Master of Social Work
Hours: 36 (Advanced Standing) or 66 (Regular Pathway) Online
About
The Master of Social Work program at Fort Hays State University prepares students for advanced, clinically oriented social work practice. The program combines graduate‑level academic rigor with a flexible online format, supporting students as they develop the knowledge and skills needed to address complex social and behavioral health challenges across a range of practice settings.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the MSW program meets nationally recognized standards for professional social work education. This accreditation affirms the program’s commitment to quality and supports preparation for licensure and advanced professional practice.
The program offers both a regular MSW pathway and an advanced standing pathway, allowing students to enter based on their prior academic preparation. Coursework emphasizes clinical assessment and intervention, ethical and evidence‑informed practice, and a systems‑based approach to working with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Field education is a central component of the curriculum. Through required, supervised practicum experiences, students apply advanced practice skills in real‑world settings, strengthening clinical judgment and professional competence while serving vulnerable populations and communities.
Why pursue a Master of Social Work at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing a Master of Social Work offers an opportunity to deepen professional expertise and advance into clinical and leadership‑oriented social work roles. The program prepares students to address complex individual, family, and community needs through advanced assessment, intervention, and ethical decision-making.
A defining strength of the MSW program is its clinical focus combined with intensive, supervised field education. Students build advanced practice skills through real-world application in community-based settings, strengthening professional judgment, clinical competence, and readiness for licensure-aligned practice.
The program’s fully online structure supports flexibility while maintaining consistent academic standards and meaningful engagement with faculty and peers. This approach allows students to continue professional and personal commitments while progressing through rigorous graduate‑level coursework.
With an emphasis on serving rural and underserved communities, the program supports students seeking to make a measurable impact through advanced practice, advocacy, and leadership in social and behavioral health settings.
Who is this program for?
This program is well-suited for individuals seeking to advance their professional practice and develop expertise in clinical- and leadership-oriented social work roles. The program supports students who are prepared for graduate‑level study and are motivated to deepen their impact through advanced assessment, intervention, and ethical practice.
- Professionals seeking advancement or expanded responsibilities in social and human services
- Career changers with relevant experience preparing for graduate‑level social work education
- Graduates pursuing advanced standing opportunities
- Individuals interested in clinical social work and licensure‑aligned practice
Real-World Applications
The Master of Social Work program emphasizes the application of advanced knowledge and clinical skills in real‑world social work settings. Graduate‑level coursework integrates theory, research, ethics, and policy with a strong focus on assessment, intervention, and professional judgment in complex practice environments.
A core component of the program is a supervised field practicum, which provides students with a sustained, immersive experience in community‑based agencies. Through practicum placements, students apply advanced practice methods while working directly with individuals, families, and communities facing behavioral health and social challenges.
This integrated approach to learning strengthens clinical competence and professional confidence, allowing students to connect academic preparation with real‑world practice. Field education and coursework together support readiness for advanced professional roles and licensure‑aligned practice in a range of social service and clinical settings.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program’s curriculum is designed to remain responsive to emerging practice demands and evolving clinical challenges within the social work profession. Coursework is regularly informed by current research, policy developments, and best practices to support advanced, evidence‑informed social work practice in dynamic service environments.
Preparation for contemporary clinical and behavioral health practice is a central emphasis of the program, including the responsible use of technology in assessment, intervention, and service delivery. Advanced learning tools and practice‑oriented experiences reflect current professional standards and real‑world social and behavioral health systems.
This forward‑looking approach strengthens adaptability, critical analysis, and professional judgment, supporting students as they prepare for advanced practice, leadership, and licensure‑aligned roles in an increasingly complex and evolving field.
Hands-on Activities
The Master of Social Work program emphasizes advanced applied learning through supervised practice experiences. Hands‑on activities are integrated throughout the curriculum to support the development of clinical competence, professional judgment, and ethical practice in complex service environments.
Field practicum experiences form a central part of the program, providing sustained engagement in community‑based and clinical settings. Students apply advanced assessment and intervention skills while working with individuals, families, and communities.
Additional practice-focused learning activities strengthen analytical thinking and professional decision-making, supporting the integration of coursework with real-world practice and preparation for advanced, licensure-aligned roles.
What You’ll Learn:
- Clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies
- Evidence‑informed and research‑supported treatment approaches
- Advanced practice methods and intervention strategies in family therapy
- Forensic interviewing, expert testimony, and court reporting in legal contexts (e.g., competency, custody, mitigation)
- Integration of AI and advanced technologies in clinical social work practice
How You’ll Learn:
- Graduate‑level online coursework
- Integrated practicum placements
- Practice‑focused assignments and case‑based learning
- Curriculum informed by current research and professional standards
The Master of Social Work curriculum prepares students for advanced clinical and professional social work practice through graduate‑level coursework focused on assessment, intervention, ethics, research, and social policy. Courses integrate evidence‑informed approaches and contemporary practice frameworks to support effective decision‑making in complex social and behavioral health settings. Below are a few of the courses offered in the Master of Social Work program:
SOCW 850: Assessment and Treatment of Mental Disorders I
In this course, students are introduced to a biopsychosocial approach to understanding mental and behavioral disorders, with an emphasis on DSM-5-based assessment and diagnosis. The course covers common disorders in social work practice and examines risk, resilience, and evidence-based treatments, including pharmacology, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed approaches.
SOCW 875: Forensic Social Work Practice
This course introduces forensic social work practice, emphasizing the intersection of social work and legal systems. It covers how legal mandates shape social work practice and equips practitioners with the skills needed for working in legal settings, such as mediation, forensic interviewing, and expert witness testimony.
SOCW 840: Generalist Social Work Field Practicum I
This course is the first of two MSW field practicums, providing supervised practice in approved agencies under the supervision of a licensed social worker. A concurrent seminar supports integration of classroom learning with field experience, with an emphasis on ethnocultural perspectives. Students work with the Field Practicum Director to select their placement. The practicum begins in the fall and requires a minimum of 200 hours.
Discover the full Master of Social Work course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates possess the skills and knowledge to create meaningful change in others' lives. They pursue careers in a variety of settings, addressing complex social challenges and empowering individuals, families, and communities. Promising career paths include:
Mental Health Therapist
Mental health therapists, often licensed clinical social workers, provide individual, group, and family therapy in mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They assist clients in managing mental health conditions, enhancing coping skills, and navigating life’s challenges.
School Social Worker
School social workers support student success by collaborating with teachers, families, and administrators to address social, emotional, and behavioral needs. They provide counseling, crisis intervention, and support groups to promote a positive learning environment.
Community Organizer
Community organizers work with community members to identify needs, advocate for change, and develop programs addressing systemic issues such as poverty, homelessness, and discrimination.
Healthcare Social Worker
Social workers play a crucial role in healthcare by providing psychosocial support to patients and their families. They may help patients cope with chronic illness, navigate healthcare systems, and access necessary resources, ensuring holistic well-being.
Policy Advocate
Policy advocates work in government agencies or non-profits to influence policy development. They conduct research, analyze data, and advocate for policies that support vulnerable populations and promote social well-being.
Admission to the Master of Social Work program follows a two-step process designed to support student success and prepare students for advanced professional practice. Applicants must be accepted to the Fort Hays State University Graduate School and separately approved through review by the Department of Social Work. Acceptance to the Graduate School does not guarantee admission to the MSW program. Additional program policies and student expectations are outlined in the MSW Student Handbook.
MSW Admission Pathways
The Master of Social Work program offers two admission pathways based on prior academic preparation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to applications submitted by January 15 and a final deadline of April 15 for the upcoming academic year.
Regular MSW Pathway
- Intended for applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work
- Also available to applicants with social work degrees from programs that are not CSWE‑accredited
- Regular MSW pathway starts in the fall
Advanced Standing MSW Pathway
- Available to applicants with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE‑accredited program
- Requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Advanced Standing pathway starts in the summer
Required Application Materials
All applicants must submit the following materials for the MSW program review:
- A professional resume
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- 3 professional references, including one demonstrating readiness for graduate-level social work education
- A personal narrative outlining the applicant’s pathway to social work, experience, readiness for graduate study, career goals, and intended enrollment status (part-time or full-time)
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Some careers associated with social work and clinical practice require professional licensure or certification. Licensure requirements are established by individual states and may vary based on location and area of practice.
The Master of Social Work program meets educational requirements for professional practice in Kansas. Students seeking licensure or certification outside Kansas should verify state‑specific requirements with the appropriate credentialing board.
Questions about licensure considerations or assistance in identifying state credentialing resources may be directed to the Department of Social Work .
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Aspiring to make a meaningful impact in the social work field, Fort Hays State University students gain a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to excel in this dynamic profession. For those seeking to enter the social work field:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Master of Liberal Studies (Public Administration)
- Master of Professional Studies (Social Entrepreneurship)
- Master of Business Administration (Healthcare Management)
Yes. Completing the program requires a significant time commitment for academic coursework and practicum hours, so you should consider your other responsibilities and potential time conflicts.
Yes. You may complete your practicum at your place of employment if it meets CSWE accreditation standards, including opportunities for new, clearly defined learning experiences beyond your regular job duties. The Field Director will work with you and your employer to review the setting and proposed activities to determine eligibility.
Graduate-level social work credits from a CSWE-accredited program may be accepted for the generalist year. Credits are not accepted for the advanced clinical year.
No, it is not required for admission to the MSW program.
Yes. Students must first be admitted to the FHSU Graduate School and then be reviewed and accepted by the Department of Social Work.
Program policies, student expectations, and assessment information for student learning outcomes are available in the MSW Student Handbook and the MSW Assessment of Learning Outcomes.
Information about the Department of Social Work
The Department of Social Work at FHSU offers programs designed to prepare students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to address complex social challenges. Whether advocating for individuals, families, or communities, students develop the expertise to assess and resolve real-world issues with compassion, critical thinking, and professionalism.
As one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, social work provides dynamic career opportunities for those committed to making a meaningful impact. The department’s programs offer a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, development, and the broader social systems that shape people’s lives. Through hands-on learning experiences, including internships and service projects, students graduate fully equipped to pursue diverse roles within a profession dedicated to enhancing the well-being of others.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Social Work Club: Provides students with social connections, professional networking, and experiential learning opportunities that reflect the core values of the social work profession—service, social justice, integrity, and competence. The club organizes events, fundraising activities, and community engagement projects, all while helping students build meaningful connections as they prepare for careers in social work.
- Phi Alpha Honor Society: A national honor society for social work students that promotes academic excellence and upholds the humanitarian values of the profession. Open to students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement, this society offers opportunities to deepen professional engagement, foster leadership, and connect with peers who share a commitment to advancing social justice and service.
The Social Work program at Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In accordance with CSWE's accreditation standards, the program does not award academic credit for life experience or prior work experience.
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- On-Campus
- Online
