In the heart of the Midwest, there are many opportunities for prospective students looking for Social Work Degrees in Kansas.
Located in the continental midsection, Kansas has been on the cutting edge of America's history as exemplified by its many sites safeguarded by the National Park Service. Included in those protected sites are the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, Pony Express National Historic Trail and Fort Scott National Historic Site.
Kansas was also on the forefront of the civil rights movement with Harper's Ferry and the landmark Supreme Court decision in the Brown v. Board of Education in Topeka. Education continues to headline in the state with top notch educational institutions providing prominent programs that rank with the best. Social Work Degrees in Kansas can be earned at the following colleges and universities.
Online Social Work Programs For You
Bethel College
Division of Social Sciences and Human Services
Bethel College, located in North Newton about 30 miles north of Wichita, sits on a 90 acre picturesque, sedate campus in an otherwise bustling urban setting. In the U.S. News and World Report for the regional Midwest, Bethel College is ranked as the 19th Best College. The 472 enrolled undergraduates enjoy small class sizes of which 68% have 20 or fewer students, which is a drawing point to the institution's program.
The third most popular degree program at Bethel in 2012 was the Public Administration and Social Services Program. Internships and learning experiences expose students to local, national, and international opportunities that offer real life, real time learning labs. As a result, employers have reported well prepared graduates of exceptional preparation in ethical practice, assessment, and intervention planning, which are some of the most essential strengths to have in practical application of one's education in social work.
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
The social work program has three primary objectives: to prepare graduates for entry level professional practice; to prepare graduates for continued social work education at the graduate level; and, to provide continuing education opportunities for practicing social workers and other human service professionals.
Required courses include topics such as Skills for Human Service Work, Assessment of Human Systems and Social Development and Social Justice. Psychology, sociology, economics, written analysis, report writing, and statistics are other courses that may be required depending on the individualized program set up with an advisor. For an international, cross-cultural learning opportunity, upperclassmen are offered the chance to study in Mexico. A partnership with Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (KIPCOR) leads to a 9-credit-hour certification in conflict resolution which adds to an individual's acquired skills.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
300 East 27th Street
North Newton, KS 67117
Phone: 316-283-2500 or 800-522-1887
Email: [email protected]
http://www.bethelks.edu/academics/areas-of-study/social-work/
Fort Hays State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Fort Hays State University is located in the city of Hays, the largest city in northwestern Kansas. As the name implies, Fort Hays State University has a connection to a former military post. Originally, it was located in Fort Hays but has since relocated to its present day site. FHSU is the 4th largest public university governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. Its more than 11,000 undergraduates can look forward to the prospect of a 95% job placement rate as reported in yearly studies conducted for Student Affairs.
Bachelor of Social Work
A field practicum consisting of 12 credit hours is the culmination to a strong academic program. The practicum allows students the opportunity to put knowledge and skills learned in a rigorous core curriculum into practical use in the field. Core prerequisites include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Methods of Social Research, Advanced Sociological Research, and Social Welfare and Policy Services. The degree must be completed on campus to fulfill the interactive experiences designed to prepare students for a career assisting people cope with complex interpersonal and social problems. The Department of Sociology and Social Work is guided by a common vision and belief that all aspects of the discipline must overlap and cannot be prioritized. Service to humanity and the profession must include service to the university, the region, and the students for effective social work achievement.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
Sociology & Social Work Department
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: 785-628-5395
Fax: 785-628-4426
Email: [email protected]
Kansas State University
College of Arts and Sciences
K-State, as Kansas State University is popularly called, is located in Manhattan, a city in the northeastern region of the state. Manhattan has the distinction of being named one of the ten best places in America to retire young by CNN and Money Magazine in 2007, and No. 1 for "Best Small Communities for a Business and Career" by Forbes in 2011. Placing 135th for National Universities in the 2014 edition of Best Colleges, K-State is the oldest public university in Kansas. It is set on 664 urban acres and has a total undergraduate population of 19,853. Its Landon Lecture Series has hosted notable speakers that include seven U.S. presidents, a Supreme Court Justice and several international leaders. K-State is often the choice for prospective students who are looking for the large university experience.
Bachelor Degree in Social Work
In addition to the program itself, the extracurricular opportunities at K-State are a draw for many students. The Student Social Work Organization (SWO) exemplifies the mission of the department and enhances the students' studies. Opportunities to enjoy networking and engaging in diverse cultural experiences from a social work perspective are encouraged. Forging bonds with fellow classmates intensifies the learning and understanding of each student's coursework. Coursework in the program includes topics such as Social Welfare, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Welfare. Furthermore, Topics in Social Work offers an opportunity to pursue individual study interests under the supervision and consent of an instructor.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
Janice Dinkel, MSW, LSCSW
Associate Professor of Social Work
204 Waters Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
Phone: (785) 532-4980
Email: [email protected]
http://www.k-state.edu/sasw/sw/
Newman University
Graduate School of Social Work
Newman University is a private liberal arts institution located in metropolitan Wichita, the largest city in the state. Once a mere trading post on the Chisholm Trail, Wichita has grown to become the 49th largest city in the United States. The 61 charming acres are nestled in this urban setting that affords many opportunities for its undergraduate enrollment of 2,384, both on campus and off campus, for enriching their educations. U.S. News and World Report Regional Universities (Midwest) Best Colleges ranked the university as No. 108. The school's mission to empower its students to transform society fits right in with a purpose for those entering the social work field.
Master of Social Work
Admission to the program is contingent on review and verification of documents that include three letters of reference, statement of personal intent, completion of specified undergraduate courses that include human biology, and at least a 3.0 grade point average in upper level undergraduate courses with an earned degree. Once admitted to the MSW program, prospective students have the choice of two tracks for completion: a thesis option or a non-thesis option. In either program, students will utilize skills gained in research, analysis, testing, and evaluation.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
3100 McCormick
Wichita, KS 67213-2097
Phone: 316-942-4291
Email: [email protected]
http://www.newmanu.edu/studynu/graduate/master-social-work/master-social-work-faqs
Pittsburg State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Although the town of Pittsburgh is Crawford County's most populous municipality with just over 20,000 residents, Pittsburg State University's 600 picturesque acres are in the midst of its rural outskirts. Crawford County is in almost the very southeastern corner of the state, with its location just north of Cherokee County. The approximately 7100 graduate and undergraduate students of Pittsburg University are enrolled in one of the top 100 Best Colleges, Regional Universities (Midwest), with its ranking at No. 77.
Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Social Work
An educationally directed practicum comprised of 480 hours is a fitting highpoint to a B.S. in Social Work program that stresses mastery in content pertinent to the social work profession, such as its own code of ethics, practice standards and knowledge base. These standards are combined with courses in social welfare policy and services, human behavior in the social environment, and social research. These courses prepare students with the skills necessary to help provide quality professional care in a number of different workplace environments, from government and non-profit organizations to research institutions.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
Nancy Grantham
Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences
412 Russ Hall
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg KS 66762
Phone: 620-235-4325
Email: [email protected]
http://www.pittstate.edu/department/social-sciences/social-work/index.dot
University of Kansas
School of Social Welfare
The University of Kansas is a public university located in Lawrence, midway between Kansas City and Topeka. The 2014 edition of Best Colleges ranks the University of Kansas at number 101 in the category of National Universities, and its Social Work program has consistently been named in the top 20 in the nation. The School of Social Work at the University of Kansas is the oldest in the state and continues to provide innovative curriculum. Furthermore, only 34 U.S. public institutions belong to the prestigious Association of American Universities, of which the University of Kansas is one. The university also holds the philosophy that students are personally responsible for their education; therefore, they encourage them to take advantage of diverse collaborative service opportunities that involve the university and the community. Another desirable learning opportunity can be realized through one of its more than 100 international study abroad and cooperative undergraduate research programs.
Bachelor of Social Work
Students can expect to be prepared for entry level social work positions and graduate studies after completing the 120 credit hours required for their BSW. A field practicum of 12 credit hours is completed during the senior year of study. An international study abroad elective is an appealing attraction for cross-cultural learning and broadened knowledge. In its mission to bring about a more just society, curriculum offerings are designed to assist students in acquiring professional skills to develop human potential and promote individual well-being.
Master of Social Work
The focus of the Master of Social Work degree is to prepare graduates for advanced social work. Students will have the choice of a concentration in clinical social work practice with individuals, families and groups or a concentration aimed at social service administration, social policy development and social advocacy.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
School of Social Welfare
1545 Lilac Lane
Twente Hall
Lawrence, KS 66045-3129
Phone: 785-864-4720
Email: [email protected]
http://www.socwel.ku.edu/
Washburn University
School of Applied Sciences
Washburn University is located in Topeka, the capital city. Approximately 6,900 students are enrolled in about 200 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Washburn was ranked as the 77th best college in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report in 2014. In 2012, it was ranked as the top public master's level university in Kansas and one of the top 20 universities in the Midwest.
Bachelor of Social Work
The department builds its curriculum around a generalist platform. Students learn by applying critical thinking to topics on cultural diversity, human behaviors in relation to their environments, and human value systems. Ethics, professional judgments, economic well-being, and human rights are continually modeled and practiced by the faculty. A senior practicum, consisting of 16 hours per week, is instituted in the senior year of study. Family Violence, Social Work and the Law, Social Work and Diversity, Child Welfare, Rural Social Work, and Geriatric Social Work are other topics typically covered in the curriculum, preparing students for social work positions in all types of organizations.
Master of Social Work
The emphasis for the MSW program is on clinical social work. Full- and part-time options to complete requirements are available. To earn the MSW, completion of 66 academic credit hours must be earned. Those hours consist of 54 classroom credit hours and 12 credit hours of supervised practice in an agency setting. The program typically takes two years to complete, with the first year revolving around foundation courses. The second year is specialized clinical social work based on theories, methods, skills, and techniques necessary to establish an effective clinical social work practice.
Accreditations
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
Benton Hall, Room 412
1700 SW College Ave
Topeka, Kansas 66621
Phone: 785.670.1616
Email: [email protected]
http://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/social-work/index.html
Wichita State University
Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The third largest university in the largest city in the state, Wichita State University is in a unique location for students to enjoy a wide selection of cultural and learning prospects. Wichita encompasses an across the board spectrum in activities from state of the art museums and world-class dining to humble nature preserves in its rural settings. Undergraduate degrees can be earned in more than 60 programs and there are 44 possibilities for master's degrees completion. Almost every state in the nation is represented by the nearly 15,000 students enrolled. Forbes has the university listed as the 110th best university for the Midwest Region.
Bachelor of Social Work
The undertaking by the social work department to improve human service systems cannot be illustrated any better than by the more than 90,000 unpaid practicum hours in the diverse pool of local social service agencies. These hours completed by WSU students throughout the 2012-2013 academic year improved not only the lives of the individuals they worked with, but their efforts pumped about $1.7 million into the local economy. At the end of the 2013 academic year, more than 70 students enrolled in the BSW program received their degrees.
Master of Social Work
MSW candidates and the approximately 50 students who received their MSW degrees in 2013 contributed to same social well-being and economic impact as those in the BSW program. The commitment of the faculty to provide an education that promotes knowledgeable and skilled social work professionals is evident in the contributions the students eagerly offer the Wichita community. The focus for the program is to provide a generalist education for students to excel in service to individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Accreditation
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Contact
School of Social Work
1845 Fairmount
Box 154
Wichita, KS 67260-0154
Phone: 316-978-7250
Email: [email protected]
http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/home/?u=socialwork
Social Work Degrees in Kansas are exceptionally versatile, preparing graduates to work in such diverse institutions as those for mental health and developmental disabilities, private family and child welfare organizations, corrections for either juvenile or adult offenders, domestic violence shelters, hospitals and hospice. For prospective students who are strongly committed to ensuring social justice for all people and helping every person reach personal solutions and every organization and agency to achieve justice or betterment of life, the variety of Social Work Degrees in Kansas are an option for working toward a rewarding, satisfying profession.