Social Work

Empower others to solve human problems in their own communities and around the world.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Read our statement on Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

This program is offered:

On Campus

KWU’s 90-hour degree — the first of its kind!

Kansas Wesleyan was approved for its first 90-credit hour bachelor’s degree in August of 2026 — Social Work. It’s believed KWU has the first 90-hour degree in the discipline in the country! Students can apply immediately as the program begins in Spring 2027.

Learn More About 90-hour Degree Program

Social Work at KWU from a Student’s Perspective

“An incoming student should choose KWU because of the opportunities you get as a student. I feel like we have such a unique community of different people from all over the country, and you can really learn the most from other people.”

– Jenna Cole
Social Work & Sociology Major

Hear more from Jenna as she discusses her experience at KWU.

Why Major in Social Work?

A Social Work major prepares students to advocate for individuals, families, and communities while addressing social challenges and promoting well-being. Students learn helping skills, ethical practice, and strategies for creating positive change.

Graduates are equipped for careers in social services, community organizations, healthcare settings, schools, and government agencies. Social work offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Why Get a Minor in Social Work?

A Social Work minor introduces students to professions focused on improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Students learn about advocacy, social systems, and strategies for supporting diverse populations.

This minor complements majors in psychology, criminal justice, education, healthcare, and sociology. Students develop empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in many professions.

Program Information

Program Goals

Goal 1: The program will prepare generalist social workers to practice in an ethical and competent fashion with diverse client populations on both the micro and macro levels.

Goal 2: The program will integrate social work practice with social scientific research through an interdisciplinary learning environment and emphasize the importance of lifelong learning for both students and faculty.

Goal 3: The program will develop leaders and practitioners committed to the advancement of human rights and social justice through social policy practice and other forms of advocacy.

Goal 4: The program will teach students to integrate the relationship between theory and practice by providing various service-learning projects, strong field education placements and leadership development.

Goal 5: The program will promote dedication to personal and spiritual growth and to continuous self-care as an important foundation for the social work vocation.

Belonging Statement

Social Work Department
The program’s expectation for diversity is reflected in its learning environment, which provides the context through which students learn about differences, value and respect diversity, and develop a commitment to cultural humility. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors, including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status.

Updated September 2023

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
Engage in policy practice
Engage (with), Assess, Intervene (with), Evaluate Practice (with) individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Course Requirements and Descriptions

All course requirements and descriptions for KWU’s Social Work program can be found in the most recent version of the course catalog.

View Course Catalog

The reports linked below are based on the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

Assessment Report for Academic Year 2022-23

Assessment Report for Academic Year 2023-24

Assessment Report for Academic Year 2024-25

Policy on Credit for Life, Volunteer or Work Experience

Consistent with the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards, the Social Work Program at Kansas Wesleyan University does not grant course or field credit, transfer credit or exemptions for prior life, volunteer or employment experience.

Programmatic Disclosures, Policies, and Field Manual

SOWK Professional Licensure – Public Disclosure 07.01.26

SOWK Professional Licensure – Manual & Evidence 07.01.26

Field Manual for Social Work

Meet the Faculty

KWU’s Social Work program is part of the university’s Department of Behavioral Sciences. Click here to meet that department’s faculty!

More Student Resources

Admissions

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