Tulane School of Social Work

Agents of Change Choose Tulane

Showing Up for Your Community Starts at Tulane

As the first institution in the South dedicated to training social workers, Tulane School of Social Work brings over 100 years of innovation and impact in New Orleans and across the U.S. We remain committed to doing work that matters — and we can’t do that work without you. 

As a student in our programs, you’ll embody the “work” in social work, applying the skills you learn to address social challenges proactively. Our programs prepare you to make an impact with individuals, communities, or at the policy level. Wherever you find your purpose, join us to take on the challenges that matter to you.

  • 28

    Nationally Recognized for Social Work

    Tulane School of Social Work is ranked #28 in the Best Schools for Social Work (2025) according to U.S. News & World Report.

  • R1

    Learn From Top Researchers

    Tulane is the only private R1 research university in the Gulf South and a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

  • CSWE

    Academic Excellence in Social Work

    Tulane School of Social Work is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE); one of the first DSW programs in the country to earn this accreditation.

Our Programs

Tulane School of Social Work offers a variety of master’s programs as well as a doctorate program, teaching you applicable skills at all levels of social work. You’ll graduate with the potential to transform lives through the compassion you bring to your work and the knowledge you’ll gain through our nationally recognized programs.

Two students in classroom looking down at books on their desk.
Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program integrates clinical and community-based practices so you can get the hands-on experience to help communities heal and grow. Complete in as few as 16 months or extend completion across two and a half years.

Available online and on-campus.

View the on-campus Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

Students outdoors working in growing garden.
Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership (MS-DRL)

The MS-DRL is the only program of its kind in the U.S., teaching strategies to support disaster recovery from resilience experts who are deeply embedded in the local community. Complete the program in as few as 12 months or extend completion over two years.

Available online and on-campus.

View the on-campus Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership (MS-DRL) program.

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MSW/MS in Disaster Resilience Leadership

The MSW/MS in Disaster Resilience Leadership is a dual-degree option that prepares students for critical roles through interdisciplinary training in social work and disaster resilience. Complete full-time in as few as five semesters or extend completion over eight semesters. 

Available online and on-campus.

View the MSW/MS in Disaster Resilience Leadership on-campus program.

Pensive student in classroom looking intently forward.
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

The DSW program prepares you to empower individuals, families, and communities through leadership, teaching you the skills you need to design, evaluate, and implement policies and programs that drive social change. Complete in 30 months, with synchronous meetings one weekend a month. 

Available online and on-campus.

View the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) on-campus program.

"Developing empathy and knowing what trauma is and how people experience it helps to address what they need. You don’t just think about a flooded home. You think of that person losing the place where they grew up, raised their kids, and celebrated with friends and family. When you do that, you can help them rebuild in a thoughtful way."

— Mark Rogers, II, LMSW, MS Deputy Director of Program Design & Evaluation at Team Rubicon
Three sitting students with an instructor standing behind them

Extending the Heart of New Orleans

Our online programs draw inspiration from Tulane’s rich cultural and intellectual environment, fostering a unique educational experience that extends New Orleans’ spirit of resilience, courage, innovation, audacity, and creativity to the global community.

What's Happening at Tulane

A man and woman sitting in chairs facing each other and talking.
Social Work
Social workers help individuals navigate life challenges. A Bachelor of Social Work is the minimum requirement, but a master's degree offers more opportunities. Common specializations include community, child/family/school, mental health/substance abuse, military/veteran affairs, and administration.
Young woman smiling while looking at laptop.
Social Work
Tulane University's online MSW program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This approval signifies the program meets professional standards, preparing graduates for social work careers.
A team of nonprofit professionals meet in a conference room for a casual team meeting.
Social Work
Nonprofits aim for social good, not profit, and require adept management for operations, fundraising, and community impact. Careers in this field offer purpose-driven work and leadership opportunities. An advanced social work degree, like a DSW, can prepare individuals for management roles.
A young family boxing up groceries in a park setting.
Social Work
Allyship is actively using privilege to advocate for marginalized groups. It involves self-examination, education, and taking action to combat discrimination and promote social justice, especially vital in social work.
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