Because of its various applications from therapy to policy development, you’ve chosen social work as the means to affect change either at the personal or social level. Now, select a top-tier, fully accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program specializing in clinical-in-community social work practice to do work that matters to you.
Clinical-in-community social work practice is an interactive process that highlights the dual context of understanding and working with people and groups within their communities. It recognizes the interrelatedness, strengths, and needs of individuals, families, and organizations within their communities as the focus of growth and change. Areas that give meaning to people and which are of primary importance for work include the physical, spiritual, and psychological dimensions, as well as social and economic justice within their lived environment.
Tulane School of Social Work values quality education, research, and leadership. Our program provides:
- Curriculum that understands and serves people and families within their environments
- A focus on classroom research for evidence-based practice
- Opportunities to learn and generate knowledge alongside top-tier faculty
- Extensive support and resources to ensure students succeed
- Practicum education with one of over 100 sites in the New Orleans region and over 700 nationwide
Tulane and its curriculum emphasize noting and building upon individual and community strengths. We teach culturally relevant social work practice that prioritizes the field’s responsiveness to cultural contexts and enables us to engage in and train students to engage in competent, ethical, community-led assessments and interventions.
This MSW program effectively prepares students in accordance with the standards set forth by various regulatory bodies. Our pass rates on Association of Social Work Boards licensure examinations are consistently above the national average.
You may also elect to add a focus area to your MSW degree with our Mental Health, Addiction, and the Family option. On-campus students may also seek a dual degree in Law, Public Health, or Disaster Resilience Leadership. Students interested in pursuing a dual-degree program should reach out to our admissions team before applying.
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The mission of the Master of Social Work Program is to educate and inspire future social work leaders to engage in integrated clinical and community practice that is culturally responsive and relationship-centered, to enhance the well-being and equitable treatment of individuals, families, and communities.
The Tulane MSW program:
- Trains future leaders clinically to impact communities locally, nationally, and globally in ways that enhance the well-being, capacity, and resilience of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
- Helps future leaders to realize the value of human diversity and engage in inclusive, anti-oppressive practice in order to promote social and economic justice;
- Prepares future leaders to engage in culturally responsive, evidence-informed practice and community engagement using a local/global perspective relationship centered framework that enables them to contribute to the transformation of individuals, families, and communities; and
- Promotes social mobility, system navigation, and increased access to resources by building upon the diverse, culturally rich, and inspiring environment of New Orleans.
Upon completion of their MSW degrees, graduates will go on to work in a variety of social work settings such as social service agencies, hospitals, criminal justice systems, schools, and governments. They will be prepared to work as clinical social workers in the public or private sector, locally, nationally, or internationally. Many have gone on to establish their own private practices, lead organizations as Executive Directors, and/or teach and conduct research.
Regardless of the setting, Tulane MSW graduates will be involved in providing social services to individuals, families, and communities, developing programs and policy, evaluating programs, establishing non-profit organizations, or providing services and resources in order to enhance the well-being and equitable treatment of individuals, families, and communities. The MSW provides a strong academic foundation in order to pass licensure, pursue a doctoral degree, or make a difference in society.
Individuals who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree within the past five years from a CSWE-accredited program may be granted Advanced Standing. To review full requirements of admission to the Advanced Standing MSW program, visit the Admission Requirements page.
The Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program requires 30 credit hours and 600 hours of practicum education. Candidates may choose how they wish to complete the required course and practicum curriculum:
- Full-Time On-Campus Advanced Standing: Eight-month on-campus program over two semesters, starting in the summer and continuing through the fall. 24 hours of practicum education is completed weekly — totaling 300 hours per semester — beginning in the summer semester and continues through subsequent semesters.
- Full-Time Online Advanced Standing: Eight-month online program over two semesters with start dates each semester. 24 hours of practicum education is completed weekly — totaling 300 hours per semester — beginning in the student's first semester of study and continues through subsequent semesters.
- Part-Time Online Advanced Standing: 16-month online program over four semesters with start dates each semester. 12 hours of practicum education is completed weekly — totaling 150 hours per semester — beginning in the student's first semester of study and continues through subsequent semesters.
- Dual-Degree: Programs of varying lengths with the Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy (hybrid or online), Law School (on-campus only), or the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine (on-campus only). Students interested in pursuing a dual-degree program should reach out to our admissions team before applying.
Practicum Education
Our practicum education program exposes you to real-world social work practice as well as diverse populations and social issues. We place on-campus students with one of over 100 placement sites in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Online learners perform their practicum education in their local communities at one of more than 700 partnering placement sites nationwide.
Online
Our online MSW program employs innovative technology to ensure all students receive the full benefits of a Tulane education. If you elect this program, you will be part of weekly live sessions via synchronous classes. You can expect personalized attention as you pursue your coursework, including tech support and virtual office hours with faculty.
Required MSW coursework in human behavior, direct and community practice, social justice, data analysis, and program evaluation teach tangible skills to leverage strengths and apply interventions that empower individuals, families, and communities. You will develop your capacity via team projects and teaching, problem-based learning, creative simulation, real-world practicum education, and electronic learning exchanges.
curriculum and course descriptions
Refer to Tulane’s class schedule to determine availability of courses in any given semester. All Tulane School of Social Work courses are identified with “SOWK” before the course number.
Q: Is social work a good career?
A: Social work is an excellent career with tremendous growth projections, especially in areas of mental health and health care. The social work field is a strong community of enthused, passionate, and hardworking individuals dedicated to serving others.
Q: What is an MSW degree?
A: A Master of Social Work is a professional degree that prepares students to work with individuals, families, and communities to assist with identifying resources, navigating systems, and addressing social justice issues.
Q: What jobs can you get with an MSW?
A: The MSW is an extremely versatile degree where graduates put social justice and advocacy into practice for any number of jobs. Graduates can work in numerous industries at all levels — from individuals and families to whole communities to state and national policy. Some organizations – like nonprofits, private practices, and local governments – provide social workers as primary services, while others use social workers in secondary and tertiary capacities (hospitals, jails, schools, etc.). These jobs can range from micro work with interpersonal client care/case management to macro work such as risk mitigation and policy creation and implementation.
Q: Can you be a licensed social worker without a degree?
A: Every state has different laws, but most require social workers to have an MSW to apply for licensure.
Q: How long will it take to become a social worker?
A: The full-time Advanced Standing MSW program at Tulane School of Social Work takes eight months, or two semesters, to complete. The part-time program is 16 months, or four semesters.
Add a Disaster Resilience Leadership Certificate to Your MSW.
Only Four More Classes!
The Disaster Resilience Leadership Certificate requires 15 credit hours, which can be completed on-campus or online. With this academic certificate, you'll gain an understanding of disaster mitigation, planning and preparedness, response, and recovery as well as delivery of human services within communities.
Still have questions? Maybe they are answered in our Master of Social Work FAQs. If not, we are happy to help! Reach out to us by email or phone.