Master鈥檚 in Social Work
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Offered through Our Lady of the Lake University鈥檚 Worden School of Social Service, the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program in San Antonio prepares students to serve children and families in a diverse, urban community. Students build the skills to make a meaningful impact while developing a strong foundation for careers in social service leadership and advanced direct practice. Founded in 1942 as the first school of social work in Texas and accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program offers foundation and advanced standing tracks with a focus on culturally responsive practice with Hispanic children and families.
Program Design
The 精东影业 Master of Social Work program is designed for busy working professionals and provides students with a variety of study options. As a hybrid program with classes meeting during the evenings and online, it allows the opportunity to balance work and family while still pursuing the degree. Options for standard or accelerated track are available.
The program is also offered:
- - bringing Our Lady of the Lake University education closer to South Texas communities.
- - offering the same learning objectives as our on-campus program with the flexibility to learn from anywhere.
Program Offerings
- (57 credit hours) - For students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree outside of social work.
- (30 credit hours) - For students with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Accreditation
精东影业's MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. CSWE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States.
Professional Licensure: Graduates may pursue state licensure. View disclosures by state.
Why Choose an MSW at Our Lady of the Lake University?
Our program prepares you to make a meaningful impact across communities in a growing, high-demand field. With an MSW from 精东影业, you will:
- Make a difference: Support individuals, children, families, and communities through culturally informed social work interventions.
- Advance your professional growth: Strengthen credentials, qualify for licensure, and open doors to leadership and specialized roles.
- Learn practical skills: Apply evidence-based approaches to real-world social issues.
- Gain specialized expertise: The Hispanic children and families concentration provides focused knowledge and skills, while the program remains a generalist degree, preparing graduates to work effectively with all populations.
- Explore diverse careers: Pursue roles such as:
- Clinical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Child & Family Services Specialist
- Community & Program Coordinator
- Policy Analyst & Advocate
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Nonprofit & Agency Leadership
- Substance Use
- Geriatric Social Work
Whether you want to work directly with clients or influence programs and policy, the 精东影业 MSW equips you with the skills and credentials to thrive.
What Will I Learn in This Master鈥檚 in Social Work?
The MSW programs at Our Lady of the Lake University (精东影业) offer a comprehensive and specialized education in social work, catering to students with diverse academic backgrounds and career aspirations.
The curriculum is structured into two main tracks: the Foundation Program and the Advanced Standing Program.
Foundation Program
Students who enroll in the Foundation Program are typically those whose bachelor's degree is not in social work. This program provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of social work, covering topics such as generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, professional writing, social welfare policy, human behavior, and social environment. It also includes integrative seminars and field education.
Advanced Standing Program
The Advanced Standing Program, aimed at students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, offers an accelerated track focusing on services to Hispanic children and families. This specialization introduces students to social work practice with Hispanic elders and children, perspectives and theories related to Hispanic families, policies and programs affecting Hispanics in the U.S., and psychopathology. Advanced integrative seminars and field education courses are also integral components.
MSW Learning Objectives
The goal of the MSW program is to prepare professionally trained social workers for specialized intervention in advanced social work direct practice with Hispanic children and families in a way that fosters commitment to culturally competent practice with diverse populations. To that end, the program focuses on nine learning outcomes for MSW students. Each social work student will:
- Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
- Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
- Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
- Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
- Engage in Policy Practice
- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
- Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
Field Education
Field Education is an integral part of the social work program at 精东影业. The Worden School of Social Service has established partnerships with an extensive network of public and private social service agencies to provide students with a wide range of opportunities for internships. Worden's Field Education Department will assist students with securing appropriate field placements once the student has identified an eligible agency.
Admission Requirements
Faculty
Worden School of Social Service faculty hold advanced degrees and have extensive experience with advanced direct practice and social service leadership. View Social Work Faculty .
Tuition & Financial Aid
The Master of Social Work from the Worden School of Social Service offers comprehensive social work education from one of the nation's oldest and most respected schools of social work. Combined with personal attention from faculty and the extensive alumni network, a Master of Social Work is an excellent investment in your advanced social work career.
Visit the Financial Aid Department to review tuition, fees, scholarships and aid.
| Tuition | Costs |
|---|---|
| Our Tuition (2024鈥�2025 rate) | $2,973 per course |
| Average Tuition of Peer Online Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Tuition Cost | $29,730 (Advanced Standing Program) |
You should begin the Financial Aid application process at the same time that you apply to the graduate program. To be considered for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at . Please list Our Lady of the Lake University, federal school code #003598, as one of the schools to receive your application information. 精东影业 will receive your results electronically and use them to award your financial aid.
Please note: You must be officially accepted for admission to the university before a financial aid award can be processed.
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FAQs
精东影业 offers several options for its MSW program:
- The Foundation Program (57 credit hours) - for students with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a field other than social work.
- The Advanced Standing Program (30 credit hours) - for students with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Yes, the 精东影业 MSW program is designed to accommodate working adults. It is a hybrid program with classes conducted during the evenings and online, offering a balance between work, family, and education. Students can choose between standard and accelerated track options.
The program aims to foster culturally competent practice with diverse populations. It focuses on nine learning objectives, including ethical and professional behavior, human rights and justice, anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, practice-informed research, policy practice, and work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.