Advancing Research. Strengthening Communities.
a year in review
The School of Social Work addresses complex social challenges through research, advocacy, education, and community partnerships. From improving healthcare outcomes and supporting vulnerable populations to preparing future social workers and policy leaders, faculty and students are creating meaningful impact across Louisiana and beyond.
The Challenge
Louisiana's most vulnerable communities face complex social challenges with too few trained professionals to address them
From dementia care gaps in rural communities to justice system inequities, homelessness, and behavioral health crises, Louisiana consistently ranks among states with the highest need for social work services and the fewest resources to deliver them. Veterans, families, and individuals in crisis need more than programs; they need professionals equipped to meet them where they are.
The Solution
$5M federal dementia care initiative, 398,000+ internship hours, and students at the Louisiana State Capitol
A five-year, $5M federal grant led by Scott Wilks is expanding dementia care across rural Louisiana and Mississippi. MSW students are completing nearly 400,000 internship hours annually across 44 states. Students are engaging lawmakers at Social Work Day at the Capitol, translating education into advocacy and policy influence from day one of their careers.
Impact
Exponential growth in online reach, sponsored research, and student engagement
The numbers reflect a school with national reach.
398,250 internship hours, across 44 states and 29 Louisiana parishes
52% increase in sponsored program expenditures
66% online MSW enrollment growth
20% of LSU Online students are enrolled in the MSW program
SSW by the Numbers
Degrees & Programs
Degrees Conferred
59
Bachelor's Degrees
422
Master's Degrees
In-person and online
5
Doctoral Degrees
Areas of Study
3
Undergraduate Programs
4
Master's Programs
1
Master's Minor Program
1
Doctoral Program
407
Students Participated in Community Service Learning
20%
of LSU Online Students Enrolled
- in the MSW Program
44
Internship Placements in 44 States
- and 29 Louisiana Communities
52%
Increase in Sponsored Program Expenditures
398,250
Internship Hours Completed
- last year
2000
Expanding continuing education programs serving over 2,000 professionals statewide
research, discovery, & innovation
Dementia Care in Rural Communities
Faculty Secure $5 Million Federal Grant
Led by Scott Wilks, School of Social Work faculty are directing a five-year federal initiative to improve dementia care, strengthen workforce training, and expand support services for families across rural Louisiana and Mississippi.
Examining Justice and the Human Experience
Research Helps Bring Death Row Story to Print
Forensic social work researcher Cecile Guin and former School of Social Work student worker, Monique Morrison, helped bring decades of research and casework to life through Waiting to Die: One Man's Journey on Death Row. The project explores trauma, justice, and the social factors that shape individual lives and communities.
read about cecil's journey with feltus
Faculty & Student Excellence
Learning Advocacy Through Action
Students Engage with Policymakers at the Capitol
MSW students participated in Social Work Day at the Louisiana State Capitol, gaining firsthand experience in advocacy, public policy, and legislative processes while exploring how social workers influence change at the state level.
impact in louisiana
Preparing Future Social Work Leaders
Internships Create Impact Across the Nation
Through hundreds of thousands of internship hours completed annually, students gain real-world experience in healthcare, education, government, nonprofit, and community settings while making meaningful contributions to organizations and communities nationwide.
read more about our internships
Innovation in Social Work Education
Faculty Explore Emerging Technologies and New Approaches
School of Social Work faculty continue to advance the profession through scholarship, innovative teaching, and emerging areas of practice, including artificial intelligence, behavioral health, homelessness, and community-based interventions.
national & Global reach
