Louisiana State University (LSU) Online MSW Program

Louisiana State University (LSU) offers an entirely online MSW program with a concentration in Advanced Direct Social Work Practice. This program is comprised of 60 credits, which students can complete in two years of full-time study, or three years of part-time study. In addition to their academic coursework, students must complete 960 hours of field practicum. The program is divided into 30 credits of foundation courses and 30 credits of advanced coursework. LSU also offers a 33-credit advanced standing track that allows students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program to earn their MSW in one full year of study. Students in this track complete only the advanced coursework and 480 hours of field practicum.

Students’ foundational year includes courses such as Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Human Diversity and Oppression, Differential Diagnosis, and Social Work Research I. The second advanced year includes classes such as Community & Agency Contexts for Direct Practice Community, Program & Practice Evaluation, and Advanced Social Policy.

Online MSW Program Graduation Requirements

In order to earn their MSW, students must complete all the necessary coursework within the program (60 credits or 33 credits, depending on whether they are traditional standing or advanced standing), maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA throughout their enrollment, and complete either a thesis or a Capstone Experience. The thesis is a research-intensive thesis project that involves submitting a thesis proposal and completing 6 credits of research and thesis work.

The capstone experience involves passing a comprehensive exam, submitting a portfolio of representative work, and participating in an Integrative seminar.

LSU’s online MSW programs are 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).

Louisiana State University Online MSW Program: Overview

Department: Louisiana State University School of Social Work

Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing Programs

Concentrations: Advanced Direct Social Work Practice

Program Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)

Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction and courses are 7 weeks long allowing students to start the program at various times throughout the year.

Program Information – Traditional Students

Program Overview

• Program Name: MSW Online program
• Phone Number: (225) 578-4838

Program Requirements

• Field Education Requirements: 960 hours
• Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours

Program Length

• Program Options: Full-time and part-time options
• Program Length: Full-time program can be completed in two years; Part-time program can be completed in three years
• Program Start Dates: Six start dates per year

Admission Requirements

• GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0
• GRE Information: GRE Not Required

Program Information – Advanced Standing Students

Program Overview

• Program Name: MSW Online program – Advanced Standing
• Phone Number: (225) 578-4838

Program Requirements

• Field Education Requirements: 480 hours (one internship)
• Number of Credits Required: 33 credit hours

Program Length

• Program Options: Full-Time Only
• Program Length: Full-Time program that can be completed in one year (three semesters)
• Program Start Dates: Two start dates per year in March and July

Admission Requirements

• BSW Requirement: Students must have completed a BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last five years
• GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0
• GRE Information: GRE Not Required

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