Master of Social Work (MSW)

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Offered through Our Lady of the Lake University’s Worden School of Social Service, the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program in the Rio Grande Valley prepares students to serve children and families in a dynamic, culturally rich border region. 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 and border communities.

Program Design

The OLLU 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:

On the San Antonio campus - the OLLU social work program was started on the main campus more than 75 years ago.
Online - offering the same learning objectives as our on-campus program with the flexibility to learn from anywhere.

Program Offerings

MSW - Foundation Program (57 credit hours) - For students with a bachelor’s degree outside of social work.
MSW - Advanced Program (30 credit hours) - For students with a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.

Accreditation

OLLU'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 .

Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families

OLLU’s MSW in the Rio Grande Valley is one of only a few master’s level social work programs in the country with a concentration focused on Hispanic children and families. In a region where Hispanic communities are central to the cultural and social fabric, students gain specialized knowledge and a deeper understanding of the experiences and needs of the populations they serve. This focus prepares graduates to provide high-quality, culturally responsive services while strengthening their potential for leadership and career advancement in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

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

MSW Foundation Assessment of Learning Outcomes MSW Advanced Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Field Education

Field Education is an integral part of the social work program at OLLU. 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

Fall admission only

Completed application for admission (no application fee)
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred and official transcripts from all previous post-secondary work if applicable (download instructions for submitting transcripts from outside the United States and transcripts not in English ).
Submit a personal statement (one to two pages, APA format encouraged) addressing the following areas:
- Motivation for MSW degree, understanding of and identification of the Worden Student Code of Conduct, understanding of and identification with Worden School of Social Service’s mission.
Three letters of recommendation: From employer, supervisor or professional colleague; an academic reference recommended
Résumé to include any licensure, professional and volunteer social work experience
Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 on all undergraduate work attempted for the baccalaureate degree or 3.00 on the last 60 semester hours

Summer admission only

In addition to the foundation program admission requirements, applicants to the advanced standing 30-hour program must have the following:

Completed application for admission (no application fee)
A Bachelor of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities where degrees were conferred and official transcripts from all previous post-secondary work if applicable (download instructions for submitting transcripts from outside the United States and transcripts not in English ).
Submit a personal statement (one to two pages, APA format encouraged) addressing the following areas:
- Motivation for MSW degree, understanding of and identification of the Worden Student Code of Conduct emphasizing the growth and continued challenges from BSW to MSW student, understanding of and identification with Worden School of Social Service’s mission.
Three letters of recommendation: From employer, supervisor or professional colleague; an academic reference recommended
Résumé to include any licensure, professional and volunteer social work experience

Applications are reviewed upon receipt. Accepted applicants will be notified promptly.

Deadline for submitting all credentials for priority consideration for Master of Social Work - Advance program is May 15.
Deadline for submitting credentials for priority consideration for Master of Social Work - Foundation is June 15.

Applications completed after these deadlines will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Upon admission to the MSW program, a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $250 is required to confirm your place in the program. This deposit will be applied toward your tuition and must be received before you can register for classes.

Each application is independently reviewed by the Worden School of Social Service MSW Committee.

The committee may recommend admission into the program, conditional admission into the program, or non-admission to the program.

Special admission into the MSW program must be approved by the MSW Committee and is only granted to transient students wishing to transfer graduate credit to a home institution, or a post master's student wishing to take graduate credit for special interest.

Before registering, an applicant for special admission must submit official transcript(s) showing degree awarded, to include master's degree if applicable. Transient students need only submit a letter of good standing from their home institution verifying graduate status.

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