11 Best Bachelor in Social Work Degrees in Texas for 2025

Texas has a massive population of 30.5 million people but only 9,000 licensed social workers. The state just needs more qualified professionals with an online social work degree.

Texas stands out as one of the top three employers of social workers in multiple sectors. Social workers here earn competitive salaries between $44,100 and $68,500 per year. Healthcare social workers receive a median salary of $62,500. Child and family social workers earn about $49,810 annually.

This rewarding field welcomes new professionals through 37 BSW programs across Texas. Many programs offer flexible online learning options. These accredited online BSW programs combine interactive virtual learning with hands-on field experience. You can earn your bachelor of social work degree while you keep up with your current responsibilities.

1. Stephen F. Austin State University BSW

Modality: On-campus

Stephen F. Austin State University has a Bachelor of Social Work program that lets students enter the social work profession at their own pace. The program is available to anyone who can’t attend regular campus classes and holds CSWE accreditation.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The BSW program at Stephen F. Austin has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn generalist social work practices and develop skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program welcomes students from Texas and neighboring states, with both full-time and part-time options.

Admission Requirements

The social work practice courses at SFA need you to meet these requirements:

• A 2.25 GPA overall in SFA courses
• Grades of C or higher in SOCW 2361, SOCW 2325, and SOCW 2389
• A grade of C or higher in human biology
• Grades of C or higher in ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302
• Completion of math requirement (MATH 1332 or higher)
• No more than nine hours left in core curriculum requirements

The BSW Program Director may grant provisional admission to students who haven’t met all requirements.

Curriculum and Course Delivery

The BSW program needs 47 hours of professional social work courses, several supportive discipline courses, and 13 hours of electives. Students learn through various methods:

• Online chats and discussions
• Virtual group projects
• Video conferencing
• Virtual role-playing activities

Students get an online experience that matches traditional classroom learning. Some parts of the program might need campus visits for skill-building, orientation, or intensive practice.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education plays a vital role through two practicum experiences:

Junior students complete 100 hours (8 hours weekly) at community-based settings with professional supervision. Senior students spend 32 hours weekly at social service agencies, which gives them substantial hands-on experience.

The Child Welfare Professional Development Project partners with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. This partnership gives students fieldwork opportunities and stipends if they qualify.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Texas residents’ estimated costs for 2025-2026 are around $29,936 for on-campus housing, $28,904 for off-campus housing, and $22,450 if living with parents. Out-of-state students pay more: $42,500 for on-campus and $41,468 for off-campus housing.

SFA helps students save money through its Annual Flat-Rate Tuition plan. Students can take up to 21 credit hours for the price of 12 hours ($5,564 per semester for Texas undergraduates). Another option is the Guaranteed-Price Plan that fixes tuition and fees for up to four years at $5,939 per semester.

University of Texas at Arlington Online BSW

Modality: Online

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a fully accredited online BSW program that stands out among Texas social work education options. Students can choose from three learning paths: 100% online, on-campus in Arlington or Fort Worth, or a mix of both formats.

Program Structure and Flexibility

Both Texas residents and out-of-state students can join the UTA online Bachelor of Social Work program. Students living outside Texas can benefit from the Non-Resident Distance Education Program (NRODE), which cuts tuition costs by about 40-50% compared to regular non-resident rates. NRODE students must live outside Texas while they complete their studies and field internships at approved local agencies.

The program prepares students for entry-level social work positions. Students with good academic standing can qualify for Advanced Standing in UTA’s MSW program, which lets them complete their master’s degree in about one year.

CSWE Accreditation Details

The University of Texas at Arlington’s BSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and ranks #1 in Texas. This recognition means the online curriculum meets the same standards as the campus-based program, producing graduates who meet national professional standards.

Student Support Services

UTA gives detailed support to online BSW students through several resources:

• Connections Tutoring Lab helps with course content, research methods, grammar, APA guidelines, and ethical writing
• Academic advisors who have social work experience guide students through academic planning and share professional insights
• The Compassionate Assistance for Relieving Emergencies (CARE) fund helps students who face sudden financial hardships
• Student organizations build professional connections and community
• Career development resources include resume workshops and licensure preparation

Students can book “Same Day Advisor” appointments on Wednesdays when they need urgent help, which helps with limited advisor availability.

Field Education Experience

Field education serves as the final piece of the BSW program. These internships let students apply their classroom knowledge, which they need for graduation, licensure, and professional success.

The Practicum Education Office’s specialists help students find agencies that match their career goals. Field placement sites must meet strict quality standards. Their supervisors need BSW or MSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs and at least two years of post-degree experience.

The Practicum Office sends email updates about application deadlines and requirements each semester before field placements begin. UTA has created detailed FAQ resources that answer common questions and help students transition smoothly into this important professional development phase.

Texas State University Online BSW Program

Modality: Online

Texas State University’s online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program ranks among the best social work education options in Texas. Students can earn professional licensure and access career opportunities nationwide.

Program Features and Benefits

Texas State’s CSWE-accredited online BSW program prepares students to practice social work in a variety of settings. The program features three distinct phases that ensure detailed skill development throughout your educational experience. Students who graduate become eligible for state social work licensure and qualify to pursue advanced graduate studies.

BSW graduates find employment opportunities in several practice fields such as:

• Child welfare and family services
• Healthcare and mental health facilities
• Educational institutions
• Criminal justice settings

The School of Social Work has managed to keep its leadership in social work education since 1975. The program continues to receive recognition as one of the top programs nationwide.

Admission Process

Students must formally apply for admission to Phase II of the curriculum to join the online BSW program. The application requires:

1. An overall GPA of at least 2.5
2. Most Phase I courses completed before Phase II begins
3. Two completed evaluation forms from professional references
4. Responses to essay and short answer questions
5. A mandatory faculty interview

Students can access the web-based application each Fall and Spring semester for admission in the following semester. The process requires clear indication of preference for the online cohort instead of on-campus options.

Course Delivery Methods

Texas State’s online BSW program delivers coursework asynchronously. Students don’t need to attend face-to-face instruction or scheduled meeting times. The learning experience includes:

• Canvas-based discussion forums
• Self-paced projects and papers
• Online exams and quizzes
• Digital video and film resources

So, successful online students need self-motivation, organization skills, and proactive attitudes. They must have consistent access to reliable internet and updated computer systems.

Field Placement Support

The foundation of social work training is field education. Many consider it the profession’s “signature pedagogy”. BSW students at Texas State complete one block internship with 420 contact hours in a single semester.

The Office of Field Education handles all placement coordination, which means students don’t need to find their own internships. The university partners with numerous organizations including school districts, hospitals, mental health agencies, and community-based organizations.

Students can complete their Field Seminar (SOWK 4374) fully online. However, the Field Internship/Placement (SOWK 4975) requires face-to-face participation at an approved social service agency.

Tarleton State University Bachelor of Social Work

Modality: On-campus

Tarleton State University offers an all-encompassing approach to social work education through its fully accredited online Bachelor of Social Work program. The program started a mission to prepare practitioners who become lifelong champions and team leaders to advance health and well-being in communities.

Program Highlights

Tarleton’s BSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures graduates meet national standards for professional practice. The program puts student learning first and helps students apply their skills in ground applications. Students get these benefits:

• Service-learning opportunities and community-based research
• Study abroad experiences that connect students to global social work views
• Faculty who stand by the core values of the social work profession

Graduates can pursue licensure with the Texas Behavioral Health Council. This opens doors to many career paths in healthcare, education, and legal settings.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Students must first get admission to Tarleton State University as undergraduates. The BSW program needs applicants to keep a minimum 2.5 overall GPA. Students should submit their materials at least one month before the first class day. Early application gives better chances.

Students with an Associate of Applied Science degree can transfer through the BAAS in Social Work pathway. This creates flexible options for students who have prior educational credits.

Curriculum Structure

The BSW curriculum combines liberal arts education with professional social work foundations. Students learn about human behavior, crisis intervention, case management, and interviewing strategies. The program needs 120 credit hours to graduate. Major coursework includes:

• Social welfare policy and research
• Human behavior and social environment
• Methods and skills of interviewing
• Working with diverse populations

Tarleton stands out with its Child Welfare Concentration. This prepares graduates for careers in child protective services. Qualified students receive stipends for four semesters while they complete internships.

Field Education Components

Field education a large part of Tarleton’s BSW program. Students complete a detailed 450-hour practicum experience at community-based agencies. They apply their classroom knowledge in real settings under qualified social worker supervision.

Students work in medical centers, schools, and social service agencies of all sizes. They complete about 16 hours weekly throughout the semester. This hands-on experience helps students develop professional skills while using what they learned in class.

The program prepares graduates for immediate jobs and advanced standing in MSW programs. This can reduce the time needed to complete a master’s degree.

University of Houston-Clear Lake BSW

The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers a fully accredited Bachelor of Social Work program that takes a detailed, evidence-based approach to social work practice. This 19-year old BSW program earned its original accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2004 and successfully renewed it in 2008 and 2016.

Program Overview

UHCL’s BSW program equips future social work professionals to serve diverse populations. The curriculum shines especially when you have vulnerable communities within the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Students explore nine connected areas: human behavior and social environment, social welfare policy, research, values and ethics, diversity, social justice, populations at risk, practice methods, and field education. Graduates can take the Licensed Social Worker exam, which boosts their appeal to employers.

Admission Criteria

Students must meet these requirements to join the UHCL BSW program:

• Completion of Texas Core Requirements
• Introduction to Psychology with grade “C” or higher
• Introduction to Sociology with grade “C” or higher
• A natural science course (General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, or equivalent)
• SWRK 2361 (Introduction to Social Work) with grade “C” or higher
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

Your application package should include an admission application, unofficial transcripts, three recommendation forms from instructors or supervisors, and a 4-6 page autobiographical statement. The program accepts applications throughout the year with deadlines of July 15 for Fall admission and December 15 for Spring admission.

Course Delivery Platform

Canvas serves as the hub for all online instruction at UHCL. This detailed course management tool lets students complete all instructional and group activities electronically—often at their own pace. Students can access their coursework from anywhere while getting the same quality content as traditional classes. A personal computer with internet access is recommended, though university computer labs remain open to students.

Field Experience Requirements

Field education stands as a crucial part of UHCL’s BSW program. Students must complete two internship experiences: Field I (SWRK 4619) and Field II (SWRK 4629), each worth six credit hours. Students need a grade of “C” or better in Field I before moving to Field II. The university works with many regional social service agencies and non-profit organizations to place interns.

Texas A&M University-Commerce BSW

Modality: Hybrid

Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a hybrid Bachelor of Social Work program that blends online coursework with in-person classes. This CSWE-accredited program prepares social work professionals since 1978. The program gives aspiring social workers throughout Texas a flexible path to licensure.

Program Structure

Students in the BSW program at Texas A&M University-Commerce learn together in cohorts. Each semester students take two online and two in-person courses. The face-to-face classes meet weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays or Saturdays at the Commerce or Dallas campus locations. This 120-credit hour program dedicates 54 semester hours to social work and 6 hours to supporting disciplines. The BSW program stands out because it doesn’t need a second major or minor. Students can focus completely on building their professional social work skills.

Admission Requirements

The bachelor of social work program in Texas requires students to:

• Finish the 42-hour university core curriculum before admission
• Keep a minimum 2.5 GPA
• Score a “C” or higher in MATH 1342 and SOC 1306
• Complete prerequisite social work courses: SWK 2361 (Introduction to Social Work), SWK 2362 (Social Welfare), and SWK 2389 (Academic Cooperative)

Students can apply starting March 1st each year through both ApplyTexas and the BSW program application.

Technology Requirements

Students use the university’s learning management system to access online courses. Success in the program needs reliable internet access and proper computer equipment. SWK 370 (Writing and Technology Skills in Social Work) helps boost your digital skills for professional practice.

Field Placement Options

Field education foundational to this online social work degree. Students complete two different practicum experiences:

• Field Practicum I (SWK 425): 160 hours per semester with 16 weekly hours
• Field Practicum II (SWK 426): 240 hours with 15 weekly hours

A qualified BSW or LBSW supervisor provides at least 2 hours of weekly supervision. Students also take integration courses (SWK 422 and SWK 424) that connect classroom theory with real-world practice. Field placements happen in a variety of community settings and help students develop their professional identity.

West Texas A&M University Online Social Work Degree

Modality: On-campus

West Texas A&M University runs one of Texas’s oldest accredited social work programs. The program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1975. Students learn to become entry-level generalist practitioners and prepare for graduate education.

Program Features

WTAMU’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives aspiring social workers several advantages. You can become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) in Texas after graduation. Your career path could lead straight to work or an MSW program with advanced standing status. This saves you both time and money. The program enriches your learning through:

• Graduating students host a Field Fair twice a year
• You can study abroad in New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Hong Kong
• Health fair coordination and diversity immersion activities create shared learning experiences

Admission Process

You start as a pre-major student and apply for formal admission during your junior year. Here’s what you need:

Complete university core curriculum with two Biology or Anatomy classes Finish SOCW 2315, SOCW 2361, SOCW 3301, and SOCW 3302 A minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA Submit your application with two reference letters from people who can vouch for your dedication to helping others

Course Delivery Methods

WTAMU offers more than 400 online courses. Note that you can’t complete the BSW program entirely online or through night classes. The Education on Demand (EoD) platform helps you fit degree-credit online courses into your schedule with various time formats.

Field Education Experience

Your field work includes a 450-hour internship with two options: full-time during your final semester at 32 hours weekly, or part-time across two semesters at 16 hours weekly. Field instruction is a vital part of connecting classroom knowledge with real-life application. You’ll learn what works in practice. This hands-on experience enables you to make meaningful changes in people’s lives and communities.

University of Texas at El Paso BSW

Modality: On-campus

The University of Texas at El Paso specializes in border region social work education and prepares practitioners who understand this unique bi-cultural, bi-national environment. UTEP’s Department of Social Work offers a Bachelor of Social Work program that meets social and health needs of diverse populations along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Program Overview

UTEP’s BSW program educates students from diverse backgrounds to become ethical, competent practitioners who respond well to different cultures. Students learn to work with Hispanic populations, military families, Native Americans, and other communities in the border region. The program doesn’t offer a fully online option. However, students can benefit from some scheduling flexibility with late afternoon and evening classes available occasionally.

Admission Requirements

UTEP’s BSW program requires applicants to meet these criteria:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.80
• University core and pre-professional courses completed with grade “C” or better
• Complete admission packet with application, experience summary sheet, personal statement, and letters of recommendation
• First-time freshmen from top 10% of high school class get guaranteed admission
• Other applicants need minimum SAT/ACT scores based on class rank (920-1070 SAT or 19-23 ACT)

Students can submit applications through an online portal each January to start in fall semester. Early submissions help ensure time to make any needed corrections.

Curriculum Structure

Students need 120 total credit hours to complete their BSW degree, with 59 hours in the social work major. The professional core takes up 41 credit hours and covers practice, policy, research, culture, clinical social work, and human behavior courses. Junior and senior years focus on 31 credit hours of theoretical coursework and 16 credit hours of electives. The program teaches students to handle child welfare, family violence, substance abuse, immigration, and criminal justice issues.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education stands at the forefront of UTEP’s social work training. Senior students complete Field Instruction with 16 weekly hours (240 hours per semester) at approved social service agencies. This practical experience spans two semesters while students take Field Seminar courses. Students get hands-on experience with supervision from qualified social workers. UTEP partners with agencies throughout the Greater El Paso community where students apply classroom theory with actual clients.

Lamar University Bachelor of Social Work

Modality: On-campus

Lamar University runs a comprehensive Bachelor of Social Work program that equips graduates to tackle social problems and make meaningful changes in society. The BSW program stands out with its unique “person-in-environment” approach that defines professional social work practice.

Program Highlights

Students need 120 credit hours to complete Lamar’s BSW program. The program teaches students to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. We focused on developing strengths and resources to solve personal and societal challenges. Students learn to create lasting positive changes in the lives of people and institutions they serve. After graduation, students can take state licensing exams through the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. They can also apply for advanced standing in graduate programs, which might let them skip the foundation year in MSW programs.

Admission Criteria

The BSW program has specific requirements to consider:

• Your GPA must stay at 2.5 or above
• You need to finish prerequisite courses including introduction to social work
• New students start with a pre-major designation (PSOW)
• Social Work faculty must recommend seniors before they become majors

Students must complete 50 hours of volunteer work and pass a criminal history check before field placement.

Course Delivery Platform

The BSW program runs mainly through on-campus classes with some online options available. The program gives students hands-on learning opportunities to build practical skills through direct faculty interaction. The university offers several online bachelor’s degrees in other fields, which suggests possible online social work programs in the future.

Field Experience Requirements

Field education serves as a crucial internship experience in the BSW program. Students must pass a background check before starting their field placement. The Child Welfare Professional Development Project helps qualified students with up to $5,000 in financial support during field placement. This funding comes through federal Title IV-E funds from the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services.

Texas Woman’s University BSW Program

Modality: On-campus

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Texas Woman’s University is 77 years old and ranks among Texas’ longest-running CSWE-accredited social work education programs. Students get complete generalist training that prepares them for professional licensure. The program focuses on working with clients from different backgrounds.

Program Structure

Students need 120 semester credit hours to complete TWU’s BSW program. Social work courses make up 52 of these hours. The curriculum builds on six key areas: practice methods, human behavior, social environment understanding, social welfare policy, research methods, and professional development. Field education rounds out the program. The courses really integrate values, ethics, diversity, at-risk populations, and principles of social, economic, and environmental justice. Graduates can get state social work licensure and qualify for advanced standing in most MSW programs. This could mean less time spent in graduate school.

Admission Requirements

TWU’s social work program has a clear admission process:

• Students must go to a program orientation and agree to follow the NASW Code of Ethics
• Meet an academic advisor to plan start dates
• Finish core curriculum with at least a 2.5 GPA
• Submit an application showing you’re ready for the program
• Wait for the faculty committee’s decision

The admissions committee looks at both academic performance and other factors before deciding on unconditional acceptance, conditional acceptance, or denial.

Technology Requirements

Like other BSW programs in Texas, students need good internet access and proper computer equipment to access course materials. The program uses various tech platforms to make remote learning easier.

Field Placement Options

Field education is the final step in TWU’s BSW program. Students spend 416 hours at social service agencies under qualified social workers’ supervision. They also take the Social Work Integrative Seminar (SOWK 4463) while doing their field placement. The university partners with agencies across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and rural areas. This gives students a chance to work in different social service settings.

Angelo State University Online Social Work Degree

Modality: Online

Angelo State University ranks among Texas’s best online social work programs, with national recognition for both quality and affordability. The Bachelor of Social Work program consistently places in the nation’s top 10 according to several higher education resource guides.

Program Features

The BSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which guarantees graduates meet national professional standards. Students learn through an integrated biopsychosocial approach with clients. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge and hands-on training to prepare students for generalist social work practice.

Admission Process

Students must keep a minimum 2.25 GPA in all courses to qualify for the BSW program. Most students apply during their sophomore or junior year after finishing prerequisite courses like Introduction to Social Work and Theory and Practice. Your advisor helps determine the right time and sends an email invitation to submit your BSW application through the InPlace Student Platform. Make sure you submit before the deadline.

Course Delivery Methods

Students can complete their BSW degree entirely online, which works great for those balancing work or family responsibilities. Blackboard serves as the main platform where students access coursework, grades, discussions, and exams. Some online exams require a special “lock-down” browser that limits device functionality for security purposes.

Field Education Experience

Field education is a vital part of ASU’s social work program. Senior year students spend 500 hours in the field – 250 hours each semester. This hands-on experience lets students apply their classroom knowledge while working with real clients under professional guidance. Students must get professional liability insurance at the 1 million/3 million level before starting their placement.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). The job market looks promising – the Health Resources and Service Administration expects a 30% growth in social work positions through 2030. Graduates find opportunities in healthcare, child welfare, criminal justice, gerontology, mental health, and school systems.

Comparing Texas’ BSW Programs

Choose Your Texas BSW Today

Texas has several ways to get your Bachelor of Social Work degree, and programs adapt to fit students’ different needs. Each university stands out with its own strengths. UT Arlington runs a top-ranked program, UTEP specializes in border region studies, Stephen F. Austin focuses on child welfare, and Angelo State delivers award-winning online courses.

These CSWE-accredited programs set their own admission standards, with GPA requirements that range from 2.25 to 2.80. Field education plays a key role in all programs, and students must complete 400-500 hours of supervised practice. The child welfare concentration also gives students a chance to earn stipends while preparing for their careers.

Social work jobs keep growing throughout Texas, with yearly salaries ranging from $44,100 to $68,500. Healthcare social workers take home median salaries of $62,500, while child and family social workers earn around $49,810 annually.

Your choice of BSW program should match your location, schedule needs, and career plans. Take time to think over each program’s teaching method, field work requirements, and special features as you weigh your options. A social work degree is a great way to get started in a meaningful career serving Texas communities.