The LSU School of Social Work offers off-campus courses in a part-time format for students in outlying areas of the state. Students must meet admission requirements for admission to the distance education programs. Courses are taught using a combination of compressed video, Web-based instruction, and limited on-site, face-to-face instruction.

1) Advanced-Year Distance Education Program

This two-year, part-time distance education program is designed for students who meet the requirements for the Advanced Standing program. Currently, the school offers advanced year courses at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and the Learning Center for Rapides Parish in Alexandria. Students will enroll in two courses per week for two years. Students will be required to travel to the main campus for seminars and other meetings. Admission to this program is every four years. The next admission date is Fall 2011 and the admission deadline is March 31, 2011.

The advanced internship can be completed in either a double block placement of 40 hours per week for 12 weeks or several days per week over two semesters. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to complete all of the internship clock-hours during nights, weekends, or holidays. Students must complete at least 50 percent of their internship during normal working hours of the agency. No academic credit is granted for work or life experiences.

Advanced-Year Distance Education Course Sequence

First Year-Fall Semester
SW 7505 - Advanced Direct Practice
SW 7506 - Community & Agency Contexts for Direct Practice

First Year-Spring Semester
SW 7504 - Advanced Social Policy
One elective course

Second Year-Fall Semester
SW 7501 - Program & Practice Evaluation
One elective course

Second Year-Spring Semester
Two elective courses

Second Year-Summer Semester
SW 7502 & SW7503 - Advanced Internships
(block internship)

No academic credit is granted for work or life experience.

Internship hours are five days per week for 12 weeks; Internship can be started earlier if block placement is not feasible.

2) Part-time Distance Education Program

This two-year, part-time distance education program is designed for students who do not have a bachelor's degree in social work or whose bachelor's degree in social work is more than five years old. Courses will be held in the Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Natchitoches areas. After completing the foundation courses, students will begin the advanced phase of the MSW program on the Baton Rouge campus or continue in the distance if resources are available. The advanced year can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

Admission to the part-time program is every four years. The admission deadline for the Fall 2013 class is March 31, 2013.

The part-time program has four internships that must be completed - two foundation and two advanced. Internships can be completed in either a double block placement of 40 hours per week for 12 weeks or several days per week over two semesters. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to complete all of the internship clock-hours during nights, weekends, or holidays. Students must complete at least 50 percent of their internship during normal working hours of the agency. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to begin advanced concentration courses until all foundation courses, including field internships are completed. No academic credit is granted for work or life experiences.

Part Time Distance Education Course Sequence

First Year-Fall Semester
SW 7001 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment I SW 7003 - Social Work History & Policy

First Year-Spring Semester
SW 7002 - Human Behavior and the Social Environment II SW 7004 - Human Diversity and Oppression

Second Year-Fall Semester
SW 7005 - Social Work Practice I
SW 7009 - Social Work Research

Second Year-Spring Semester
SW 7010 - Differential Diagnosis
SW 7006 - Social Work Practice II

Second Year-Summer Semester
SW 7007 & SW 7008 - Foundation Internships (Double block internship)

Third Year-Fall Semester-Baton Rouge Campus Advanced-year courses - either full-time or part-time - on the Baton Rouge campus. See the full - time or part-time section above for advanced year course sequencing.