There are many benefits to living in Louisiana, not the least of which are its amazing food and eclectic range of cultures. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are 4.6 million people living in Louisiana, resulting in a high population density of 104.9 people per square mile.
There are two aspects of Louisiana’s makeup that make it an interesting place for you as a social work student. First, a higher than average percentage of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty, over time, can cause constant stress and anxiety that can affect your patients. Secondly, over 30% of the population in Louisiana is African-American. Working with minority groups requires culturally sensitive care.
Tuition and Curriculum Information for MSW Programs in Louisiana
As you contemplate which Louisiana school is right for you, you should know that there are six schools in the state that offer MSW degrees. These schools have an average acceptance rate of 46%, so the admissions process can be fairly demanding. The average cost of tuition Louisiana is $12,377. However, the average scholarship award of $6845 is more than half of the average tuition cost.
Curriculum
Each MSW program begins with a broad foundation that covers the ethics of social work, basic treatment methods and techniques, and an overview of social policies that effect how you will work. In the second half of your first year or your second year, you may have to choose a concentration. For example, the Southern University at New Orleans allows you to focus on one of two fields: Health & Mental Health or Children, Youth, and Families. After you begin work in your concentration area, you’ll take specific elective courses that delve into your particular field.
Clinical Hours
Over the course of your two-year program, you can look forward to completing about 1000 clinical hours. These are evenly spread throughout the duration of your program so your field site supervisor can assess your progress every semester. Once you have declared a concentration, you may complete most of your clinical hours in that area.
MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Louisiana
There are many different social work employers in Louisiana. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that social workers may work in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health clinics, and correctional facilities. However, most social workers work for government agencies or healthcare organizations.
Some of the largest social work employers in Louisiana include Humana, LHC Group, Ochsner Health System, CHRISTUS Health, and Phoenix Family Life Centers.
If you want to work independently, you can look into opening a private clinic. You’ll have to complete two years of post-MSW experience to reach this level of certification, but then you can set up private practice wherever you want.
Social Worker Salary in Louisiana
Social worker salaries vary significantly in Louisiana, but in general, you can expect to earn between $24,100 and $68,100 per year (O*Net, 2012). Healthcare social workers, with an average salary of $44,200 per year, are the highest paid social workers in Louisiana (O*Net, 2012). Family social workers and mental health social workers earn an average of $44,400 and $38,900 per year, respectively (O*Net, 2012).
Social Worker Job Outlook in Louisiana
This is a great time to become a social worker, since the job outlook through 2020 is excellent. Overall, healthcare social workers are in highest demand, with anticipated job growth of 28% (O*Net, 2012). Mental health social workers, with expected job growth of 19%, are also in high demand in Louisiana (O*Net, 2012). Child and family social workers can look forward to average job growth of 8% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012).
Social Work Licensure in Louisiana
As a social worker, your work and licensure is governed by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. The first step is gaining RSW (Registered Social Worker) licensure. Once you graduate, you can apply to take the licensing exam. Once you pass this exam, you can officially work as a Registered Social Worker.
To become an LCSW and be eligible for private practice, you need to complete 5,760 hours of work experience as an RSW. After submitting documentation of hours completed and passing the advanced clinical exam, you can achieve the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Masters in Social Work Degree Programs in Louisiana
Grambling State University
(Grambling, LA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,932 Tuition Cost
- $3,559 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
(Baton Rouge, LA)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,193 Tuition Cost
- $3,694 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Rural Campus Setting
Louisiana Tech University
(Ruston, LA)
- Masters in Community and Social Psychology
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- $4,777 Tuition Cost
- $4,046 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Southern University and A & M College
(Baton Rouge, LA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,812 Tuition Cost
- $3,242 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Southern University at New Orleans
(New Orleans, LA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,073 Tuition Cost
- $1,998 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Tulane University of Louisiana
(New Orleans, LA)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $41,500 Tuition Cost
- $24,529 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting