Our Lady of the Lake University’s (OLLU) Online MSW Program
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW program through its Worden School of Social Service — the first school of social work established in Texas, founded in 1942. The online MSW has two entry points: a Foundation Program for students whose bachelor’s degree is in a field other than social work, and an Advanced Standing Program for students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
OLLU’s MSW is one of only a few programs in the country with a practice concentration specifically focused on services to Hispanic children and families. The Hispanic population is the fastest-growing demographic community in the United States, and the program is designed to prepare students to provide culturally competent advanced direct practice across a wide range of professional settings. The curriculum emphasizes specialized intervention with Hispanic/Latin@ children and families while fostering commitment to social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
The program is delivered online and is designed for working professionals, featuring asynchronous instruction with weekly due dates and seven-week course terms — students take one course at a time. A dedicated field placement specialist assists online students in securing local practicum placements. OLLU is a Yellow Ribbon School, offering a 10% tuition discount to active-duty service members and veterans.
OLLU’s online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Program Overview
Department: Worden School of Social Service
Degree Types: Foundation Program; Advanced Standing Program
Concentration: Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
Program Structure: Online with local field placements (no campus visits required)
Instruction Methods: Asynchronous instruction; seven-week course terms; one course per session; weekly due dates
Program Information
- Phone: 210-598-6463
- San Antonio Main Campus: 411 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207
- Application fee: None
- Enrollment deposit upon acceptance: $250 (applied toward tuition)
- Tuition (2024–2025): $2,973 per course / $991 per credit hour
Program Overview – Traditional Standing Students
The Foundation Program is designed for students whose bachelor’s degree is in a field other than social work. Students complete 30 credit hours of foundation coursework before progressing to 27 credit hours of advanced-level coursework.
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 950 hours total — Foundation field placement: 450 hours (150 hours per term over three terms); Advanced field placement: 500 hours (167 hours per term over three terms). At least 50% of hours must be in direct practice with children, families, and/or groups.
- Number of Credits Required: 57 credit hours
- Total Tuition: $56,487
Program Length
- Program Options: Standard track and accelerated track
- Program Length: 16–38 months
- Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in any field other than social work
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on all undergraduate work, or 3.0 on the last 60 semester hours
- Personal statement (1–2 pages, APA format encouraged) addressing motivation for the MSW, the Worden Student Code of Conduct, and the Worden School’s mission
- Three recommendations (forms provided): from an employer, supervisor, or professional colleague; an academic reference is recommended
- Résumé including licensure, professional, and volunteer social work experience
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities
- GRE: Not required
Program Overview – Advanced Standing Students
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 500 hours — one advanced field placement over three academic terms (167 hours per term). At least 50% of hours must be in direct practice with children, families, and/or groups.
- Number of Credits Required: 30 credit hours
- Total Tuition: $29,730
Program Length
- Program Options: Standard track and accelerated track
- Program Length: 11–20 months
- Start Dates: Summer admission only
Admission Requirements
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
- Personal statement (1–2 pages, APA format encouraged) addressing motivation for the MSW, the Worden Student Code of Conduct emphasizing growth from BSW to MSW student, and the Worden School’s mission
- Three recommendations (forms provided): from an employer, supervisor, or professional colleague; an academic reference is recommended Résumé including licensure, professional, and volunteer social work experience
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities
- GRE: Not required
Our Lady of the Lake University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.