Support individuals. Strengthen families. Serve communities.
Expand your opportunities to affect change by earning a Master of Social Work degree, on campus or online.
Do work that matters, no matter where you are located
Build your leadership and skills to expand your career in a number of roles, including counselor, case manager, clinician, administrator, researcher, community organizer, nonprofit manager, or educator, among many others. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree integrates clinical and community-based practice so you can recognize and build upon personal, cultural, and community strengths that engage healing and growth.
Whether you opt to study online or in person, you’ll earn the same leading social work degree that provides a foundation for micro, mezzo, or macro practice. Plus, dual-degree options give you a way to stand out from your peers in the social work field and integrate social work with another in-demand discipline. You graduate not only with a degree, but with a passion for service, a commitment to social justice, and a deep belief in the dignity and worth of each person.
Any bachelor's degree is required for all MSW applicants. Advanced Standing available for those with a Bachelor of Social Work.
Talk with an enrollment advisor and get all your questions answered! Call 504-266-0699 Monday through Friday from 8AM to 6PM CST if you prefer to talk with an enrollment advisor.
Focus on People Within Their Environments
Our students and faculty focus on what matters most: people. Keeping individuals at the center of everything we do allows our graduates and their communities to thrive.
Clinical Exam Pass Rate
Tulane students consistently have high exam pass rates with a 91% clinical exam pass rate (compared to 75% nationally) and 85% Masters exam pass rate (compared to 75% nationally).
Field Education Partners
Gain field experience, working with any of the 100+ social service agencies, government entities, schools, hospitals, and businesses participating in our field education program (MSW only).
Tulane is ranked in the Top 30 of Best Schools for Social Work in the U.S. and fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
Top School, Affordable Degree
Tulane School of Social Work maintains a competitive tuition rate that is on par with many peer institutions. Through generous individual, corporate, and foundation donors, there are a number of scholarships awarded to social work students.
By completing your application, you will automatically be considered for merit based scholarships. Prospective students applying to a traditional (4 or 8-semester program) MSW, MSW/DRL, or DRL program will receive a minimum merit award totaling $15,000 at the time of admission. Prospective students applying to the Advanced Standing (3 or 6-semester program) MSW or MSW/DRL program will receive a minimum merit award totaling $11,250 at the time of admission. We also encourage you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, as you may be eligible for need-based scholarships.
Find Employment in Public, Private, and Non-Profit Sectors
The demand for social workers is outpacing the number of social workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics*, employment of social workers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations–12% between 2020 to 2030. For child, family, and school social workers, as well as healthcare social workers, employment is expected to grow 13%, while employment for mental health and substance abuse social workers is expected to grow even faster–15%.
Whether you opt to complete your degree online or in person, the MSW program gives you more opportunities to do work that matters across industries and sectors. Tulane graduates go on to work in mental health clinics, community development corporations, child welfare programs, hospitals, and schools, among other organizations.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Compare Master of Social Work Programs
Which program makes the most sense for you? Use the chart to help decide, or request more information for more program details.
MSW
Advanced Standing available for those with a Bachelor of Social Work.
For those looking to develop the skills needed to help individuals, families, and communities leverage their strengths so they can make change or reach their goals.
| Online | On-Campus | Time to Complete | Term Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 16 Months | January, May (online only), and August | ||
| Part-Time | 32 Months | January, May (online only), and August |
MSW/MS-DRL
Dual Degree
For graduates from any field or BSW graduates who want to plan, deliver, and manage human services within communities vulnerable to natural and human-made disasters.
| Online | On-Campus | Time to Complete | Term Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 20 Months | January (online only), May (online only) and August | ||
| Part-Time | 40 Months | January (online only), May (online only) and August |
MSW/JD
For students with an interest in law and social work, whether they want to primarily practice law or primarily pursue social work roles.
| Online | On-Campus | Time to Complete | Term Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 48 Months | August | ||
| Part-Time |
MSW/MPH
For those who want to integrate public health with social work to address both physical and mental health needs.
| Online | On-Campus | Time to Complete | Term Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time | 20 Months | August | ||
| Part-Time |
Fall Admission Deadlines
Priority to Submit
April 1st
Application Complete
June 1st
Classes Start
August
Fall Admission Deadlines
Priority to Submit
June 1st
Application Complete
July 1st
Classes Start
August
Spring Admission Deadlines
Priority to Submit
April 1st
Application Complete
June 1st
Classes Start
January
Spring Admission Deadlines
Priority to Submit
June 1st
Application Complete
July 1st
Classes Start
January
The Energy of New Orleans, Anywhere in the World
Whether you decide to study on campus or online, you’ll learn from experts who have lived and worked in one of the most diverse areas in the country: New Orleans. Faculty pass on their real-life lessons in innovation and advocacy gained from the rich history of our city. So, no matter where you are learning, you’ll gain the cultural competency and creativity needed to influence change in communities of all kinds.
"In those conversations [while working as a defense investigator], I saw multigenerational trauma and mental illness, and I discovered I wanted to help in other ways - to be proactive."
— Angelique Thomas, LMSW (SW ‘16)
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Find out which program is the best fit for your personal and professional goals.
