What is Social Work?

Social work isn't just a job — it’s a calling to help people, families, and communities overcome challenges and build better lives. When you major in social work, you'll be prepared to provide resources and guidance to others in the fields of healthcare, criminal justice, policy, education, and more. With expert faculty, real-world internships, and hands-on research, you’ll graduate ready to serve, support, and lead in Louisiana and beyond.

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Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
Undergraduate Research You'll work with expert faculty members on real-world research projects addressing the most pressing social challenges in Louisiana and beyond.
Residential College Live and learn with your peers in Cypress Hall, a smaller network within the larger campus. Some classes are available on-site, as well as academic advising, study groups, and professional networking events.
Extensive Field Experience Complete 450 hours of field internship experience in community agencies to gain hands-on skills helping those in need — including individuals, families, and community groups.
Accelerated Master’s Track Our program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, earning you one year of credit in a Master of Social Work program, accelerating your grad school path.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Healthcare Social Worker
Social Policymaker/Advocate
Family Social Worker
Military Social Worker
Criminal Justice Social Worker
Community Agency Social Worker

Workplace Settings

Individual & Family Services
State & Local Government
Universities & Schools
Educational Services
Community Food & Housing Services
Emergency & Other Relief Services
Rehabilitation Services

$60,000
Average alumni Social Work salary 5 years after graduation

What Social Work Looks like

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DeKeitra Griffin Attends HIV Symposium at the White House
Building Skills
Effective Communication Strengthen verbal and written communication skills for advocacy and client interaction.
Critical Thinking & Implementation Use research-based methods to assess needs and deliver effective support.
Research & Analytics Build investigative research and evaluation skills to address complex social issues.
Real Experience & Application Apply principles with real clients through supervised fieldwork in community agencies.

Related Majors

Child & Family Studies
Criminology
Psychology
Sociology
Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
MSW – Master of Social WorkMpH – Master of Public HealthPhD – Social WorkDSW- Doctorate of Social WorkJD – Juris Doctor
Apply Today!