7 Best Dual Degree Social Work Programs in Texas (2025 Guide)
Texas faces a severe shortage of social workers. The state has only about 9,000 licensed social workers to serve more than 30.5 million people.
Social work stands as the ninth most popular college major across the country. The field expects a 9% job growth by 2031. A career in social work could be your path to a rewarding future. Texas social workers earn $60,641 on average, and experienced professionals can make up to $71,134 each year. On top of that, Texas MSW programs give students amazing flexibility through dual degrees. The University of Houston’s five dual-degree options and UT Arlington’s adaptable program structure with its 81% acceptance rate stand out among the choices.
The right program choice can shape your future. UT Austin proves this with its impressive 95% retention rate for full-time social work students. Let’s look at the nine best dual degree social work programs Texas will have in 2025.
University of Texas at Austin
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the most popular social work programs in Texas. This institution shapes future social workers through strong academic standards and rich professional opportunities.
Degrees offered
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) degree at UT Austin needs 60 semester hours of coursework and 960 clock-hours of supervised field internship. Students can choose between two concentrations: Clinical Social Work and Administration and Policy Practice. The Clinical concentration gives you the skills needed for ethical, evidence-based practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. The Administration concentration helps students become experts in human service organizations, including federal, state, and community-based agencies.
Students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited institution can complete a shorter 42-48 hour program in just one year.
Dual degree options
UT Austin has created one of the largest dual MSW programs in Texas. The school partners with several institutions to create these integrated educational paths:
- MSSW/MBA with McCombs School of Business
- MSSW/JD with UT Austin School of Law
- MSSW/MPH with UT Health Houston School of Public Health
- MSSW/MDiv with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
- MSSW/MPAff with LBJ School of Public Affairs
- MSSW/MA with Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies
To cite an instance, see the dual JD/MSSW program that takes four years instead of five when done separately. The MPAff/MSSW program takes about three academic years to complete.
Program highlights
UT Austin’s MSSW program creates professionals who use advanced knowledge in Clinical Social Work or Administration and Policy Practice. Graduates learn to ask critical questions and apply social justice strategies that address inequities in different contexts.
Students can choose from full-time, extended, and part-time schedules. Most full-time students finish in two years, while extended programs take two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years. Evening classes are available for required courses, but students cannot complete the degree through night classes alone.
Tuition & affordability
The MSSW program’s tuition costs $20,624, making it more affordable among Texas’s master’s in social work programs. Students should plan for extra costs like accommodation, meals, books, and other expenses, with living costs estimated at $6,939.
The university helps students through the Steve Hicks School’s Student Support Fund, Professional Development Assistance Fund, and Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Scholarships depend on academic achievement, professional potential, and financial need.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits UT Austin’s MSSW Program, which confirms its high professional standards.
Best for:
UT Austin works especially well when you want interdisciplinary education through dual degrees. The JD/MSSW program creates graduates ready for complex legal and social service environments. The MPAff/MSSW dual degree prepares students to design and manage human service systems while building careers in social policy analysis.
The university excels at preparing students for specialized clinical practice or leadership roles in social service organizations’ administration and policy development.
University of Houston
The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston is 56 years old, created by the Texas Legislature in 1967. It has grown into one of Texas’s most versatile social work programs. The institution received full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education in 1970 and has prepared thousands of professionals who tackle complex social challenges with evidence-based approaches.
Degrees offered
The University of Houston’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree comes with two program options:
- Full Program: Students with non-BSW backgrounds need 51 semester credit hours
- Advanced Standing: BSW holders need 34 semester credit hours
Students can choose from three enrollment models: Face-to-Face, Hybrid, and Online. Students complete 15 credit hours of foundation curriculum before choosing either Clinical Practice or Macro Practice concentration.
Dual degree options
The University of Houston stands out among Texas social work programs by offering five detailed dual degree options:
- MSW/JD with UH Law Center: Students need 114 semester credit hours (103 for Advanced Standing students) and can graduate in four years (three years for Advanced Standing)
- MSW/MBA with Bauer College of Business: Students complete 75 semester credit hours (64 for Advanced Standing students) in 3-4 years
- MSW/MPH with UT Health Science Center: Students need 72 semester credit hours (61 for Advanced Standing) and graduate in 3-4 years
- MSW/MPP with Hobby School of Public Affairs: Students complete 69 semester credit hours (58 for Advanced Standing) in 3-4 years
- MSW/PhD: Research-focused students need 92 semester credit hours (81 for Advanced Standing)
Program highlights
Online students learn in cohorts that promote supportive relationships and build professional networks after graduation. Small class sizes let students interact more with professors while firm deadlines help them stay on track.
Students in Clinical Practice concentration can specialize in four areas: Clinical Practice with Families, Social Work Practice with Elders, Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents, and Social Work Practice with Groups. The University of Houston also offers rare legislative internship opportunities.
The program cut required credit hours in 2023, saving students $1,900 to $12,800 in tuition. Students now study trauma across the lifespan, which opens up more career opportunities after graduation.
Tuition & affordability
Graduate social work students at the University of Houston pay these rates:
| Student Type | Cost per Semester Credit Hour |
| Resident | $474.76/SCH |
| Non-Resident | $984.76/SCH |
City Year AmeriCorps members, alumni, and staff can get a minimum 25% tuition scholarship that renews for up to two years.
Accreditation status
The University of Houston’s MSW program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1970.
Best for:
Students wanting interdisciplinary education through dual degrees will find great opportunities here. The MSW/JD program prepares graduates to work where law meets social work – in public services, health and mental health care systems, and family services.
The program works well for students interested in political social work, thanks to its unique legislative internships. Students with specific career goals will benefit from the Clinical Practice concentration’s four specialized tracks.
The cohort model makes this program perfect for online students who want flexibility but need structure and peer support.
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University’s social work program blends hands-on education with ethical leadership development. Students learn to tackle social problems and support change in different settings.
Degrees offered
TCU’s Department of Social Work offers both a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW). The MSW program shapes advanced generalist social workers who can lead positions that promote human rights and social justice. Your background determines the program structure:
- Traditional MSW: You’ll complete 60 credit hours (42 hours coursework, 18 hours internships) in two years if you have non-BSW degrees
- Advanced Standing MSW: BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can finish 30 credit hours in nine months
Dual degree options
TCU stands out with its Brite Divinity School partnership, offering three dual MSW degrees:
- MSW-MATM (Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry): This program combines theological learning with practical training. You can work in teaching, business, and non-profit organizations
- MSW-MTS (Master of Theological Studies): The program offers critical and constructive theological reflection. It builds foundations for advanced studies or personal faith growth
- MSW-MDiv (Master of Divinity): Students become ready for ministry in different contexts. This degree is usually required for those seeking ordination
Students should apply for dual degree status before completing 21 hours in either program. Advanced Standing MSW students must declare when they apply.
Program highlights
TCU’s MSW program creates highly competent, ethical, and culturally-responsive advanced generalist social workers. The program offers:
- Focus areas in health and mental health, or children and families
- Real-world experience through field education and seminars
- Up to four asynchronous online courses during the concentration year
- Ways to build international awareness and cross-cultural understanding
- Women & Gender Studies and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies certificates
Professors use a teacher-scholar approach. They conduct research and bring students into field studies across the United States.
Tuition & affordability
Graduate tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year costs $2,210 per credit hour. The total tuition costs are:
| Program Type | Total Credits | Approximate Total Cost |
| Traditional MSW | 60 | $132,600 |
| Advanced Standing | 30 | $66,300 |
About 75% of students get financial aid. Each semester has a $24 student activity fee if you take 9 or more hours.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits TCU’s social work program. This ensures it meets professional standards in social work education.
Best for:
TCU works great if you want to mix social work with religious studies. This applies especially to areas like Black church studies, biblical studies, military chaplaincy, pastoral care, or sexual and gender justice. The program suits students who value:
- Learning with other disciplines
- Growing as leaders in social change
- Taking ethical approaches to social problems
- Understanding global views in social work
TCU graduates become leaders in social work who partner with diverse groups to improve communities.
Baylor University
The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University stands out among Texas social work programs. Their unique approach centers on service, justice, and dignity in social work education.
Degrees offered
Students can earn their Master of Social Work (MSW) through two program options:
- A 30-credit hour Advanced Standing program lets BSW holders complete their degree in 12 months
- A 58-credit hour Standard program takes about two years to complete
Students select one of two specialized paths:
- Clinical Practice – Students learn advanced social work skills for clinical and mental health settings while working with teams across disciplines
- Community Practice – Students gain expertise to work with public/nonprofit organizations, communities, congregations, and religious agencies
Dual degree options
The Garland School collaborates with other Baylor institutions to provide three unique dual degrees:
- Div./MSW – This degree suits students who want careers in congregations, religious organizations, and faith communities. It provides strong preparation for church leadership roles where an M.Div. requirement exists
- T.S./MSW – Students develop expertise in Christian scriptures, theology, global missions, and Baptist identity while learning advanced social work practices for religious settings
- MSW/MBA – Students learn business fundamentals needed to run non-profits or create innovative human resource strategies in organizations
Program highlights
Students benefit from an innovative curriculum that blends coursework, practical internships, and social justice principles. This prepares them for practice settings of all types. Key features include:
- Collaborative learning environments
- Values-based approach to social work
- Healing and restoration principles
- Ethical professional development
The curriculum builds on human dignity, hope, justice, and caring to create meaningful change in lives and communities.
Tuition & affordability
Residential MSW students pay $875 per credit hour. Program costs differ by track:
| Program Type | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| MSW-Standard | 58 | $50,750 |
| MSW-Advanced Standing | 30 | $26,250 |
The Garland School helps make graduate education affordable through clear cost information and diverse financial aid options.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits both Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs at Baylor University. This ensures they meet professional standards.
Best for:
Baylor serves students who want:
- Faith-integrated social work education
- Dual degrees combining social work with theological or business studies
- Clinical specialization for mental health settings
- Community practice preparation for organizational leadership
- Ethical approaches based on human dignity and social justice
Graduates can pursue licensure as Licensed Master Social Workers or Licensed Clinical Social Workers. They develop skills to tackle complex social challenges through service and restoration.
Texas Tech University
Founded in 1967, Texas Tech University’s social work program has evolved from 24 students and 3 courses into a respected institution within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. The program gives students a detailed education that focuses on health and well-being.
Degrees offered
Texas Tech provides both undergraduate and graduate social work education:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Prepares students for entry-level social work positions
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Employs an advanced generalist approach with emphasis on health and well-being
The MSW program offers different tracks based on your educational background:
- Advanced Standing: Recent BSW graduates can complete this track in one calendar year starting in summer
- Standard Admission: Students with degrees in other fields can complete this track in two years starting in fall
- Part-time options: Both admission types can choose this flexible schedule
Dual degree options
Students can combine social work with other disciplines at TTU:
- MD/MPH: Blends medical education with public health principles for healthcare professionals
- PharmD/MPH: Combines pharmaceutical care with public health knowledge
Students must apply separately to each program. Early planning helps ensure successful program integration.
Program highlights
The MSW program shapes advanced generalist social workers who make an impact through professional practice and civic participation. Key features include:
- Online and hybrid options for flexibility
- Small class sizes for individual attention
- Field placements in approved social service agencies
- Training for roles like supporter, advisor, mediator, and supervisor
Tuition & affordability
The 2024-2025 academic year estimated graduate program costs are:
| Student Type | Tuition & Fees | Living Expenses | Insurance | Total |
| Texas Resident | $8,990 | $14,534 | $3,246 | $25,920 |
| Non-Resident | $16,370 | $14,534 | $3,246 | $33,264 |
TTU employees might qualify for tuition assistance and pay only $150 for one course per semester.
Accreditation status
The university’s undergraduate and graduate social work programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The BSW program has managed to keep accreditation since 1978, while the MSW program earned its original accreditation in 2018.
Best for:
TTU’s program suits students looking for:
- Online education with strong community connections
- Advanced generalist training applicable in a variety of settings
- Preparation for ASWB exams and professional licensure
- Field experience while staying in their current location
University of Texas at Arlington
The School of Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington stands among the top 20% of CSWE-accredited programs nationwide. The school has earned recognition for its academic quality and affordability.
Degrees offered
Students can choose from these social work degrees at UTA:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): This program ranks as one of the most affordable bachelor programs. Its courses align with those in the nationally ranked Master’s program
- Master of Social Work (MSW): Students can pursue either the traditional (61 credit hours) or Advanced Standing format (38 credit hours) if they qualify as BSW graduates
Dual degree options
Students benefit from ten detailed dual degree options at UTA. These programs let students apply 6-18 joint semester hours toward both degrees:
- MSW/MBA (Business Administration)
- MSW/MA in Sociology
- MSW/MA in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- MSW/MPA (Public Administration)
- MSW/MEd with Special Education Emphasis
- MSW/MEd with Higher Education Emphasis
- MSW/MPH (Public Health)
- MSW/MHA (Healthcare Administration)
Program highlights
The program expresses its flexibility through:
- Full-time and part-time options
- On-campus and 100% online formats
- Five specialty areas: Aging, Health, Community and Administrative Practice, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, and Children and Families
- Advanced Standing full-time students complete their degree in just 12 months
Tuition & affordability
Students pay different tuition rates based on their residency:
- 9 credits cost $5,311 for residents and $12,557 for non-residents
- International students pay approximately $46,954 for the total program
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits both BSW and MSW programs.
Best for:
UTA serves students who want:
- Military-friendly education (ranked #5 nationally for veteran friendliness)
- Online learning with geographic flexibility
- Specialized training in clinical or macro practice
- Faster degree completion through Advanced Standing
- Interdisciplinary education through dual degrees
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV is the only social work institution south of San Antonio that offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The university plays a vital role in meeting the border region’s needs.
Degrees offered
Students can pursue their Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) either on campus or online at UTRGV. The program comes in two formats:
- 33-hour programs for BSW graduates (Advanced Standing)
- 63-hour programs for non-BSW students
Students can specialize in these areas:
- Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups
- Administration and Community Practice
Students can complete either concentration traditionally in person or fully online.
Dual degree options
UTRGV will launch a new MSSW/MPH dual degree program in Spring 2025. Full-time students can complete this innovative program in 2-3 years. Graduates will learn to tackle complex social and health issues by:
- Blending social work’s individual care focus with public health’s community approach
- Bringing together shared practices like advocacy, education, and working with stakeholders
- Learning ways to prevent health problems
Program highlights
The program takes an all-encompassing approach to multicultural awareness with a bi-national viewpoint, focusing on Latino communities. Students benefit from:
- Classes available in Edinburg, Brownsville, and Laredo
- Quick-paced online options with 7-week terms
- Research and theoretical framework focus
- Preparation for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials after graduation
Tuition & affordability
UTRGV ranks among Texas’s most budget-friendly social work programs, with yearly in-state tuition at $6,948. The UTRGV Graduate Select Scholarship provides up to $1,000 to qualified students.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the MSSW program. This accreditation ensures graduates can meet professional standards to practice and get licensed.
Best for:
UTRGV shines as the right choice if you want:
- Training to work with Latino communities
- Cost-effective graduate education
- Online learning flexibility
- Experience in the border region
- Combined social work and public health expertise through the dual degree
Graduates find success in various roles including child welfare, forensic social work, medical settings, and community services management.
Comparison Table
| University | Degree Options | Dual Degree Programs | Traditional Program Length | Advanced Standing Length | Tuition (Resident) | Notable Specializations |
| UT Austin | MSSW | 6 (MBA, JD, MPH, MDiv, MPAff, MA) | 60 credit hours | 42-48 credit hours | $20,624 | Clinical Social Work; Administration and Policy Practice |
| U. of Houston | MSW | 5 (JD, MBA, MPH, MPP, PhD) | 51 credit hours | 34 credit hours | $474.76/credit | Clinical Practice; Macro Practice |
| Texas Christian U. | MSW | 3 (MATM, MTS, MDiv) | 60 credit hours | 30 credit hours | $2,210/credit | Health & Mental Health; Children & Families |
| Baylor | MSW | 3 (MDiv, MTS, MBA) | 58 credit hours | 30 credit hours | $875/credit | Clinical Practice; Community Practice |
| Texas Tech | MSW | 2 (MD/MPH, PharmD/MPH) | Not mentioned | One year | $8,990/year | Advanced Generalist with Health focus |
| UT Arlington | BSW, MSW | 8 (MBA, MA, MPA, MEd, MPH, MHA) | 61 credit hours | 38 credit hours | $5,311/9 credits | Aging; Health; Community Practice; Mental Health; Children & Families |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | MSSW | 1 (MPH) | 63 credit hours | 33 credit hours | $6,948/year | Direct Practice with Latino Communities; Administration and Community Practice |
Find a Dual Degree in Texas Today
Texas finds itself at a turning point in social work education. The state’s dual degree programs give future social workers amazing chances to blend their desire to help others with related fields. Each university brings something special – UT Austin shines with six dual degree choices while UTRGV focuses on Latino communities and border areas.
Your career goals, budget and location will shape your educational journey. BSW graduates can take advantage of Advanced Standing programs that speed up their path. Traditional programs welcome people switching careers who want to join this fulfilling field. Dual degrees that combine social work with law, business, public health, and divinity create adaptable professionals who can tackle complex social issues from different angles.
Program costs show big differences between schools. The University of Houston charges about $474 per credit hour while Texas Christian University’s rate is $2,210. In spite of that, many programs help students manage costs through financial aid.
The lack of licensed social workers in Texas shows how valuable these programs are to communities across the state. Job growth looks strong at 9% through 2031 and salaries average over $60,000 per year. Graduates from these accredited programs can make real changes throughout Texas. Their mix of focused training, knowledge from different fields, and hands-on experience creates professionals who serve diverse communities well and drive positive change at both personal and system levels.