10 Best Social Work Schools in Texas

Social work schools in Texas open up great career paths in a field that’s growing almost twice as fast as other jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment for social workers is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, while other occupations will only grow by 4%.

Texas gives you plenty of choices when you’re looking at social work degrees. The state has 21 CSWE-accredited master’s programs. Texas State University’s MSW program stands out among universities with social work programs like Texas Women’s University and Texas Tech. These schools offer well-laid-out educational paths. The choice between the best colleges for social work in Texas needs more than just looking at their names. The 2025 rankings now include an Economic Mobility Index that shows how well low-income students do after they graduate.

Your education’s value changes based on your specialty. Mental health and substance use social workers in Texas earned a median salary of $44,790, but healthcare social workers made much more at $69,960 as of May 2024. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work can finish their master’s degree in just 12 months through advanced standing programs. This gets them working sooner. The best social work schools in Texas help you build both a rewarding career and personal growth, whether you’re just starting out or moving up in your field.

University of Texas at Austin

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin ranks among the best social work schools in Texas. The school sits in the top ten nationwide as of 2024. Students can get a detailed education in Austin’s dynamic environment.

University of Texas at Austin Overview

The School of Social Work at UT Austin traces its roots back to 1950. Telecommunications pioneer R. Steven “Steve” Hicks made a $25 million donation in 2017, which led to the school’s current name. The donation split into three parts: $10 million created a permanent scholarship endowment, $5 million went to matching donations, and $10 million helped improve educational systems. Students enjoy a close-knit community feel while studying at this top research university.

UT Austin Social Work Program Highlights

UT Austin’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program needs 122 credit hours. This professional degree guides students toward licensure and human service careers. The program combines:

• 400 clock hours of practicum internship with licensed social worker supervision
• 60 clock hours of service learning at community agencies

Students start hands-on work in their first semester. This approach lets them blend real experience with classroom learning. The SWEEP (Social Work Education Enhancement Program) helps through community building, mentorship, and collaboration.

Students must meet certain requirements to join the practice sequence. These include finishing 45 hours of coursework, maintaining a 2.0 UT Austin GPA and a 2.5 social work GPA, and earning “C” or higher grades in core courses. The school also reviews each student’s emotional and professional readiness to work with clients.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UT Austin’s tuition differs between in-state and out-of-state students:

The Steve Hicks School gives out fellowships and scholarships based on academic success, professional potential, and financial need. The school also manages several support funds:

• The Moritz family Student Support Fund helps with practicum internships
• Professional Development Assistance Fund supports conference presentations
• Student Emergency Assistance Fund helps with unexpected money problems

UT Austin Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Fieldwork is a key part of the education at the Steve Hicks School. BSW students complete their supervised practicum internship in their final semester. They get placements that match their goals and interests. Licensed social workers help students develop their professional skills.

The school works with hundreds of agencies in Austin and beyond to create structured learning opportunities. These strategic collaborations help both students and communities while pushing forward social justice initiatives. Austin-area agencies actively seek UT Austin social work interns because of their excellent preparation and the school’s strong support.

The school also offers funded practicum programs through collaboration with organizations like the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services and Austin Independent School District. Students can receive financial support ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 each semester, depending on the program.

University of Houston

The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston, a 56-year old institution created by the Texas Legislature, stands as one of Texas’s prominent social work schools. The college prepares leaders who tackle complex challenges at local and global levels through exceptional education, innovative research, and community work.

University of Houston Overview

The GCSW offers master’s level education for professional social work practice. The program has managed to keep its full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education since 1970. Students learn to help people function better as individuals, family members, and community participants. UH social workers promote well-being, tackle harmful social environments, and work toward social and economic justice.

University of Houston Social Work Program Highlights

The GCSW gives students these program choices:

• Full Program (51 semester credit hours)
• Advanced Standing (34 semester credit hours for students with a BSW)
• Three enrollment models: Face-to-Face, Hybrid, and Online

Recent changes in 2023 reduced credit requirements, which saves students between $1,900 and $12,800 in tuition. The MSW program earned the #22 spot among the Top 50 social work programs in the 2020 U.S. News and World Report.

Students get more than just standard courses at UH. The Trauma Education Program, now in its 13th year, leads the way in trauma education nationally and locally. Students become skilled at handling trauma cases throughout life stages, which opens up more career paths after graduation.

University of Houston Tuition and Financial Aid

Students can access several financial support options at GCSW:

Students from outside Texas can qualify for in-state tuition rates with scholarships of $1,000 or more. Hybrid program students can still get financial aid when taking 5 or more credit hours each semester.

University of Houston Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Hands-on learning through practicum education is the heart of GCSW’s teaching approach. The university works with over 200 social service agencies in the Greater Houston area and beyond. Students complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork, which gives them vital real-life experience in service delivery.

These placements let students put classroom theory into practice and develop professional skills while exploring their values. First-year foundation students get matched with agencies that offer flexible schedules, though some daytime availability helps. Advanced students attend a Practicum Agency Marketplace where they interview with potential placement sites.

Social workers from affiliated agencies guide students through their practicum with support from clinical faculty. This approach helps students gain real-life experience while meeting academic standards.

Texas State University

Texas State University stands out among Texas social work schools with its innovative approach. Students can earn undergraduate and graduate social work degrees through a well-laid-out three-phase educational model. The School of Social Work gives students complete training and builds strong connections with community agencies across the state.

TSU Overview

The School of Social Work at Texas State runs programs that enable students to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Texas State University social work programs have full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates can start entry-level practice, apply for state licensure, and pursue advanced studies. BSW graduates work in a variety of settings such as child welfare, schools, long-term care facilities, mental health care centers, and public assistance agencies.

Texas State University Social Work Program Highlights

The BSW program at Texas State follows a three-phase progression model:

• Phase I: Entry-level courses open to any student declaring a social work major
• Phase II: Full major status requires formal application with minimum 2.50 GPA
• Phase III: Field placement starts after completing all required courses except seminar

The MSW program offers regular and advanced standing tracks. Regular track students complete two internships: foundation field (360 contact hours) and advanced field (540 contact hours). Advanced track students need to complete only the latter. Students don’t need to find their own internships – the Office of Field Education handles all placements.

Texas State University Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition rates differ between Texas residents and non-residents:

Graduate students’ total estimated cost of attendance includes additional expenses.

Texas State University Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Texas State’s Office of Field Education coordinates all field placements, which sets it apart from other universities. Students never have to find their own internships. The program places students in many states and countries where suitable agencies exist.

Field education combines two concurrent courses: experiential field practicum and integrative seminar. BSW students complete 420 contact hours in one semester. MSW students’ requirements vary based on their program track:

• MSW Foundation: 360 contact hours
• MSW Advanced: 540 contact hours

Students must complete mandatory field orientation before starting their internship. Field Advisors guide students throughout their professional development. This approach to fieldwork reinforces social work as “the profession’s signature pedagogy”. Students learn to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application effectively.

Baylor University

Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work distinguishes itself from other Texas social work schools by blending faith viewpoints with professional social work education. Students learn skills that address both practical and spiritual aspects of human needs through this unique approach.

Baylor University Overview

The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education and offers Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees. Religion and spirituality play vital roles in life’s experience, which the school integrates into its professional training. Baylor’s distinctive 10th Competency guides students beyond traditional social work competencies. This competency leads students to “engage in ethical and anti-oppressive social work practice and research that considers the role and influence of religion, spirituality and philosophical perspectives”.

Baylor University Social Work Program Highlights

Students receive a complete academic education combined with ground experience through Baylor’s social work curriculum. The program teaches students to:

• Enable and support social justice
• Handle challenges in settings of all types including rehabilitation clinics, adoption agencies, and hospital patient care
• Think about religious and spiritual factors’ influence on client well-being

The MSW program provides multiple paths including standard and advanced standing tracks for graduate students. Students with BSW degrees can finish their MSW in nowhere near the standard time through the advanced standing track, making it the quickest way to continue education.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The residential MSW program provides some form of financial aid package to all admitted students. Available financial support includes:

Online MSW students pay $1,100 per credit hour plus a $50 course/lab fee. The standard 58-credit track costs approximately $63,800, while the advanced standing 30-credit track totals around $33,000.

Baylor Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Baylor’s fieldwork serves as “a transformative element of the degree program”. Students gain practical skills through structured internships in various settings:

• BSW and MSW Foundation students complete 240 hours per semester for a total of 480 hours
• MSW Advanced students complete 550 hours across two semesters

Students can work in hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, community mental health sites, adoption agencies, treatment centers, veteran services, grief services, and congregations. Qualified social work practitioners supervise students throughout these experiences to ensure balanced educational integrity and skill development.

University of Texas at Arlington

The School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington gives students flexible ways to learn through its program ranked among the top 20% of CSWE-accredited social work schools nationwide. UTA stands as the fifth military veteran-friendly social work program in the country and provides exceptional learning options for students from all backgrounds.

University of Texas at Arlington Overview

The School of Social Work sits at 501 W. Mitchell Street in Arlington, Texas, with a dedicated facility packed with resources to help students succeed. Students can choose how they want to complete their degree. They can attend classes at either the Arlington or Fort Worth campuses, complete their BSW online, or mix online and in-person classes. This makes UTA one of the most available choices for social work degrees in Texas.

University of Texas at Arlington Social Work Program Features

Students looking to become an official BSW major at UTA need to meet these requirements:

• Get a ‘C’ or higher in five prerequisite courses
• Keep a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Submit the Undergraduate Major Transition Declaration Form

The program needs 60 hours of social work coursework. This includes four social work electives that let you shape your education around what interests you most. UTA’s BSW program also lets you pick a minor, with popular choices like Diversity Studies and Substance Use Treatment.

Tuition and Financial Aid

UTA’s MSW program offers great tuition benefits compared to other social work programs:

Students completing their MSW online might qualify for in-state tuition waivers, which can save them a lot of money. Students who receive scholarships of $1,000 or more usually qualify for in-state tuition rates, no matter where they live.

UT Arlington Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

UTA offers two ways to complete field education:

1. Split placement: 200 hours each semester across two semesters (14-16 hours weekly)
2. Block placement: 400 hours in a single semester (27-31 hours weekly)

The Office of Practicum Education helps match you with agencies that fit your career goals. UTA’s Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies takes in thirty interns every semester and provides hands-on experience with detailed supervision. During your practicum, you’ll build key skills through evidence-based service delivery while getting regular guidance from qualified field instructors.

Texas Christian University

TCU’s Department of Social Work stands out among social work schools in Texas. The program creates positive change agents through experiential learning, innovative research, and student-focused mentoring. Students learn critical analysis of structural inequities while adopting a trauma-informed approach to social service.

Texas Christian University Overview

TCU’s Department of Social Work prepares students to challenge themselves and make meaningful differences in people’s lives. The program helps graduates work with people from various backgrounds, especially those experiencing marginalization and oppression, to encourage an equitable society. Professors embrace a teacher-scholar philosophy and participate in research with undergraduate and graduate students. This creates valuable learning opportunities that go way beyond the reach and influence of traditional classroom settings.

TCU Program Highlights

Students need 120 semester hours to complete the BSW program, which includes foundation courses like Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Policy. The curriculum requires 33 semester hours of core social work courses and nine hours of electives. TCU offers a unique dual degree option with Brite Divinity School. MSW students can specialize in:

• Biblical studies
• Black church studies
• Military chaplaincy
• Sexual and gender justice

Tuition and Financial Aid

TCU’s tuition for 2024-25 is $61,740, which is higher than the national average of $47,890. About 80% of students receive some form of financial aid. First-year students receive an average need-based scholarship of $41,553. TCU meets 73% of students’ financial aid needs. Social work majors can apply for the Charlotte and Kirk French Scholarship if they show financial need.

Texas Christian University Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Field education at TCU combines supervised agency learning with classroom seminars. BSW students must complete 240 hours in each Field course, totaling 480 hours before graduation. Students are assessed based on the Council on Social Work Education’s core competencies. They must show “meets expectations” on at least two competencies by the end of the semester. The program requires students to follow the NASW Code of Ethics, Texas Code of Conduct, and TCU Academic Conduct Policy during their placements.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University’s School of Social Work stands proudly in Nacogdoches. The school focuses on hands-on training that serves rural populations and underserved communities. Students become competent professionals through classroom learning combined with field experiences.

Stephen F. Austin State University Overview

SFASU’s School of Social Work gives you the tools to tackle ground needs linked to poverty, inequality, and social justice. The program’s special focus on rural populations will give a solid foundation for graduates to work where they’re needed most. The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs hold full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. The job market looks promising for graduates who work in a variety of settings like state agencies, schools, hospitals, and nonprofits. The market should grow by 12% from 2014 to 2024.

Stephen F. Austin State University Social Work Program Explains

The BSW program needs 47 hours of professional social work courses with supporting subjects and 13 hours of electives. Students should keep a 2.25 cumulative GPA and score C or better in professional courses. The journey starts with prerequisites before program application. Students then move through a well-laid-out curriculum that ends with field experiences. The MSW program comes with regular and advanced standing options. Students must finish all degree requirements within four calendar years.

Stephen F. Austin State University Tuition and Financial Aid

Texas residents pay undergraduate tuition and fees of about $11,506 yearly, while out-of-state students pay $24,070. On-campus students’ total cost reaches $29,936 for in-state and $42,500 for out-of-state students. All the same, border-state residents might qualify for lower tuition rates of $12,436. Family income affects the average net price, ranging from $10,757 for households earning under $30,000 to $21,919 for those earning over $110,000.

Stephen F. Austin State University Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Field education is part of SFASU’s social work training. BSW students complete two distinct practicums:

• Junior practicum: 8 hours weekly (100 total hours) in community-based settings
• Senior practicum: 32 hours weekly in social service agencies

SFASU is a chance to join the Child Welfare Professional Development Project, a federally funded Title IV-E partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services that provides valuable experience and generous stipends. On top of that, students can join study abroad programs in Ireland and Ghana to learn about international social programs. These experiences help graduates enter the workforce with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Our Lady of the Lake University

The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) stands as Texas’ first school of social work founded in 1942, creating an 80+ year legacy among social work schools in Texas. The school has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education and earned recognition for excellence in social work education.

Our Lady of the Lake University Overview

The Worden School places special focus on Hispanic children and families while promoting sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences. The school received the prestigious Council on Social Work Education Presidential Award for Excellence in Social Work Education in 2009. Their commitment to diverse student populations shows in their rankings – #25 nationally for non-traditional students and #23 for veterans pursuing social work.

Our Lady of the Lake University Social Work Program Highlights

Students can choose from several degree paths at OLLU:

• BSW program leads to state licensure eligibility after graduation
• MSW Foundation Program serves students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees through 57 credit hours
• MSW Advanced Standing Program offers 30 credit hours for BSW graduates

Students can earn specialized certificates without extending their study timeline. These certificates cover Dismantling Oppression, Violence Prevention and Intervention, or Administration and Leadership. The school’s Biliterate Certificate Program allows bilingual students to complete portions of coursework in Spanish.

Our Lady of the Lake University Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2024-2025 MSW tuition costs $2,973 per course, with Advanced Standing Program students paying $29,730 on average. Financial aid reaches 99% of first-year students, primarily through scholarships and grants. The average assistance varies by household income, ranging from $23,708 for families earning under $30,000 to $19,235 for those earning above $110,000.

Our Lady of the Lake University Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Field education serves as a cornerstone of OLLU’s social work program. The program requires BSW and MSW Foundation students to complete 450 hours of field education, while MSW Advanced students must fulfill a 500-hour block placement. The Worden School partners with various public and private agencies to offer students diverse internship experiences.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University provides exceptional social work training through its Social Work Program in the Department of Social Work. The program distinguishes itself from other social work schools in Texas by focusing on gender, multiculturalism, and wellness. Students become culturally competent practitioners ready to serve their communities.

Texas Woman’s University Overview

Students of all genders can attend Texas Woman’s University at its campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. The Social Work Program teaches students to serve people from all backgrounds through a multidisciplinary approach. TWU graduates learn direct practice skills while embracing social justice, advocacy, and ethical decision-making principles. This 120-year-old institution started as a women’s college and grew into an inclusive university. TWU continues its dedication to helping underserved populations.

Texas Woman’s University Social Work Program Highlights

TWU’s BSW program prepares you for generalist practice through a curriculum that combines:

• Core social work values and ethics
• Human behavior in social environments
• Social welfare policy and services
• Research-informed practice

Students need to keep their grades above minimum requirements and show they’re ready for professional work. The admission process requires completed prerequisite courses, a formal application, and faculty interviews in some cases. Students then follow a well-laid-out course sequence that ends with hands-on field experience.

Texas Woman’s University Tuition and Financial Aid

TWU keeps its tuition competitive among universities offering social work programs:

Financial aid packages help make education affordable through institutional scholarships, federal grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. Social work majors who excel academically and need financial support can also apply for program-specific scholarships.

Texas Woman’s University Fieldwork and Practicum Opportunities

Field education forms the basis of TWU’s social work program. Undergraduate students complete 400 hours of supervised fieldwork at community agencies. You’ll work with experienced field instructors to apply your classroom knowledge in healthcare facilities, schools, mental health agencies, and community organizations. Regular supervision and integrative seminars help you connect theory with ground application effectively.

West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University prepares advanced generalist practitioners to address challenges in the Texas panhandle region through its rural social work education. The Social Work program sits within the Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. Students become change agents who can work effectively in diverse environments that change faster than ever.

West Texas A&M University Overview

The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited WTAMU’s Social Work program to prepare students for professional roles in rural settings. Rural social work brings unique challenges that urban settings rarely face. These challenges include geographic isolation and limited service access if you have persistent rural poverty. The program’s location in Canyon, along with nearby Amarillo resources, allows faculty members to share their extensive rural social work expertise.

West Texas A&M University Social Work Program

The program gives students two degree options:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – Students prepare for entry-level practice and licensure as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers
• Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) – Available in two formats:
  • General (Foundation) Program (two years full-time) for non-social work bachelor’s degree holders with 3.0 GPA
  • Advanced Standing Program for recent CSWE-accredited BSW graduates with 3.0 GPA in social work classes

MSSW program graduates become advanced generalist practitioners. They use various theoretical viewpoints, develop interventions at all system levels, and understand what makes rural communities unique.

Tuition and Financial Aid

WTAMU offers detailed financial assistance options:

• Federal aid through FAFSA (priority dates: April 15 for fall, November 1 for spring)
• Grants such as Federal Pell Grant and Texas Public Education Grant
• Work-study opportunities (typically 20 hours weekly for $3,000 per year)
• Social work specific scholarships ranging from $100 to $800

West Texas A&M Fieldwork and Practicum Options

Field education is a component of WTAMU’s program with structured requirements:

• Foundation level: 400 clock hours divided into two courses
• Advanced level: 500 clock hours divided into three courses

Students complete field placements in medical, clinical, social service, and community settings. Qualified field instructors provide supervision with ongoing faculty support. This gives students chances to apply their learning in real situations.

Comparing Social Work Programs at Texas Schools

Choose a Texas Social Work School Today

Your choice of social work program depends on more than just rankings. This piece highlights ten Texas schools that each bring something unique to the table. Your career goals, budget, and preferred learning style will guide your decision. UT Austin and University of Houston rank among the top programs. Our Lady of the Lake and Texas Woman’s University excel at specialized training that might better match your interests.

Money matters when picking a program. Texas State charges residents about $9,000 per semester. TCU’s undergraduate tuition runs higher at $61,740 per year. Notwithstanding that, these programs offer substantial financial aid. Baylor helps all its residential MSW students with funding.

Field training is the background for your social work education. Students complete 400-900 hours of supervised practice. This real-life experience before graduation proves invaluable. Specialized training in trauma-informed care, rural social work, or faith-integrated practice prepares you for a growing job market. Social workers earn between $44,790-$69,960 based on their specialty.

Social work degrees are great investments for economic growth. The field expects 7% job growth through 2033 – much faster than average. Your education opens doors to meaningful careers in healthcare, schools, government agencies, and private practice. These outstanding Texas institutions provide complete education. Whatever program you pick, you’ll find ways to express your passion for helping others.