Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Louisiana
As the demand for skilled professionals in social work continues to rise, Master of Social Work (MSW) programs play an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of practitioners. In Louisiana, where the complexities of social issues intersect with rich cultural diversity, MSW programs are vital pillars in addressing the state’s unique challenges. From urban centers to rural communities, these programs offer comprehensive education and cultivate compassionate leaders equipped to navigate the intricate landscapes of social welfare. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs in Louisiana, exploring their offerings, impact, and the pathways they provide for individuals committed to effecting positive change in their communities.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Louisiana
Grambling State University
Grambling, LA - Public 4-Year - gram.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child Welfare, Substance Abuse, Rural Social Work - Campus Based - Visit Website
Grambling State University's MSW program champions social work excellence with a distinctive focus on Child Welfare, Substance Abuse, and Rural Social Work. As a CSWE-accredited program, it provides rigorous academic preparation targeting North Central Louisiana's unique social service needs. Students engage in comprehensive training emphasizing generalist and specialized direct practice skills, cultural competence, and ethical interventions. The curriculum develops advanced professional capabilities for addressing complex social challenges while supporting vulnerable and marginalized populations through research-driven approaches and compassionate community engagement.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Focuses on generalist practice
- Serves North Central Louisiana
- Advanced direct practice skills
- Supports diverse populations
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Substance Abuse - Campus Based - Visit Website
Grambling State University's Substance Abuse concentration within the MSW program offers specialized training for social work professionals committed to addressing addiction challenges. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students develop advanced practice skills focused on understanding, treating, and supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders. The CSWE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based interventions, ethical practice, and holistic approaches to substance abuse treatment. Graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality, compassionate services in diverse healthcare and community settings, with a particular emphasis on serving North Central Louisiana's populations.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Generalist and Advanced Practice
- Focus on Marginalized Populations
- Prepares Direct Practice Professionals
- Serves North Central Louisiana
- Comprehensive Social Work Education
- Emphasizes Ethical Practice
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Rural Social Work - Campus Based - Visit Website
Grambling State University's Rural Social Work concentration provides targeted MSW training for professionals dedicated to serving remote and underserved communities. This CSWE-accredited program equips students with specialized skills to address unique challenges facing rural populations. The curriculum emphasizes generalist and advanced practice techniques, preparing graduates to deliver comprehensive social services in areas with limited resources. Students develop critical competencies in community assessment, intervention strategies, and culturally responsive practices, ensuring effective support for rural populations' complex social and economic needs.
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Focus on Generalist Practice
- Supports Diverse Populations
- Advanced Direct Practice Training
- Rural Community Emphasis
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, LA - Public 4-Year - lsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Louisiana State University's on-campus Master of Social Work program stands out with its Advanced Generalist Practice concentration, offering a comprehensive two-year curriculum designed to cultivate sophisticated social work skills. Students progress through a generalist first year and specialized second year, benefiting from CSWE accreditation and extensive field internship opportunities. The 60-credit hour program accommodates full-time and part-time students, emphasizing professional development and preparing graduates for diverse social work settings. With multiple annual admission dates and a February 1st priority deadline, the program provides flexible pathways for aspiring social work professionals seeking advanced clinical and community practice competencies.
- 60 total credit hours
- On-campus and online options
- Advanced Generalist Practice concentration
- February 1 priority application deadline
- CSWE accredited program
- Multiple admission dates annually
- Field internship placements
- Four-year maximum study period
- No academic credit for work experience
- Generalist and specialized years
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
LSU's online Master of Social Work delivers a robust educational experience without GRE requirements, enabling students to balance academic pursuits with personal commitments. The program's 60-credit curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical internships, emphasizing advanced practice and community engagement. At $599 per credit hour, students can access a comprehensive two-year generalist and specialized track with advanced standing options. The CSWE-accredited program offers place-based internships, summer 2025 start date, and a ranked #6 online program status, positioning graduates to address complex social challenges through innovative and adaptive social work strategies.
- 60 total credit hours
- Online with place-based internships
- No GRE required
- $599 per credit hour
- CSWE accredited program
- Application deadline: March 17, 2025
- Summer 1 2025 start date: May 26
- Advanced standing option available
- Two-year generalist and specialized curriculum
Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - suno.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children, Youth, and Families - Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern University at New Orleans' MSW program specializing in Children, Youth, and Families offers a transformative educational experience. Focusing on empowerment and social justice, this CSWE-accredited program provides comprehensive training in advanced practice methodologies. Students in this concentration learn critical intervention strategies for supporting vulnerable youth and family systems. The program features flexible full-time and part-time options, including advanced standing pathways. With a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement, applicants must demonstrate commitment to social work values. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, advocacy skills, and practical field experiences, preparing graduates to effectively address complex community challenges facing children and families.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Practice Specializations
- Full-time, Part-time Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Requirement
- Three Reference Letters Required
- March 31st Application Deadline
- 9 Liberal Arts Hours Needed
- Two-Year Full-Time Completion
- Field Practicum Included
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health/Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern University at New Orleans' Health/Mental Health MSW concentration equips students with specialized skills to address complex mental health and healthcare challenges. This rigorous program prepares social work professionals to deliver evidence-based interventions in clinical and community settings. Emphasizing competency-based learning, students develop advanced assessment, treatment, and advocacy skills specific to health and mental wellness domains. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, enabling graduates to provide holistic, culturally sensitive care. With comprehensive training in mental health practice, students learn to navigate interdisciplinary healthcare environments, support diverse populations, and implement innovative therapeutic approaches.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Practice Specializations
- Full-time and Part-time Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Application Deadline: March 31st
- $25 Application Fee
- Three Reference Letters Required
- Personal Narrative Statement
- Competency-Based Curriculum
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Louisiana
Louisiana Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work will need to enroll in a traditional MSW program. This will require taking on around 60 credits and investing two years to complete the program. To get started, make sure you have the admissions requirements below:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Louisiana Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
Advanced-standing MSW programs are reserved for social work students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a 3.5 GPA or higher. These programs allow students to complete their courses in only one year (as opposed to two). The typical admissions requirements (other than the BSW and 3.5 GPA) still apply. Check out a few Louisiana advanced-standing MSW programs listed below:
- Louisiana State University – visit site
- Tulane University – visit site
- Louisiana Christian University – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Louisiana MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Louisiana is a great state to research if you’re looking for affordable MSW options. Louisiana MSW programs start at $350 per credit and average at around $655 per credit. Enrolling in online options can help cut back on tuition costs. Take a look at a few examples below:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| Louisiana State University | $599 (Online) | 60 | $35,940 (Online) |
| Tulane University | $1,276 | 60 | $76,560 |
| Louisiana Christian University | $442 (On-campus) $350 (Online) | 60 | $26,520 (On-Campus) $21,000 (Online) |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College |
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| Grambling State University |
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| Southern University at New Orleans |
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Are Online MSW Programs in Louisiana as Good as Campus-Based?
Face-to-face interaction is a huge benefit to on-campus programs. Still, many Louisiana students will likely see the appeal of online programs – they provide convenience and flexibility and cut back tuition costs. Check out the full range of benefits below:
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Louisiana
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
If your goal is to get licensed, you’ll need to make sure that the program you’re applying for is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Louisiana Social Work License
Most students enrolled in an MSW program aim to become licensed, and each state has its own requirements. Find out what licensure entails in Louisiana in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Louisiana
Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- On-campus and online options
- Advanced Generalist Practice concentration
- February 1 priority application deadline
- CSWE accredited program
- Multiple admission dates annually
- Field internship placements
- Four-year maximum study period
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Online with place-based internships
- No GRE required
- $599 per credit hour
- CSWE accredited program
- Application deadline: March 17, 2025
- Summer 1 2025 start date: May 26
- Advanced standing option available
Grambling, LA
Grambling State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child Welfare, Substance Abuse, Rural Social Work - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Focuses on generalist practice
- Serves North Central Louisiana
- Advanced direct practice skills
- Supports diverse populations
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Rural Social Work - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited MSW Program
- Focus on Generalist Practice
- Supports Diverse Populations
- Advanced Direct Practice Training
- Rural Community Emphasis
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Substance Abuse - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Generalist and Advanced Practice
- Focus on Marginalized Populations
- Prepares Direct Practice Professionals
- Serves North Central Louisiana
- Comprehensive Social Work Education
- Emphasizes Ethical Practice
New Orleans, LA
Southern University at New Orleans
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children, Youth, and Families - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Practice Specializations
- Full-time, Part-time Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Requirement
- Three Reference Letters Required
- March 31st Application Deadline
- 9 Liberal Arts Hours Needed
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health/Mental Health - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Practice Specializations
- Full-time and Part-time Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- Minimum 2.5 GPA Required
- Application Deadline: March 31st
- $25 Application Fee
- Three Reference Letters Required
