Social workers are committed to care-centered practice, community building and social justice. Our programs give you the knowledge and skills to promote these values in an array of settings.

Changing the World Starts Here

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Whether you want to advance your career in human services or pivot to a care-centered career, our accredited master's degree program will provide you with the skills necessary to become an advanced generalist social worker.

More About Our MSW Program

Mission

We prepare competent, advanced generalist social work practitioners to meet the needs of multicultural populations in a dynamic midwestern metropolis. We prepare you to be culturally proficient, ethical leaders and service providers engaged in interprofessional, multi-systemic community-based practice who advocate for social and economic justice, enhance human well-being and support an individual’s capacity to address their own needs.

Curriculum

Our advanced generalist curriculum is based on core professional competencies.

  • Practice theory and intervention
  • Diversity and human rights
  • Organizations and leadership
  • Community-building and social action
  • Research and evaluation
  • Professional development

Schedule

Many classes are scheduled for late afternoons, evenings or weekends to accommodate working professionals. 

Tracks

Depending on your bachelor's degree, there are two tracks to choose between in the program.

  • Traditional MSW — A 60-credit-hour curriculum, combining classroom and field practicum. 
  • Advanced standing MSW (for students who already have an accredited BSW) — A 36-credit-hour curriculum taken during the Summer Session and one full-time year of coursework with field practicum. 

Either track can be completed on a part-time schedule. 

 View plan of study

How to apply

An undergraduate degree in social work is not required for entry into the MSW program. However, only students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work can apply for the advanced standing program.

Application deadlines

  • Traditional MSW — March 1
  •  Advanced standing MSW — February 1
  • Open enrollment — April 1 for Summer Session, June 1 for Fall Semester and November 1 for Spring Semester

Learn how to apply

Student learning outcomes

2023 Academic Year (PDF)

MSW Student Resources

Social Work Admissions

Email: umkcsocwk@umkc.edu
Phone Number: 816-235-1025