5 Top-Rated BSW Programs in San Antonio That Lead to State Licensure
Looking for BSW programs in San Antonio to kickstart your social work career? You’re in the right place at the right time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects social work jobs to grow 7% over the next decade, which is a lot faster than other occupations.
Getting a social worker degree in Texas, specifically a BSW in San Antonio, sets you up for impressive career opportunities. Recent graduates from these programs enter the workforce with competitive starting salaries around $59,000. On top of that, local job availability stays strong with over 11,000 positions and growing demand in specializations of all types.
These programs are especially valuable because of their practical training. Students get substantial field experience—up to 450 hours of practicum work serving community agencies throughout San Antonio and beyond. Graduates become eligible for licensure by examination in Texas, which opens doors to professional recognition and career growth.
In this guide, we’ll get into five top-rated BSW programs that prepare you for immediate employment and potential graduate studies. Each program brings unique advantages while maintaining the accreditation you need for your professional development.
1. Texas State University BSW Program
Texas State University runs one of the 45-year-old Bachelor of Social Work programs in the San Antonio region. The program has trained students for generalist social work practice since 1978. Students seeking a social worker degree in Texas will find great opportunities in the Austin-San Antonio corridor, where the program focuses on economic and social justice.
Key features
The Texas State BSW program helps graduates improve people’s well-being – individuals, families, and communities – with integrity. Students progress through three distinct phases that build on each other to develop their social work competencies.
Students who complete this hands-on academic program become leaders for positive change. They master these skills:
- Effective communication and active listening
- Psychoeducation and problem-solving
- Research and policy analysis
Texas State’s program shines with its flexible delivery formats. Students can pick from:
- On-campus cohort at the San Marcos campus
- On-campus cohort at the Round Rock campus
- Fully online cohort
Students throughout the San Antonio region can easily access the program. Online students should know that while they can complete the Field Seminar course (SOWK 4374) online, they must do their field internship (SOWK 4975) in person at a human service organization or social service agency.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Texas State’s BSW program – a crucial point for students looking at BSW programs in San Antonio. The program has managed to keep this accreditation since 1978, with renewals in 1985 and 1992.
CSWE accreditation matters greatly for graduates who want to practice in Texas. State laws require anyone using titles with “Social Worker” or initials like LBSW or LMSW to get a license.
Texas State graduates can:
- Take the state social work licensure exam from the Association of Social Work Boards
- Study further in any accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program
Most students take the Bachelor’s Social Worker licensing exam right before or after getting their BSW degree.
Field education
Field education is the cornerstone of social work training. Students learn to become practitioners through hands-on experience. Texas State’s field education combines:
- Practical training in an approved social service agency
- An integrative seminar alongside the practicum
BSW students must complete 420 contact hours during one semester at their field practicum. The program requires full-time internship completion in a single semester – there’s no part-time option.
The Office of Field Education handles all field placements. Students don’t need to find their own internships. The Field Office works with many organizations:
- School districts
- Hospitals and mental health agencies
- State and federal agencies
- Community-based organizations
- Shelters and correctional facilities
- Nursing and rehabilitation centers
- Hospice and palliative care providers
The planning starts with information sessions, followed by application processing, pre-placement interviews, and agency referrals. Each student works with an assigned Field Advisor throughout the process.
Admission requirements
The BSW program follows a three-phase approach:
Phase I: Entry Level – Texas State undergraduates can declare Social Work as their major and start with introductory courses (SOWK 1350, SOWK 2375) and electives. Students should finish most general education core courses before moving to Phase II.
Students need:
- At least 45 credit hours
- A minimum 2.50 overall GPA when final grades post during the application semester
Phase II: Full Major Status – Students apply during fall or spring semesters for next semester admission. The application needs:
- An essay with short answer responses
- Two completed evaluation forms (not recommendation letters)
- A mandatory faculty interview
Phase III: Field Placement – Students who finish all required BSW courses (except SOWK 4374 and SOWK 4975) can apply for field placement. They must meet all Field Office requirements before starting this final phase.
Career outcomes
Texas State BSW graduates work across Texas, the United States, and worldwide in various settings. They help people of all ages in fields like:
- Child welfare
- School settings
- Long-term care
- General social services
- Mental health care
- Public assistance
The Austin-San Antonio corridor location creates many opportunities for campus-based students. Graduates take leadership roles in different settings:
- Clinical practice
- Program development
- Administration
Texas employment data shows 19,510 Child, Family, and School Social Workers earning $48,920 on average. Healthcare Social Workers (9,830 positions) make about $59,090, while Substance Abuse Social Workers (6,090 positions) earn around $40,470.
Social and Community Service Managers represent another career path with 5,370 Texas positions averaging $72,560.
Texas State University’s BSW program is notable in San Antonio because of its long-running accreditation, thorough field education, flexible learning options, and strong career prospects. Students develop knowledge, skills, and ethical foundations through the three-phase approach, preparing them for successful social work careers.
2. UT San Antonio BSW Program
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) offers a unique Bachelor of Social Work program that champions culturally competent practice and social justice principles. UTSA is distinguished among San Antonio’s BSW programs. The university shapes future social workers who serve different communities through transformative approaches that tackle complex social needs.
Key features
UTSA’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives you the essential skills to start professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program champions culturally competent, transformative practices that boost equity and social justice locally and globally.
This program stands apart from other social worker degrees in Texas through its detailed approach. Students learn both theory and practice to build expertise in:
- Bringing classroom learning to real-life application
- Mastering core social work skills
- Working well with different populations
- Understanding social welfare policy analysis
The Department of Social Work houses the BSW program and offers more than academic training—it creates opportunities to make real changes in San Antonio and beyond. Faculty members shape the next generation of change-makers through a curriculum that meets the city’s community needs.
UTSA’s social work education connects academic knowledge with community involvement. This approach will give a solid foundation to start your career in various social service settings.
Accreditation and licensure
The UTSA Bachelor of Social Work Program has earned candidacy for accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. This status shows the program has made substantial progress toward meeting quality standards through peer review.
Candidacy status matters to students. Students who enroll during or after the program’s candidacy year will receive recognition as graduates from a CSWE-BOA accredited program once it gets initial accreditation. CSWE accreditation proves program quality and graduate competence.
Program graduates can apply for state licensure. The licensing process has several steps:
Students must submit a Request for Letter of Degree Status from the College for Health, Community and Policy Dean’s Office in their final semester. They then need to pass the Jurisprudence Exam before taking the licensing exam through the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.
UTSA students excel in professional testing—graduates pass the state licensing exam at rates well above the national average. This success shows how well the program prepares students for their careers.
Field education
Field education is the substance of UTSA’s social work curriculum. Students complete 450 hours of practical training[121]. This hands-on experience serves community agencies throughout San Antonio and nearby areas.
Your practicum experience lets you:
- Apply classroom learning to ground practice
- Master core social work skills
- Connect with professional social workers and UTSA liaisons
- Build networks with local community agencies[121]
The field practicum helps students develop independent learning skills through supervised assignments from a generalist social work view. Students learn to work with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations.
Students complete field education in two phases. Each phase needs 225 clock hours at an assigned field practicum site that partners with UTSA. Students must earn at least a ‘B-‘ to pass these courses. This standard ensures graduates have the practical skills to work effectively.
Admission requirements
The BSW Upper-Level Practice Sequence at UTSA has specific entry requirements. The program accepts all applicants initially. Formal admission to the practice sequence requires:
- 42 semester credit hours of coursework, including most Texas Core Curriculum
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
- A grade of “C-” or better in SWK 1013 and SWK 2013
- A grade of “C-” or better in statistics (STA 1053 or PSY 2073)[121]
The application process also needs:
- BSW Program Information Session attendance
- Two professional or academic references
- A résumé
- 4 short-answer admissions narrative statement responses
The BSW Committee reviews applications from February 1st through August 15th using a standard evaluation rubric. Students can apply twice. After two unsuccessful tries, they must change their major.
This careful selection process ensures students have the academic background and professional attitude needed for social work success.
Career outcomes
UTSA’s BSW graduates find excellent career opportunities with competitive pay. Recent graduates start at around $59,000, showing the program’s market value.
The financial benefits grow over time. UTSA graduates earn about $28,000 more than high school graduates in San Antonio, creating a strong base for career growth and financial stability.
The program prepares you for roles like:
- Child, family, and school social worker
- Mental health and substance abuse social worker
- Healthcare social worker
- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor
- Marriage and family therapist
- Social and community service manager
These careers match current job market trends. Social worker jobs should grow 7% over the next decade, faster than most occupations. San Antonio’s child welfare specialists earn around $56,680, general social workers make about $64,360, and community organizers can reach $79,310 yearly.
UTSA also offers a master’s program in social work. The program accepts about 76% of applicants, making advanced education available to BSW graduates. In 2022, 76 students earned their master’s degree in social work from UTSA.
3. Our Lady of the Lake University BSW Program
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is Texas’s oldest school of social work. The university’s Bachelor of Social Work program has shaped social work education standards for nearly 80 years. Students at the Worden School of Social Service learn a unique approach that focuses on serving Hispanic children and families while preparing them for professional practice.
Key features
The Bachelor of Social Work program equips you with skills for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. You’ll develop skills that go beyond simple preparation. The program builds your ability to participate responsibly in social change and creates a solid foundation for graduate study in social work or other human service professions.
The program’s emphasis on culturally competent practice with Hispanic populations sets it apart from other BSW programs in San Antonio. Cultural and ethnic differences remain central to the Worden School’s mission and its steadfast dedication to working with at-risk populations.
OLLU offers several certificates that improve your BSW education:
- Dismantling Oppression
- Violence Prevention and Intervention
- Administration and Leadership
- Biliterate Program for Spanish-speaking students
These specialized certificates combined with core BSW education give you targeted skills that address specific community needs. Students learn through a mix of classroom theory and hands-on experience, which lets them apply concepts in real-world settings. The university also offers a 10% tuition discount for active military members and veterans as a Yellow Ribbon School.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the OLLU BSW program. CSWE serves as the only accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. This accreditation confirms the program meets professional social work education’s quality standards.
Your BSW from OLLU qualifies you for:
- Full membership in the National Association of Social Workers
- License by examination by the State of Texas
This license eligibility gives graduates a crucial advantage when seeking a social worker degree in Texas. Students complete a secondary assessment during field courses as part of meeting accreditation standards, which helps prepare them for the licensure examination.
Field education
Field education forms a vital part of OLLU’s social work program. The Worden School collaborates with numerous public and private social service agencies to create diverse internship opportunities.
BSW students complete 450 hours of field education for detailed practical training. This experience brings together:
- You as the student
- Your field instructor
- OLLU faculty liaison
Students use CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards throughout their field education. They receive guidance from both field instructors and faculty liaisons. This well-laid-out approach helps students track and reflect on their learning through an educational plan and bi-weekly supervisory logs.
Admission requirements
The BSW program’s admission process involves multiple stages. Students can declare social work as their major with the Registrar’s Office and take up to 18 semester hours of social work courses as self-declared students.
You’ll need these items for formal admission:
- Overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Social work GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Signed Worden Student Code of Conduct Form
- Personal Statement
- One faculty letter of recommendation
The school processes formal admission applications after students finish six semester hours of social work courses at the Worden School. Students must keep a minimum 2.5 GPA in social work courses after 12 semester hours to stay in the program.
Field education courses require successful completion of 28 hours in social work with a 2.5 GPA in major courses and permission from the BSW Program Director. Graduates must maintain this same 2.5 GPA in their major.
Career outcomes
OLLU’s BSW graduates pursue various career paths with competitive salaries. Social Work majors earning their bachelor’s degree report a median salary of $38,209, higher than the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders.
Licensed BSW graduates work in many settings:
- Geriatrics
- Healthcare
- Mental health
- Child welfare
- Disabilities
- Emergency assistance programs
- Schools
The program’s commitment to diversity shows in its graduate profile. Recent statistics reveal 79% Hispanic or Latino graduates, with 7% men and 93% women. This diversity helps create culturally competent practitioners.
Many graduates advance their education through the Advanced Standing MSW Program (30 credit hours) for specialized Hispanic population training or pursue graduate degrees in education, psychology, and law. The university aids undergraduates’ career success through job placement help, job banks access, and career fairs.
4. San Antonio College Social Work Program
San Antonio College (SAC) provides a valuable Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Social Work program. This program serves as a stepping stone toward further education or entry-level positions in social services for aspiring social work professionals. Students get foundational training without completing a full BSW.
Key features
Case management skill building stands at the core of San Antonio College’s social work program. SAC graduates enter the workforce with a deep understanding of service delivery in complex environments, while most case managers learn this vital skill through job experience.
The program teaches students about:
- Human behavior and community needs assessment
- Interviewing, counseling, and communication techniques
- Ethical practice principles and professional standards
- Resource coordination and client support strategies
SAC’s 30-hour Level II Case Management Certificate adds value through online and face-to-face options. Students in psychology, criminal justice, sociology, or related fields can enhance their careers with immediately useful skills.
Professional social workers make up the faculty and bring their extensive hands-on experience to the classroom. Students benefit from authentic insights that prepare them for daily responsibilities in social service organizations.
Retry
Accreditation and licensure
San Antonio College’s program follows different accreditation guidelines than four-year institutions. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) doesn’t currently accredit two-year programs. SAC arranges its curriculum to match CSWE standards, which ensures quality education aligned with professional guidelines.
Students who plan to continue their education at BSW programs benefit from this professional standard alignment. The foundational knowledge they gain at SAC creates a smooth transition to four-year institutions, making it an excellent starting point for those who want full social work licensure.
Field education
Hands-on experience is a vital component of SAC’s social work education. Students learn service delivery fundamentals that prepare them for their professional roles. They develop core competencies to help individuals and families in need through this practical approach.
Students learn to apply theoretical concepts in actual situations. This helps them understand service delivery to vulnerable populations in complex environments.
Admission requirements
SAC welcomes students through its available admission policies as a community college. The college serves about 19,231 students each year, offering educational opportunities to learners from all backgrounds.
Students must complete 60 total credit hours to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree. The program’s stackable nature lets students build credentials step by step, with the Case Management Certificate as a possible starting point.
Career outcomes
SAC’s social work program graduates work in various social service roles. They become Case Managers, Enrollment Specialists, Case Coordinators, Intake Coordinators, Social Services Assistants, and Client Support Specialists.
Texas offers competitive pay for social work careers. Child, Family, and School Social Workers hold 19,510 positions with average salaries of $48,920. Healthcare Social Workers (9,830 positions) earn higher averages at $59,090, while Substance Abuse Social Workers (6,090 positions) typically earn $40,470.
Social and Community Service Managers represent another career path for those seeking management roles. Texas has 5,370 positions with average salaries of $72,560.
The program excels at serving diverse populations. SAC graduates 23% more racial-ethnic minorities than the nationwide average in its associate’s program. This diversity preparation gives graduates an edge in a field where cultural competence matters greatly.
SAC builds a solid foundation for students starting their social work path. The program works well both as a terminal degree for immediate employment and as preparation for transfer to a four-year BSW program in San Antonio or elsewhere in Texas.
5. University of Houston – Online BSW Program (San Antonio Accessible)
The University of Houston’s BSW program lets San Antonio residents pursue their social work education from home. Students can complete their degree entirely online, making it a great alternative to traditional campus-based BSW programs in San Antonio.
UH BSW key features
The University of Houston’s BSW curriculum blends hands-on skills with theoretical knowledge. Students learn to promote well-being and tackle unhealthy social environments while working toward social and economic justice. The program helps students develop professional skills they need to provide direct services and create programs that help people reach their full potential.
The program teaches students about the profession’s Code of Ethics. They learn how different forms of discrimination like racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, ethnocentrism, and classism affect individuals, groups, policies, and institutions.
Accreditation and licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits UH’s social work program, which allows graduates to get licensed in Texas. To become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), graduates need to:
- Complete a CSWE-accredited degree
- Get verification of supervised practicum
- Pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam
- Pass the Texas jurisprudence exam
Field education
Field education is the heart of UH’s social work program. Students get hands-on experience and develop nine core competencies through actual service delivery. Students can:
- Apply theories in practical settings
- Develop and refine their skills
- Examine their professional attitudes and values
- Study how social policies affect services
UH partners with more than 200 social service agencies throughout the greater Houston area and beyond. This gives students countless practicum opportunities both locally and nationally.
UH BSW admission requirements
Students need these qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a strong liberal arts foundation
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs might qualify for conditional admission)
- Two recommendations from professors, supervisors, or professional colleagues
- A personal statement about their interest in social work and dedication to justice
UH BSW career outcomes
Graduates work in a variety of fields including child welfare, healthcare, schools, and mental health settings. Licensed bachelor’s level social workers in Texas earn competitive salaries. Healthcare social workers make an average of $59,090 while child/family social workers earn around $48,920.
Next Steps
Picking the right BSW program is a vital step toward success in your social work career. The five highlighted programs each come with their own advantages and prepare you for Texas state licensure requirements. Texas State University gives you great flexibility with three delivery formats. UTSA focuses on culturally competent practice and boasts impressive licensing exam pass rates. Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas’s oldest social work school, provides specialized certificates along with their core BSW education.
San Antonio College makes a great starting point through their associate’s program. This works well for students who want to test the waters before committing to a full bachelor’s degree. On top of that, University of Houston’s online program creates opportunities for San Antonio residents who want quality social work education without moving.
These programs share everything that makes them worth your investment. Most programs offer extensive field experience between 420-450 practicum hours let you apply classroom concepts in ground applications. They maintain CSWE accreditation (or candidacy status) to ensure curriculum quality and eligibility for state licensure. Graduates can expect competitive starting salaries around $59,000 in a growing job market.
Your choice depends on factors like program delivery format, specialization options, location convenience, and personal career goals. These programs give you the skills, knowledge, and credentials you need to serve in child welfare, healthcare settings, schools, or mental health facilities.
Social work professionals dedicate themselves to positive change and social justice. Any of these San Antonio BSW programs will give you professional credentials and practical experience. You’ll make meaningful differences in your community while building a rewarding career with strong growth potential. Your journey to become a licensed social worker in Texas starts when you choose the program that matches your circumstances and goals.