7 Top-Rated Advanced Standing MSW Programs: Texas Online & Campus Options
Want to earn $82,910 annually as a social worker in Texas? The job market shows a projected 7% employment growth through 2033, and an MSW advanced standing degree could be your best career path forward.
Texas offers 9 CSWE-accredited advanced standing MSW programs that fit both campus-based learners and online students. These accelerated programs help you complete your master’s in about half the time of traditional programs – just one year of full-time study. The options range from University of North Texas’s affordable campus program to East Texas A&M’s online program. You’ll find a program that matches your schedule and budget perfectly.
Here’s a closer look at Texas’s top 7 advanced standing MSW programs that will help you reach your career goals quickly.
University of Houston: Premier Online Advanced Standing MSW Program
Credits: 48
Modality: Online, on-campus or hybrid
The University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) offers a top-tier online advanced standing MSW program. The program has full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education since 1970. U.S. News and World Report ranked it #22 among the top 50 social work programs in 2020. Students get quality education with the flexibility they need.
Program Overview and Specializations
Students in the University of Houston’s online advanced standing MSW need 38 semester credit hours to graduate, unlike the traditional track that requires 63 hours. This fast-tracked option works best if you have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Students move through the program together as a group. This approach builds strong professional relationships and creates a better learning environment. The online format comes with clear deadlines to help students stay on track.
The program specializes in Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health. Here are the key courses:
- Transtheoretical Cognitive Behavioral Intervention
- Transtheoretical Brief Targeted Intervention
- Clinical Applications of DSM
- Clinical Electives
Students can pick from these four focus areas:
- Clinical Practice with Families
- Social Work Practice with Elders
- Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Social Work Practice with Groups
Students can shape their education through specialized electives like Social Work and the Law, Contemporary Issues in Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, and Grief and Bereavement.
Admission Requirements and Timeline
The advanced standing program needs applicants to:
- Have or be finishing a CSWE-accredited BSW degree
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) overall or in the last 60 hours of coursework
- Get 2-3 recommendations from professors, employers, or professional colleagues
- Write a personal statement about their interest in social work and commitment to justice
- Include a resume showing educational background, social service experience, and activities
- Pay $50 for domestic applications or $80 for international applications
The University offers application fee waivers to current or former volunteers/employees of Teach for America, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, City Year, and McNair Scholars.
Face-to-face applicants seeking early consideration should apply by January 1. Other face-to-face applicants have until February 1. Hybrid and online applicants must submit everything by March 1. Students should plan ahead since decisions take several weeks.
Field Education Experience
Field education is the heart of social work education. Advanced standing MSW students must complete 720 clock hours of practicum. Students get real-life experience to use classroom theory, build skills, and explore professional values.
The University partners with more than 200 social service agencies in Greater Houston and beyond. Online students work with the Practicum Education Office to find qualified agencies near them. Qualified social workers provide field instruction with support from the college’s clinical faculty.
The university looks for field placement sites that:
- Help vulnerable populations in line with social work values
- Give students a variety of learning opportunities matching social work goals
- Have MSW-level supervisors who can guide students weekly
- Offer assignments that build social work knowledge and skills
Career Outcomes for UH MSW Graduates
An MSW degree creates many career opportunities. The Council on Social Work Education reports that 71% of new MSW graduates get jobs requiring an MSW or social work license. About 92% work directly with individuals, families, or groups.
MSW graduates work in:
- Healthcare and medical settings
- Mental health and behavioral health facilities
- Substance abuse treatment centers
- Child welfare organizations
- School systems
- Community health centers
- Private practice
MSW graduates find jobs more easily than BSW holders. Only 15.3% of MSW job seekers report finding few or no local jobs, compared to 27% of BSW graduates.
The University of Houston prepares students through knowledge building and research. This makes its graduates ready to meet Texas’s growing need for qualified social workers.
Texas State University: Flexible Advanced Standing Options
Credits: 36
Modality: Online or on-campus
Texas State University’s MSW advanced standing program builds on a liberal arts foundation. The program shapes culturally responsive, advocacy-focused, ethical social workers who lead positive change. This nationally recognized online program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.
Advanced Practice Leadership Curriculum
Texas State’s Advanced Practice Leadership curriculum blends direct practice with administrative coursework to create ethical, effective social workers. This 36-credit hour program welcomes graduates from CSWE-accredited BSW programs who completed their degree in the past 10 years.
Students learn advanced specialized practice skills to work with people from a variety of backgrounds who receive public services. The program takes four semesters for full-time students and six semesters for part-time students. Classes run through fall, spring, and summer terms until graduation.
Students must finish all foundation coursework before moving to advanced courses. They need to complete all academic requirements before starting their final field courses. The School of Social Work lets students choose specialized electives in healthcare, diversity, international social work, gerontology, spirituality, adventure therapy, work with veterans, and other areas.
Online vs. Campus Experience
Texas State University gives students a choice between on-campus and online MSW programs. Both options use similar textbooks and curricula, taught by the same core faculty members.
Working professionals often choose the part-time program, which runs exclusively online. Success in the online program requires self-motivation, good organization, and regular computer access with reliable internet. The online version maintains the same quality standards as its campus counterpart.
The on-campus program runs only as a full-time option. This well-laid-out approach helps students complete their degree quickly while building strong connections with classmates and faculty.
Field Placement Support
The Office of Field Education manages all MSW foundation and advanced practice field internships. The program handles internship placements for students and discourages them from contacting partner agencies on their own.
Field placement preparation starts the semester before your practicum:
- Information sessions provide guidance on field education
- Applications for field placement are processed
- Pre-placement interviews are conducted
- Students are referred to agency interviews
- Each student gets a Field Advisor
MSW advanced track students complete 540 contact hours in field placement. Full-time students finish one block placement in about 15 weeks. Part-time students spread their field internships over two semesters.
The Office of Field Education partners with school districts, hospitals, mental health agencies, state and federal agencies, community organizations, shelters, nursing centers, correctional agencies, and hospice care facilities.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Student Business Services sets graduate tuition rates based on credit hours per semester. Most students can apply for financial aid or loans through Federal Student Aid.
The financial aid office distributes more than $370 million in aid and scholarships yearly. The university’s Bobcat Promise program helps make higher education accessible to all Texas children, whatever their family’s financial situation.
MSW students can apply for these scholarships:
- Dorothy Jean and Walter Richter Endowed Scholarship: Up to $340 (2 awards/year)
- Karen Brown Social Work Endowed Scholarship: Up to $200 (1 award/year)
- Terri O’Gara Murdock Endowed Scholarship: Up to $150 (1 award/year)
- Dr. Sally Jones Endowed Scholarship: Up to $110 (1 award/year)
The program also offers Title IV-E Child Welfare Partnership stipends for the final field semester. These stipends provide generous support if students agree to work in public child welfare after graduation.
Our Lady of the Lake University: Hispanic Children and Families Focus
Credits: 30
Modality: Online, on-campus or hybrid
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) stands out as one of the few schools in the country that offers an MSW advanced standing program focused on Services to Hispanic Children and Families. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to serve America’s fastest-growing demographic community.
Unique Specialization Benefits
OLLU’s program is one of only three MSW programs in the country that specifically focuses on serving the Hispanic community. Students learn to help Hispanic populations of all ages – from children and families to elderly adults.
The Hispanic population continues to grow faster than any other demographic in America. This makes the specialization valuable for social workers anywhere in the country. Social workers with this training have better job prospects because they know how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds.
The program explores deeply into Hispanic-focused subjects that you won’t find in other MSW advanced standing programs. Students learn about social context, policy effects, and proven interventions that work best for Hispanic communities.
Online MSW Advanced Standing Format
Students need 30 credit hours to complete this program – nowhere near the 57 hours needed for the foundation program. The program fits busy schedules with two options:
- Fast track: 12 months to finish
- Part-time: 20 months to graduate
Working professionals will find these courses convenient with:
- Evening hybrid classes that blend online and in-person learning
- Complete online options for flexibility
- Classes at San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley campuses
The advanced standing curriculum focuses on specialized courses:
- SOWK 6347: Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
- SOWK 7334: Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
- SOWK 7366: Hispanics in the U.S.: Policies and Programs
- SOWK 7321: Social Work Practice with Hispanic Families
- SOWK 7338: Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families
Admission Requirements
The advanced standing program has specific entry requirements:
- A Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- All application materials and supporting documents
We look for students who show dedication to helping diverse communities and have strong academic backgrounds in social work.
University of Texas at Arlington: Multi-Specialization Advanced Standing MSW
Credits: 38
Modality: Online or on-campus, full or part-time, evening classes available
Ranked 43rd among 319 programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) MSW advanced standing program sits among the top 13% of graduate social work programs. This CSWE-accredited program shines with its complete approach to specialized social work education and strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality.
Four Distinct Specialization Tracks
Students enjoy exceptional flexibility through UTA’s MSW advanced standing program’s specialization options. Direct Practice (Micro Social Work) students can pick from four unique specialty tracks:
- Direct Practice in Aging: Focuses on interventions specific to older adults
- Direct Practice with Children & Families: Prepares students to work with vulnerable youth populations
- Direct Practice in Health: Develops skills for medical social work settings
- Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Abuse: Concentrates on clinical skills for behavioral health
Students who prefer macro-level work can choose a fifth option — Community & Administrative Practice (Macro Social Work) Concentration. This track helps students become skilled at community needs assessment, program leadership, and policy advocacy.
Campus and Online Program Comparison
The 56-year-old MSW program at UTA added online options in 2010, building extensive experience in both delivery methods. The online program stands out with:
- A flexible asynchronous format that lets students complete coursework on their schedule
- Similar curriculum taught by the same renowned professors as in-person courses
- The freedom to complete coursework from any location with internet access
- A cohort-based system where students progress together throughout the program
Students pay the same affordable in-state tuition rates whatever their residency status. Most students complete the program in 12 months after meeting foundation requirements.
The campus-based options feature morning, afternoon, and evening classes that fit different schedules. UTA’s large School of Social Work offers multiple graduate course sections each semester, giving students more scheduling options.
Field Education Network
Field education is a key component of UTA’s MSW program. Advanced standing students must complete 480 hours of field placement, while traditional students need 960 hours across two placements. The Office of Practicum Education offers complete support by:
- Finding ideal agencies that match students’ career goals
- Making sure agencies meet strict requirements for appropriate staffing and hours
- Offering specialist support throughout the field experience
Students living more than an hour from campus can find their own UTA-affiliated agency or team up with the university to build new strategic collaborations with qualifying agencies. Field placements follow a well-laid-out timeline. Learning contracts come due about three weeks after starting, and mid-term evaluations happen roughly seven weeks later.
Application Process and Requirements
UTA’s MSW advanced standing program offers efficient admissions for qualified applicants. Qualification requirements include:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within six years of your planned start date
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher in about the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
Qualified applicants need only complete a two-step “quick admissions” process:
- Submit application and pay application fee
- Provide official transcripts from all institutions attended
The program doesn’t require GRE scores from any MSW applicants. International students who speak English as a second language must show satisfactory English proficiency test scores. They can submit TOEFL (minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based), IELTS (minimum 6.5), or Duolingo (minimum 100).
The core team reviews all applications to assess leadership ability, personal maturity, and motivation for human service. Some candidates might need to complete a personal interview.
Angelo State University: Most Affordable Online MSW Advanced Standing
Credits: 36
Modality: Online or on-campus, full or part-time
Angelo State University (ASU) offers one of Texas’s most economical online MSW advanced standing programs. Students get high-quality education at budget-friendly rates that help them become Licensed Master Social Workers or Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
Program Structure and Timeline
The advanced standing MSW program at ASU needs 36 credit hours whatever your educational background. Students can choose how they want to complete their degree:
- Full-time track: Get your degree in just one year with 500 field education hours during spring and summer semesters
- Part-time track: Take two years to finish with field work in your final year
Students pick from two concentration paths:
- Advanced Generalist Practice: Gets you ready for administrative leadership roles as Licensed Master Social Workers
- Clinical Practice: Builds your skills for therapeutic services needed to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Military Social Work Focus
Since 2011, ASU has shown its steadfast dedication to military service members through the NASW’s Joining Forces initiative. The university’s mutually beneficial alliances with military agencies let students apply their training credit toward degrees.
ASU also helps military spouses through the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship program. Eligible spouses can receive up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for professional credentials.
Tuition and Financial Support Options
ASU delivers great value. The costs run about 20% below other Texas Division I public universities and 70% less than Texas private universities. Here’s how the annual costs stack up against national averages:
| Student Type | ASU Annual Cost | National Average |
| In-state | $7,508.90 | $12,201.00 |
| Out-of-state | $14,888.90 | $29,084.00 |
Students at ASU often graduate without debt – 45% leave school debt-free. The university helps students through various financial aid options:
- ASU Distinguished Graduate Scholarships based on undergraduate GPA (no application required)
- Texas Public Education Grant for students who show financial need
- Graduate assistantships that cut costs by a lot
- Federal Direct Loans, College Access Loans, and Alternative Loans
Student Experience and Outcomes
Small classes and personal faculty attention make learning better at ASU. Licensed clinical social workers teach every class, bringing their real-life expertise to students.
The program meets strict Council on Social Work Education standards. Assessment data shows students excel in all nine competencies. To cite an instance, 89.5% of online Advanced Generalist students and 87% of online Clinical students hit standard competencies.
The program’s success shows in its 83% recommendation rate from graduates. Graduates find careers in case management, family social work, clinical settings, and various counseling roles.
Texas A&M University-Commerce: Rural Practice Advanced Standing Program
Credits: 33
Modality: Online
Texas A&M University-Commerce’s MSW advanced standing program specializes in rural practice through their advanced generalist practice model. Students learn to work in both rural and urban communities, which makes this program a great fit if you want to practice in different settings.
Advanced Generalist Curriculum
The Advanced Generalist Practice track needs only 33 credit hours, which is much less than the foundation track’s 57 hours. You’ll need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within six years of your predicted start date. Students learn critical thinking and evidence-based interventions at multiple system levels.
Core coursework has:
- Advanced practice with individuals, families, and groups
- Organizations, communities, and social policy
- Social work supervision and administration
- Clinical practice in mental health
Online Program Features
Since 2018, professionals can complete the MSW program entirely online. Students who live within 500 miles of the Commerce campus can join the online program. Full-time students finish the advanced standing track in just one year, while part-time students take about two years. The online program maintains the same high standards as on-campus learning.
Field Education in Rural Settings
Field education stands as the “signature pedagogy” in social work education. Advanced standing students must complete 500-600 clock hours of field education and attend a weekly field seminar. Students get field experiences in rural and urban settings where they apply classroom theory to real-life practice. Field Education helps students build the skills they need for effective intervention at all system levels.
Career Paths for Graduates
Graduates can become Licensed Master Social Workers in Texas. Social workers earn a median salary of $55,350, while social work managers make about $74,240 per year. Graduates work in:
- Private practice
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
- Social service agencies
The program’s focus on rural and urban practice helps graduates meet the needs of different communities through direct practice, advocacy, and leadership.
Baylor University: Faith-Based Advanced Standing MSW
Credits: 33
Modality: Online or on-campus
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work has a unique MSW advanced standing program that blends faith with professional practice. Students can complete this 30-credit-hour program in 9 consecutive months through an accelerated full-time track.
Clinical and Community Practice Options
Students can choose between two specialized paths:
- Clinical Practice: This path prepares students for direct client work in mental health settings, hospitals, and private practice. Students develop skills for counseling, mental health care, and team collaboration.
- Community Practice: This path gives you the tools for macro-level work with public and nonprofit organizations, communities, and religiously affiliated agencies. Students learn to develop human resource systems and create environmentally responsible physical and social environments.
Online Program Structure
The online program holds the same high standards as its campus-based counterpart. Students can complete the program in 4, 6, 8, or 10 terms with start dates in January, May, or August. Students must complete the generalist curriculum before starting specialization coursework. The program has two quality internships arranged within 75 miles of your community.
Faith Integration in Social Work Practice
Baylor stands out with its “10th competency” – ethical integration of religious faith with social work practice. This approach prepares students for work in congregations and faith-based organizations and provides a framework to respect various spiritual points of view. Students learn how their values shape practice decisions and honor their clients’ faith trips while keeping professional boundaries.
Admission Requirements and Application Timeline
A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required. The Fall 2025 cohort application deadlines are November 1st, February 1st, March 1st, and May 1st. Students receive notifications mid-month. International students must submit applications by February 1st.
Career Outcomes
Graduates build careers in clinical therapy, hospital social work, nonprofit leadership, and government positions. They join the nation’s largest group of mental health service providers – professional social workers.
Comparing Advanced Standing Programs in Texas
| University | Program Length/Credits | Delivery Format | Specializations/Focus Areas | Field Hours | Notable Features | Min. GPA |
| University of Houston | 38 credit hours | Online & Campus | Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health | 720 hours | Ranks #22 in U.S. News with 4 focus areas | 3.0 |
| Texas State University | 36 credit hours | Online & Campus | Advanced Practice Leadership | 540 hours | Complete in 4-6 semesters with flexible options | 3.0 |
| Our Lady of the Lake | 30 credit hours | Online & Hybrid | Hispanic Children and Families | 500 hours | Among 3 Hispanic-focused MSW programs in the nation | 3.0 |
| UT Arlington | 38 credit hours | Online & Campus | Direct Practice (4 tracks) & Community Practice | 480 hours | Ranks 43rd nationally with uniform online tuition | 3.0 |
| Angelo State | 36 credit hours | Online | Advanced Generalist or Clinical Practice | 500 hours | Budget-friendly program that welcomes military students | 3.0 |
| Texas A&M-Commerce | 33 credit hours | Online | Advanced Generalist with Rural Focus | 500-600 hours | Focuses on rural practice expertise | 3.0 |
| Baylor University | 30 credit hours | Online | Clinical Practice & Community Practice | 550 hours | Faith-based program completed in 9 months | 3.0 |
Get Your Advanced Standing MSW in Texas Starting Now
Texas MSW advanced standing programs are designed to match your career goals and priorities. These seven programs offer unique specializations. Our Lady of the Lake focuses on Hispanic families while Texas A&M-Commerce emphasizes rural practice.
The programs’ flexibility is a major advantage. Students can choose Baylor’s 9-month accelerated track or opt for part-time schedules at Texas State University. Field education requirements range from 480-720 hours and let students gain practical experience while they balance work and life.
CSWE-accredited programs help you develop specialized skills that lead to many career paths. You can work in clinical practice, healthcare settings, community organizations, or private practice. The programs maintain high standards for both online and campus-based learning. Quality education is assured whatever the delivery format.
Your BSW degree helps you fast-track your path to becoming a licensed master social worker. Advanced standing programs save time and money compared to traditional MSW paths. Tuition costs vary from Angelo State’s budget-friendly rates to larger institutions’ complete offerings. You can make a real difference in roles that pay competitive salaries, with Texas professionals earning $82,910 on average each year.