10 Best Online MSW Programs in Texas

Social workers in Texas can earn an average of $81,230 annually, exceeding the national average of $58,380. The field shows promising growth, with projections indicating a 7% faster expansion than other occupations through 2033.

Texas online MSW programs provide flexible options that help you achieve your career goals, whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field. The University of Texas at Arlington stands out as the preferred choice among students. This institution ranks in the top 3% for student engagement and serves over 6,000 online graduate students.

Texas features 13 distinct online MSW programs with unique advantages. Baylor University boasts an impressive 81% graduation rate, while Stephen F. Austin State University offers an affordable total tuition of $19,860. A detailed look at the 10 best programs will help you choose the right path for your social work education.

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington runs a premier online MSW program that has educated social work professionals since 1967. The program added online options in 2010. Ranked among the top 20% of CSWE-accredited programs nationally, UTA delivers a detailed curriculum through experienced faculty who teach both in-person and online courses.

Program Specializations and Concentrations

UTA excels by offering five distinct specialization areas—more than most similar programs. Students choose between micro (clinical) or macro (administrative) practice tracks and then pick a specialty focus. The micro practice options include:

• Direct Practice in Aging – Specializing in interventions for older adults
• Direct Practice with Children & Families – Focusing on school settings and child welfare
• Direct Practice in Health – Preparing students for healthcare advocacy
• Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse – Concentrating on assessment and intervention

Students interested in community-level change can pick the Community and Administrative Practice concentration. This path builds skills in program design, leadership, and policy advocacy.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

UTA makes admission simple based on your academic background. Students with a 3.0+ GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours can use the two-step “Quick Admissions” process. They just need to submit an application and transcripts.

BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can reduce their program length by a lot through Advanced Standing status if they finished their degree within six years. About half of UTA’s MSW students earned bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work. This shows the program welcomes students from various academic backgrounds.

International students must submit English proficiency scores. They need a minimum of 79 on the TOEFL iBT, 6.5 on the IELTS, or 100 on Duolingo.

Field Education Opportunities

Field education is a necessary part of UTA’s MSW program. It provides essential real-life experience needed for graduation and licensure. Regular students complete 960 total hours across two field placements (480 hours each). Advanced Standing students finish one 480-hour placement.

UTA has built mutually beneficial alliances with more than 800 agencies for field internships. The Office of Practicum Education matches students with agencies that fit their career goals and interests. The Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies (CARS) takes 30 interns each semester and offers specialized training in substance abuse treatment and recovery services.

Tuition Costs and Financial Aid Options

UTA’s MSW program ranks in the top 10 nationwide for affordability. The 2025-2026 academic year costs in-state students $11,044 for graduate tuition and fees. Books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses bring the estimated annual cost to $31,514.

Out-of-state students pay about $23,486 more for base tuition and fees. Students outside Texas who complete the program online might qualify for in-state tuition rates.

Students can apply for School of Social Work scholarships around April 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester. Qualified students can also get limited fellowships and paid graduate research assistantships.

Baylor University

Baylor University’s online MSW program combines Christian worldview with professional competencies. The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work prepares graduates to become Licensed Master Social Workers or Licensed Clinical Social Workers through a curriculum that emphasizes mental health and social justice.

Clinical and Community Practice Tracks

Students can choose between two specialized tracks that align with their career goals:

• Clinical Practice – This track prepares students to work with individuals, families, and groups. Career opportunities exist in healthcare, schools, behavioral health organizations, trauma intervention, and advanced case management. Social workers make up the largest group of mental health providers in the country, which makes this specialization highly sought after.
• Community Practice – This track emphasizes macro social work with organizations and communities. Students learn to work with public and nonprofit organizations, communities, congregations, and religiously affiliated agencies. The field shows a growing demand with projections showing the need for 50,000 more social workers by 2032.

Students in both tracks benefit from specialized internships that provide real-life experience in their chosen field.

Program Structure and Timeline

The program offers flexible options based on your previous education:

Advanced Standing (30 credit hours): Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can complete this accelerated track in 9 months of full-time study.

Standard Program (58 credit hours): Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work can complete this track in four terms or 1.5 years of full-time study.

Students can complete either program in 4, 6, 8, or 10 terms. Program start dates are available in January, May, or August.

The curriculum combines foundational coursework with current discussions about pressing clinical and social justice issues.

Field Placement Support

Field education part of Baylor’s MSW program. The university’s dedicated practicum education team helps secure appropriate internships within a 75-mile radius of your location.

Standard MSW students complete two field placements – one during the generalist year and another during the specialized year. Each placement spans two consecutive terms. MSW Advanced students complete 550 total hours across two terms.

Your social work supervisor provides one hour of individual supervision weekly and helps create an individual-specific learning plan. Students can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals and schools to mental health centers and adoption agencies.

Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Starting Spring 2023, the online MSW tuition costs $1,100 per credit hour, with a $50 course/lab fee that varies by course. Here’s what you’ll pay:

• Standard Track (58 credits): $63,800
• Advanced Standing Track (30 credits): $33,000

The university’s Scholarship Universe platform connects students to millions in outside scholarship opportunities. The program also offers departmental scholarships specifically for MSW students.

MSW graduates earn 40% higher median salaries, which makes this investment valuable for career growth. Term-based payment plans help make education costs more manageable.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation, offers a unique online MSW program. This program gives social workers the skills they need to serve Latino populations effectively. Students learn to meet the needs of binational and multicultural communities while promoting social justice.

Latino-Centered Curriculum Strengths

The MSW program at UTRGV puts multicultural competence at its core with a curriculum tailored to work with Latino communities. Students can pick between two specialized tracks:

• Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups – The focus lies on advanced social work practice with at-risk populations. Students learn evidence-based family therapy models that work best with Latino communities
• Administration and Community Practice – Students develop leadership skills to promote social justice and create practical solutions for community challenges

Both tracks prepare students through a multicultural perspective and tackle critical social issues facing vulnerable populations. Students build advanced analytical and practice skills that lead to self-critical, accountable, and independent professional practice.

Online Program Format and Flexibility

Students with existing BSW degrees can complete the advanced standing online MSW track with 33 credits. The program uses seven-week sessions, which means students can finish in about a year. While the program runs online, students must attend virtual classes through Zoom or Teams at specific times set by instructors.

Students must complete a 500-hour field practicum. They can do this either in one semester (through SOCW 6378 & 6379) or spread it across two semesters. Field work happens in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health facilities, and community organizations.

Admission Requirements

The UTRGV online MSW program has specific requirements to get in:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program (earned within the last six years to qualify for advanced standing)
• A 3.0 minimum overall undergraduate GPA
• A 3.2 GPA in social work core undergraduate courses
• Three recommendation letters
• A personal statement about professional goals
• A current professional resume

The program also requires meeting UTRGV’s general graduate admission standards, which means submitting official transcripts and completing the university’s application process.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

After graduation, students can take the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) examination. With two years of supervised post-graduate work in a clinical setting, they become eligible for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

Graduates find roles in healthcare, mental health, schools, and community organizations. The National Association of Social Workers reports that MSW graduates typically earn $15,000 more per year than those with just BSW degrees. UTRGV graduates have excellent job prospects in public health settings, mental health facilities, and growing community organizations.

Texas A&M University-Commerce

Texas A&M University-Commerce stands out among online MSW programs in Texas with its affordable tuition and complete advanced generalist curriculum. Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program prepares graduates to get their Texas LMSW license and work in settings of all types including private practice, mental health facilities, hospitals, and social services.

Advanced Generalist Practice Focus

The program’s advanced generalist approach gives you the skills to work with multiple intervention levels within the person-situation-environment paradigm. This versatile framework helps you develop advanced capabilities that assist communities of all types while meeting their unique needs. You’ll learn research-based knowledge that works in many different settings.

The curriculum builds on social welfare principles and social justice issues. Students learn to meet people where they are and help them solve complex problems. Your education balances theory with real-world application, especially when working in both urban and rural contexts.

Program Structure and Timeline

The program offers flexible paths based on your education:

Foundation Track welcomes students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees. This 60-credit program takes two years full-time (four regular semesters plus one summer) or longer part-time.

Advanced Standing Track needs 33 credit hours and welcomes recent graduates (within six years) from CSWE-accredited BSW programs. Students complete this track in one year full-time or two years part-time.

The program has a fully online asynchronous format that works well for professionals who can’t attend regular classes. Students access course materials on their schedule while getting a complete education.

Field Education Requirements

Field education is the “signature pedagogy” of social work education that connects theory with hands-on experience. Foundation track students must complete all foundation courses before starting field practicum. They complete 300 contact hours in SWK 553 followed by 600 hours in Advanced Generalist Practice Field Practicum.

Students join weekly field seminars led by MSW Field Liaisons who help process their experiences. These seminars encourage students to blend classroom learning with field practice while building critical thinking skills needed for independent decisions.

Student Support Services

A&M-Commerce’s support resources include:

• Academic help through the Academic Success Center, Writing Center, Math Skills Center, and tutoring services
• Personal growth through the Counseling Center and Student Health Services
• Financial guidance from the Financial Aid office and scholarship opportunities
• Special support through Student Disability Resources, International Student Services, and Veterans and Military Services

TRIO Student Support Services also provides academic support for first-generation students, those meeting federal income requirements, or students with documented disabilities.

University of Houston

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) offers a specialized online MSW program that focuses on Clinical Practice with a Health and Behavioral Health concentration. This CSWE-accredited program has prepared leaders in clinical settings since 1967 through its cohort-based learning model.

Health and Behavioral Health Concentration

UH stands out by providing one specialized concentration for online students—Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health. This program gives you specialized skills to work in healthcare environments and tackle behavioral health challenges. Students learn critical thinking skills as they study social, economic, and political justice. The curriculum builds a strong base in assessment techniques and intervention strategies that work well in health and behavioral health settings.

Program Format and Flexibility

Students move through courses together in a cohort model. This approach encourages supportive professional relationships that make the learning experience better. The connections students build often last well beyond graduation. Students can choose between two tracks:

• Traditional Standing Track: 63 credit hours with 900 field practicum hours
• Advanced Standing Track: 38 credit hours with 720 field practicum hours (for students with CSWE-accredited BSW degrees)

The program balances flexibility with structure. Students work with clear deadlines and due dates to stay on track. Classes blend both synchronous and asynchronous teaching methods.

Field Placement Process

UH has field education in their MSW program. Students gain extensive hands-on experience:

• Traditional students complete two field practicums—one 420-hour placement during the first year and one 480-hour placement in the second year
• Advanced Standing students complete 720 hours of field practicum

Students also join weekly field seminars that connect classroom theory with real-world experience. The Practicum Education Office helps online students find qualified agencies in their area.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Preparation

The program prepares graduates to become Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) in Texas. Students complete all requirements including:

• CSWE-accredited master’s degree
• Supervised practicum placement
• Preparation for the ASWB master’s exam

UH also provides specialized licensing exam preparation courses with experienced instructors. These courses review major exam topics including DSM-5-TR categories thoroughly. Graduates can work in healthcare settings, mental health facilities, and community organizations.

Angelo State University

Angelo State University has become a rapidly growing choice for aspiring social workers. The university offers a fully online MSW program that focuses on rural social work practice. Students can access quality education through a flexible online format from San Angelo without sacrificing hands-on experience.

Advanced Generalist Curriculum

The program offers two specialized tracks that fit different career goals. Students can choose between the Advanced Generalist Practice track and the Clinical Social Work track. The first prepares students for administrative leadership positions as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs). The second builds skills for direct therapeutic services needed to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Both tracks share the same core advanced generalist curriculum that provides complete training in clinical and macro practice social work.

Students in the Traditional track need 66 credit hours over two years (full-time) or four years (part-time). Advanced Standing students complete 36 credit hours. The program lets students explore electives in military social work, gerontology, mental health, and social/community development.

Admission Requirements

The MSW program at Angelo State has specific prerequisites based on your chosen track. Advanced Standing applicants should have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Traditional Track applicants need either a non-BSW bachelor’s degree or a BSW older than five years with at least a 2.75 GPA.

Applications open on August 1 with a February 15 deadline for fall admission. Students must submit the Apply Texas application with a $50 fee ($60 for international students). They also need to submit unofficial transcripts through the MSW application and meet concentration-specific requirements.

Field Education in Rural Settings

Angelo State’s MSW program centers on field education in rural areas, with requirements varying by track. Traditional students complete 900 total field hours—400 hours in the first year (200 spring, 200 summer) and 500 hours in the second year (250 spring, 250 summer). Advanced Standing students finish 500 total hours across spring and summer semesters.

The program uses InPlace, a complete internship management platform that streamlines field applications, timesheets, supervision logs, and evaluations. Students receive weekly one-hour supervision sessions with qualified field instructors who hold MSW degrees.

Student Success Rates

The program shows impressive results with an 83% recommendation rate from graduates. Small class sizes and customized attention from faculty members who hold clinical social work licensure benefit the students. The program helps 97% of students receive financial aid packages averaging $9,007.

The tuition costs are much lower than other Texas institutions—about 20% less than Division I public universities and 70% less than private universities. In-state students pay $805.11 per credit hour while out-of-state students pay $1,645.33.

Texas State University

Texas State University’s School of Social Work has led social work education since 1975. Their online MSW program ranks among the nation’s best. The program gives both full-time and part-time students flexibility that traditional campus programs can’t match. This makes it perfect for professionals who want to advance their careers.

Program Tracks and Specializations

The program builds ethical, effective social workers through Advanced Practice Leadership. Students learn both direct practice and administrative skills. Two paths are available:

• Foundation Track (62 credit hours): Students without a BSW degree can complete this track in seven semesters full-time or eleven semesters part-time
• Advanced Standing Track (36 credit hours): Recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can finish in four semesters full-time or six semesters part-time

Graduates work in organizations of all types, from child welfare and healthcare to behavioral mental health, education, and criminal justice. Many alumni step into leadership roles that range from clinical practice to program development.

Part-time vs. Full-time Study Options

Campus cohorts run full-time only, but the online program lets you choose between full-time and part-time study. Students take courses in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students who need financial aid can keep their half-time status with just 3 credit hours each semester.

Field Education Support

The Office of Field Education handles all internship placements. Students should not try to arrange their own internships. Field education combines hands-on practicum with an integrative seminar. Regular track students must complete 900 total hours across two placements. Advanced Standing students need 540 hours. Every student must attend orientation sessions before starting their placement.

Technology Requirements for Online Learning

Online learning works best for organized, self-motivated, and proactive students. You’ll need reliable access to a computer with high-speed internet and current operating systems. Microsoft Office (or similar software) helps you access course materials, talk with instructors, and finish assignments. The online program matches the quality of on-campus classes, so you’ll get the same excellent education either way.

Stephen F. Austin State University

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) gives students an affordable path to an MSW degree through its online program. The program focuses on rural social work practice. SFA’s mission aims to create skilled professional social workers who excel at advanced generalist practice. Students learn to meet the specific needs of rural communities.

Program Curriculum and Focus Areas

The university’s 64-credit hour traditional MSW program takes two years to complete full-time or four years part-time. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can choose the Advanced Standing option. This shorter path needs only 35 credit hours and takes 10 months full-time or two years part-time. The program specializes in Advanced Generalist Practice in a Rural Context. Students learn about ecological systems approach, strengths perspective, and social capital theories.

The first year covers generalist practice courses. Students move on to specialized practice in their second year. The program puts strong emphasis on understanding diversity, ethics, social justice, and challenges specific to rural areas.

Tuition and Financial Aid

SFA stands out as one of the most affordable MSW programs in Texas. The 2025-2026 estimated annual costs are $28,904 for on-campus students and $22,450 for off-campus students who live in Texas. Students from other states pay higher tuition at about $41,468 per year.

Students can apply for the Elisabeth Kenny Social Work Scholarship if they maintain a 3.0+ GPA. Other options include Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and various loans. Most students find a way to make their education affordable through these options.

Field Placement Process

The field education program requires 980 hours of hands-on experience. Traditional students must complete Field I and II (200 hours each) plus Field III (500 hours). Advanced Standing students only need to finish Field III. Students get thorough supervision through weekly meetings and seminars that help them use classroom knowledge in real situations.

Career Services and Job Placement

The Center for Career and Professional Development helps students and alumni at no cost. They assist with interview preparation and job searches. Social work graduates typically earn $47,000 yearly. Bilingual practitioners are in high demand and often earn more. Most graduates work in healthcare, mental health facilities, schools, and social service agencies.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has one of the most specialized online MSW programs in the nation. The program is one of only three in the country that specifically serves Hispanic populations. This focus meets a crucial need in social work practice since Hispanics are now the fastest-growing demographic in the United States.

Specialized Curriculum for Hispanic Populations

Students receive culturally competent training through courses designed specifically for Hispanic communities. Advanced Standing students need 30 credit hours and must complete these core courses:

• Evaluation of Social Work Practice with Hispanic Children and Families
• Hispanics in the U.S.: Policy and Programs
• Social Work Practice with Hispanic Families
• Theories and Perspectives: Hispanic Children and Families

Foundation students need 57 credit hours and take additional specialized courses. These include Social Work Practice with Hispanic Youth and Social Work Practice with Hispanic Elders. The detailed preparation gives graduates the tools to tackle social justice problems that affect Hispanic families at every life stage.

Online Program Structure

The program offers two tracks based on your education. Students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees take the Foundation Program. This track covers basic generalist practice before moving to specialized content. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take the faster Advanced Standing track. Students finish the program in 12 months (accelerated) or 20 months (part-time).

Field Education Requirements

Field education is an important aspect of OLLU’s program. The university has built partnerships with many public and private agencies. Foundation students complete 450 hours over three terms. Concentration students need 500 hours across three terms. Students participate in educational planning during their placements and submit bi-weekly supervisory documentation about their learning activities.

Career Outcomes and Opportunities

The program prepares graduates for various roles such as clinical social worker, healthcare social worker, child and family specialist, mental health practitioner, and community organizer. Their specialized training in Hispanic-focused practice gives them an edge nationwide. More agencies now look for professionals who can serve diverse populations effectively. OLLU graduates end up not just finding jobs but building transformative careers that make real differences in underserved communities.

West Texas A&M University Online MSSW

West Texas A&M University runs a complete online MSSW program that switched to fully virtual learning in 2022. The program prepares social workers to handle the unique challenges they face when working in sparsely populated areas. These areas often lack resources and face service delivery barriers due to vast distances.

Rural Social Work Focus

The MSSW program strengthens advanced generalist practice skills within rural settings. Graduates learn to serve multiple roles in less populated communities throughout the Texas panhandle. Students gain specialized knowledge about critical issues like geographic isolation and limited service access—challenges that rural communities face daily. WTAMU students expand their capabilities instead of narrowing their focus. They meet diverse community needs through an ecological approach that examines the person-in-environment fit. This broad preparation helps graduates work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Program Timeline and Structure

WTAMU’s flexible completion paths adapt to each student’s needs. Students without BSW degrees can finish the Foundation Program in just over two years with full-time study or up to four years part-time. Students can choose between:

• Fast Track – Students complete the curriculum and internship in one calendar year. This track requires about four classes per semester with field seminar starting in fall
• Standard Track – Students finish in five semesters by taking about three classes per semester. Field seminar begins in spring

Students with recent BSW degrees (Advanced Standing) complete 36 credit hours over four semesters. They start with foundational theory courses and move on to applied practice.

Field Education Requirements

Field education lies within WTAMU’s program and demands hands-on experience. Fast Track students spend 15-18 hours weekly at their internship. Standard Track students dedicate 11-13 hours weekly. Weekly supervision sessions and integrated seminars help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. The field department works closely with students to match them with agencies that fit their interests and abilities.

Student Support Resources

WTAMU gives online learners more than just academic instruction. Students can access tutoring services, academic study skills development, career counseling, and personal counseling. They also receive help with financial aid, writing, and specialized services for students with disabilities. A dedicated field coordinator stays in regular contact with students during their placements.

Compare Online MSWs in Texas

Get Your Online MSW Started in Texas Today

Texas offers 10 excellent online MSW programs that align with your career goals. UT Arlington stands out with its wide network of field placements. Our Lady of the Lake University excels with its focus on Hispanic communities.

The cost varies between programs. Angelo State offers a budget-friendly rate of $805 per credit hour. Baylor’s premium program costs $1,100 per credit hour. These universities make advanced social work education available through scholarships, grants, and payment plans whatever your budget allows.

Students gain real-world experience through 500-980 hours of field education. BSW graduates can take Advanced Standing tracks to finish faster. Traditional tracks provide detailed foundation training for professionals switching careers.

Several factors might shape your program choice. West Texas A&M specializes in preparing social workers for rural communities. UT Rio Grande Valley equips graduates to serve Latino populations effectively.

The social work field in Texas grows 7% faster than other careers. Social workers earn median salaries of $60,910 per year. The mix of strong career prospects and flexible online learning makes this the perfect time to advance your career through these CSWE-accredited programs.