Earn an Online Master of Science in Social Work from LSU
Develop advanced competencies in social work practice, policy, research, and ethics.
Apply evidence-based approaches to address complex individual, family, and community needs.
Prepare for professional practice aligned with established social work standards.
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Accredited, Top-Ranked
Accreditation & Professional Licensure Requirements
The LSU School of Social Work’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the only body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit social work education programs in the United States. Our MSW program meets CSWE’s curriculum and field education standards for the MSW degree. However, the following states have entry-level professional licensure requirements that differ from these standards in the following ways:
- California: California law and ethics exam; coursework in suicide risk assessment and intervention (6 hours, beginning with applications submitted on or after January 1, 2021); child abuse assessment and reporting in California (7 hours); human sexuality (10 hours); alcoholism and chemical substance abuse and dependency (15 hours); aging, long term care and elder/dependent adult abuse (10 hours), California cultures and the social and psychological implications of socioeconomic position (15 hours or 1 semester unit); spousal/partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention (15 hours);
- Colorado: Colorado Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Examination;
- Florida: clinical field placement during the specialized (i.e., second) year;
- Missouri: 2 hours of suicide prevention training;
- Nebraska: internship that includes a minimum of 300 clock hours of direct client contact, of which 150 clock hours must be face-to-face;
- New Mexico: jurisprudence examination; one of the following: 3-credit-hour course in New Mexico cultures; a board-approved course, workshop, or seminar in New Mexico cultures; proof of previously passing the New Mexico cultural examination;
- New York: 2 hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment;
- Oregon: Oregon Rules and Laws Exam;
- Virginia: minimum of 600 hours in a clinical field placement [this applies to LSU’s advanced-standing students only];
- Wisconsin: Wisconsin Statutes and Rules examination.
The School of Social Work may assist students with meeting their state’s licensure requirements. Applicants and students are encouraged to refer to their state licensing board for more information about current licensure requirements. State licensing boards can be found by visiting the Association of Social Work Boards. Students living in states whose licensing requirements differ from the School’s curriculum and field education standards must notify the Field Education Office immediately.
Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
May 25, 2026
Classes begin
Jul 7, 2026
How to Apply
Application to the School of Social Work is the same for all campus and online programs. Applicants must submit the following:
- Graduate School Application and Fee
- Letter of Intent (instructions located within the application)
- Three letters of recommendation
- A total of three (3) recommendation forms are required for your admission file to be complete. A letter of support is optional.
- Two (2) recommendations must be Academic (college instructors, internship supervisors) and the remaining one (1) recommendation must be a Professional (Work/Volunteer) Reference. Family friends, clergy, therapist and high school teachers are not appropriate.
- Applicants who have been out of school for 2 or more years and cannot ascertain academic references may substitute other professional recommendations for academic.
- For any applicant, if two are not academic recommendations and one is not professional, please include a statement with your application explaining the reason for the substitution.
- It is strongly recommended that if an internship was part of the degree program and the internship has been completed at the time of application, a recommendation from the internship supervisor be included as the professional recommendation.
- Current resume or vita.
- One official copy of all transcripts from all universities attended. Transcripts may be mailed in sealed envelopes to Graduate School, 114 David Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803 or sent electronically from a university (all transcripts are required, whether or not credit was earned or is desired). Official transcripts of work taken at LSU are not required.
- For international applicants whose native language is not English, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Applicants with missing application materials by the School of Social Work deadline will not be considered. A completed application is the LSU Graduate School application, fee payment, letter of intent, three letters of recommendation, resume, and official transcripts. Note: Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
For further information about Advanced Standing and the Field Education Requirement please check out LSU School of Social Work.
Admission Requirements
School of Social Work admission requirements for ALL programs are the same. The following requirements must be completed prior to admission to the Full time, Part-time, Advanced Standing and MSW Online programs:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university
- A 3.0 cumulative grade point average on undergraduate course work or in the final 60 credit hours or at least 9 hours of any graduate work already completed with appropriate grades for regular admission.
- Evidence that the applicant possesses the personal qualities and aptitudes essential for the social work profession
- A genuine interest in people and emotional stability
- Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission
Additional information about LSU Graduate admission requirements are located here.
Flexible Schedule
Our program is built for busy adults with work and family commitments. Learn on your schedule with 24/7 access to course materials.
No required login times
Complete coursework when it works for you
Stay on track with weekly goals
Perfect for full-time workers and parents
Tuition
LSU programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, making it easier to plan for the cost of your degree. You may also be able to save more by transferring eligible credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 60 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $604
- Cost per credit hour
- $36,240
- Total cost with fees
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn more ›.
Academics
The MSW degree blends the flexibility of an online education with the real-world benefit of LSU’s professional network. Students study advanced social work topics on their own time while still completing internships in the field.
What will I learn?
The first half of LSU’s online MSW is known as the “generalist year,” covering key concepts and theories in the field and even offering an internship component where students can gain real-world experience. The second half, known as the “specialized year,” includes courses covering topics in theory and treatment, as well as electives, internships, and a thesis or non-thesis exit requirement. Students who successfully complete the online MSW program leave LSU knowing they have the skills and tools to make a difference.
Courses
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
SW 7001 Human Behavior and the Social Environment I |
3 |
SW 7003 Social Welfare History and Policy |
3 |
SW 7005 Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families |
3 |
SW 7007 Generalist Field Internship I |
3 |
SW 7009 Social Work Research I |
3 |
SW 7002 Human Behavior and the Social Environment II |
3 |
SW 7004 Human Diversity and Oppression |
3 |
SW 7006 Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations and Communities |
3 |
SW 7010 Differential Diagnosis |
3 |
SW 7008 Generalist Field Internship II |
3 |
SW 7501 Social Work Research II |
3 |
SW 7505 Advanced Direct Theory and Practice |
3 |
SW 7502 Specialized Field Internship I |
3 |
SW 7506 Community Engagement and Grant Development |
3 |
SW 7503 Specialized Field Internship II |
3 |
SW 7504 Advanced Social Policy |
3 |
Free Elective 1 |
3 |
Free Elective 2 |
3 |
Free Elective 3 |
3 |
Free Elective 4 |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
60 |
Testimonials
The program at LSU provides opportunities for not only exhibiting knowledge through tests/quizzes, but also provides rich, hands-on experiences for students through interactive projects that enable the students to move beyond their home and their computer and collaborate with other students, individuals in the community, and organizations that serve the community (regardless of where that community is located).
Careers
Graduates emerge ready to lead in social work practice, policy, and research, prepared to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Career Opportunities
- Private Practice Therapist
- Child and Family Social Worker
- Group Social Worker
- Health Care Social Worker
- Gerontology Social Worker
- Hospice Social Worker
- Mental Health Counselor
- School Counselor
- School Social Worker
- Substance Abuse Counselor
