7 Best MSW Programs in Kansas City for 2026: Campus & Online Options
Looking for prestigious yet flexible MSW programs in Kansas City? The social work scene in Kansas City provides exceptional opportunities. U.S. News & World Report ranks these programs in the top 12% among public institutions.
Kansas City’s MSW programs give you choices between campus-based and online degrees that fit different learning styles. The University of Kansas’s MSW program has maintained CSWE accreditation since 1947. Saint Louis University’s program stands among the top 20% nationwide. The career outlook remains strong – social worker jobs are expected to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, outpacing most other careers.
These Kansas and Missouri programs adapt to your schedule with multiple completion paths. Students can finish Advanced Standing programs in just one year full-time or two years part-time. Traditional plans take two years full-time or three to four years part-time. Real-world experience is a key component – traditional MSW students complete 1040-1200 hours of practical training.
1. University of Kansas – Online MSW Program
The University of Kansas offers a premier online MSW program that serves as the foundation of social work education in Kansas City and beyond. Students looking to learn about MSW programs in the Kansas City area will find KU’s virtual offering combines academic excellence with the flexibility needed by today’s busy professionals.
Program Overview
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare runs an online Master of Social Work program that has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1947. This prestigious program ranks in the top 12% of public institution social work graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report.
KU boasts over 85 years of experience in training social work professionals as the longest-running accredited MSW program in Kansas. It also is the only institution in Kansas that offers social work degrees from bachelor’s through doctoral levels.
The program’s robust curriculum prepares you for real-life challenges. Graduates report impressive outcomes—over 75% exceed national licensure first-time pass rates, and 85% secure full-time employment right after graduation.
Specializations
KU’s online program lets you choose between two detailed specializations:
- Clinical Social Work Practice: This 32-credit-hour specialization equips you to work directly with individuals, families, and groups. You’ll develop expertise in children and families, health and mental health, schools, and aging populations. This track proves valuable if you plan to pursue Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification.
- Macro Social Work Practice: This 32-credit-hour curriculum shapes leaders for social work agencies and social justice organizations. You’ll learn leadership development, social service administration, social policy development, and social advocacy.
Both specializations teach assessment skills in various contexts—from individuals and families to organizations and communities—along with intervention and evaluation skills that work in any discipline.
Admission Requirements
You can enter the program through two paths based on your educational background:
Traditional MSW Plan requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)
- Liberal arts undergraduate courses focusing on communication, social sciences, humanities, and multicultural diversity
Advanced Standing requirements include:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- BSW GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)
Both tracks require:
- Professional resume with work/volunteer experience
- Narrative statement about your interest in graduate social work education
- Contact information for three professional references
- Official transcripts from each college attended
The application deadlines are February 3 for Advanced Standing and Online Traditional Full-Time programs. Traditional Part-Time applications are due April 1.
Field Education
Field education is important to KU’s online MSW program. Students gain hands-on experience working with individuals, families, and communities. The Practicum Education Office coordinates all placements to ensure quality learning experiences with qualified social work mentors.
Traditional MSW students complete two practicum placements:
- First year (generalist): 16 hours weekly from late August through April, totaling 416 hours
- Second year (specialization): 16 hours weekly from late August through April, totaling 512 hours
Advanced Standing students complete one practicum placement of 512 hours over two consecutive semesters.
Students complete all practicum experiences in person. The Practicum Education Office works to secure placements within a one-hour drive from your home.
Delivery Format
KU’s online MSW program uses a blended synchronous format that combines self-paced coursework with bi-weekly live online classes. Classes typically meet on Saturdays, offering structure while maintaining flexibility for working professionals.
The same respected faculty who lead on-campus programs teach online courses, ensuring similar rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction. You can earn a KU degree from anywhere without sacrificing educational quality.
Program completion times vary based on your entry point and priorities:
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
- Traditional: 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time
Tuition & Financial Aid
The program costs $695 per credit hour, including all fees, whatever your residency status. This flat-rate tuition makes financial planning straightforward.
Degree-seeking online students qualify for financial aid options. File your FAFSA by March 1 to get optimal consideration for graduate financial aid and scholarships.
KU’s School of Social Welfare offers various scholarships and financial assistance programs for qualified students. Awards typically apply directly toward tuition and fees, providing immediate financial relief.
2. University of Kansas – Edwards Campus MSW Program
The University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park provides an excellent option to students looking for in-person MSW programs in Kansas City. This program combines academic excellence with easy access for local residents right in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Program Overview
KU’s School of Social Welfare’s Edwards Campus MSW program has managed to keep full Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1947. U.S. News and World Report ranks the program among the top 12% of public institution social work graduate programs.
The program equips you with skills to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families, and groups. You’ll also learn to create meaningful changes in organizations, communities, and policies that affect larger populations. Students benefit from a curriculum that combines community input with hands-on learning opportunities.
Specializations
Students at Edwards Campus can choose between two specialization paths:
Clinical Social Work Practice (32 credit hours):
- Prepares you to work directly with individuals, families, and groups
- Focuses on children and families, health/mental health, and aging populations
- Best suited for students planning to take the Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) examination
Social Work Macro Practice (32 credit hours):
- Develops leadership skills for social service administration and advocacy
- Centers on program development, policy analysis, and organizational management
- Available in online/hybrid format with biweekly Saturday meetings
Both specializations teach students to assess needs from individual to community levels and develop intervention skills that work in all practice contexts.
Admission Requirements
Your educational background determines your entry point through two available paths:
Traditional MSW Plan:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Liberal arts background including courses in communication, social sciences, humanities, and multicultural diversity
Advanced Standing:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Preferred GPA of 3.0 or above
- Summer term start for all Advanced Standing applicants
The application process requires an online submission, professional resume, narrative statement about your interest in graduate social work, three professional references, and official transcripts.
Field Education
Field education is vital to your MSW experience. The Practicum Education Office coordinates placements throughout Kansas and Missouri. Students work with the office and agencies to find appropriate learning opportunities.
Traditional MSW students complete two practicum placements:
- Generalist year: 16 hours weekly for 416 total hours
- Specialization year: 16 hours weekly for 512 total hours
Advanced Standing students complete one practicum:
- 16 hours weekly over two semesters for 512 total hours
Each placement spans two consecutive semesters and earns 14 credit hours annually. The practicum office tries to find placements within an hour’s drive from your home, though students need their own transportation.
Delivery Format
Edwards Campus offers flexible formats that fit various schedules:
- Generalist-level classes meet on the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park
- Clinical concentration classes take place at the Edwards Campus
- Macro concentration runs online via Zoom, with biweekly Saturday meetings and online coursework in between
Traditional MSW students can complete the program in 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time. Advanced Standing students finish in 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Edwards Campus tuition follows either standard Lawrence/Edwards rates or non-standard flat rates based on the program. Students from eligible Missouri counties can get the MetroKC rate with in-state tuition without credit hour limits.
Financial aid options include:
- Scholarships: Miller Scholarship, Goodyear Grant, JCERT Scholarship (for Johnson County residents), and departmental scholarships
- Grants: Federal Pell (undergraduates only), Federal SEOG, and Kansas Comprehensive Grant
- Loans: Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans
Submit your FAFSA by March 1 to get the best shot at financial aid or scholarships. The school applies awards directly to your tuition and fees.
3. University of Kansas – Lawrence Campus MSW Program
KU’s Master of Social Work program finds its home at the historic Lawrence campus, where tradition meets state-of-the-art education. Students enjoy a classic college experience just 45 minutes away from Kansas City’s metropolitan opportunities.
Program Overview
The Lawrence campus MSW program has managed to keep full Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1947. This makes it Kansas’s longest-running accredited MSW. The program ranks among the top 12% of public institution social work graduate programs. You’ll learn to provide counseling and direct services to individuals, families, and groups. The program also helps you create meaningful changes in organizations, communities, and policies.
The Traditional MSW Plan of Study at the School of Social Welfare needs 64 credit hours. This includes 36 credit hours of classroom work and 28 credit hours of practicum. The program teaches you to assess needs at every level—from individuals to communities—and develop strategies that work.
Specializations
After completing generalist foundation courses, you’ll choose between two specializations:
- Clinical Social Work Practice: This 32-credit-hour concentration will prepare you to work directly with individuals, families, and groups. Faculty suggests this path if you want to pursue Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW) certification. Students attend weekly classes on the Lawrence campus.
- Social Work Macro Practice: This 32-credit-hour curriculum develops your leadership skills in social service administration, policy development, and advocacy. The macro concentration courses happen online through Zoom every other Saturday.
Both paths give you the detailed assessment and intervention skills you need to work in practice settings of all types.
Admission Requirements
The Lawrence campus welcomes students through Traditional and Advanced Standing paths. Traditional MSW students need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Advanced Standing students must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Both paths prefer a GPA of 3.0 or higher [78, 79].
You’ll need to submit a professional resume, narrative statement, three professional references, and official transcripts. Applications without three references will be marked incomplete and denied. Traditional MSW starts in summer or fall, while Advanced Standing begins in summer.
The deadline for Traditional Full-Time MSW applications for 2026 is March 3. Traditional Part-Time applications are due April 1. Domestic students pay a $65 application fee, while international students pay $100.
Field Education
Field education is imperative to the Lawrence MSW experience. The Practicum Education Office works with students and agencies to coordinate placements throughout Kansas and Missouri.
Traditional MSW students complete two practicum placements. The generalist year needs 416 total hours (16 hours weekly), and the specialization year requires 512 hours. Advanced Standing students finish one 512-hour practicum. Each practicum runs for two consecutive semesters and earns 14 credit hours yearly.
The office tries to find placements within an hour’s drive from your home. Students must arrange their own transportation to practicum sites. Students take part in planning by filling out an online survey.
Delivery Format
The Lawrence campus offers several ways to complete your degree. Generalist-level and clinical concentration classes meet once weekly on campus, with morning and afternoon options.
Traditional MSW students can graduate in 2 years of full-time study or 3-4 years part-time. Advanced Standing students finish in 1 year full-time (summer, fall, and spring) or choose part-time study.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Your residency status determines your tuition rates. In-state students pay $12,102 while out-of-state students pay $30,432 in tuition and fees. Full-time graduate students taking 18 credit hours yearly (9 each semester) should plan for additional required fees of $287.10 per semester.
Submit your FAFSA by March 1 to get the best chance at graduate financial aid and scholarships. You can apply for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans. The School of Social Welfare provides various scholarships and financial assistance programs that go directly toward tuition and fees.
4. University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) MSW Program
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) stands out as another excellent MSW option in Kansas City. This program came to life through joint efforts between the University of Missouri System and local social service agencies in 1999.
Program Overview
The UMKC MSW program got its initial accreditation in May 2003 and earned reaffirmation in 2015. The program aims to “Prepare competent, advanced generalist social work practitioners to meet the needs of multicultural diverse populations in a dynamic mid-western metropolitan context.” Students learn to become ethical leaders with cultural proficiency.
Students develop these core professional skills:
- Practice theory and intervention
- Diversity and human rights
- Organizations and leadership
- Community-building and social action
- Research and evaluation
- Professional development
UMKC graduates become proactive social change agents who qualify for licensure right after graduation.
Specializations
Instead of narrow concentrations, UMKC takes an integrated approach that gives you versatile skills you can use in many settings. Students learn both clinical and macro social work through an advanced generalist specialization.
The program starts with foundation/generalist coursework in theory, policy, human behavior, research, and field practicum. Students then move to a concentration phase that builds advanced generalist methods with an urban focus. This detailed approach helps you work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Admission Requirements
Students from different academic backgrounds can apply to the program. You don’t need an undergraduate degree in social work for the Traditional MSW program. However, the Advanced Standing program only accepts students with a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Simple eligibility requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree with a preferred cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Online application with $45 fee for domestic students ($75 for international students)
- Resume, three recommendation letters, and official transcripts
- Statement of values and ethics (2-5 pages)
- Essay on preparation for professional training
Applications are due February 1 for Advanced Standing, March 1 for Traditional MSW, with extra dates for Open Enrollment options.
Field Education
Field education plays a vital role in your MSW journey at UMKC. Students can find current policies and procedures for field practicum in the MSW Field Education Manual. Traditional track students need 1040 hours of field education, while Advanced Standing students complete 520 hours.
Students do their field placements Monday through Friday during regular work hours, not evenings or weekends. This real-life experience helps you solve problems and confirms your choice of social work as a career.
Delivery Format
Working professionals will find UMKC’s program schedule convenient, with most classes in late afternoons, evenings, or weekends. Students can choose from these options:
- Traditional MSW: A 60-credit-hour mix of classroom and field practicum
- Advanced Standing MSW: A 36-credit-hour program for students with an accredited BSW
Both paths work with part-time schedules. Full-time students usually finish in two years, while part-time students take three to four years.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Graduate students taking six credit hours per semester can expect these costs based on where they live:
- Missouri residents/Kansas Rate: $7,162 tuition and fees per year
- Heartland Rate: $10,342 tuition and fees per year
- Non-residents: $16,912 tuition and fees per year
Total yearly costs, including housing, books, and other expenses, range from $20,076 to $38,210 depending on residency status and living arrangements.
UMKC gave out more than $200 million in financial aid last year. About 80% of first-year master’s students received financial support. Students can access grants, work-study programs, loans, and special scholarships for social work programs.
5. Avila University + Saint Louis University MSW Program
Avila University and Saint Louis University (SLU) have joined forces to create an exceptional MSW program in the Kansas City region. Students benefit from Avila’s hands-on mentorship approach combined with SLU’s world-class faculty.
Program Overview
The program builds on SLU’s Jesuit tradition of “educating the whole person” to prepare social workers who serve vulnerable populations facing economic, social, and medical challenges. SLU ranks in the top 20% of social work programs nationwide according to U.S. News and World Report. Kansas City students can now earn this prestigious MSW without traveling to SLU’s main campus. Faculty members blend theoretical concepts with ground experiences to create engaging classroom activities.
Specializations
Students can choose from three concentration paths:
- Clinical: Therapy with individuals and families, substance use disorder treatment, and trauma-informed practice
- Community and Organization: Nonprofit administration and policy advocacy
- Applied Behavior Analysis: A specialized track that leads to dual credentials (53 credits instead of the standard 48)
Additional specialization options include gerontology, criminal justice, and school social work through coursework or practicum experiences.
Admission Requirements
Saint Louis University handles all applications directly. Requirements include:
- A preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of interest
BSW graduates can take advantage of the Advanced Standing track, which needs only 30 credit hours.
Field Education
Field education is the program’s “signature pedagogy”. Students work in actual social work settings while MSW field instructors provide mentorship. Weekly supervision sessions help students connect their practical experiences with essential social work concepts. Field instructors receive free continuing education credits as recognition for their mentorship.
Delivery Format
Working professionals can choose from multiple course formats:
- Traditional 15-week format (2 hour 45 minute classes, fall/spring)
- 10-week summer format (3 hour 45 minute classes)
Classes take place in the evening to accommodate work schedules. Advanced Standing students typically complete their degree in five semesters.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Academic year costs:
- Advanced Standing track: around $32,000 total (tuition and fees)
- Foundation track: around $50,000 total (tuition and fees)
Thanks to alumni donors, new students receive partial scholarships when admitted. Students should submit their FAFSA to access federal graduate loans and assistantship opportunities. The Promise to Pay plan lets students with employer reimbursement wait 45 days after course completion to pay.
6. University of Saint Mary – Online MSW Program
The University of Saint Mary stands out among MSW Kansas City options with its fully online program that builds on a rich history of academic excellence and service. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has granted the program accreditation.
Program Overview
The University of Saint Mary’s Master of Social Work program teaches students generalist and specialized practice methods to help global society wellbeing. Students can earn their 60-credit degree in healthcare, mental health, and forensic social work systems. The program lets you complete your degree in 1-3 years based on your chosen track and pace.
Specializations
The program offers two specializations that are in high demand:
- Health and Mental Health Social Work: You’ll study Mental Health & Substance Use, Trauma Informed Care, Integrated Health Care Practice, and Crisis Intervention-Disaster Response
- Forensic Social Work: The program has Mental Health & Substance Use, Introduction to Forensic Social Work, Forensic Social Work Practice, and Social Work and the Law
Admission Requirements
You’ll need these simple requirements to apply:
- A completed application with $25 fee
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 75 GPA minimum (you might qualify for probationary status with a lower GPA)
- Official transcripts, professional resume, two references, and application essay
Field Education
Students gain real-life experience through three field practicum courses. Traditional students complete 900 hours while advanced standing students finish 525 hours.
Delivery Format
Students can take both synchronous and asynchronous online courses. The program’s weekly Virtual Coffee Chats help create a more personal connection with faculty.
Tuition & Financial Aid
The program costs $615 per credit hour. Traditional students pay $36,900 for the 60-credit program, while advanced standing students pay $18,450 for the 30-credit option. Students save thousands each year because 98% of textbooks are free Open Education Resources.
7. Missouri Western State University – MSW Program
Missouri Western State University’s MSW program is known for its trauma-informed approach to social work education. The program serves professionals who want to make a difference in Northwestern Missouri communities from its Saint Joseph campus.
Program Overview
The MSW program at Missouri Western takes social work education to the next level. Students learn through a trauma-informed, applied framework that helps families and communities achieve justice and better well-being. The program is moving toward full CSWE accreditation and builds on strength-based practice that matches Social Work’s Grand Challenges. Students who graduated in the first two years will receive credit from a fully accredited program once this status is achieved.
Specializations
Missouri Western takes a different approach than traditional specializations. The program builds expertise through its trauma-informed curriculum that prepares students to tackle health disparities and create justice-oriented interventions. Student practicums have generated about 32,000 hours of service to Northwest Missouri communities.
Admission Requirements
Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks need:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA (conditional admission possible)
- Statement of purpose
- Two professional references
- Criminal background check (Class A or B felony convictions disqualify)
The program accepts applications from early spring through late March each year.
Field Education
Students learn to manage the social work process, build professional relationships, and understand organizational dynamics through field instruction. Students create their learning plan with faculty instructors and agency-based field instructors. The program allows students to use their workplace for field practicum under certain conditions.
Delivery Format
Students attend weekly on-campus classes and complete additional online work at their own pace. This setup works well for professionals who want flexibility but value in-person learning. The program will team up with Voices of Courage in fall 2025 to create a mental health clinic for parents and children.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 runs $495.00 per credit hour for Missouri residents and $828.00 for non-residents. Resident full-time graduate students should budget $41,368.00, while non-residents need $48,320.00. MoWest provides some of the most affordable graduate education around – residents pay just over $10,000 in tuition for their master’s degree.
Find the Right Kansas City MSW Today
Your social work career starts with picking the right MSW program. You’ll find seven excellent options around Kansas City that match your educational needs and career goals.
These programs have impressive credentials. The University of Kansas has held CSWE accreditation since 1947. On top of that, program rankings show their quality – Saint Louis University’s program sits in the top 20% nationally, while KU ranks in the top 12% among public institution social work programs.
You can choose a format that fits your schedule. The options include traditional campus learning at KU’s Lawrence or Edwards campuses, evening classes at UMKC, or fully online programs through KU and University of Saint Mary. BSW holders can finish their degrees in just one year through Advanced Standing tracks, while Traditional tracks take two years full-time.
Field education is essential to these programs. Students complete 500-1200 hours of ground experience based on their entry path. This hands-on training ensures you graduate with both theory knowledge and skills that employers value.
The job outlook is bright. Social work positions are expected to grow 9% through 2031 – much faster than average job growth. Most program graduates land jobs right after getting their degrees.
Tuition costs vary among these options. Missouri Western’s tuition is very affordable at just over $10,000 for in-state students. Other programs cost between $18,450 and $50,000 total. Every school offers financial help through scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Now that you know about these MSW options in Kansas City, you can make a smart choice about your education. Think about what you want to specialize in, how you like to learn, what you can afford, and where you want your social work career to go. The right program will line up with your professional goals.