Earn Your Social Work Degree — 100% Online

Transform Your Career with a Faith-Based Education Built on Purpose

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CSWE Accredited

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Learn, Grow and Serve Your Community

Earn your social work degree online from a university that’s pioneered social work education since 1942 and helps you connect with one of the fastest-growing populations in the U.S.

Between 2008 and 2018, Latinos accounted for 52% of all U.S. population growth, which reached a record 59.9 million in 2018.1 As a result, the demand for professionals who can work effectively with this population has grown as well.

Our Lady of the Lake University is one of three schools in the nation that provides a focus on the Hispanic community in social work programs. You’ll graduate with a rich, unique understanding of the needs of children and families in this demographic, so you’re better prepared to serve them.

Start your educational journey at Our Lady of the Lake University where you’ll become part of a close-knit community that fosters your academic, spiritual, personal, and professional growth to prepare you for success and service. Become part of the next generation of leaders with a convenient online format that presents unique, hands-on learning experiences.

  • The first school of social work in Texas
  • 7,000 Graduates Serving Hispanic Communities Nationwide
  • Among “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report2
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Field placement assistance is available

Choose from Two Online Social Work Degree Programs

Turn your passion into skills and make a positive impact in your community with one of these CSWE-accredited online degree programs.

Prepare for the Master of Social Work.

Through your fieldwork practicum, you’ll gain real-world experience in social work settings and our field placement specialist will help you find a practicum location near you that suits your unique interests. You will also work directly with outstanding faculty who have decades of social work experience and are committed to your success, from day one to graduation and beyond.

Beyond preparing you for social work licensure,* the BSW curriculum allows you to pursue certificates in Violence Prevention and Intervention (VPI), Dismantling Oppression (DOC) and Administration and Leadership (ALC) at no additional cost. Each certificate allows you to choose electives to align with your professional aspirations. Work to address poverty, exploitation, and abuse at the local and systemic level.

Prepare to sit for the LSW exam.

Designed for those with or without academic and career experience as a social worker, the 100% online, CSWE-accredited MSW program builds your career in social service leadership and advanced direct practice. This Hispanic-focused curriculum focuses on social work across the life span, preparing you for social service leadership and advanced direct practice for a variety of clients, from young children to elderly adults.

The 30-hour Advanced Standing Program is for students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. The 57-credit Foundation MSW Program is for those with an undergraduate degree in another field.

“[Faculty] always stayed connected, either via phone video conferencing, email, or even text messages.”

– Rebecca Rebstock, Online Graduate

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Join a 125-year legacy from the comfort of home

Since 1895, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has provided students with the high-quality education and individual support they need to find success and transform their communities, families and professions. Today, our accredited online programs continue that tradition and serve ambitious students across Texas and more than 40 other states.

At OLLU, you’re well-supported from application to graduation. Your online experience utilizes the online platform Engage, where you’ll work side-by-side with professors who share real-world experience and wisdom. You’ll make meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds, a program manager will support you throughout your educational journey, and you’ll have 24/7 access to technical support.

Learn to Transform the Lives of Others

Engage in social work research in our foundation and advanced standing program courses. Build your social work competencies with convenient online seminars and close-to-home fieldwork experiences (field placement assistance is available). OLLU’s top-notch field practicum uses the framework established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and its Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Some of our faculty experts have won teaching awards, routinely present at national conferences, and have published in industry journals. They share their experiences with trauma-informed care, substance abuse, child welfare, and severe mental illness as well as their work with military clients, minority groups, LGBTQ, elderly, families, and other groups.­ You’ll gain hands-on, direct-practice experiences in a variety of settings guided by an experienced social worker.

Choose which online CSWE-accredited program is right for you. Whether you pursue a BSW or an MSW, you’ll find a curriculum that’s rich in content and designed to put you on the path toward becoming a skilled, compassionate professional. Our faculty of diverse social work leaders bring to each course a wealth of field experience.

Council on Social Work Education

Here are just a few of the courses offered:

SOWK 3311 Principles of Generalist Social Work Practice

Introduction to general social work practice with micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Emphasis on basic skill-building, the need for culturally sensitive practice, and theory-driven intervention.

SOWK 3321 Social Welfare Policy: Analysis and Practice

Study of social welfare policy, the processes that influence social policy, and on developing conceptual tools for social policy analysis.

SOWK 6328 Professional Writing for Social Work

Study and practice of academic-level and Social Work-specific writing methods and document design, with research applications and development of general and specialized writing skills included.

SOWK 7371 Psychopathology

Study of basic concepts related to the development and assessment of abnormal behavior. Content focuses on major mental disorders, the diagnostic/assessment process and its application in a variety of settings, the use of assessment tools such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

SOWK 7338 Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families

Critical analysis of theories and perspectives on Hispanic child and family development, functioning, and interaction in the social context.

SOWK 7366 Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs

Critical analysis of US social policies and social welfare programs utilizing theories of power and oppression to understand issues of human rights, and social and economic justice impacting Hispanic children and families.

Prepare to Make a Difference

Substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselor roles are expected to grow 25% from 2019 through 2029,3 medical and health services management roles are growing at a projected rate of 32% from 2019 to 2029,4 and social worker jobs are growing at a 13% (much faster than average) rate from 2019 through 2029.5 Work in direct service as a social worker or case manager, manage a team as a health care administrator or program manager, and help others in a profession that’s on the rise.

Top Careers for Social Workers

  1. School Social Worker
  2. Victim Service Advocate
  3. Crisis Intervention Specialist
  4. Case Manager
  5. Community Organizer
  6. Life Skills Counselor
  7. Mental Health Assistant

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Sources and Disclaimer

  1. “U.S. Hispanic population reached new high in 2018, but growth has slowed,” Pew Research Center. Retrieved on July 23, 2019, from https://www.pewresearch.org/.
  2. “Best Colleges Rankings – National Universities.” U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved on June 29, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/.
  3. “Substance Abuse, Behavior Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Occupational Outlook Handbook.” BLS. Retrieved on June 29, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  4. “Medical and Health Services Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook.” BLS. Retrieved on June 29, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/.
  5. “Social Workers. Occupational Outlook Handbook.” BLS. Retrieved on June 29, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/.

*Applicants seeking licensure are encouraged to review all applicable eligibility requirements related to the respective occupational license per the Texas occupations code HB 1508.