Your Path to Purpose Starts Here
Whether you're starting college, transferring schools or pursuing graduate study, you'll find opportunities, support and a place to thrive at the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences.
We Prepare Professionals Who Make an Impact in Our Communities and Beyond
Our more than 16,000 alumni work as educators, educational and policy leaders, behavioral/mental health and human service professionals, and researchers across the Kansas City metro area, the region, the country and the world.
Why Study With Us
In the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences, we help develop critical thinkers and compassionate practitioners across education, social work, counseling and psychology.
Our Students
SESWPS students are driven to lead, serve and create meaningful change in schools and communities.
Our Team
Learn from faculty and staff who bring real-world experience and a commitment to student success.
Our Affordability
A quality education is one of the best investments you can make, and it should be affordable.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Our team hosts regular information sessions about our school and programs. We're here to help you with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
Our Areas of Study
Nationally Recognized Research
Our faculty engage in rigorous and meaningful research that addresses real-world challenges and opportunities.
Are We Talking Less Than We Used To?
In a recent study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science and featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal and more, Valeria Pfeifer, Ph.D., assistant professor in our Psychology and Counseling programs, and Matthias R. Mehl, Ph.D., professor at the University of Arizona, analyzed conversational trends and found that each year, we speak about 300 fewer words per day than the year before.
SESWPS Student and Alumni Stories
I entered UMKC as a freshman in 2006 and was accepted into IUE. And I can say without hesitation, it changed my life ... By the time we graduated, we had spent over 1,400 hours in schools. That’s not just preparation, that’s immersion. That’s transformation.
Harrison Neal Sr.
B.A. '11, M.A. '14
I just love UMKC. It was my favorite place for a long time, and I wanted to stay because I felt like I was really making something out of myself here and to continue being a UMKC student. UMKC just felt like the right place to keep growing.
Benjamin Lewis
4+1 Master of Arts in Teaching student
UMKC prepared me not just academically but personally for life beyond college. I learned to advocate for myself, work with a variety of teams and show up confidently in places where I once felt uncertain.
Key'Rra Moore
Psychology student
School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences
UMKC Offers an Accelerated Path to Becoming an Educator
31 Aug 2026 | Students can earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in just one year after completing their bachelor's degree Read full story UMKC Offers an Accelerated Path to Becoming an Educator
UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine Selected for $160 Million NSF Award
14 Jul 2026 | Historic investment positions the Greater Kansas City region to strengthen America’s supply chains, advanced manufacturing and national security Read full story UMKC-Led Critical Materials Crossroads Engine Selected for $160 Million NSF Award
UMKC Releases 2026 Spring Dean's List
29 May 2026 | Almost 1,900 students recognized Read full story UMKC Releases 2026 Spring Dean's List