11 Best Masters in Social Work Programs in Texas for 2025 (Online & Campus)

Want to join a field that’s growing 7% faster than average through 2033? A masters in social work Texas degree could be your ideal path forward.

Texas has its own set of social challenges. The state’s poverty rate stands at 14%, which exceeds the national average. The population grows faster at twice the national rate. The state’s Latino community makes up 40% of the population. Social workers are needed more than ever, especially with rising substance abuse treatment requirements.

Texas offers 22 accredited MSW programs. The University of Texas at Austin ranks #7 in the country. These programs give you multiple ways to advance your career. You can choose flexible online classes, complete your degree in 9 months, or focus on clinical training. Texas healthcare social workers earn a median salary of $55,310. The time is right to check out these top MSW programs that will help you succeed in this meaningful field.

University of Texas at Austin: Premier MSW Program with Research Focus

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin ranks among the top ten social work schools in the nation. The school’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program gives students a perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on field experience.

Program Overview and Accreditation

The MSSW program in Austin’s dynamic environment needs 60 credit hours of coursework and 960 clock-hours of supervised field internship. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program, which means graduates get education that meets top professional standards. Students get the best of both worlds – a close-knit, supportive community within a leading research university.

Specializations and Curriculum

Students start with foundation courses to learn generalist practice before choosing between two main paths:

• Clinical Social Work: This track gives students the skills they need for ethical, evidence-based practice with individuals, families, and groups. Students learn clinical assessment, diagnosis, and get specialized training in evidence-based approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
• Administration and Policy Practice: This path prepares students to lead human service organizations. The coursework covers mutually beneficial alliances, management, program evaluation, and organizational leadership.

Students who have a BSW from an accredited school can finish the program faster.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Getting into the MSSW program is competitive. Students need acceptance from both UT Austin’s Graduate School and the Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Here are the key requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (upper-division courses matter most)
• Statistics course completed with grade C or above
• Three recommendations
• Personal narrative statements
• Service experience that matters

The review process starts in late December, and students hear back by late spring.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options

Graduate students pay between $8,684 and $10,848 per semester for residents. The program helps students with several financial support options:

• School-administered fellowships and scholarships based on grades and need
• Funded practicum programs for specific populations or practice settings
• Moritz Family Student Support Fund for final practicum internships
• Professional Development Fund for conference presentations
• Emergency Assistance Fund when unexpected money problems hit

Career Outcomes and Alumni Success

The DiNitto Career Center helps students and alumni build their careers. They offer:

• One-on-one coaching and advice
• Workshops and career events
• Help with resumes, interviews, and job searches
• Details about social work licensure (LBSW, LMSW, LCSW)
• Connections with organizations looking to hire

The program’s strong clinical focus helps graduates succeed, which is crucial given Texas’s need for licensed social workers and the challenge of managing student debt.

Baylor University: Faith-Integrated Social Work Education

Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work stands out by blending Christian principles with professional social work education. Students get ready to serve in a variety of settings throughout Texas and beyond.

Program Structure and Concentrations

The MSW program at Baylor builds on research-based foundations that create social work leaders within a Christian context. Students select between two specializations:

• Clinical Practice Specialization: Students learn to work directly with individuals, families, and groups in settings like healthcare, schools, and behavioral health organizations.
• Community Practice Specialization: Students gain skills in macro-level work with organizations, communities, and religiously affiliated agencies. They apply evidence-informed frameworks to build environmentally responsible community systems.

Both tracks include detailed field education that connects classroom knowledge with practical experience. Students can choose the Standard Program (58 credit hours) with a non-social work bachelor’s degree or the Advanced Standing Program (30 credit hours) with a BSW from CSWE-accredited programs.

Online and Campus-Based Options

Students can choose between residential and online MSW options. The academic standards remain high while meeting different student needs. The online MSW program has several paths:

• Part-time (10 terms): Takes 3 years, 4 months with 4-7 credit hours each term
• Full-time (6-8 terms): Takes 2-2.8 years with 4-10 credit hours each term
• Accelerated (4 terms): Takes just 1 year, 4 months with 13-16 credit hours each term

Students spend about 20 hours weekly at their practicum placements while managing coursework during internship periods.

Unique Faith-Based Approach

Baylor’s distinctive “10th Competency” makes it special. Students learn ethical social work practice that values religion, spirituality, and philosophical viewpoints. The program values different expressions of faith while recognizing spirituality’s impact on individuals, families, and communities.

The program teaches students to blend religious faith with professional practice ethically. This prepares them to work in congregations and religiously affiliated organizations. Students understand how their personal values shape their professional work while respecting clients from all backgrounds.

Admission Requirements and Tuition

Standard MSW admission needs a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Baylor reviews applications using an integrated approach, though no minimum GPA exists.

Advanced Standing applicants need:

• BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program within five years of application
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in social work courses
• Grade of B or higher in practice and field courses
• Final practicum evaluation showing satisfactory performance

The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits both BSW and MSW programs. Graduates meet professional standards while receiving education aligned with Baylor’s mission to value humanity, engage spirituality, and promote equity.

Texas State University: Flexible MSW Program Options

Texas State University School of Social Work offers a flexible Master of Social Work program. The program focuses on Advanced Practice Leadership to prepare graduates for specialized practice in a variety of settings. The program has been a leader in social work education since 1975.

Advanced Practice Leadership Concentration

The MSW program features an Advanced Practice Leadership curriculum that blends direct practice and administrative coursework. Students develop a versatile skill set they can use in fields of all types, from child welfare and healthcare to behavioral mental health, education, and criminal justice. The curriculum builds on a liberal arts viewpoint to give graduates complete training for ethical, effective social work. Students become skilled at working with diverse populations who receive public services, which prepares them to lead in clinical practice, program development, or administration.

Online and Campus Learning Formats

Students can choose from several learning options in Texas State’s MSW program:

• On-Campus Full-Time: For non-BSW holders (62 credit hours) and BSW holders (36 credit hours)
• Online Full-Time or Part-Time: Available for both non-BSW holders (62 credit hours) and BSW holders (36 credit hours)

The online program ranks among the top programs nationwide. Part-time students typically take two courses per semester, while full-time students take three to four courses. The program uses similar textbooks and curricula taught by core faculty, no matter which delivery method students choose.

Field Education Opportunities

Field education stands as the profession’s signature teaching method. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills through supervised, educationally-based internships. The Office of Field Education matches each student with suitable placements.

Full-time students complete block placements with 40 hours weekly. Part-time online students spread their field education over multiple semesters. Regular track students need two distinct internships: foundation field (360 hours) and advanced field (540 hours). Advanced Standing students complete only the advanced field component. Students can work in various settings, such as school districts, hospitals, mental health agencies, community organizations, and correctional facilities.

Application Process and Requirements

The MSW program takes an integrated approach to reviewing applications. Applicants need:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Resume (maximum two pages)
• Statement of purpose that covers motivation, ethical standards, and potential contributions

Advanced Standing applicants must have graduated from a CSWE-accredited BSW program in the last 10 years. January 15 marks the priority application deadline, which matches the deadline for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship for returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

University of Houston: Urban-Focused Social Work Training

The Texas Legislature established the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work in 1967. Students learn to handle complex urban challenges through specialized masters in social work Texas programs.

Program Specializations and Curriculum

UH’s MSW program requires 51 semester credit hours for full program students. Advanced Standing students need 34 semester credit hours. Students start with a 15-hour foundation that builds the groundwork for advanced courses. This foundation emphasizes professional social work principles and social justice. Students then choose between two specialized concentrations that shape their career paths. The program includes 700-900 field practicum hours based on their chosen track.

Clinical and Macro Practice Tracks

The Clinical Practice concentration helps students improve the cognitive, mental, emotional, and social well-being of individuals and communities. This track requires five core courses:

• Critical Clinical Case Formulations and Diagnostics
• Individuals: Advanced Clinical Practice
• Families: Advanced Clinical Practice
• Groups: Advanced Clinical Practice
• Clinical Social Work Praxis

The Macro Practice concentration gives students leadership skills they need in urban settings. They learn to help diverse, vulnerable populations that need skilled professionals to support them. Graduates can work in communities and organizations that drive progressive social change. Students take courses in organizational practice, leadership, community involvement, policy change, and program evaluation.

Field Placement Network in Houston

UH-GCSW partners with more than 200 social service agencies in the Greater Houston area and beyond. Students learn primarily through field education. This hands-on experience lets them use classroom theory, build skills, and understand professional values in ground settings. Qualified social workers and clinical faculty guide students through their practicum. The program’s extensive network offers many proven practicum sites locally and nationally.

Tuition and Financial Support

UH’s 2024-2025 tuition costs $4,788 per semester for in-state and $9,378 per semester for out-of-state students. The GCSW offers several financial support options. Non-Texas residents can qualify for in-state tuition rates with a scholarship of $1,000 or more. The Charlotte Campbell Scholarship gives $3,000 to continuing MSW students who maintain a 3.25+ GPA. The Child Welfare Education Project offers $5,000 per semester for full-time students. This support can last up to five semesters if students commit to work with Children’s Protective Services.

Texas Christian University: Specialized Health and Mental Health Focus

TCU’s Department of Social Work stands out with its Master of Social Work program. Located in Fort Worth, this advanced generalist program readies graduates for clinical and macro practice settings.

Program Overview and Accreditation Status

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits TCU’s MSW program, which ensures graduates meet national professional standards. Students can choose between two tracks: a 60-credit traditional program that takes two years full-time or up to four years part-time, and a 30-hour Advanced Standing option for BSW holders completed in under a year. Traditional students complete four field practicums with 900 hours of supervised experience that gives them extensive hands-on training.

Health and Mental Health Specialization

Students who choose the Health and Mental Health specialization learn to work with clients facing physical and psychological challenges. The concentration gives you the assessment skills, intervention techniques, and healthcare systems knowledge needed for practice in hospitals, mental health clinics, and integrated care settings. Students learn to implement trauma-informed approaches and challenge structural inequities.

Children and Families Concentration

Students also have the option to pursue the Children and Families concentration[201]. This path focuses on family systems and child welfare interventions. Graduates are ready to work in adoption agencies, schools, family service organizations, and child protective services. The program teaches culturally-responsive practice methods to partner effectively with various populations.

Hybrid Learning Format

Students can now take advantage of TCU’s flexible hybrid option with up to 50% of classes in an asynchronous online format. This setup works especially well during the concentration year. Small class sizes of 8-20 students ensure quality education with personal attention. The program’s success shows in its over 90% graduation rate, with graduates ready for various micro, mezzo and macro practice settings.

TCU shapes social work leaders through hands-on teaching, research, and mentorship. These leaders can reshape the scene in their communities while staying true to the program’s mission of ethical, culturally-responsive practice.

University of Texas at Arlington: Largest MSW Program in Texas

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) boasts the largest MSW program in Texas with more than 1,800 students in its degree programs. UTA’s School of Social Work has provided MSW education since 1967 and built a strong reputation through both traditional and online formats.

Program Size and Resources

UTA launched its online program in 2010 and has become an expert in distance education while keeping a strong on-campus presence. The program ranks in the top 20% of CSWE-accredited social work programs nationwide and stands among the top 10 for affordability and academic quality. Students will find UTA ranked #1 for military veteran friendliness, making it available to service members whatever their location.

Online and On-Campus Options

Students can choose from 100% online and on-campus options with full-time and part-time schedules. Classes take place in Arlington and Fort Worth campuses, while online courses reach students across the United States. Out-of-state online students benefit from reduced tuition through the Non-Resident Distance Education Program and save 40-50% compared to typical non-resident rates.

Specialization Tracks

The program features five specialty concentrations:

• Mental Health and Substance Misuse
• Aging
• Children and Families
• Health
• Community and Administrative Practice

Online students can select four of these specialties (all but one – Health), while campus-based students choose between Mental Health, Health, or Children and Families. The curriculum prepares students for both micro clinical practice and macro administrative leadership.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Students can enter through two paths: Quick Admission and Traditional Admission. Quick Admission suits applicants with a 3.0+ GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours through a simple two-step process without GRE requirements. Traditional Admission works for those with GPAs below 3.0 and needs extra documentation. Applications come in year-round, and Advanced Standing students (BSW holders) start in fall, spring, or summer, while Traditional students begin in fall or spring. Students should apply early to get the best shot at scholarships and financial aid.

Prairie View A&M University: HBCU Excellence in Social Work

Prairie View A&M University has the only MSW program at a Historically Black College/University in Texas and ranks as the #1 HBCU social work program in the state. The Department of Social Work creates a life-changing educational experience through its unique teaching approach compared to other Texas programs.

Unique Africentric View

PVAMU’s MSW program stands out with its Africentric curriculum design. Students learn in an educational environment that values spirituality, interdependence, and collectivism. PVAMU creates a learning space where minority students won’t face common challenges like alienation or stereotyping that they might encounter at other Texas institutions. The program connects with the university’s African American Studies Initiative. Students learn empirically proven social work interventions that reduce health disparities among African-descent populations. The bio-psycho-social-cultural-spiritual view combines Africentric theory with traditional helping approaches.

Medical and Behavioral Health Specializations

PVAMU has the only MSW program in Texas that trains students specifically for medical social work. The curriculum teaches:

• Advanced clinical social work with medical/behavioral health focus
• Evidence-based interventions that target physical and mental health disparities
• Integrated behavioral health practice in primary care settings
• Trauma-informed practice in healthcare settings

Graduates gain a competitive advantage in growing hospitals and healthcare systems.

Admission Requirements

Advanced Standing admission needs:

• A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in upper division coursework
• Final field practicum evaluation

Students without BSW degrees can join the Traditional Program with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

Medical Social Workers earn among the highest salaries in social work, ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 yearly in Texas. The program gives graduates expertise in medical and behavioral health settings. They learn specialized skills in case management, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. These skills help graduates tackle health disparities in urban and rural communities effectively.

Stephen F. Austin State University: Rural Social Work Expertise

The Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development at Stephen F. Austin State University has been around since 2010. They offer a specialized MSW program that prepares social workers specifically for rural communities.

Rural Context Specialization

SFASU’s MSW program stands out because it focuses entirely on advanced generalist practice in rural areas. Their approach helps students tackle the biggest problems rural populations face – high poverty rates, poor healthcare, lack of resources, and limited transportation. Students learn about rural ecological systems, community strengths, and the informal social networks that make rural communities unique. The faculty and students work on real-life rural projects through local partnerships like Impact Lufkin Community Driven.

Program Structure and Requirements

Traditional students need 64 credit hours to complete the MSW curriculum, while advanced standing students require 35 credit hours. The first year covers the basics – human behavior, policy, research, and ethics. Students spend their second year learning advanced generalist practice skills specifically for rural communities. They become skilled at advanced assessment, intervention techniques, program development, and administrative tasks that work best in rural settings.

Online Learning Options

SFASU now provides fully online options for specialized practice courses. The program maintains its CSWE accreditation through SFA Online, where instructors are certified in online teaching methods. Since becoming an NC-SARA member in 2016, SFASU accepts online students from every state. This makes rural social work education available to aspiring social workers across the country.

Field Placement in Rural Communities

Students complete their practical experience through field placements totaling 900 hours. The program’s rural field experiences let students work on community projects like the Nacogdoches County Community Collaborative. These placements give students hands-on experience in remote rural settings. Students learn to direct rural practice situations, where strong social ties and informal support networks play crucial roles.

Texas A&M University-Commerce: Affordable MSW Option

Want to find an affordable masters in social work Texas program? Texas A&M University-Commerce offers one of the most budget-friendly MSW options in the state that doesn’t cut corners on educational quality.

Program Cost and Value

Texas A&M University-Commerce’s MSW program stands out because of its affordability. Texas residents pay just $3,660 in tuition for nine credit hours, while non-residents pay $7,341. The program ranks among the most economical MSW options in Texas. Students get excellent value while the program maintains its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. Graduates meet professional standards and qualify to take the Texas LMSW licensure exam.

Online and Hybrid Formats

The program runs as a fully online asynchronous learning experience that works well if you have a job. Students can access course materials whenever it suits their schedule. The program offers two tracks: a 60-credit Foundation Track for students without a BSW, and a 36-credit Advanced Generalist Practice Track for BSW degree holders. Students can choose full-time or part-time study. Part-time students usually finish in four years, compared to the typical three-year timeline at other schools.

Admission Requirements

Advanced Standing Program candidates need a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned within six years of their predicted start date. Students should have a 3.0 cumulative bachelor’s GPA or at least 3.0 in their final 60 undergraduate hours. Students with a 3.0 or higher overall undergraduate GPA don’t need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Field Education Opportunities

Field education acts as the cornerstone of social work education. It bridges classroom theory with hands-on agency experience. Students work with hundreds of partner agencies that provide services in a variety of settings – from individual care to community programs. Foundation track students complete 300 contact hours in one semester. They then finish 500-600 clock hours for Advanced Generalist Practice field work. Students attend weekly field seminars with MSW Field Liaison guidance to process their experiences.

University of Texas at San Antonio: Cultural Competence Focus

UTSA’s Master of Social Work program stands out with its focus on reshaping social work practice through cultural competence. The program prepares students for rewarding careers in a variety of community settings across Texas.

Cultural Competence Concentration

The program aims to reshape social work practice through research, education, and service. This unique approach has earned UTSA recognition as a finalist for the 2022 Examples of Excelencia because of its success with Latino students. The numbers tell a compelling story – Latino students make up 45% of the program’s 1,400+ graduates since it began. They earned 53% of degrees awarded in the 2020-21 academic year. Students graduate with specialized knowledge that helps them make a difference in vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Program Structure and Requirements

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited UTSA’s MSW program through 2028. Students can join full-time or part-time in fall or spring semesters. The program builds critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students must complete 450 clock hours of field practicum. This typically means 12-15 hours each week in agency settings over four semesters.

Field Education in Diverse Communities

Students get real-life experience through field education in various community settings. They contribute over 60,000 service hours each year through community practicums. Many work with underserved populations. One graduate found work as a clinical outreach coordinator with San Antonio’s city government, helping people experiencing homelessness.

Career Outcomes and Opportunities

UTSA MSW graduates find great job prospects and earn competitive salaries. A master’s degree from UTSA leads to earnings around $61,000 in the first year after graduation, growing to over $68,000 by year five. Students pass the licensure exam at rates higher than the national average. U.S. News & World Report ranks the program among the top 100 graduate programs nationally.

Angelo State University: Emerging Excellence in Online MSW

Angelo State University’s MSW program stands out as an excellent choice for Texas students looking for a fully online social work education. The program has grown to become one of the state’s most popular online MSW options. Students get quality education and amazing flexibility through this CSWE-accredited program.

Online Program Structure

Students can complete their MSW degree at Angelo State 100% online. The program works great for working professionals and distance learners. Students learn about social issues in practice settings of all types through immersive instruction. The program offers structured paths based on each student’s educational background. 12 months is all it takes for full-time Advanced Standing students to graduate. Part-time options spread over longer periods fit better with busy schedules.

Clinical and Advanced Generalist Tracks

The program offers two specialized concentrations:

• Clinical Practice: Students learn to treat mental health, emotional, and behavioral issues of individuals, families, and groups
• Advanced Generalist Practice: Students gain broader skills to work in a variety of practice settings

Both tracks come with flexible completion timelines. BSW graduates can choose the Advanced Standing track with 36 credit hours and 500 field education hours. The Traditional track needs 66 credit hours and 900 field education hours – perfect for students without a BSW.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

The program accepts applications for fall admission until February 15. Each track has different prerequisites:

• Advanced Standing: Students need a 3.0+ GPA and a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• Traditional Track: Students need a 2.75+ GPA with either a non-BSW bachelor’s degree or a BSW older than five years

Students must complete the Apply Texas application and submit a separate departmental application through the M.S.W. application portal.

Student Support Services

Field education is the life-blood of practical training in this program. The department uses InPlace, an internship management platform that makes it easier to handle applications, time sheets, supervision logs, and evaluations. Students need to research potential placement sites, but the Field Director provides support throughout the process. Students must have professional liability insurance before they start their field education experiences.

Comparison Table

Start on the Path to a Texas MSW Today

Your career goals, priorities, and real-world constraints should guide you when picking the right MSW program. Texas offers 11 outstanding MSW programs, each with its own strengths. UT Austin stands out with its research focus, while Prairie View A&M brings a unique Africentric viewpoint to the table.

The cost of these programs varies substantially. Texas A&M-Commerce residents pay $3,660 per semester, which makes it a budget-friendly choice. UH’s program costs over $11,000. Schools help students manage expenses through scholarships, fellowships, and reduced tuition rates for online learners.

These programs fit different lifestyles and schedules. Angelo State and UT Arlington’s online options let you study while keeping your job. Campus-based programs give you hands-on training with field placements that range from 450 to 960 hours.

Each program lines up with Texas’s expanding social service needs. TCU focuses on health while Stephen F. Austin emphasizes rural practice. These focused tracks and field experience prepare you for a field that’s expected to grow 7% by 2033.

The best program for you depends on how you want to learn, what interests you, where you live, and what you can afford. Take time to explore each program’s strengths. Talk to admissions teams and choose a path that matches your social work career goals.