Why Louisiana State University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by Louisiana State University is open to applicants with any undergraduate degree. Louisiana State University, a large public research university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, does expect applicants to have completed 12 credit hours in social sciences and 9 credit hours in humanities, and to have obtained a C or better in a statistics course.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Louisiana State University |
| Location | Baton Rouge |
| State | Louisiana |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $539.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $32,340 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | 12 credit hours in social sciences; 9 credit hours in humanities; C or better in a statistics course |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3-4 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | January, March, May, July, August, October |
| Program Concentrations | Children and Youth Services; Gerontology; Social Work Practice in Schools; Policy and Macro Practice |
| Synchronous Classes | No |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Optional Thesis |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | 7 week long courses |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | advance social science and social wellbeing by engaging in applied and practice-informed research, as well as evidence-informed practice and teaching, with the goal of improving lives and working toward sustainable social justice. |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program offers flexible 7-week long courses and 6 possible start dates per year. Students can complete an optional thesis, and all students are required to complete a practicum. The program offers concentrations in Children and Youth Services, Gerontology, Social Work Practice in Schools, and Policy and Macro Practice |
What will I Learn?
Graduates of this program are prepared to advance social science and social wellbeing by engaging in applied and practice-informed research, as well as evidence-informed practice and teaching, with the goal of improving lives and working toward sustainable social justice.
Required courses cover theoretical foundations of the profession in Human Behavior and the Social Environment I and II and Social Welfare History and Policy. Students learn key professional skills in Social Work Practice I and II. The required practicum is accompanied by Student Foundation Field Internship I and II and Advanced Field Internship I and II. Students learn the foundations of evidence-based practice in Social Work Research I and II and Program and Practice Evaluation. They dig into complex debates in Human Diversity and Oppression, and learn how to further help clients in Differential Diagnosis and Advanced Direct Practice. Leadership skills are consolidated in Community and Agency Contexts for Direct Practice Community and Advanced Social Policy. All other credits are elective and depend on the student’s area of concentration.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Children and Youth Services; Gerontology; Social Work Practice in Schools; Policy and Macro Practice.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3-4 years and pay $539.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $32,340 in total.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous, meaning that students can complete each week’s coursework on their own schedule, including attending pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. All classes are 7 weeks long and students take only one class at a time, allowing for greater focus on each subject. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 3-4 years. Students can choose to enter the program at one of 6 start times each year: January, March, May, July, August, and October.
Summary
With a lower price than some comparable programs, and a flexible accelerated course schedule with 6 start dates per year, Louisiana State University has designed a program that is accessible to busy working professionals juggling multiple obligations. Offering four different areas of concentration, the program also allows students to pursue their own interests within the profession. Applicants may also be attracted to the program’s 7-week long courses, providing opportunities for focused study and peer interaction.
