Online MSW Programs in Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana State University (LSU) and Tulane University have the only schools of social work with a campus in the state and a fully online MSW program. Instruction for the LSU program is delivered asynchronously, while the Tulane courses are delivered through live, synchronous sessions. In addition to their online academic coursework, Louisiana State University’s online MSW students must also complete 960 hours of field education at a local health services agency and Tulane MSW students must complete 900 hours.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

Louisiana State University offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, as well as an optional Advanced Direct Social Work Practice concentration. The traditional track is 60 credits and requires a total of 960 hours of field education. It may be completed in two years full time or three years part time. The advanced standing track is 33 credits and requires 480 hours of field education. It is only available full time and must be completed in one year.

Tulane’s School of Social Work offers a full-time advanced standing track, and the option of full or part-time for their traditional standing track. The 900 hour field work requirement is the same for both traditional and advanced standing students.

In addition to Louisiana State University’s School of Social Work, students residing in Louisiana have several out-of-state online MSW options. There are many out-of-state universities with online MSW programs that accept students from Louisiana. While the majority of these are fully online programs and do not require students to visit campus, a limited number of visits are required by some of the programs. For students who want the flexibility of an online program but would still prefer to meet their professors or classmates in person, these particular programs may be the ideal medium.

Several out-of-state online MSW programs that accept students in Louisiana also have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, so aspiring social workers would do well to research as many universities as possible. To learn more about a specific program, click on the school’s name below.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Social Worker in Louisiana

The Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners issues three types of social work license: Registered Social Worker (RSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Louisiana, which you should confirm with Louisiana’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Louisiana was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an RSW in Louisiana

• Complete a Bachelor or Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Louisiana

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Pathway to Become an LMSW in Louisiana

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete 5,760 hours of social work practice, with 3,840 hours under supervision and 96 face-to-face supervision hours.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Louisiana, visit the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.