Top MSW Programs in Austin

Want to earn a competitive salary of $64,360 as a Social Worker or $79,310 as a Community Organizer in Austin? Your path to success begins by choosing the right educational foundation for these rewarding careers.

The city offers several accredited options that can advance your social work career in Texas. Both The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University provide CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Austin Texas. The competition at these schools remains fierce – UT Austin accepts only 29% of its 66,077 applicants. The program costs at UT Austin range from $50,838 to $54,488, but most students find it manageable since 71% receive financial aid. If you’re looking for a private college or an online MSW program, we go over a couple of options for those as well.

University of Texas at Austin

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin serves is the leader of social work education in the region. This 73-year-old program has shaped competent professionals since 1950. Students seeking quality education in Austin will find UT Austin’s compelling mix of academic excellence, practical experience, and career advancement opportunities.

MSW Department Overview

UT Austin’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program embodies social work as “a unique profession rich with meaning, action, and the power to make a difference”. The program thrives in vibrant Austin. Students benefit from a caring, small-sized community within a top-tier research university. This unique setup gives students access to extensive resources with personalized attention.

Professional behavior and ethical responsibility build the foundation of the UT Austin experience. Students must line up with the NASW Code of Ethics from their original involvement with the program. The department puts empathy, compassion, and respect for others at the heart of professional social work practice.

The program readies students for both clinical roles and administration and policy practice. Graduates can meet growing needs in healthcare, behavioral health, and school settings. They also lead systems-level change through strategic collaborations and cross-sector partnerships.

Accreditation and Reputation

The University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work boasts impressive credentials. The program has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1950. This shows its steadfast dedication to meeting professional standards.

The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This dual accreditation ensures high-quality education that meets academic and professional standards.

UT Austin ranks among the top ten schools of social work nationwide. This prestigious ranking showcases the program’s academic excellence, faculty expertise, and graduate success. The program draws many qualified candidates for limited spaces each year.

Texas State University

Texas State University provides another great option for students looking for MSW Programs in Austin. The program stands out in the region because it’s easy to access and adapt to different needs. It features a unique Advanced Practice Leadership focus that combines direct practice and administrative skills. Students who want quality education at a reasonable price will find this program worth checking out.

MSW Department Overview

The School of Social Work at Texas State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a major in Advanced Practice Leadership. This focus helps students develop advanced practice skills that combine direct service with administrative abilities. The school builds its program on two key principles that shape future social workers: social justice and professional ethics.

The program builds on liberal arts foundations and gives graduates the knowledge, values, and skills they need to work effectively. Students can see the department’s dedication to excellence in its detailed approach that combines theory with hands-on practice.

Texas State’s MSW program has a clear goal: preparing ethical social workers who respond well to different cultures and advocate for positive change as leaders. This matches social work’s broader aim – helping people and organizations thrive while creating a fairer society.

The program’s quality gets a boost from its teaching approach. Core faculty members teach most graduate courses, particularly at advanced levels. This means students learn from seasoned professionals who bring both classroom knowledge and real experience.

Accreditation and Recognition

The MSW program at Texas State University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This top-level accreditation shows the program meets professional standards and prepares graduates well for licensing exams.

The program has earned impressive recognition. Its online MSW program ranks among the best in the nation for online master’s programs in social work. This puts Texas State in select company – only six percent of regionally accredited schools achieved similar rankings.

The program earned top spots in three key areas: quality, affordability, and student success. These achievements show the school’s commitment to providing great education that students can afford.

Texas State’s graduates perform exceptionally well on state licensing exams, which proves how well the program prepares students for professional work. The high pass rate shows evidence of the program’s quality education and training.

Texas State MSW Program Options

Texas State offers flexible program tracks that fit different student needs:

Online and on-campus students use the same textbooks and follow the same curriculum with the same core faculty. This ensures quality stays consistent no matter how students take classes. Students can study full-time or part-time, though on-campus students must go full-time.

Field practicum (internship) plays a key role in the program. Regular track students complete two internships for 900 hours in different settings. Advanced standing students do one 540-hour internship. These experiences with licensed master social workers are a great way to get real-life experience.

The School of Social Work also offers special electives so students can focus on their interests:

• Health care
• Diversity
• International social work
• Gerontology
• Spirituality
• Adventure therapy
• Work with veterans

Students must pass a comprehensive exam with at least 70% and keep a 3.0 GPA in MSW courses to graduate.

Tuition and Affordability

Tuition costs change based on where students live, how many classes they take, and whether they study online or on campus. Graduate students in 2024-2025 who live in Texas pay much less per credit hour than those from other states:

Texas residents taking 9 credit hours each semester (normal for graduate students) pay about $9,000 per academic year in tuition and fees. Students from other states pay more – around $16,380 for the same credits.

The total cost for 2024-2025, including books, housing, food, and personal expenses, ranges from:

• Texas residents: $26,680 (on-campus) to $18,980 (living with parents)
• Non-residents: $34,060 (on-campus) to $26,360 (living with parents)

These numbers show how much Texas residents can save. The program still costs less than similar degrees at private schools.

Students can get Federal Student Aid through FAFSA. The university also offers scholarships and graduate assistantships that help with costs. These assistantships let students work with faculty while earning money – a great chance to reduce education expenses.

Graduate Career Paths

Texas State’s MSW graduates find diverse jobs across Texas, the United States, and worldwide. The Advanced Practice Leadership curriculum teaches both direct practice and administrative skills, creating ethical, effective social workers who succeed in many settings.

MSW graduates work in various fields:

• Child welfare
• Healthcare
• Behavioral mental health
• Education
• Veteran’s affairs
• Criminal justice

Many former students now lead different agencies as clinical practitioners, program developers, or administrators. This success comes from learning both individual care and organizational skills.

After graduation, students can take the Master’s Social Worker licensing exam. This exam is different from the Clinical Social Worker licensing exam (which needs more supervised hours after graduation), but it’s an important first step in their career.

The program gives students a strong foundation to prepare for licensing. This preparation helps explain why Texas State graduates do so well on state licensing exams.

The program stays current with job market changes, noting that many positions now require master’s degrees instead of bachelor’s degrees. This keeps graduates competitive in social work’s growing emphasis on advanced credentials.

St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University completes our look at MSW Programs in Austin with its unique take on social work education. This private Catholic liberal arts school sits near downtown Austin and teaches about 4,000 students in a tailored learning setting. Students who want something different from big public universities might find St. Edward’s educational path appealing.

Program Overview

The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences at St. Edward’s offers detailed education in social work basics. Students learn to work with different groups and understand how race, class, gender, sexuality, and disability shape people’s lives and chances.

The school builds its program on critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and multicultural understanding within liberal arts education. Students gain vital knowledge and skills they need to work effectively. The Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology brings together students who want to create positive change through multiple disciplines.

The graduate school offers a Master of Arts in Counseling program. While not an MSW, it provides mental health training. This CACREP-accredited program readies students to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in Texas. Students take three years to complete this program, which welcomes people from all walks of life.

Accreditation and Acceptance Rate

The Council on Social Work Education accredits St. Edward’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the university to give bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

The school holds other important accreditations too. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Master of Arts in Counseling program. The Bill Munday School of Business has earned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation.

The university’s acceptance rate stands at 88.2% as of Fall 2020. This number might drop to 79.1% by 2025-2026. Most students who get in have ACT scores of 22-28 or SAT scores between 1060-1245, with GPAs from 3.23-3.52.

Tuition and Financial Support

A St. Edward’s education needs serious financial planning. Graduate programs cost quite a bit, though specific MSW costs aren’t listed. The school points out that master’s graduates earn about 22% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Graduate students can get financial help in three steps: apply for admission, fill out the FAFSA, and check aid offers. The school doesn’t give graduate scholarships, but students can look for outside funding.

Students can pay for school through:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loans (no payments while in school)
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans (available until July 2026 for new borrowers)
• Private education loans from different lenders

Graduate students can borrow up to $138,500 total in federal loans, including undergraduate debt. Only $65,500 can come from subsidized loans.

St. Edward’s Program Strengths

St. Edward’s social work program stands out in Austin. Small classes make a big difference – the school has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, and 52.4% of classes have fewer than 20 students. This setup helps students build strong bonds with teachers.

Field work serves as the life-blood of St. Edward’s approach. Senior students work as interns at social justice organizations under experienced mentors. The program’s CSWE accreditation means students can skip some field work if they later join an accelerated Master of Social Work program elsewhere.

The teachers make the program special too. They study ground issues like human trafficking, immigration detention, and LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care. These award-winning professors become trusted guides during and after college.

Austin’s location adds extra value. The city buzzes with nonprofits and advocacy groups, giving students plenty of internship choices with organizations that help disadvantaged people.

St. Edward’s Career Opportunities

St. Edward’s social work graduates find jobs in public health, education, child welfare, and mental health. Students learn theory and practice through research, classroom work, and community projects.

The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences prepares students for various paths:

• Working with other cultures, governments, and organizations
• Influencing public policy
• Practicing environmental law and sustainability
• Investigating crime scenes
• Solving legal issues
• Understanding human behavior
• Helping others overcome obstacles
• Serving their community

Many students use Austin’s busy nonprofit sector to build professional networks during school. Internships and field work often lead straight to jobs after graduation.

The program’s CSWE accreditation helps students who want more education. While St. Edward’s doesn’t offer an MSW program, their bachelor’s degree in social work prepares students for advanced standing in other MSW programs. This can save time and money while earning a master’s degree.

Abilene Christian University (Online)

Austin residents can now earn their MSW degree from Abilene Christian University (ACU) through a fully online program that blends faith with professional education. ACU’s online program lets you complete your social work degree from home while you balance your work and life commitments.

Program Overview

ACU provides two MSW paths based on your previous education. Students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs can take the Advanced Standing track, which needs 38 credit hours and takes about 12 months. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields can choose the Standard track, which requires 60 credit hours spread over four semesters.

Both paths help you become a skilled, compassionate practitioner through a curriculum that brings together:

• Faith and spiritual points of view
• Evidence-based interventions
• Advanced assessment and therapeutic strategies
• Advocacy skills that help clients find hope

The program aims to prepare students who can blend faith with competent social work practice. You’ll learn to strengthen clients and create positive social change through innovative interventions and forward-thinking programs.

Online Learning Format

ACU built its MSW program specifically for online learning. Advanced Standing students start with a 6-hour summer seminar before moving into their second year, which they can complete entirely online. This setup lets you keep your current job and personal commitments.

The program works for both full-time and part-time students, which makes it great for working professionals. You’ll get the same high-quality education as on-campus students. Field work remains crucial – Advanced Standing students complete one 500-hour placement while Standard program students do two placements.

Tuition and Fees

The total cost of ACU’s MSW program runs between $48,615 and $52,228. The university helps every student with financial aid. You can get help through:

• Federal student loans (unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS)
• Scholarships and graduate assistantships
• Need-based financial aid packages

Master’s program applications cost $65. Other costs might include a $50 parking permit for campus visits, $265 for thesis fees if applicable, and continuation fees at half the hourly tuition rate for extended thesis, capstone, or practicum work.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits ACU’s MSW program. This accreditation means:

1. The program meets professional standards
2. You can take licensing exams after graduation
3. The curriculum prepares you for licensing exams
4. Your credits will transfer to other schools

ACU ranks as the 3rd best value among CSWE-accredited Christian College Social Work programs. This shows the program’s quality and financial worth.

Career Outcomes

ACU’s MSW graduates work in many settings with good earning potential. Local social workers earn about $64,360 yearly ($30.94/hour). Community organizers can make around $79,310 per year ($38.13/hour).

You can work in various areas like:

• Family social work
• Case management
• Substance abuse counseling
• Community outreach
• Crisis intervention
• Behavioral management

Most graduates (62%) find full-time jobs within six months. The university helps you land jobs through career services, interview prep, and employer connections.

The program’s CSWE accreditation lets you take Texas state licensing exams through the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE). This license helps advance your career in social work.

Indiana Wesleyan University (Online)

Indiana Wesleyan University brings a faith-based MSW education to Austin students through their complete online program. Unlike other options, IWU blends professional social work training with Christian principles. This program suits students who want a Christian point of view in their education.

Program Overview

Students can choose between two paths: a 60-credit Standard Track for those with bachelor’s degrees in other fields and a 30-credit Advanced Track for BSW degree holders. The curriculum focuses on clinical social work with Advanced Social Work Practice. Students learn through an educational approach that combines Christian values with professional social work skills.

Online Flexibility

Students never need to visit campus for this fully online program. The Standard track takes 24 months full-time or 33 months part-time. Advanced standing students finish their degree in 16 months. Weekly workshops let students check assignments and join discussions whenever it suits them. Field work remains crucial – standard track students need 900 hours of site-based practicum. Advanced standing students complete 500 hours.

Tuition and Scholarships

The program charges the same tuition rate regardless of where students live. Online graduate programs cost about $8,208 yearly, with total expenses reaching $23,008. MSW students pay around $18,870 per year at $629 per credit. Students can access several funding options, including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.

Accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited this program through 2030. The Higher Learning Commission provides regional accreditation.

Graduate Success

MSW graduates show strong career results – 95% find social work positions and 91.1% feel happy with their jobs. Local employment rates reach 84.7%. Graduates work in social work roles of all types, from child and family services to healthcare and education.

Pick Your Austin MSW Program

Picking the right MSW program needs you to think over your personal situation, career goals, and learning priorities. Looking at top MSW programs in Austin, you’ll find various educational paths that lead to rewarding social work careers. These roles offer competitive salaries between $64,360 and $79,310 per year.

Each program has its own strengths that match different priorities. UT Austin shines with its prestigious reputation and high graduate employment rates. Texas State University gives great value through its innovative Advanced Practice Leadership focus. St. Edward’s small class sizes and faculty’s personal attention create a close-knit learning environment.

On top of that, Abilene Christian and Indiana Wesleyan Universities’ online programs blend faith-based viewpoints with social work education. Distance learning lets you manage your professional life while advancing your education.

CSWE accreditation is vital in all these programs. This ensures you can take licensure exams after graduation. Money matters too – while tuition costs vary between schools, most programs have substantial financial aid packages to help with expenses.

Hands-on field experience is so important to social work education. These practical opportunities help you use theoretical knowledge and build professional networks that often lead to jobs after graduation.

Social work jobs keep growing across Texas, particularly in healthcare, child welfare, and community organization. Your MSW degree will place you perfectly in this expanding job market with specialized skills employers need.

Your educational choice today shapes your professional experience tomorrow. Austin has MSW program options that fit your unique needs and goals, whether you want a research-focused major university or flexible online learning.