complete 32 credit hours of generalist coursework in their first year. They then move to their chosen specialization (clinical practice or macro practice) for another 32 credit hours.

Advanced Standing students take two summer classes (6 credit hours): a social work practice class covering major curriculum themes and an elective course. They then complete the 32-credit specialization level.

Students who need more flexibility can take three or four years to finish the program. Part-time Traditional MSW students usually start their practicum in the third year.

KU maintains its dedication to complete, high-quality social work education through all formats and timeframes. Graduates leave prepared for professional success in a variety of settings.

Washburn University MSW Program

Washburn University stands out with its personal approach to MSW education. Students benefit from small class sizes and one-on-one advising from faculty members. The program helps students become skilled at clinical social work practice through various pathways that work well for busy professionals.

Program Overview

Washburn University runs a fully accredited Master of Social Work program with emphasis on clinical social work practice. The program enables students to provide inclusive, collaborative, and ethical clinical social work services to diverse clients through a person-in-environment framework, critical inquiry, and cultural humility. Washburn stands out as the only MSW program in Kansas offering a concentration in healthcare social work, which creates unique opportunities for specialization.

The MSW program offers several advantages:

• Flexible start dates (fall, spring, or summer terms)
• Working adults need to visit campus just one day per week
• No undergraduate social work degree requirement
• Full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Graduates can qualify for state licensure at the LMSW level

The program’s core focus lies in making sure students understand, follow, and champion social work’s professional values.

Specializations Offered

Students can choose between two main specialization paths in the clinical MSW program:

School Social Work ConcentrationThis concentration needs nine credit hours of clinical elective courses that focus on educational settings. Students take these specialized courses:

• Clinical Social Work Practice with the Exceptional Child
• Clinical Social Work Practice in the Educational Environment
• Clinical Social Work Practice in Schools

Healthcare Social Work Washburn leads as the only program in Kansas with this specialized concentration. Healthcare settings employ 25% of professional social workers, and this number continues to grow. This specialization meets an essential workforce demand.

The university also offers a Dual Degree option with Washburn University School of Law. Students can earn both MSW and JD degrees with fewer credits than if they pursued them separately.

Washburn University Field Education Requirements

Field education forms the cornerstone of social work education at Washburn. Requirements change based on program track:

MSW Generalist Field Education

• Students without an undergraduate social work degree must complete this
• Minimum 400 hours in placement (160 hours fall semester, 240 hours spring term)
• About 16 hours weekly for 10 weeks starting in the 5th week of fall term

MSW Clinical Field Education

• All students need this after finishing foundation coursework
• Minimum 600 hours in specialized placement (300 hours per semester)
• About 20 hours weekly

Students attend a one-day field education workshop when fall semester begins.

Program Format

Washburn meets diverse student needs through various delivery options:

• Traditional on-campus format
• Hybrid mixing on-campus and online components
• Online courses for flexibility
• Full-time or part-time attendance

Working adults can complete their coursework by coming to campus once weekly. Foundation courses run on Mondays or online, while clinical courses happen on Wednesdays, with evening options available.

Admission Requirements

MSW program applicants need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• 0 or higher cumulative undergraduate GPA (case-by-case exceptions possible)
• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Three professional references’ names and email addresses
• Personal statement (5 pages maximum)
• Unofficial transcript from undergraduate degree-conferring university

International students must meet extra requirements like equivalent credentials, English proficiency testing, and transcript evaluation.

Duration and Completion Options

Students can choose between two program tracks with flexible timeframes:

Regular Standing works for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work. Advanced Standing welcomes graduates with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last 10 years.

Advanced Standing begins each summer, while Regular Standing students start in fall or spring semesters. Students should apply by January 15 for summer/fall start and October 15 for spring start.

Wichita State University MSW Program

Wichita State University (WSU) has a 24-year old MSW program that focuses on direct service delivery and macro-level social work practice. WSU’s approach goes beyond clinical specialization compared to other MSW programs in Kansas.

MSW Program Overview

The Council on Social Work Education has granted full accreditation to WSU’s Master of Social Work program, which runs through 2029. Students learn advanced generalist practice in social work here. The curriculum focuses on human well-being and works to reduce poverty and oppression while improving human service systems, especially in Wichita and nearby areas. Students experience a learning environment that values diversity across age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Specializations Offered

We offer an Advanced Generalist curriculum exclusively. Our graduates are fluent in direct service with individuals, families, groups, and communities. They also develop skills in supervision, administration, program development, and evaluation. Advanced generalist practitioners use various practice skills with an evidence-based approach that includes clinical social work.

Field Education Requirements

The field education hours vary by track:

• BSW and MSW foundation students need 400 clock hours (200 per semester)
• MSW advanced generalist students complete 600 clock hours (300 per semester)

Traditional students must complete 1,180 hours of site-based field education. Advanced standing students need 700 hours.

Program Format

The campus-based program follows a structured sequence of courses. Students take their classes in a specific order during set semesters based on their study plan. Since we offer most courses once a year, following the program schedule is vital.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• At least 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of coursework
• Liberal arts background with specific courses in humanities, social sciences, and communications
• Personal statement
• Three references
• MSW application form

The GRE isn’t required. Submit your application by the second Friday in January for priority consideration.

Duration and Completion Options

The program has different timeframes:

• Regular program: 63 credit hours (47 classroom, 16 practicum)
  • Full-time: Two years
  • Part-time: Up to four years
• Advanced standing program: 37 credit hours (29 classroom, 8 practicum)
  • Full-time: One year
  • Part-time: Two years

Choosing the Right MSW Program in Kansas

Kansas provides exceptional educational paths for aspiring social work professionals through five CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Each university brings its own strengths to the table. Fort Hays State excels in clinical focus, Newman specializes in trauma-informed approach, KU boasts prestigious rankings, Washburn concentrates on healthcare, and Wichita State offers advanced generalist curriculum. Students can pick a program that matches their career dreams perfectly.

Your career goals should drive your program choice. Fort Hays State or Newman University might work better for students who want direct clinical practice. Wichita State’s advanced generalist approach could benefit those looking for broader social work applications. On top of that, Washburn’s program stands alone in Kansas by offering specialized healthcare social work training that meets growing workforce needs.

Program format plays a significant role in making your choice. KU’s program leads in location options with campuses in Lawrence, Overland Park, and Salina, plus online learning opportunities. All five universities understand their students’ need to balance education with work and family. They offer flexible schedules with part-time options to help manage these responsibilities.

Field education is a critical part of MSW education no matter which program you choose. Requirements differ between programs, but hands-on experience is a great way to get practical training alongside classroom learning. These supervised placements help students develop professional skills they need to work effectively in social work practice.

Social work graduates in Kansas face bright career prospects without doubt. The state currently employs nearly 5,000 social workers who earn an average of $48,343, and the demand continues in many sectors. Healthcare social work specialists can earn even more, with average annual salaries reaching $59,940.

The program you pick matters less than the fact that all these accredited MSW programs prepare you for state licensure and various career opportunities throughout Kansas. Your choice ended up depending on your specific interests, preferred learning style, and professional goals in this rewarding field that focuses on helping others and building stronger communities.