Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work Programs

The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in Services to Hispanic Children and Families. This program is one of only three programs offered in the nation to specifically address the needs of the Hispanic population. Depending on prior education, students can choose from two paths: Foundation MSW, or Advanced Standing MSW.

For the Foundation MSW, students may have a bachelor’s degree in any area and the MSW degree requires completion of 57 credits. Those with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program may follow the Advanced Standing MSW which requires completion of 30 credits. Both pathways prepare students for advanced social work licensure.

The MSW degree courses are 100% online with several field experiences required in the student’s geographical location. Students may begin in the spring, summer, or fall. Both an accelerated path and a part-time path are available. For the Advanced Standing MSW, the accelerated path takes 12 months to complete, while the part-time path takes 20 months. For the Foundation MSW, the accelerated path takes two years to complete, while the part-time path takes three years and two months. In addition to online courses, students complete several social work practicums.

OLLU delivers courses asynchronously, however assignments have specific due dates. Students first participate in an online orientation to familiarize themselves with the virtual learning system. Faculty and peers also participate frequently in discussion forums and other collaborative exercises. Students should expect to spend 15-20 hours on each course per week. Faculty members are accessible by phone and email, and students have access to 24/7 technical support as well as the Center for Career Development & Testing.

Courses for the Advanced Standing MSW include Hispanics in the U.S.: Policies and Programs; Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families; Psychopathology; Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families; Social Work Practice with Hispanic Families; Social Work Practice with Hispanic Youth; and Social Work Practice with Hispanic Elders. Several Advanced Social Work Field Education experiences are required.

In addition to the courses listed for the Advanced Standing MSW, the Foundation MSW includes several Foundation Integrative Seminars; Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups; Social Welfare Policy and Services; Human Behavior and the Social Environment – Social Systems; Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Individuals and Families; and Social Work Research.

Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).