Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work
Program Options: Full- and Part-Time
Tuition: $28,192 per year
Acceptance Rate: 55 percent
GRE Required: No
1-Year/Accelerated Option: Only for students who currently hold a BSW
Campus Visits Required: No
Field Hours: 500 clock hours
CSWE Accredited: Yes
Application Deadline: None
Read: Top 10 Affordable Master of Social Work Online (MSW) Degrees
Overview
The Sisters of the Congregation of Devine Province founded Our Lady of the Lake College in 1895. The Sisters of the Congregation of Devine Province was a religious order founded in Lorraine, France during the 18th century by Blessed John Martin Moye. The Congregation arrived in Texas in 1866, establishing themselves in Austin and then Castroville. Main Building began construction in 1895 and high school programs began being offered in 1896. The first college courses, a two-year curriculum for women, began in 1911, expanding to a four-year program in 1919. In 1975, the school name changed from Our Lady of the Lake College to Our Lady of the Lake University.
Our Lady of the Lake is ranked the sixth best online college by Affordable Colleges and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top regional universities in the west. In 2016, the Master of Social Work program was ranked as the best by U.S. News & World Report. There are currently 3,130 students enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake.
Strengths
Our Lady of the Lake University offered the first school of Social Work in the state of Texas and has continued educating social workers since 1942. The program is one of only three in the country with an emphasis on the Hispanic population. Since the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing demographic in the United States, social workers around the country are finding a need to understand the issues that face those of Hispanic descent. The program also focuses on social work across the life span, including elderly adults who currently represent the largest demographic receiving social services.
Concentrations
Our Lady of the Lake University offers two concentrations in the Online Social Work program. Students may choose from the MSW Concentration which is for students who hold a bachelor’s in Social Work. This degree program can be completed in just under two years. The Master of Social Work Foundation is for students who hold a bachelor’s in a different field. The program can be completed in just over three years.
Program Requirements
Students are required to log into each virtual class and complete assignments just as traditional students are required to do. Students interact with professors and other students using the online forums. Students do not need to be at the computer at certain times of the day as the classes can be accessed at any time. All assignments must be completed by due dates determined by the professor. Students will need to spend between 15 and 20 hours per week on each class. It is the responsibility of the student to have adequate computer equipment and internet access to meet the demands of online study.
Admissions Requirements
Students who wish to apply for the online Master of Science in Social Work Concentration must complete an online application and pay an application fee. They must hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students must have a 3.00 GPA in all undergraduate work and a 3.00 GPA in cumulative social work courses. Students must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as three letters of recommendation that are not more than one year old. Students must provide a personal statement that explains their motivation for attending graduate school, their motivation to enter the social work field and their career goals. It must also outline employment or volunteer experiences related to social work and indicate an understanding of the Worden School of Social Service mission. A current resume is also required.
Students who wish to enter the Master of Science in Social Work Foundation must submit all materials required to apply to the Concentration course. However, their undergraduate degree may be in a subject other than Social Work.
Faculty
The faculty in the Social Work department at Our Lady of the Lake University are some of the finest social advocates, policy makers and social service educators whose main objective is to empower a new generation of social work leaders. Professors are conducting innovative research in the field of social work, including the developmental period of emerging adulthood, child welfare organizational structure and the assimilation of Latino leaders in today’s culture. The majority of the faculty hold terminal degrees in the field of social work.
Online Courses
Students enrolled in the Concentration program at Our Lady of the Lake University must complete the following courses:
- Advanced Integrative Seminar I, II & III
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
- Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs
- Psychopathology
- Social Work Practice with Hispanic Families
- Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families
Students enrolled in the Foundation program must complete:
- Advanced Integrative Seminar I, II & III
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
- Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs
- Psychopathology
- Social Work Practice with Hispanic Elders
- Social Work Practice with Hispanic Families
- Social Work Practice with Hispanic Youth
- Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families
Both the Concentration and Foundation program also require three terms of field study.
Internships
The online Master of Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University requires all social work students to complete field work. This is a core part of the Master of Social Work program with students placed in a professional setting where they are guided by a social work professional in order to gain practical experience. Foundation students must complete 450 hours over three terms while concentration students must complete 500 hours over three terms. Students who are already working in the social work field may meet the field work requirement at their place of employment with some conditions. Because the fieldwork component is designed to expand the student’s perspective, the work done must be in addition to and separate from existing responsibilities. Our Lady of the Lake University will not help students enrolled in the online program find an agency, but they will help set up the fieldwork component.
Contact
Name and/or Title: Rebecca Gomez, Ph.D., LCSW, Director of Worden School of Social Service and Assistant Professor of Social Work
Phone: 855-275-1082
Our Lady of the Lake University offers students several online programs that allow working adults to meet their higher education goals. Through flexible schedules, Our Lady of the Lake University continues its mission to provide excellence in education to those who wish to advance in a current career or move into a new career.