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.
LSU’s online MSW program does not currently accept students from Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts and Washington.
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 Programs: Overview
Department: 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
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
Disclaimer: Program does not currently accept students from Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts and Washington
Program Information – Traditional Students
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW Online program
Website: www.socialwork.lsu.edu
Phone Number: (225) 578-5875
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 960 hours
Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Program Length: Full-Time program can be completed in 2 years; Part-Time program can be completed in 3 years
Program Start Dates: Six start dates per year
Admission Requirements
GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0
GRE Information: GRE Required
Tuition: ~$28,500 + fees ($475 per credit hour)
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW Online program – Advanced Standing
Website: www.socialwork.lsu.edu
Phone Number: (225) 578-5875
Program Requirements
Field Education Requirements: A total of 480 hours (one internship)
Number of Credits Required: 33 credit hours needed to graduate
Program Length
Program Options: Full-Time Only
Program Length: Full-Time program that can be completed in 1 year (3 semesters)
Program Start Dates: Two start dates per year in March and October – program starts in 2016
Admission Requirements
BSW Requirement: Students must have completed a BSW from a CSWE accredited program within the last 5 years
GPA: Minimum GPA of 3.0
GRE Information: GRE Required
Tuition: ~$15,675 + fees ($475 per credit hour)