Louisiana · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near New Orleans, LA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
New Orleans, Louisiana (population 364,136) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city . 4 Louisiana programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Louisiana licensure.
Best MSW programs in New Orleans, LA
Accredited programs with a campus in New Orleans, LA, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In New Orleans, LA
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA, LA · CSWE-accredited since 1927 · Online or On-Campus
8.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Tulane University has held CSWE accreditation since 1927, 99 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New Orleans, LA). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In New Orleans, LA
Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA, LA · CSWE-accredited since 1985 · Online or On-Campus
7.2
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Southern University at New Orleans has held CSWE accreditation since 1985, 41 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New Orleans, LA). It records 3 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Healthcare; Mental Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Healthcare, Mental Health
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in New Orleans, LA
Louisiana-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which New Orleans, LA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulane University | 1927 | Yes | #55 |
| Louisiana State University and A&M College | 1940 | Yes | #75 |
| Southern University at New Orleans | 1985 | Yes | #100 |
| Louisiana Christian University | 2017 | Yes | #181 |
How much do social workers make in New Orleans, LA in 2026?
New Orleans, Louisiana sits within the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,070 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $78,480 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 400 | $65,710 | $52,290 – $81,950 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 140 | $59,150 | $30,100 – $77,490 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 340 | $59,940 | $38,390 – $79,890 |
| Social workers, all other | 190 | $78,480 | $48,110 – $111,090 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 530 | $86,290 | $54,380 – $135,390 |
How local pay compares
Healthcare social workers around New Orleans, LA earn a median of $65,710 versus $61,080 statewide in Louisiana and $69,060 nationally. That is at or above the Louisiana median.
Where do social workers work in New Orleans, LA in 2026?
New Orleans, Louisiana sits in Orleans Parish. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Metropolitan Human Services District
- Ochsner Health and LCMC Health (University Medical Center, Children’s Hospital New Orleans)
- NOLA Public Schools
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
- Tulane University and Southern University at New Orleans
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for New Orleans-Metairie, LA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in New Orleans, LA?
After an MSW from New Orleans, LA or anywhere, these are the Louisiana social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Social Worker (CSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Registered Social Worker (RSW) | Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Louisiana state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in New Orleans, LA?
How much do social workers earn in New Orleans, LA?
Can I earn an MSW online from New Orleans, LA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Louisiana?
MSW programs in other Louisiana cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Louisiana license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.