7 Easiest MSW Programs to Get Into in Texas: No GRE Required

Looking into easy-to-enter MSW programs could be your best career decision yet. Social workers with MSW degrees earn between $58,380 to $94,910 per year, based on their experience and specialization. The social work field shows promising growth, with a 7% increase expected through 2033—outpacing most other occupations.

Texas schools offer several online MSW programs that don’t require GRE scores, which helps speed up your career path. Students with a BSW can complete their advanced-standing MSW within 12 months, while others can finish in 27 months. These Texas MSW programs are budget-friendly too, with resident tuition costs ranging from $382 to $1,000 per credit. Seven Texas schools provide straightforward paths to join the expanding social work field, making it easier for you to start your professional journey quickly.

Baylor University

Baylor University ranks as one of the best MSW programs in Texas that doesn’t require GRE scores. The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor ranks 3rd best in Texas and 49th nationwide. This makes it an excellent starting point for your social work career.

Overview

Baylor’s Master of Social Work program combines shared coursework, meaningful internships, and social justice curriculum that prepares you for social work fields of all types. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Your degree will meet national professional standards. Students learn to value human dignity, hope’s potential, social justice advocacy, and service that changes both people and communities.

Baylor has two main program paths:

• Standard MSW Program: A 58-credit hour program if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field except social work
• Advanced Standing Program: A 30-credit hour accelerated option if you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program

You can choose between residential and online options based on your situation and career goals.

Admission

The admission process at Baylor’s MSW program is simpler than many graduate programs. The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Here’s what you need:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completed MSW application with $45 application fee
• Three letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic professor)
• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Essay responses

Advanced Standing applicants need these additional items:

• BSW from a CSWE-accredited program completed within the last five years
• Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Social work coursework GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Minimum grade of B in all practice and field courses
• Copy of final Practicum Evaluation

Length and format

The program lets you choose completion options that fit your schedule:

Standard MSW Program (58 credits):

• Accelerated: Complete in 4 terms (approximately 16 months)
• Full-time: Complete in 6 terms (2 years)
• Extended full-time: Complete in 8 terms (2 years, 8 months)
• Part-time: Complete in 10 terms (3 years, 4 months)

Advanced Standing Program (30 credits):

• Full-time: Complete in 3 terms (approximately 1 year)
• Part-time: Complete in 5 terms (approximately 20 months)

Each class has one weekly live Zoom session that lasts 90-120 minutes. These sessions happen Tuesday through Thursday between 5:30-9:00 PM CST. You’ll apply core course principles in real-life settings through practicum education. Standard MSW students complete two placements totaling 1,030 hours (about 20 hours per week).

Baylor University specializations offered

Baylor offers two unique specialization paths:

Clinical Practice Specialization: This path prepares you for advanced practice in clinical settings where you’ll work with interdisciplinary teams. You’ll learn to work with clients, families, and groups while providing case management, counseling, and mental health care. Most graduates work in healthcare, schools, behavioral health organizations, trauma intervention, and child/family services.

Community Practice Specialization: This track teaches macro social work practice with organizations and communities. You’ll employ evidence-informed and asset-based community practice frameworks to create responsive human resource systems, sustainable environments, and fair public policies. Graduates often work in public/nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, refugee centers, government, and religiously affiliated agencies.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition costs differ between campus and online formats:

• Residential (Waco campus): $875 per credit hour
  • Standard track (58 credits): Total tuition about $50,750
  • Advanced Standing (30 credits): Total tuition about $26,250
• Online program: $1,100 per credit hour
  • Standard track (58 credits): Total tuition about $63,800
  • Advanced Standing (30 credits): Total tuition about $33,000

Baylor helps make your MSW education affordable through various aid options. All students admitted to the residential MSW program receive financial aid. Available support includes:

• Tuition remission (average 5-15% discount)
• Departmental scholarships
• Graduate assistant stipends (for qualifying students)
• Federal loans
• CSWE scholarships and grants

Why Baylor University stands out

Baylor sets itself apart from other Texas MSW programs in several ways:

Baylor’s faith-integrated approach makes it unique. It’s the only denominational social work program among Research 1 universities. The program shows how spirituality boosts practice effectiveness while maintaining high academic standards.

The school excels at hands-on learning through its field education program. Students gain unique experience with more than 300 partner agencies worldwide across five continents. This creates remarkable international learning opportunities.

Baylor’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means you get personal mentorship from nationally recognized scholars. Students perform exceptionally well on licensing exams thanks to this individual attention.

The program’s trauma-informed curriculum takes a modern approach to social work education. Trauma awareness runs through all coursework rather than being treated as a specialty area. Graduates understand how trauma affects people in every practice setting.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) has a unique MSW program that prepares students to become advanced generalist practitioners with expertise in rural communities. The program, based in Nacogdoches, stands out among Texas MSW options because of its specialized focus and available admission requirements.

Overview

SFA’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1998. Students can choose between a 64-credit traditional MSW track and a 35-credit advanced standing option. The program’s unique feature lies in its focus on social work in rural areas and populations.

The program’s foundations are ecological systems approach, strengths perspective, and social capital and social exchange theories. Students start with generalist practice in their first year to build core skills before moving to specialized content in the second year. The program’s mission focuses on developing competent professionals who can meet rural communities’ needs through advanced generalist practice.

Admission requirements

The admission process at SFA’s MSW program is straightforward, and no GRE is required. Regular non-advanced standing admission needs:

• Overall GPA of at least 2.5
• GPA of 3.0 for your last 60 hours
• Completed SFA Graduate School application
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Supplemental MSW program application
• Written statement of interest in social work
• Resume
• Student information sheet
• Criminal History Notification Form

Students seeking advanced standing must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits and 2.5 GPA overall. The school accepts applications on a rolling basis, but early submission is recommended.

Program length and format

The program offers flexible options that fit different student schedules:

Traditional MSW Program (64 credits):

• Full-time: Complete in two years
• Part-time: Complete in up to four years

Advanced Standing Program (35 credits):

• Full-time: Complete in ten months (one summer session and two semesters)
• Part-time: Complete in two years

Classes are available at multiple locations, including the main campus in Nacogdoches and at Lone Star College in Houston. Advanced standing students can take classes online or choose some face-to-face courses. Field practicums require in-person completion at field agencies, except in special cases.

Specializations offered

The program concentrates on a single specialized practice area: Advanced Generalist Practice in a Rural Context. This specialization builds on basic foundations but provides greater depth, breadth, and autonomy in problem areas, populations-at-risk, and practice settings.

Students learn theories about rural ecological systems and rural strengths. The program develops advanced skills for rural contexts and working with people who have rural lifestyles. Students consistently learn about diversity, difference, values, ethics, social and economic justice, and at-risk populations.

Tuition and financial aid

SFA’s tuition rates for 2025-2026 are economical:

• Texas residents: $11,506 per academic year (tuition and fees)
• Border-state residents: $12,436 per academic year
• Out-of-state residents: $24,070 per academic year

The program becomes more available through various financial aid options:

• Federal grants and loans
• Texas Grant Program
• Texas Public Educational Grant
• Federal Work-Study Program
• University scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Elisabeth Kenny Memorial Scholarship
• Ima Hogg Mental Health Foundation Scholarship

The Child Welfare Professional Development Project provides stipends to MSW students who plan to work in public child welfare.

Why Stephen F. Austin State University stands out

SFA’s program has several unique features that benefit social work students. The program’s focus on rural social work is uncommon among MSW programs and provides specialized training for an underserved area.

The School of Social Work’s Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development lets students participate in research and intervention strategies for rural communities. Students get hands-on experience through field instruction, working directly with individuals and families who need help.

The Child Welfare Professional Development Project creates unique fieldwork and internship opportunities in child protection. This federally funded Title IV-E partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services helps students gain valuable experience and potential stipends.

SFA’s MSW program combines economical costs, availability, and a specialized rural focus that equips graduates to lead in addressing rural communities’ unique challenges.

Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University has one of the most available MSW programs in Texas. The program takes an integrated approach to prepare social work professionals. Being part of the Texas A&M University System, it combines affordability with flexibility. Students who want to advance their careers without taking the GRE will find this program an excellent choice.

Program overview

Tarleton’s MSW program aims to prepare versatile advanced integrative social work practitioners, leaders who can promote and tackle social problems. These include health disparities and social inequalities. The curriculum embraces inclusive, contemporary, and integrative approaches to social work practice. Students become competent practitioners who champion social justice, human rights, and scientific inquiry. The program has full accreditation and teaches students to use evidence-based research that shapes practice approaches and intervention strategies.

Admission requirements

The MSW program at Tarleton doesn’t need GRE scores. Here’s what you need:

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Online graduate application with a $50 application fee
• Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions
• Statement of purpose about your career and academic goals (600 words or less)

Advanced standing applicants need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last ten years. They must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students should apply at least one month before classes start, though the final deadline is five days before classes begin.

Program length and format

Students can choose between two paths to earn their MSW:

• Generalist Program of Study: This 60-credit hour program suits those without a BSW or with a BSW older than ten years
• Specialized Program of Study (Advanced Standing): Recent BSW graduates can complete this 30-credit hour program

The program fits different schedules with:

• Face-to-face evening classes
• Online options (both live and self-paced)
• Hybrid formats that mix online and in-person learning

Classes run at three locations—Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco—making the program available throughout Texas. Advanced standing students can finish their MSW in just eight months by taking summer classes.

Specializations offered

The program focuses on one specialization: Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice. Students build on their basic knowledge to become advanced ethical practitioners. They learn to handle social problems through inclusive and modern approaches. The program teaches how to apply evidence-based research in practice approaches and intervention strategies that boost well-being at all levels.

The curriculum has courses in:

• Advanced direct practice skills and methods
• Administrative and leadership practice
• Program development and evaluation
• DSM for social workers

Tuition and financial aid

Graduate students at Tarleton State University pay competitive rates:

• In-state tuition: About $10,181 per year
• Out-of-state tuition: About $26,664 per year

MSW students pay around $4,356 per year for in-state credits. Students can get help paying for school through:

• Scholarships (one application opens the door to over 500 options)
• Federal grants and loans
• Payment plans with no interest
• Work-study jobs
• Military family support programs

Why Tarleton State University stands out

Tarleton’s MSW program shines in several ways. The program boasts impressive results—every MSW graduate passed their state licensing exam on their first try in 2018. The university works with more than 80 agencies in North Central Texas, which creates great learning and job opportunities.

The program excels at preparing students for rural social work, an area that city-focused programs don’t handle well. Small classes create a tight-knit learning environment. Students work closely with professors who research and practice in the field.

The Social Work Club helps students grow professionally through fundraisers, volunteer work, and advocacy events. These activities build resumes while serving local communities. Tarleton brings together quality education, affordability, and accessibility in a program that launches social work careers without GRE requirements.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s MSW program offers a path to the social work profession with its unique clinical/activist approach. Students don’t need GRE scores to apply, and the program sits in South Texas.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits TAMUK’s Clinical/Activist MSW program. Students learn advanced social work practices to help diverse populations in rural U.S./Mexico border regions. The curriculum blends clinical skills with activist approaches and teaches students to provide therapy and counseling. Students learn to respect traditional help-seeking behaviors and understand family values’ spiritual context in Mexican heritage communities along the border.

Admission requirements

TAMUK makes the MSW program application process simple. No GRE scores are required or considered when making admission decisions. Regular 2-Year Track needs:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field other than social work

Advanced Standing 1-Year Track needs:

• BSW from a CSWE-accredited university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in BSW program within the last 5 years
• Completed prerequisite courses in human biology, psychology, sociology, and statistics (3 credits each)
• BSW completed by spring semester before starting the MSW program

Students can apply throughout the year with a priority date of August 1.

Program length and format

Students can choose between two tracks:

• Foundation/Regular Track: Students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees need five semesters (two calendar years) of full-time study
• Advanced Standing Track: Recent BSW graduates complete three semesters (one calendar year) of full-time study

Students follow a well-laid-out curriculum with field practicums that provide hands-on experience. TAMUK doesn’t currently offer a fully online MSW program option.

Specializations offered

The program focuses on one specialization: Clinical/Activist Social Work. This approach combines:

• Clinical practice training for direct client services
• Activist approaches for community involvement and social change
• Specialized coursework in rurality-informed social work
• Training in economic policy and development
• Preparation for military/veterans services
• Skills to help elderly populations

Applied seminars help students develop expertise in leadership, supervision, rural communities, and intervention strategies.

Tuition and financial aid

TAMUK graduate students pay competitive rates:

• In-state tuition: About $6,157 per year
• Out-of-state tuition: About $14,561 per year

Total costs range from $16,569 to $23,962 for in-state residents, including fees, books, and living expenses.

Students can get help through:

• Federal grants and loans
• Payment plans
• Work-study opportunities
• University scholarships (TAMUK gives over $10 million in scholarships each year)

Why Texas A&M University-Kingsville stands out

TAMUK’s MSW program shines in several ways. The Clinical/Activist focus prepares students for both direct practice and community advocacy. Students learn rural social work practice skills, especially in the U.S./Mexico border region where qualified professionals are needed.

The program’s diversity numbers are impressive. About 89.5% of graduates are racial-ethnic minorities – this is a big deal as it means that the national average of 42% for MSW programs. Women make up 89.5% of the student body, higher than the nationwide average of 87.2%.

The program’s all-encompassing approach merges research opportunities with excellent teaching. Many students call it a “life-altering learning experience”.

University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) offers the only MSW program nationwide that focuses on Social Work on the Border. Students looking for graduate education in a unique field will find this program matches their needs perfectly.

Program overview

UTEP’s Master of Social Work program teaches you to help families and communities along the U.S.-Mexico border with their social and health needs. Students learn about child welfare, family violence, substance abuse, immigration, and other key issues. The program ranks #2 for best graduate social work program in Texas according to SocialWorkDegree.org. This CSWE-accredited program builds both clinical skills and cultural understanding in bi-cultural, bi-national settings. Students work on research projects that shape practice and policy around HPV/HIV, homelessness, intimate partner violence, and migrant health.

Admission requirements

UTEP’s MSW program doesn’t require GRE scores, making it one of Texas’s most approachable MSW programs. You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
• Undergraduate statistics course (within last 5 years with grade C or better)
• Undergraduate biology, anatomy, or physiology course (grade C or better)
• Three letters of recommendation

Students with GPAs between 2.50-2.99 who have experience in social services can get conditional admission after completing three graduate-level social work courses with B grades or higher.

Program length and format

UTEP gives you three flexible ways to complete your degree:

• Full-Time Track: 60 credits in two years
• Part-Time Track: 60 credits in three to four years
• Advanced Standing: BSW graduates complete 30 credits in about one year

Classes start in late afternoon (3:00 pm) or evening (6:00 pm), which works well for working professionals. Students must complete 960 field education hours for full/part-time programs or 480 hours for advanced standing. A new fully online synchronous MSW program is planned for summer 2025, pending approvals.

Specializations offered

The program’s unique concentration in Social Work in the Border Region stands alone nationwide. You’ll learn to work in multicultural, bi-national settings through courses that tackle border communities’ specific challenges. This leads to expertise in helping diverse populations dealing with immigration, cultural diversity, or health disparities.

Tuition and financial aid

UTEP keeps its tuition competitive:

• In-state tuition: About $6,956 per academic year
• Out-of-state tuition: About $16,180 per academic year

Students can access department grants, internship stipends, scholarships, and paid Graduate Assistant or Research Assistant positions. Federal loans, public service loan forgiveness programs, and loan repayment options through organizations like Indian Health Services are also available.

Why University of Texas at El Paso stands out

UTEP’s MSW program shines with its student diversity – 89.8% of graduates are racial-ethnic minorities, which is way above the national average of 42%. Students perform well on licensing exams, with a 72.7% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam. Professor Eva Moya brings 35 years of border health and social justice experience to her teaching, creating valuable learning opportunities. Graduates go on to careers in medical social work, clinical mental health practice, substance abuse counseling, and community advocacy.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University in Lubbock offers an excellent MSW program with a practical approach and easy-to-meet admission requirements. Students can now choose between in-person and fully online options as of 2024.

Program overview

The MSW program at Texas Tech University helps students become professional social workers through courses focused on health and well-being. This CSWE-accredited program (through June 2031) helps students think critically and learn independently. After graduation, students can take the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and apply for licenses in most states.

Admission requirements

The MSW program makes it easy to apply with no GRE scores needed. Students can enter through two paths:

• Standard admission: Students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees or BSWs from more than 5 years ago
• Advanced admission: Recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs in the last 5 years

Students need to submit a graduate school application, unofficial transcripts, two recommendation letters, a resume, and answers about their interest in social work.

Program length and format

Students can choose from several completion options:

• Standard program (59 credit hours):
  • Full-time: 2 years
  • Part-time: 4 years
• Advanced program (32 credit hours):
  • Full-time: 1 year
  • Part-time: 2 years

Students taking online classes can complete their field work in their local areas or sometimes at their current workplace.

Specializations offered

The program features an Advanced Generalist specialization that builds a complete understanding of social work through balanced courses and field experiences. Students learn skills they can use with different groups and settings, opening up various career paths.

Tuition and financial aid

The 2024-25 estimated costs for non-engineering graduate programs are:

• Texas residents: $8,990 per academic year
• Non-residents: $16,370 per academic year

Students can get help paying for school through federal grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Students who want need-based aid should submit their FAFSA by March 15.

Why Texas Tech University stands out

Small class sizes help build a strong community and give students individual attention. Teachers are easy to reach when students need help or guidance. The online program lets students fit their education around their daily lives and work schedules.

Texas A&M University-Texarkana

Texas A&M University-Texarkana offers one of Texas’s most accessible online MSW programs. The program runs asynchronously and emphasizes mental health and trauma-informed care.

Program overview

The CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program equips students to tackle regional challenges like poverty, inequality, and trauma. Mental health specialization sets this program apart, with additional concentrations in substance abuse and trauma-informed care. Students who graduate can become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). This qualification opens up job opportunities in a variety of settings working with children, adolescents, adults, elderly, and people with disabilities.

Admission requirements

This MSW online program doesn’t require GRE scores. Here’s what you need:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college
• GPA of 2.8 overall or in the last 60 hours of coursework
• Three professional letters of reference
• Resume detailing work/volunteer experience
• Critical thinking essay
• $30 application fee

Program length and format

Students must complete 60 semester credit hours. The program offers flexible options:

• Full-time (2-year) option
• Part-time (2-year with summer classes) option
• Extended part-time (4-year) option

The program’s fully online asynchronous format lets students access materials and complete assignments on their schedule without fixed class times.

Specializations offered

Mental health stands at the program’s core, with specialized training in:

• Trauma-informed care
• Substance abuse intervention
• Advanced clinical practice

The program’s “signature pedagogy” combines classroom theory with 900 clock hours of practical experience. Students complete 400 hours in their generalist year and 500 hours during specialization.

Tuition and financial aid

Base tuition costs $4,535 yearly for in-state students, making it one of Texas’s most affordable MSW programs. Recent data shows 77% of first-year students received need-based financial aid, with average scholarships reaching $13,557 in Fall 2022.

Why Texas A&M University-Texarkana stands out

The program uniquely addresses East Texas’s specific challenges—rural healthcare access, non-urban poverty, and community development. Strong community partnerships create valuable field placements that often turn into jobs after graduation. Small classes encourage personal attention and help students build mentoring relationships with faculty members.

Choose One of the Easiest MSW Programs in Texas

Your social work career advancement depends on picking the right MSW program. This piece highlights seven excellent Texas MSW programs that don’t require GRE scores yet deliver high-quality education. Students can choose from several formats – Texas A&M University-Texarkana’s fully online asynchronous options or Tarleton State University’s hybrid models work well.

These programs shine in different ways. Baylor University blends faith into its curriculum and provides extensive field education opportunities. Stephen F. Austin and UTEP have become experts in rural and border region social work. Texas Tech and Tarleton State show impressive success rates on licensing exams. Texas A&M University-Kingsville and Texas A&M University-Texarkana put their focus on vital areas like trauma-informed care and mental health.

Program duration varies based on your background. BSW graduates can finish advanced standing programs in 8-12 months. Students without social work backgrounds usually need 2-4 years to complete their degree. You can pick a timeline that matches your situation perfectly.

Money matters to most students. These programs charge competitive tuition rates from $382 to $1,100 per credit hour. Schools help manage costs through substantial financial aid packages, scholarships, and assistantships.

The social work field grows faster than average, with 7% growth expected through 2033. Salaries range from $58,380 to $94,910, depending on your specialty and experience. These programs prepare you to create positive change in Texas communities and beyond.

These seven programs cater to different preferences – urban or rural settings, clinical or macro practice, full-time or part-time study. Your path to becoming a social worker starts with finding the right program, and these GRE-free Texas MSW options help you reach your professional goals.