LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) -- The University of Kansas plans to offer a master's degree program in social work in western Kansas.

The university announced this week that its School of Social Welfare will offer its advanced Master of Social Work Program in western Kansas starting next summer. The program will be offered through partnerships with Fort Hays State University and Garden City Community College.

The school's dean, Mary Ellen Kondrat, says the program will blend classroom and online instruction.

Currently, all social work master's degree programs are offered in eastern Kansas. That had made it difficult for social workers in western Kansas to continue their educations.