The friendly, low-key state of Kansas gives you a calm environment in which to complete your MSW degree. There are almost 2.9 million people living in Kansas, most of whom live in rural or suburban areas. The largest cities in Kansas, including Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, are still fairly small when compared to cities across the country. This is demonstrated in Kansas’ population density; the U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are 34.9 people per square mile in Kansas, compared to the national average of 87.4 people per square mile.
Tuition and Curriculum Information for MSW Programs in Kansas
The cost of living in Kansas is 12% lower than the national average, according to Sperling’s Best Places. The average house cost in Kansas is $127,400, which is over $50,000 lower than the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). As a result, Kansas’ home ownership rate is higher than the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).
Kansas has five schools where you can earn your MSW, and all of them are located in urban settings. As a social work student, you can enjoy greater practicum variety while studying in an urban setting. Tuition in Kansas is typically fairly affordable, demonstrated by the average tuition cost of $10,220.
Working as a Master’s-level social worker requires a complex understanding of social issues, social policies, and evidence-based care. These are the three tenets of any MSW program in Kansas.
Since social workers often work in teams to problem solve, your lecture courses may involve group projects or discussions. You can plan on learning about how to counsel and work with different demographic groups, different social issues that can cause problems in the population, and how to work ethically as a social worker.
If you want to combine social work with law, the University of Kansas has a unique opportunity to consider. Their JD/MSW program prepares you to work in the fields of social advocacy and social policy. Upon graduation, you get a Master’s of Social Work degree and a Juris Doctor degree.
Field Work
During your field hours, your field site supervisor will be looking for you to use what you’ve learned in lecture courses. Since you may end up working in an array of different settings after graduation, your practicum hours will likely be spent with all different types of people. You may work with children, adults, people dealing with substance abuse, people with mental health issues, and more.
MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Kansas
As a social worker, you may be expected to work in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most social workers work in healthcare settings or government agencies. However, you may also seek employment at mental health clinics, schools, substance abuse rehabilitation centers, military bases, and correctional facilities.
When you look at your employment options in Kansas, you’ll note that most of them are in cities. However, if you want to practice independently, you may be able to open a clinic in a rural or suburban area. Some of the largest employers are Shawnee Mission Medical Center, the Kansas Department for Children and Families, and SouthernCare Inc.
Social Worker Salary in Kansas
Healthcare social workers generally earn the most money in Kansas. O*Net reports that they earn an average salary of $42,100 per year. They are followed closely by family social workers, who earn an average of $37,600 per year, and mental health social workers, who earn an average salary of $37,100 per year (O*Net, 2012).
Social Worker Job Outlook in Kansas
The outlook for Kansas social workers is excellent. The Affordable Care Act has created a nationwide need for social workers that can work in clinical settings to provide mental health care.
Healthcare social workers are in greatest demand in Kansas, with anticipated job growth of 34% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012). The need for mental health social workers is expected to grow by 32%, and the demand for family social workers is expected to increase by 19% (O*Net, 2012).
Social Work Licensure in Kansas
In order to work as a social worker in Kansas, you have to get your license from the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. After submitting an exam application, you can get a temporary license that is good for six months while you wait to test. Upon passing the examination test, you can work as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
If you want to work in clinical settings, you have to complete 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. Once you’ve completed your hours and submitted documentation, you can sit for the advanced licensing exam and earn the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Social work salaries in Kansas are affected by a number of factors. With a Master’s degree, you’ll likely earn a higher salary than social workers with Bachelor’s degrees. LCSWs have the highest earning potential, due to their ability to see patients without supervision.
Masters in Social Work Degree Programs in Kansas
Kansas State University
(Manhattan, KS)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $7,317 Tuition Cost
- $3,776 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Newman University
(Wichita, KS)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $21,388 Tuition Cost
- $13,506 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of Kansas
(Lawrence, KS)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $8,000 Tuition Cost
- $5,410 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Washburn University
(Topeka, KS)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,400 Tuition Cost
- $2,863 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Wichita State University
(Wichita, KS)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,205 Tuition Cost
- $4,621 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting