Kansas – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
The population of Kansas is projected to surpass three million by 2032, driving the demand for healthcare professionals including social workers. A master’s in social work offers a convenient pathway to a fulfilling career and a social work license in Kansas. Explore this guide to learn about the state’s accredited online MSW programs and salary and employment prospects.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in Kansas
- Fort Hays State University
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Newman University
- Areas of Practice: Trauma-Informed Practice, Clinical Social Work, Administrative Nonprofit Social Work, School Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Kansas
- Areas of Practice: Clinical Social Work, Macro Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time
- University of Saint Mary
- Areas of Practice: Health and Mental Health Social Work, Forensic Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Kansas
As the only nationally recognized accreditation organization for social work programs, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) oversees social work degrees throughout the U.S., ensuring that programs meet nationally established academic and professional standards.
To practice as a social worker in Kansas, you must earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work from a college or university accredited by CSWE. CSWE accreditation for both online and campus-based programs verifies that graduates have the training and competencies to apply for licensure from the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KBSRB).
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Kansas
Online learning offers the flexibility to earn a degree from anywhere and complete assignments at your convenience. Online social work programs are gaining popularity among students who need to juggle work or personal responsibilities while pursuing their degree.
Opting for an online program may help you save money on tuition, transportation, and housing compared to on-campus degrees. With the ability to access classes from anywhere with a WiFi connection, you have the option to choose a program beyond your immediate geographical area that aligns with your academic and career goals.
Before enrolling in an online MSW program, be sure to review the delivery formats and any in-person attendance requirements.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Online MSW programs use various delivery formats. Some programs offer all coursework online while others require attendance at regularly scheduled live sessions. Hybrid or blended programs combine both online and on-campus classes.
- 100% Online: A 100% online program offers the most flexibility. All courses are delivered remotely in an entirely online format. However, some fully online programs may require you to take live classes at specific times or attend in-person residencies and field experiences.
- Hybrid: Hybrid formats integrate online learning with on-campus courses, often scheduled during evenings or weekends. Hybrid programs often appeal to distance learners who seek a combination of flexibility and structure. Hybrid programs offer more personal interaction with faculty and peers.
- Asynchronous: An asynchronous format provides you with the flexibility to login to classes and progress through course materials on your own schedule, according to weekly and semester deadlines. Asynchronous courses make use of discussion boards and email to communicate with faculty and other students.
- Synchronous: A synchronous online format delivers live online classes on scheduled days and times. While less flexible than asynchronous classes, synchronous formats provide a more structured learning experience, offer direct feedback from faculty, and encourage engagement with other students.
Field experiences are an integral component of all MSW programs. Both online and on-campus degrees require in-person fieldwork and internships, which may involve travel. Some social work programs assist distance learners to find placements near their homes.
Kansas Social Worker Career and Salary Information
The social work profession in Kansas is projected to experience strong job growth between 2022 and 2032. The fastest growing specialization, mental health and substance use social work, is projected to increase by 13% followed by 8.7% for healthcare social work.
Compensation for social workers in Kansas depends on several factors, including education, licensure level, and specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a majority of social workers in Kansas are employed as child, family, and school social workers, earning an average annual salary of $51,810. In comparison, the national average for social workers in this specialization is $59,190.
However, the state’s lower-than-average salaries are offset by an affordable cost of living, which ranks as the second-lowest in the U.S.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $51,810 | 5.6% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $61,010 | 8.7% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $55,300 | 13.0% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $85,680 | 5.0% |
