7 Best DSW Programs in Texas
Ready to explore DSW programs in Texas? The social work field shows promising growth ahead. Statistics project the profession will grow by nearly 6% by 2034. Mental health and substance abuse social workers will see an 18% increase over the next decade.
Social work stands out with its diverse career paths and work environments. On top of that, the Health Resources and Service Administration predicts a 30% rise in demand for master’s and doctoral-level social workers by 2030. This makes advanced education a smart choice right now. Whether you want to study in online DSW programs in Texas or learn how to become a social worker in Texas, this guide gets into the top seven doctoral programs. These insights will help you plan your admission strategy better.
1. Stephen F. Austin State University – DSW Program
Stephen F. Austin State University leads the way as one of Texas’s first schools to offer a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program. The program builds on social work’s core knowledge, values, and principles while drawing from related fields’ theories and research.
Curriculum overview
The DSW program runs for three years with 54 semester credit hours. Students complete 45 credit hours of core curriculum and 9 credit hours of chosen electives. Students learn to become teachers, administrators, leaders, and advanced practitioners in social work.
The core curriculum has courses covering:
- History and philosophy of social welfare
- Social welfare policy
- Social work perspectives and theories
- Research methods and statistics
- Social work education and leadership
- Professional development
Unlike PhD programs, Stephen F. Austin’s DSW puts practice ahead of research. Students learn to assess and apply social work concepts, behavioral theories, research methods, and analyze social problems critically.
Classes meet face-to-face on Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm at the Nacogdoches campus. Students must attend these sessions in person. The program creates an environment where students develop their knowledge, skills, values, and thinking processes needed for higher education, administration, leadership, and practice.
Core classes cover History of Social Work and Social Work Education, Applied Research Methods, Applied Statistical Methods, Social Work Education, The Academy and the Professoriate, Social Work Leadership and Administration, and Social Work Theoretical Perspective. Students also study pedagogies, research methods, teaching, evidence-based practice, and professional development.
Capstone and electives
The elective portion has 9 credit hours. Students can develop their interests beyond the core curriculum. Options range from Independent Study to Psychopharmacology, Clinical Social Work Practice, and Special Topics courses. Students’ advisors must approve all electives to support educational goals and capstone projects.
The capstone project marks the program’s final achievement. Instead of a dissertation, students can choose from five options:
- Research project with primary or secondary data
- Program development
- Training module development
- Policy development
- Theoretical or conceptual framework development
Students pick their capstone topic with their advisor’s help and review existing literature. They complete this work during their final semester in the DSW Capstone Seminar course. This project shows how advanced practitioners build and share their expertise.
Admission requirements
Getting into Stephen F. Austin’s DSW program requires meeting several standards. Candidates need a Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. They also need three years of post-MSW work experience.
Grades matter too. Applicants should have at least a 3.0 GPA from their graduate work. They need to write a statement of interest and purpose, submit a writing sample, and get three reference letters from social work colleagues and supervisors.
The application process needs an in-person interview. Candidates must show their dedication to social work’s values, ethics, and mission throughout the program.
Texas residents pay about $11,506 in tuition and fees for 2025-2026. Out-of-state students pay around $24,070. Total costs run between $22,450 and $42,500, based on where students live. Students can get financial help through various programs, including the Child Welfare Professional Development Project, a federally funded Title IV-E partnership.
The program follows Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. It emphasizes anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its curriculum.
2. Angelo State University – Clinical DSW Program
Angelo State University leads the way as the first institution in Texas to launch a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) with a clinical focus. This trailblazing program gives graduates the advanced knowledge and skills they need to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in a variety of populations.
Clinical specialization
The clinical specialization at Angelo State uses a practitioner-scholar model to prepare social workers for advanced clinical practice in settings of all types. Students can complete the 60-semester credit hour program in two years with full-time study or four years with part-time study.
The curriculum builds expertise through a well-planned sequence:
- First Year: Foundational courses in theoretical frameworks, clinical assessment, research methods, and policy for clinical practice
- Second Year: Advanced coursework in treatment of mental disorders, couples and family therapy, and psychopharmacology
- Final Semester: Doctoral internship and capstone project completion
Students take courses like Psychopathology: Etiology and Differential Diagnosis, Advanced Treatment of Mental Disorders, and Psychopharmacology. These courses help graduates build exceptional expertise that prepares them for advanced clinical roles and opens doors to higher education and leadership opportunities in health and human services.
The DSW program focuses on six essential areas: innovative practice approaches, critical evaluation of research, scientific inquiry at doctoral level, knowledge dissemination, leadership development, and substantive expertise in clinical social work.
Internship and practicum
The program’s strong experiential learning component sets it apart. Students take part in:
- A teaching practicum that provides hands-on experience in higher education under faculty mentorship
- A doctoral internship customized to the student’s career goals
- A two-part capstone project that showcases advanced clinical knowledge
Students can choose from many opportunities in clinical practice, higher education, or executive-level health and human services administration for their internship. The program arranges internship placements in students’ home areas when possible, making this option available whatever their location.
Students develop their teaching skills through the teaching practicum in higher education settings, either on campus or online. They receive at least one hour of individual supervision each week and participate in group supervision with staff therapists. Students also learn to use standardized national assessment tools.
Online and in-person options
Students can choose between two flexible options:
- On-campus option: All program activities take place on the Angelo State University campus
- Online option: All activities happen online except for qualifying examinations and capstone defense
Both formats use a cohort model with synchronous instruction. Online students interact with their on-campus peers in real time. Each format needs at least five enrolled students to run.
Students get the same educational experience through the synchronous format, no matter where they study. Both on-campus and online students must attend all classes. Students can request to switch between program options if major life events occur, though approval isn’t guaranteed.
The DSW program accepts applications only for fall semesters, with a February 15 deadline. Successful applicants typically have:
- An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- A 3.0 or higher GPA in their MSW program
- Post-MSW practice experience
- A social work license at the master’s level is preferred but not required
The program’s first cohort (2022) showed impressive results. Students had an overall MSW GPA of 3.81 and averaged 5.73 years of post-MSW experience. Most students (85.7%) held licenses. The second cohort (2023) continued this trend with a 3.72 GPA average, 5.78 years of experience, and all students licensed.
Angelo State’s blend of clinical specialization, flexible options, and hands-on experiences makes it a top choice for social workers looking to advance their clinical expertise through one of Texas’s leading DSW programs.
3. University of Texas at Arlington – DSW Program
UT Arlington plans to launch an innovative Doctor of Social Work program that focuses on teaching and educational leadership. This new addition to DSW programs in Texas will prepare experienced practitioners to teach and guide future social workers.
Program structure
UTA offers a completely online DSW format that suits working professionals. Students take up to two courses per semester to complete 45 credit hours over three years. This setup lets social workers advance their education while maintaining their careers.
The curriculum includes key areas for professional growth:
- Self-care strategies
- Social justice frameworks
- Advanced research methodologies
- Program management techniques
- Supervision practices
- Social work entrepreneurship
- Educational theory and application
It’s worth mentioning that the program awaits final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The first cohort should start in Summer 2026. Students benefit from innovative teaching methods like Learning Circles and a teaching practicum that prepares them for leadership roles in academia and practice.
Classes remain small with just 15 students per course. This creates opportunities for individual instruction and deeper involvement. The online, part-time format blends self-paced coursework with interactive virtual elements such as live discussions, faculty mentorship, and group projects.
Students can access quality, current learning materials through Open Educational Resources without extra costs. Dr. Regina Praetorius, associate dean for student and academic affairs, explains: “Our goal is to empower DSW graduates to become practitioner-scholars who apply research to practice, influence policy, and lead social work education”.
Faculty and mentorship
Mentorship serves as the substance of UTA’s academic experience. The university’s mentoring approach builds on collaboration, respect, and mutual growth. Senior faculty members team up with new colleagues who share similar research or teaching interests.
The mentoring structure combines individual relationships, project support, and networking opportunities. This approach creates an environment where faculty members thrive and contribute to UTA’s community.
Mentoring forms the social foundation of research at UTA. The program highlights these guiding principles:
- Trust and respect—building relationships rooted in honesty and professionalism
- Mutual growth—promoting opportunities where both mentors and mentees benefit
- Reciprocity—recognizing mentoring as a two-way exchange
- Collaboration—encouraging connections that spark innovative partnerships
- Support and accountability—providing constructive feedback and encouragement
Students share mixed reviews about UTA’s School of Social Work faculty. Some praise knowledgeable professors who offer helpful feedback. Others point out issues with advisor responses and professor qualifications. Many students agree that “academics themselves are what the professors make it, and the professors at UT Arlington are top notch”.
Application process
The first DSW cohort starts in Summer 2026, and applications haven’t opened yet. Interested candidates should join the interest list to receive updates about application availability.
The program looks for experienced social workers who want to lead and guide future generations. Candidates need:
- An MSW or MSSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
- International MSWs might qualify through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service
- Three or more years of post-MSW practice experience
- Academic credentials
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ in the last approximately 60 hours
- Master’s GPA of 3.4+
- Application materials
- Three letters of recommendation
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Complete statement of purpose
- TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
UTA has removed the GRE requirement for DSW applicants. This makes the program more available among online DSW options in Texas. Applicants should address their social work experience, reasons for pursuing a DSW, research interests, career goals, and online learning readiness in their statement of purpose.
Social workers in Texas who want doctoral-level credentials will find UTA’s new DSW program offers a clear path focused on teaching and leadership growth.
4. Texas State University – DSW in Advanced Practice Leadership
The School of Social Work at Texas State University has been essential to social work education in Texas since 1975. The school ranks among the best DSW programs in Texas and excels at developing leadership skills in future social work professionals.
Leadership focus
The DSW program at Texas State stands out because of its Advanced Practice Leadership approach. Students blend hands-on practice skills with administrative coursework to become well-rounded social work leaders. The program creates graduates who understand cultural responsiveness and advocacy. These professionals lead positive change in their communities.
The School works toward social work’s basic purpose in two ways. It promotes personal and organizational well-being and builds a fairer society. This balanced approach helps professionals tackle complex social challenges from different points of view.
The curriculum puts social justice and professional ethics at its core. Students learn leadership skills through specialized courses that combine clinical expertise with administrative knowledge.
Program alumni have become prominent social work leaders at state, national, and global levels. The program’s leadership focus helps students take on roles in agencies of all types – from clinical practice to program development and administration.
Course offerings
Students can choose between two tracks based on their education:
- Foundation Track: 62 credit hours for students without a BSW degree
- Advanced Standing Track: 36 credit hours for recent BSW graduates
First-year students focus on building essential knowledge and skills for general social work practice. Second-year studies move toward specialized practice areas. Students get hands-on experience through field practicum in various settings.
Field requirements are demanding. Regular track students must complete two internships totaling 900 contact hours. This includes 360 hours for foundation field and 540 hours for advanced field. Advanced track students only need to complete the 540-hour advanced field internship.
Students can choose specialized electives in:
- Healthcare
- Diversity and inclusion
- International social work
- Gerontology
- Spirituality
- Adventure therapy
- Veteran services
Graduation requirements include completing all degree components, scoring at least 70% on the MSW Comprehensive Exam, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA in MSW courses.
Program goals
The main goal is to prepare culturally aware, advocacy-focused, and ethical social workers who can lead positive change. The program focuses on seven key skills:
- Embodying ethical and professional behavior
- Demonstrating critical thinking skills
- Engaging with differences and diverse experiences
- Advancing human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
- Identifying as a scholar-practitioner
- Developing as a leader in the field
- Demonstrating collegiality and stewardship
The program helps alleviate the shortage of practitioners and social work educators. It provides detailed training in advanced theory, teaching methods, and practical applications.
Graduates work throughout Texas, the United States, and internationally in fields of all types. These include child welfare, healthcare, behavioral mental health, education, veteran’s affairs, and criminal justice. Many alumni hold leadership positions because of their detailed training.
The program consistently ranks among the best online programs nationwide. This reputation comes from its educational quality and steadfast dedication to excellence since 1975.
Students who want to become social workers at the doctoral level in Texas will find a proven path at Texas State University. The program focuses on creating tomorrow’s social work leaders with measurable results.
5. University of Houston – Graduate College of Social Work
The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston stands out as one of Texas’s most diverse DSW programs. Students and faculty speak 20 different languages, which creates a rich academic environment.
Program highlights
The GCSW builds its curriculum around evidence-based social work (EBSW) and research that turns evidence-based interventions into ground solutions. Students learn to create and apply valid research evidence that helps social workers make decisions at every practice and policy level.
The program structure has these key elements:
- A curriculum that helps understand complex issues from multiple angles
- Strong focus on various translational research methods
- Small classes that make individual mentoring easier
The GCSW’s steadfast dedication to preparing tomorrow’s social work researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders sets it apart. Students pick and develop specific research areas. This preparation helps them add to professional scholarship, build partnerships across disciplines, and expand the profession’s knowledge.
The GCSW gives students these valuable chances:
- Publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Speaking at national and international conferences
- Helping with grant preparation
- Running a doctoral journal managed only by doctoral students
Research and policy focus
Houston’s location improves the GCSW’s research environment by a lot. Being America’s fourth-largest city with its diverse, multicultural population gives students many research options. The Texas Medical Center nearby – one of the world’s biggest medical complexes – opens up big research possibilities.
The college runs five specialized research centers supporting 32 active research projects that help vulnerable communities. These centers work on:
- Immigration research
- Child and family innovation
- Drug and social policy
- Health equity and evaluation
- International social work education
GCSW faculty share their knowledge, expertise, and social work values through teaching and mentoring. They help students develop critical thinking skills and support their intellectual discovery and professional growth by focusing on scholarship and research.
Retry
Admission criteria
Students wanting to become social workers in Texas at the doctoral level should know the GCSW’s strict admission requirements. Domestic students must apply by December 15, while international students need to submit by November 1.
You’ll need these requirements:
- A master’s degree—preferably an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Related fields might work with extra foundation courses
- Strong grades—usually a 3.5 master’s GPA and 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Three recommendation letters—ideally from academics who know your doctoral education potential
- Personal statement—covering your academic and work history, program interest, and matching faculty research interests
- Application fees—$50 for domestic and $80 for international students
Without doubt, getting into GCSW’s doctoral programs is competitive. They take 6-8 students each year, with about 30 students total at different stages. Accepted students can get financial help through Graduate Tuition Fellowships, Research Assistantships, and Teaching Fellowships – all awarded competitively.
The GCSW has built partnerships with more than 300 community organizations. These connections give students excellent field placement opportunities to work with clients facing ground challenges.
6. Baylor University – Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work distinguishes itself with a faith-integrated approach to social work education. The school is unique as the only denominational social work program among Research 1 universities, which gives students a special preparation for their professional journey.
Program mission and values
The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work prepares social workers in a Christian context to serve and lead worldwide. The school builds its foundation on three core values:
- Valuing humanity
- Engaging spirituality
- Promoting equity
This Christian-based approach serves as the cornerstone of Baylor’s social work education. Students learn to weave core principles of humanity, spirituality, and equity into their practice. The school goes beyond traditional social work education by recognizing different expressions of faith. It values spirituality as a key element that shapes individuals, families, and communities.
Professional ethics and a liberation framework guide the school’s advancement of social work’s core purpose, with focus on anti-racism and intersectional justice work. The school aims to develop ethical practitioners who dedicate themselves to liberating and strengthening all people.
Curriculum and fieldwork
Students can choose between standard and advanced standing Master of Social Work programs. The standard program requires 58 semester hours with two internships. The first year builds a foundation in direct practice, administration, and community development. Internships start in the first semester, and students select either Clinical or Community Practice specialization in year two.
Students with a BSW from an accredited program can opt for the advanced standing program. This program needs 30 hours completed over nine consecutive months. Fall semester marks the beginning of advanced internships, and students finish with an internship-based research project.
Field education transforms the degree experience at Baylor. BSW and MSW Foundation students complete 430 hours in two semesters, while MSW Advanced students finish 520 hours. Students can work in various settings:
- Hospitals and schools
- Non-profit organizations
- Mental health sites
- Adoption and foster agencies
- Veteran services
Tuition and scholarships
Undergraduate tuition at Baylor will be around $63,620 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The cost might seem high, but very few students pay the full amount. Merit-based scholarships help 97% of students.
Graduate students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using code 003545 for financial help. Students can also get merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and federal loans.
Financial aid involves several steps: You must confirm enrollment status, submit FAFSA, verify aid packages, and possibly apply for extra help through Grad PLUS or private loans. Students should note November 1 as the priority deadline for Early Decision and Early Action to maximize financial aid, with February 1 as the final deadline.
7. Texas A&M University – Kingsville DSW Program
Texas A&M University-Kingsville completes our look at DSW programs in Texas with its social work education programs that prepare students for advanced practice. The school’s dedication to workforce growth and community collaborations makes it a great choice for students seeking doctoral-level social work education.
Program overview
The university provides a Master of Social Work program with two paths. Students without a BSW degree can take the 60-credit regular track. Those with an accredited BSW degree can choose the 30-credit advanced standing option. Students progress from foundation courses to a specialized Clinical/Activist concentration that prepares them for social service settings of all types. The program features a non-thesis option that emphasizes applied practice skills instead of traditional research.
Online learning format
Students complete at least 900 clock hours of supervised field education. This hands-on experience happens in real-life settings. Students pursuing advanced credentials need to get a Criminal Background Check before placement.
Career outcomes
Graduates can take the master’s level social work examination in Texas after completing their studies. Each state has different requirements, so students should check their eligibility where they plan to practice. The university’s strong partnerships with local industries create innovative learning opportunities that enable graduates. These local connections help students find jobs in nearby areas and contribute to community development and social services.
Next Steps
Your next significant step to advance your social work career starts with picking the right DSW program in a field set for remarkable growth. Seven programs stand out with their unique strengths. Stephen F. Austin excels with its practice-focused curriculum. Angelo State specializes in clinical work. UT Arlington emphasizes teaching. Texas State develops leaders. University of Houston focuses on research. Baylor integrates faith-based approaches. Texas A&M Kingsville builds strong community partnerships.
These programs share some common ground. They all feature intensive field experiences, capstone projects and a steadfast dedication to social justice. On top of that, they give working professionals options through online classes, part-time schedules, or cohort-based learning.
Your career goals will point you toward the best fit. Clinical practitioners often choose Angelo State. Those who love teaching might find UT Arlington more appealing. Research enthusiasts tend to gravitate toward University of Houston’s academic setting.
Social work positions will grow by 19% by 2028. Master’s and doctoral-level practitioners will see a 30% increase in demand by 2030. These numbers show why advanced education matters right now. Programs for 2025 remain selective. Most need strong academic records, substantial post-MSW experience and values that match their mission.
Tuition varies between schools, but universities help through scholarships, fellowships and federal aid programs. Learning about all funding options should be a priority when planning your education investment.
This complete guide to Texas DSW programs helps you make an informed choice that matches your professional goals, learning priorities and budget. Your path to advanced social work practice lies ahead – which way will you go?