The Online LSU MSW program prepares students to tackle social problems.

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Those with a BSW, who qualify for the advanced-standing program, can finish in 9-12 months

GRE/GMAT exam score not required for program admission 

Build valuable professional relationships with 250,000+ successful alumni

Ranked #10 among the best online MSW programs in the nation by Learn.org

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education

Classes are seven weeks long and can be completed anywhere

Oct 20, 2025

Jan 12, 2026

60 Credit Hours at $604  Per Credit Hour

*Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change

Ranked #10 on Learn.org's Best Master's in Social Work Online Programs based on academic and career resources, the quality of education, and faculty

Classes are seven weeks long and can be completed anywhere, while place-based internships allow students to get valuable experience in the field

With LSU Online, there is no distinction between the on-campus MSW and the online MSW

An MSW degree is often required for individuals to perform certain functions in the field, attain the most in-demand roles, and act as trusted community experts capable of changing lives and doing good. 

How The Program is Structured

What You Will Learn in the MSW

Gain Real-World Experience

The first half of the LSU online MSW is known as the "generalist year” and covers key concepts and theories within the field. This year also offers an internship component where students can gain real-world experience. The second half, known as the “specialized year,” includes courses in theory and treatment. 

This degree is ideal for students who seek to tackle sensitive social issues and help people improve their lives. The MSW program covers fundamental issues in social work theory, including topics like child welfare, diversity and oppression, and substance abuse treatment.

Accelerate your career with 100% online coursework through this CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work from LSU. Place-based internship opportunities enable you to gain relevant field experience in your geographic area. 

The passion and excellence that LSU stands for have earned the university a coveted "Tier One" spot in U.S. News & World Report's “Best Colleges.” 

Ranked #10 on Learn.org's Best Master's in Social Work Online Programs based on academic and career resources, the quality of education, and faculty in 2024

Intelligent.com ranked the school as being in the top 15 in the nation overall in 2023

Ranked as one of the Best Online MSW Programs by OnlineMastersDegrees.org , 2024

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution with a 3.0 on all undergraduate work (or last half-degree)

A GRE/GMAT score is not required for admission to the online LSU Master of Social Work.

Letter of intent

3 letters of recommendation

“C” or better in an introductory statistics course in any undergraduate department

Current resume

LSU Online now offers a FREE transcript service to help you gather your transcripts—making your application process faster and easier. Learn more ›

The online degree made it possible to stop and do my graduate degree. The most rewarding aspect is probably the connection to the professors."

Kimberly Alford

Online MSW Graduate

Master of Social Work student Dawn Duplantis talks about why earning her degree is important to her personally and professionally.

Assistant Professor Brandi Conrad talks about the online Master of Social Work program.

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