5 MSW Programs in Dallas
Want to pursue an MSW program in Dallas? A Master of Social Work isn’t just another degree—you need it to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in every state.
The social work field will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which beats most other career paths. Your investment in education will pay off, as social workers now earn a median salary of $61,330 yearly as of May 2024. Students looking at MSW programs in Dallas, TX can choose from five accredited universities across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. These MSW programs in Dallas Texas include Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas Christian University, The University of Texas at Arlington, and University of North Texas. Each school offers distinct learning paths to help you start a journey and build crucial skills for your future.
1. Tarleton State University
Tarleton State University is an important part of social work education in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Students find exceptional value and solid program options at Tarleton’s campus, located away from Dallas’s busy streets. Let’s head over to what makes this program shine among MSW programs in Dallas TX.
Department of Social Work and Communication Disorders
The Department of Social Work and Communication Disorders at Tarleton State University started a mission to prepare versatile advanced integrative social work practitioners, leaders, and supporters. These professionals can address and affect dynamic social problems through inclusive, modern, and integrative approaches. Their work targets health disparities and social inequalities.
The department works toward three main goals:
- Preparing competent and effective advanced social work practitioners who have knowledge, values, and skills to serve various populations
- Developing practitioners who support social justice, dignity, and worth of the individual
- Producing leaders who support and lead in policy development and service delivery for human rights worldwide
Dr. Melody Loya’s leadership has helped the department grow substantially over the last several years. Faculty members value student-centered high-impact learning practices. These include service-learning, study abroad experiences, community-based research, and effective teaching methods. Students learn theory and ground application skills through this hands-on approach.
Students complete field practicums at social service agencies under qualified social worker supervision. This experience connects classroom learning with practical skills. These practicums form the basis of Tarleton’s educational philosophy and create graduates ready to contribute to the profession.
Accreditation
Students looking into MSW programs in Dallas should make accreditation status their priority. Tarleton State University’s Master of Social Work program has been fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 2019. The program received an eight-year reaffirmation, showing its dedication to high educational standards.
CSWE remains the only accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. This makes their credential vital for program legitimacy. Dr. Sally Lewis, interim dean of Tarleton’s College of Health Sciences and Human Services, said the full CSWE accreditation puts their program among 269 master’s programs following the highest standards in social work education.
Students need this accreditation. Texas requires graduation from a CSWE-accredited program to take the state licensing exam. Dr. Tiffany Wigington, director of Tarleton’s MSW program, stated that “the Texas licensing board requires that social workers earn their degrees through CSWE-accredited programs”.
Most states offer reciprocity in social work licensing. Students who plan to practice elsewhere should check their target state’s specific licensing board requirements. Tarleton’s curriculum prepares students for appropriate licensure levels in Texas.
Program Options
Students seeking MSW programs in Dallas find tailored pathways at Tarleton State University. The program offers two main routes to earn an MSW degree:
Generalist Practice to Specialized Practice (formerly called Foundation):
- Fits applicants with undergraduate degrees outside social work
- Has 64 credit hours
- Provides detailed introduction to social work principles before specialized content
Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice (Advanced Standing):
- Suits applicants with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last ten years
- Needs a minimum 3.0 GPA for regular admission
- Has 32 credit hours
- Builds on existing social work knowledge
Students can choose from four schedule formats:
- Full-time MSW (2-year completion)
- Part-time MSW (3-year completion)
- Full-time Advanced Standing MSW (1-year completion)
- Accelerated Advanced Standing MSW (8-month completion)
Tarleton stands out from other MSW programs through its flexibility. Students pick between in-person, online, and hybrid courses to create schedules that match their lives. Classes run at three locations: Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco. Working professionals benefit from evening classes.
The program specializes in Advanced Integrative Social Work Practice. This curriculum creates advanced ethical practitioners who can address dynamic social problems through inclusive, modern, and integrative approaches. Students explore various areas including:
- Policy and gerontology
- Social media and technology in education
- Mental health
- Substance abuse
- Community development and organizing
- Child welfare
Students gain global views through internships and courses abroad that count toward their degree. This international exposure broadens their understanding of social work challenges and solutions.
Tarleton offers great value with in-state tuition at $4,356 per year, making it one of Texas’s most affordable MSW programs. The program doesn’t require GRE scores, removing a common hurdle for many students.
The graduate social work program has 90 students. The student body shows diversity with 48% White or Caucasian, 28.89% Black or African American, and 17.78% Hispanic/Latino students. Women make up 87% of students compared to 12% men.
Graduates can pursue licensure with the Texas Behavioral Health Council. The MSW degree works as either a final degree for future clinical social workers or preparation for doctoral studies in research or teaching. Career paths span private practice, government agencies, education, insurance, and healthcare sectors, especially in clinician or administrator roles.
2. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce stands out as a top choice if you’re looking for MSW programs in Dallas, TX. The university’s social work education legacy goes back to 1978 when its BSW program first received accreditation. The MSW program joined in 2001. Students in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex will find excellent program options and outstanding faculty at A&M-Commerce.
School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at Texas A&M University-Commerce aims to create positive change through education and community involvement. The school earned its current status in 2012, evolving from a department. This change showed the university’s dedication to growing social work education in the region.
Students learn to see differences as strengths rather than obstacles. This mindset runs through both undergraduate and graduate programs and helps students work with people of all backgrounds. Faculty members create meaningful learning experiences through:
- Study abroad experiences
- Community outreach initiatives
- Research opportunities
- Field-based learning
These educational methods help students become agents of change in their communities. The department works to improve social function, self-determination, collective responsibility, and well-being if you have families, groups, or communities. This comprehensive approach opens doors to many career paths. Graduates work in benefits management, human resources, policy analysis, and advocacy.
The school’s graduates have built successful careers in healthcare, child welfare, and mental health practice. Their success in these areas shows how well the program prepares professionals who can adapt to changing social needs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Accreditation
Students looking into MSW programs in Dallas should think over accreditation carefully. Texas A&M University-Commerce has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for its BSW and MSW programs. The BSW program has kept this accreditation since 1978, and the MSW program received its original accreditation in 2001.
CSWE accreditation requires:
- Program self-studies
- Site visits
- Council on Accreditation (COA) review
The university also has regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation matters a lot, especially if you want to transfer credits or continue your education. SACSCOC brings together institutions of all sizes across southern states with shared values and practices.
The university has earned recognition from several other accrediting bodies. These include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and National Association of Schools of Music. The social work program also has recognition from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners oversees social work practice in Texas. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) sets standards for licensure and practice. Students need to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program like A&M-Commerce’s to qualify for LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW licenses.
Program Options
Students can choose from several paths to earn their MSW degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The program has two main tracks:
Foundation Track:
- Perfect for students without BSW degrees
- Takes 60 credit hours
- Students complete foundation courses before specialized work
- Core courses include SWK 501, SWK 503, SWK 511, SWK 513, SWK 521, SWK 531, and SWK 541
Advanced Standing Track:
- Available with a BSW from CSWE-accredited programs
- Needs 36 credit hours
- Full-time students can finish in about one year
- BSW must be less than six years old
- Students need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Both tracks use an Advanced Generalist curriculum that prepares you for clinical and macro practice social work. Traditional students complete 900 field hours while advanced standing students need 640 hours.
A&M-Commerce stands out among Dallas MSW programs with its flexible learning options. Since 2018, students can take the MSW program fully online, except for internships. Students who prefer face-to-face learning can attend classes at:
- The main campus in Commerce
- The Mesquite Metroplex Center
- The Collin County Higher Education Center
Class schedules work around professional commitments with evening, weekend, and daytime options. Students choose between full-time and part-time study. Full-time traditional students finish in two years, while part-time students take up to four years. Advanced standing students can graduate in about one year of full-time study.
The Advanced Generalist focus gives graduates skills in direct clinical practice and system-level work. This broad preparation helps graduates find work in many settings.
A&M-Commerce offers one of the most affordable MSW programs in Dallas TX with yearly in-state tuition around $3,630. This competitive price makes it a great choice for budget-conscious students.
Graduates are ready for licensure through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Master’s social work graduates from Texas A&M Commerce earn a median salary of $47,994.
The program welcomes students from all backgrounds. In 2021-2022, 50 students earned master’s degrees in social work. Women make up 88% of graduate social work students, while men account for 12%. The program shows ethnic diversity with 35.8% Black or African American, 20.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 40.3% White students.
3. Texas Christian University
TCU shines as the top choice for social work education in Dallas. Students looking for MSW programs in Dallas, TX will find TCU’s reputation for excellence and dedication to positive change hard to beat. Let’s get into what makes this program special.
Department of Social Work
TCU’s Department of Social Work has a clear goal – to build a better world through outstanding social work education that creates positive change makers. Students learn to make real differences in people’s lives. The program gives them skills they need to work in a variety of settings.
The social work department stands out because it offers:
- Hands-on learning opportunities
- Ground-breaking research projects
- One-on-one mentoring
- Deep analysis of structural inequities
- Trauma-informed methods
Faculty members teach students to “critically interrogate structural inequities, apply a trauma-informed approach and advocate for social change with local and global communities”. Graduates can work effectively with many different groups, especially those facing marginalization and oppression.
Students put classroom theory into practice. They work in supervised field placements that help them blend academic knowledge with real experience. These placements are the backbone of TCU’s teaching approach. Graduates hit the ground running when they enter the profession.
The Dallas-Fort Worth location gives students many choices for field work. They can gain experience with different communities and social issues throughout their studies.
Accreditation
Accreditation matters when you’re looking at MSW programs in Dallas. TCU’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE is the only organization that accredits social work education in the United States.
CSWE accreditation is a big deal as it means:
- Students can get licensed in Texas
- The curriculum meets national standards
- Licenses can transfer to other states
- The program follows professional guidelines
TCU also has institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC renewed this accreditation in December 2023.
The social work program joins many other TCU programs with special accreditations. These include the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and National Association of Schools of Music. This shows TCU’s dedication to quality across all fields.
4. University of Texas at Arlington
UTA has one of the best-ranked and adaptable social work programs in the region, making it a standout choice among MSW programs in Dallas. Students can achieve their social work career goals through multiple pathways at UTA, known for its academic excellence and complete educational approach.
School of Social Work
UTA’s School of Social Work (SSW) has a clear purpose: educating leaders who build community partnerships that promote a just society. The school has always focused on the highest standards of integrity and excellence in research, teaching, and service.
The department’s main goals are:
- Using evidence-informed research, teaching, and practice
- Getting students ready to lead in local communities and beyond
- Doing community-based research that tackles complex social issues locally, nationally, and globally
The SSW’s excellent reputation goes beyond Dallas-Fort Worth. National rankings show its quality – it’s the #3 Most Popular School of Social Work in the country and #4 Best School of Social Work in the Southwest Region. The school ranks #12 nationally for non-traditional students coming back to college.
Accreditation
The Master of Social Work program at UTA has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is crucial for program legitimacy. This credential lets graduates take licensure exams and meet professional standards.
The program’s quality shows in its many awards. U.S. News & World Report placed the Graduate Social Work Program at #43 among 319 programs in its 2024 ‘Best Graduate Schools of Social Work’ list – that’s in the top 13% nationally.
The online MSW program also gets high marks. Best College Reviews ranks it #7 in the country for Best Online Master’s in Social Work Program.
Program Options
Students looking for MSW programs in Dallas will find great flexibility at UTA with several paths that fit different needs. The program has two main tracks:
Traditional Program:
- Made for students without BSW degrees
- Takes 61 credit hours
- Finishes in 26 months full-time
- Has 960 hours of field education in two placements
Advanced Standing Program:
- Open to students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs
- Takes 38 credit hours
- Finishes in 12-16 months
- Has 480 hours of field education
UTA stands out from other MSW programs in Dallas by offering five specialty areas:
- Mental Health and Substance Misuse
- Children and Families
- Aging
- Health
- Community and Administrative Practice
Students can choose between online and in-person classes. The online option gets great reviews for quality and value. Yet, at the time of writing, UTA’s online MSW program might have state residency restrictions.
Campus students take traditional in-person classes at UTA. They can pick from three specialties: Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Health, or Children and Families. Online students choose from four areas: Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Aging, Children and Families, or Community and Administrative Practice.
Field education is the key to UTA’s MSW program, whatever the format. The university connects students with affiliated agencies in their area. Students must complete agency interviews and meet practicum requirements under field instructor supervision.
UTA combines quality with affordability. The school’s complete approach to social work education makes it a top choice for anyone looking at MSW programs in Dallas-Fort Worth.
5. University of North Texas
The University of North Texas (UNT) completes our look at MSW programs in Dallas with its growing social work graduate program in Denton. This newer addition to the Dallas-Fort Worth social work education scene brings fresh views while upholding high professional standards.
Social Work Department
UNT’s Master of Social Work program follows a clear mission: “to prepare effective advanced generalist social workers for ethical practice and leadership across settings and to promote human and community well-being in rapidly changing environments”. Students learn to apply evidence-informed knowledge and promote social justice for vulnerable populations.
The program builds on the Advanced Generalist approach. This prepares practitioners to work in almost any setting. Students develop three essential strengths: “multidimensional problem-setting, self-reflective leadership, and ethical advocacy”. They gain a global view that values human diversity and champions human rights.
The department sits in Denton, approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Dallas. Strong connections exist with nearly 100 agencies throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Students gain experience through placements at organizations like Communities in Schools of North Texas, Child Advocacy Centers, and United Way of Denton County.
Accreditation
The MSW program currently holds candidacy status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Full accreditation should arrive by summer 2024. This matters greatly for future students since CSWE accreditation determines licensure eligibility.
The university’s undergraduate social work program has managed to keep its CSWE accreditation since 1975. This shows UNT’s steadfast dedication to social work education. The MSW program will join other CSWE-accredited programs to provide “educational experiences consistent with those of social work students across the nation”.
Program Options
UNT provides two educational paths:
Traditional Program (60 credit hours)
- Fits students with non-BSW bachelor’s degrees
- Includes two full-time practicum placements totaling 900 hours
- First-year practicum: 400 hours
- Second-year practicum: 500 hours
Advanced Standing (30 credit hours)
- Suits recent graduates (within 5 years) of CSWE-accredited BSW programs
- Requires one 500-hour practicum placement
Practicums need 30-35 hours weekly in face-to-face agency settings during regular business hours. Students can choose full-time or extended study options. Extended plans give students extra semesters to finish requirements.
Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 hours of coursework. No GRE scores are required. Applications open for both fall and spring cohorts, making UNT one of the more flexible MSW programs in Dallas regarding start dates.
Start Your Dallas MSW Now
Becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker starts with selecting the right MSW program – a requirement in every state. A closer look at five accredited MSW programs in Dallas-Fort Worth reveals several important factors that should shape your decision.
These institutions each bring something unique to the table. Students at Tarleton State University enjoy multiple schedule options and some of Texas’s most affordable tuition rates. Texas A&M University-Commerce has made its mark with an advanced generalist curriculum that’s been available online since 2018. Texas Christian University’s program stands out with unique courses like Animal Assisted Therapy and offers dual degrees with theological studies. The University of Texas at Arlington ranks #43 nationally and gives students five specialty areas to focus on. The University of North Texas, while newer with candidacy status, takes a fresh approach through its advanced generalist program.
Some elements are common across these programs and will help build your professional career. CSWE accreditation gives you the foundation to get licensed. Field practicums give hands-on experience with qualified supervision. Students from different educational backgrounds can choose between traditional and advanced standing paths.
MSW graduates continue to see strong career prospects, with job growth expected to outpace average rates through 2033. The field offers solid earning potential too – median salaries are approaching $60,000 yearly, which makes an MSW degree a worthwhile investment.
Your choice will depend on what matters most to you – whether it’s saving money, finding your specialty, having flexible schedules, or picking a convenient location. These Dallas-area programs will give you the essential skills you need in this challenging field where helping others thrive is the main goal.