Why Our Lady of the Lake University?
The online Master of Social Work offered by Our Lady of the Lake University offers a comprehensive grounding in the so cial work profession. Our Lady of the Lake University, a small private Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas, does not require applicants to hold a baccalaureate degree in any particular subject.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Our Lady of the Lake University |
| Location | San Antonio |
| State | Texas |
| Niche.com Grade | B- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Worden School of Social Service |
| Credits | 57 |
| Cost per credit | $907.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $51,699 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 2.50 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations | Advanced Generalist |
| Synchronous Classes | N |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | Courses on service to Hispanic populations; Low minimum GPA; Support to military students; Required writing course |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical principles, critical thinking and knowledge of human behavior in your work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities; Apply a culturally competent perspective to your work with diverse communities; Analyze, formulate, advocate for and collaborate on social policy, advancing human rights and social justice; Conduct practice engagements, assessments, interventions and evaluations |
| Program Description | Offering an online MSW consisting of 57 required credits, Our Lady of the Lake University provides a flexible education to students seeking comprehensive social work education with a focus on Hispanic populations. Students learn to become ethical practitioners whose practice is informed by research and social justice perspectives. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
As with all programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this program emphasizes professional ethics and key skills and theory for the social work profession. Students learn to understand the role of social, economic and environmental justice in shaping social work practice and the program approaches social problems through the lens of human rights. Students learn to understand the role of human behavior in working with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to assess and conduct research in the social work field, and to inform and debate policy and program development.
Students at Our Lady of the Lake complete a required course in Professional Writing for Social Work, as well as core courses on Human Behavior in the Social Environment and Social Policy and Services. Courses in Generalist Social Work Practice cover basic principles of working with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Students learn key leaderships skills in Social Work Research. Core concepts are consolidated in Integrative Seminars and Field Education courses. Service to Hispanic Populations is covered in Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families, Social Work Practice: Hispanic Children and Families, Social Work Practice with Hispanic Elders, Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families and Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs. Methods for practice with individuals are addressed in a required course in Psychopathology.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $907.00 per credit for a total of 57 credits, or just under $52,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
The program at this small Texas college does not require any visits to campus. The program generally takes 3 years to complete. All courses offered are asynchronous. Support to military students is offered.
Summary
With a lower-than-average required GPA for admission, the Master of Social Work program at this small Texas college is more accessible than some other options. The coursework offered is flexible, including a specialization in service to Hispanic populations. The college also offers additional support to students who are veterans or members of military families. The cost of the degree is fairly low.
