7 Best Bachelor of Social Work Degree Programs in Louisiana

Social work ranks among the top 10 professions growing rapidly today. A bachelor’s degree in social work proves to be an increasingly valuable career investment. Job opportunities in this field will grow by 6% by 2034, which is by a lot faster than average for other occupations.

Louisiana has eight CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree programs. Students who need flexibility can choose from online options. These programs help you launch careers in social service agencies, schools, corrections facilities, and community organizations. Students gain practical experience through 400-480 hours of field education. The programs remain affordable with in-state tuition between $8,000-$12,000 per year. Social work graduates in Louisiana earn median salaries from $39,900 to $64,720 based on their specialization.

This guide breaks down the seven best Bachelor of Social Work degree programs in Louisiana. You’ll learn about their standout features, requirements, and how they prepare you for your career.

1. University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM)

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) has managed to keep its bachelor of social work degree program accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1977, making it one of Louisiana’s oldest social work programs. The university’s accreditation was reaffirmed in June 2017 for a complete eight-year cycle that ends October 2023.

Program Overview

Students need 120 semester hours to complete ULM’s Bachelor of Social Work degree, with 39 hours focused on social work courses. The curriculum combines liberal arts viewpoint with social work principles, values, and ethics. This creates a foundation to understand people from different backgrounds and complex social systems. The program adapts continuously to meet CSWE standards and changes in the social environment.

The program aims to prepare competent, generalist social work professionals who are committed to the profession’s original principles and ethics. Students learn to work with people from various backgrounds while developing skills that promote social and economic justice.

Key Features

The program stands out because of its flexible scheduling options. Students can complete many degree requirements through 100% online courses, which works well for both on-campus and commuting students. The program also includes:

• Professional faculty with Licensed Clinical Social Worker credentials who provide detailed academic advising
• Service learning opportunities in the curriculum that let students participate in volunteer activities
• Phi Alpha Honor Society membership for qualifying students, which leads to preferred hiring in many state and federal positions
• Student Social Work Association that organizes volunteer activities and social events

The Child Welfare Training Program is another unique feature that provides stipends to students who want to work with the Louisiana Department of Child and Family Services. This program pays for tuition, books, university fees, and living expenses during the final semester in exchange for one year of employment with La.DCFS.

Admission Requirements

Students must complete pre-professional level requirements before entering the professional level of the social work program. The admission criteria includes:

• A grade of “C” or above in these prerequisites: English 1001, English 1002, Psychology 2001 or Sociology 1001, Math 1011, Social Work 1001, Social Work 1002, and Social Work 2005
• A GPA of at least 2.3 in all degree-required courses
• A grade of “C” or above in all developmental courses

The Social Work Department Admissions Committee reviews applications and interviews applicants before making decisions. Students who aren’t admitted can apply again the next semester.

Field Education

Students get practical experience throughout the program. They start with service learning in Human Behavior and the Social Environment I (SOCW 2005), followed by 30 hours of hands-on agency experience in Interviewing and the Helping Relationship (SOCW 3001). These experiences help students decide if social work is right for them and find their preferred practice areas early in their studies.

ULM Tuition and Financial Aid

ULM’s tuition costs less than many other institutions. Full-time undergraduate students pay $2,893.76 as of Fall 2024. First-time, full-time freshmen pay average fees between $1,700 and $1,900 per semester.

Net price by family income (2022-2023):

Students can get financial help through ULM Academic Scholarships, ULM Foundation Scholarships, private scholarships, Federal Financial Aid, TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students), military education benefits, and on-campus jobs.

Career Preparation

The social work program opens doors to many career paths. The field ranks among the top growing occupations. The U.S. Department of Labor projects employment will grow by 6% by 2034, which is a big deal as it means that it’s growing faster than other occupations.

Graduates can work as:

• Hospital/Home Health Discharge Planner
• School Social Worker
• Mental Health Assistant
• Child and Family Service Worker
• Probation Officer
• Military Social Worker
• Gerontology Social Worker

Students learn critical thinking about human behavior and social justice issues. These skills are valuable in social work and industries of all types. Students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in social work courses can advance to other institutions and complete their MSW degree in just one year.

2. Louisiana State University (LSU)

LSU’s Bachelor of Social Work program ranks among Louisiana’s best choices to start a career in social services. The program gives you the skills to help individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through a complete curriculum that connects theory with practice.

Program Overview

The LSU Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares you for entry-level positions in organizations of all sizes, from government agencies to nonprofit organizations and social service companies. Students build their foundation in liberal arts during their first two years and then focus on professional courses in their final two years.

The program has applied for candidacy with the Council on Social Work Education. Full accreditation will let graduates enter a one-year Advanced Standing MSW program, which saves time and money while pursuing advanced degrees.

The curriculum focuses on these core areas:

• Social studies (high intensity)
• Communication (medium intensity)
• Electives and lab hours/field work (low intensity)

Key Features

LSU’s social work program stands out because it includes active faculty research projects that tackle urgent social issues. These projects cover addictive disorders, behavioral health, child attachment, child welfare, criminal justice, gerontology, HIV, and LGBT studies.

LSU gives you a chance to study social justice challenges through faculty-led research initiatives. This approach links classroom learning with ground applications and helps you understand major social problems affecting Louisiana and the nation.

Social work jobs will grow by 6 percent between 2024 and 2034 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making this degree a smart investment.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet these requirements after their original enrollment at LSU:

• Complete 24 hours of college credit
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA (both LSU and overall)
• Earn a grade of “C” or better in English 1001, Math 1021 or higher, and SW 2000

Students need to submit a BSW application to the College of Human Sciences & Education with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or academic advisor.

Field Education

Field education forms the backbone of social work training at LSU and provides essential hands-on experience. Students complete 480 hours of fieldwork in their final semester. This practical approach helps students apply classroom knowledge while working with different populations.

LSU partners with hundreds of community agencies where students learn under licensed social workers’ supervision. The field education program uses specific criteria to assess how well students demonstrate social work competencies.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Louisiana residents will pay about $12,472 in tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year, while non-residents will pay $29,148. The total yearly cost with housing and meals comes to $27,876 for residents and $44,552 for non-residents.

Cost of attendance for on-campus students (2025-26):

Career Preparation

LSU’s Bachelor of Social Work degree opens doors to many career paths. Graduates can work in:

• Medical and health care institutions
• Family agencies
• Military social work
• Corrections and criminal justice
• Community agencies and organizations

The program’s focus on written communication, evidence-based professional practice, and research gives you valuable skills that transfer across many fields.

Students who excel in their BSW studies can get one year of academic credit toward their MSW degree once the program receives full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This cuts the completion time in half.

3. Northwestern State University (Online BSW)

Northwestern State University has Louisiana’s premier fully online Bachelor of Social Work degree program. The program started in 1970 and received continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1978. Students can access quality education remotely through this outstanding social work program.

Program Overview

NSU’s Bachelor of Social Work degree teaches you to tackle real-life challenges through generalist social work practice. The program aims to produce competent, ethical professionals who can serve people of all backgrounds at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

This CSWE-accredited program gives you the skills to:

• Champion equity, justice, and community participation
• Help individuals, families, and communities
• Connect theory with ground application
• Think critically about complex social issues

NSU stands out by creating skilled practitioners who balance theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Students learn essential foundations like person-in-environment, strengths-based approaches, research-informed practice, and professional ethics.

Online Format

Students can complete assignments and watch lectures at their own pace through the 100% online format. Working professionals and those with family commitments benefit from this flexibility.

The program creates an engaging learning environment through virtual discussions, recorded lectures, and digital resources. Faculty members stay available and responsive to ensure online students receive education equal to campus-based learning.

Admission Requirements

The BSW Professional Program at NSU requires applicants to:

• Finish all University Core Courses
• Keep a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Score a C or better in SOWK 2010, 2090, 2100, and ENGL 1010 and 1020
• Show commitment to social work’s professional values and ethics

The BSW Program Admission and Support Coordinator reviews all applications. Students who don’t meet initial requirements can receive provisional admission and complete full requirements within one semester.

Field Education

Field education brings classroom knowledge to life through real-life experience. Students complete 480 hours of supervised field placement in their local area. This hands-on training connects academic concepts with practical skills.

NSU takes a detailed approach to field education. Program materials state, “It is in the field placement that the overall educational goal of preparation of students for practice at the professional entry level is most fully realized”. Agency field instructors supervise the experience while faculty liaisons provide guidance and assessment.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The online Bachelor of Social Work degree at NSU comes with competitive tuition rates. Online students pay $375 per credit hour whatever their residency status. This straightforward pricing helps students plan their finances better.

Students can access various financial aid options:

• Federal loans and grants for qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• School scholarships and partner organization benefits
• State programs like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)
• Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend for future child welfare professionals

These options make NSU’s program available to more students. The university recommends submitting financial aid applications along with program applications.

Career Preparation

Your NSU Bachelor of Social Work degree opens doors to direct social work and human services positions. The program’s broad foundation lets you work in different settings with various populations.

The degree also paves the way for advanced education. Many MSW programs offer advanced standing to NSU graduates. This option can cut master’s degree completion time by half, saving both time and money for further education.

4. Southern University at New Orleans

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), a 65-year-old institution, offers a distinctive Bachelor of Social Work degree program that takes an integrated approach to transformative practice. The Millie M. Charles School of Social Work, which opened its doors in 1982, has kept its legacy of excellence in preparing students for social work practice that makes a difference.

Program Overview

SUNO’s Bachelor of Social Work degree shapes generalist practitioners who know how to make positive changes. The program prepares students to improve human well-being, inclusion, and social justice in communities at local, regional, national, and global levels. Students learn both theory and hands-on skills that help them discover the full potential of individuals and communities.

The program requires 52 credit hours of social work courses. These courses cover Introduction to Social Work, Social Welfare, Human Behavior, and Direct Service. The program uses an eco-systems approach to identify problems, assess situations, and develop intervention strategies that work in practice.

SUNO Key Features

SUNO’s program stands out because of its integrated and forward-thinking view of social work. The curriculum builds on these themes:

• Looking at strengths and growth potential instead of weaknesses
• Making empowerment, advocacy, and transformation central to all courses
• Deepening their commitment to critical practice knowledge, skills, and professional values

The School of Social Work has CSWE accreditation since 1974, showing its dedication to educational excellence. SUNO serves mostly African American students and creates opportunities that promote equity and inclusion.

Admission Requirements

The BSW program needs you to complete pre-social work requirements first. Here’s what you need:

• 60 hours of University requirements with a minimum 2.3 GPA
• A BSW application with transcript evaluation
• An admission interview
• Completion of prerequisite courses

Students must keep at least a 2.0 overall GPA and 2.5 GPA in the program. On top of that, grades below C in social work and English courses won’t count toward graduation.

Field Education

Field education is the basis of practical training at SUNO. The field practicum needs:

• 450 hours split over two semesters, about 16 hours each week
• Seven prerequisite courses before starting field placement
• Field practicum application by February 15th with resume and transcript
• Regular supervision from qualified social workers with MSW degrees

Students merge classroom knowledge with real-world experience in community settings. This helps them develop skills gradually from simple to complex practice situations.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2024-2025 academic year costs Louisiana residents $7,490 for undergraduate tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $13,384. Here’s the full cost breakdown including housing, books, and personal expenses:

Students can access federal grants and loans, state-specific programs, and institutional scholarships. The Office of Student Financial Aid creates customized financial aid packages based on your situation.

Career Preparation

The Center for Career and Professional Development helps boost your job prospects through a four-year career plan. The center helps you:

• Write resumes and master interviews
• Communicate professionally
• Create employment profiles on LinkedIn and other platforms
• Build character and learn professional etiquette

Students join workshops, seminars, and job fairs. They must complete 30 modules in BigInterview before graduation. The center also arranges internships and job shadowing that match your interests in social work, preparing you for a smooth transition into the profession.

5. Southeastern Louisiana University

This 20-year-old bachelor of social work degree program at Southeastern Louisiana University has managed to keep its accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program sits in the Florida Parishes region and prepares students to work as professionals in rural and small community settings.

Program Overview

The bachelor’s degree in social work (BA) at Southeastern Louisiana University uses a generalist practice model that gives you the knowledge and skills to tackle various social problems at different levels. Students learn nine critical dimensions of social work practice set by CSWE. The program’s mission centers on creating entry-level practitioners for rural communities. It strikes the right balance between theory and hands-on practice.

Key Features

The social work program stands out because it:

• Serves diverse populations in rural and small communities
• Offers a quick path to advanced standing in MSW programs. Graduates can finish their master’s degrees in just one year
• Has an active Social Work Club where students network, develop professionally, and serve the community

More than half of the social work graduates go on to earn graduate degrees from universities like Louisiana State University, Southern University, and Tulane University.

Admission Requirements

Students need at least a 2.0 overall GPA to join the program. The admission team looks at academic performance and how well candidates match social work professional values and ethics. The program focuses on professional practice, so admission standards ensure students have both academic strength and professional attitude needed for successful careers.

Field Education

Field education is an important part of the program. Students complete 430 hours at social service agencies. This real-world experience happens in the final phase and prepares students for careers in:

• Child welfare
• Healthcare
• Mental health
• Addictions treatment
• Domestic violence intervention
• Criminal justice settings
• Gerontology services
• School systems
• Developmental disabilities support

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2025-2026 academic year comes with competitive rates. Full-time undergraduate Louisiana residents taking 12-15 credit hours pay $2,888 in tuition and $1,659 in mandatory fees each semester. Textbook rental costs $300 for 15 credit hours. Non-resident students pay an extra $6,238 in fees.

The university takes pride in offering an incredible value degree at reasonable cost and without unnecessary debt.

Career Preparation

The Office of Career Services helps students prepare for their careers with detailed resources. Students get career consulting, resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search help. The university works with employers to create internship and job opportunities. Students build valuable professional connections at events like the annual Career Expo, which brings together more than 150 employers.

6. Grambling State University

Grambling State University’s School of Social Work, a 1974 institution, emerged from the Consent Decree – a legal agreement between the Department of Justice and Louisiana State to desegregate higher education institutions. The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation has certified the program, proving it right for academic excellence and graduate competency.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work (BASW) at Grambling prepares students for professional entry-level positions in social service settings of all types. Students complete 120 hours of coursework to address social challenges like child abuse, aging, mental health, probation, adoptions, and foster care. The curriculum emphasizes support for underserved populations, particularly African Americans and rural inhabitants of North Central Louisiana.

Key Features

The program stands out for its commitment to enhancing human well-being while easing suffering in North Central Louisiana. Grambling’s faculty and students benefit from research and scholarship opportunities beyond standard coursework. Students learn to serve people from different backgrounds with strong ethics and values.

Admission Requirements

Students become eligible to apply after completing 60 semester hours at the end of their sophomore year. The requirements include:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3
• Interview (if GPA is below 2.3)
• Review of recent academic performance
• Evaluation of personal characteristics for professional suitability
• A 500-word typed narrative on “Why I Want to Become a Social Worker”

Field Education

Students gain hands-on professional experience through field education that connects classroom theory with real practice. The senior year involves 250 clock hours each semester, adding up to 500 hours total. This experience helps students build professional relationships in communities and understand local resources for their future clients.

Tuition and Financial Aid

For 2025-2026, full-time undergraduate costs per semester are:

Students pay an additional $50 field education fee that covers liability insurance and supervision.

Career Preparation

Graduates find positions in a variety of settings, including community services, school social work, medical facilities, residential care, corrections, and hospices. The program’s emphasis on human well-being and social justice equips students for immediate employment and future graduate studies.

7. Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University stands out with the state’s only faith-based Bachelor of Social Work degree program. The program brings a unique approach to social work education through a Christ-centered worldview.

Program Overview

The program at LCU takes a “Person in Environment” view to get a detailed picture of human experience across social, spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical aspects. This approach readies students for entry-level generalist practice and graduate education. BSW graduates can qualify for advanced standing MSW programs that take only 10-18 months to complete.

Key Features

LCU’s program is the only CSWE-accredited BSW in Louisiana with a faith-based foundation. The program highlights:

• The core team consists of experienced, licensed professionals
• Small classes that encourage critical thinking
• Teaching methods include role-plays and field trips

Admission Requirements

Students need a 3.35 GPA on average. SAT scores should average 1040 (range 1020-1190) while ACT scores should average 21 (range 17-24).

Field Education

Students get hands-on experience through field education that blends classroom theory with professional practice. This prepares them for work in various social work settings.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Net price changes based on family income:

Students typically graduate with $21,875 in federal loan debt.

Career Preparation

Career services are a great way to get tools for assessment, resume workshops, job fairs, and professional development. These services help students move smoothly into professional social work practice.

Enroll in a Louisiana BSW Today

Louisiana’s Bachelor of Social Work programs give you many advantages for your future career. Seven CSWE-accredited programs share core elements that prepare you for success in this growing field, yet each offers unique benefits. Northwestern State’s fully online format, Southeastern’s rural community focus, or Louisiana Christian University’s faith-based approach will give you the essential skills to serve people from all backgrounds.

Field education is the key to your social work training. Programs require 400-480 hours of supervised practice. This hands-on experience turns classroom theory into real-world skills that employers look for. These programs also create paths to advanced standing in MSW programs and could cut your graduate education time in half.

Money plays a big role in choosing your program. Social work degrees in Louisiana stay relatively affordable with in-state tuition between $8,000-$12,000 per year. Many financial aid options can reduce these costs to make your education more affordable.

Social work graduates have an exceptionally bright future ahead. Job opportunities grow by a lot – 6% growth is expected by 2034. Louisiana’s social work graduates earn median salaries from $39,900 to $64,720 based on their specialty. This makes social work a financially rewarding career path.

Your choice ends up depending on your priorities about program format, location, focus areas, and career goals. Research each program’s unique features, admission requirements, and career preparation methods carefully. This helps your social work education line up with your professional dreams while you prepare to change lives of individuals, families, and communities across Louisiana.