Best MSW Programs in San Antonio
Ready to advance your social work career? San Antonio has several fully accredited Master of Social Work programs that will help you move up professionally.
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Our Lady of the Lake University both offer CSWE-fully accredited programs. These programs ensure you get quality education that aligns with industry standards. On top of that, BSW degree holders can complete an advanced-standing MSW in just 12 months. Students without prior social work education typically finish in about 27 months. Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their degree in as little as 9 months through specialized programs.
This guide will help you find the right MSW program in San Antonio, TX – perfect if you want to switch careers or boost your social worker salary. The application process is now easier since many programs don’t require GRE scores.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is a premier location of social work education in Texas. The prestigious Worden School of Social Service, established in 1942, was the first social work school in the state. The MSW programs at OLLU combine tradition, academic excellence, and specialized focus that have earned national recognition.
Accreditation
Two important accreditations validate your degree’s quality and legitimacy at OLLU. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) authorizes the university to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits both undergraduate and graduate social work programs. CSWE is the only recognized accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. Your degree meets national professional standards and qualifies you for licensure.
U.S. News & World Report highlights OLLU’s social work program excellence. The Master of Social Work program ranks No. 95 nationally and No. 6 in Texas for 2024. OLLU shares this ranking with Louisiana State University, Auburn, DePaul, and Seton Hall. The program outranks several Texas schools including TCU, Texas State, and Texas Tech.
Program options
The Worden School offers two paths to earn your MSW:
- Foundation MSW Program (57 credit hours) – Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work can join this detailed program. You’ll learn generalist social work practice before moving to specialized topics.
- Advanced Standing MSW Program (30 credit hours) – This accelerated track serves students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. You’ll build directly on your undergraduate social work education.
Both tracks prepare students for advanced direct practice with Hispanic children and families. This focus reflects OLLU’s status as a Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution. OLLU leads all Catholic universities nationwide with the highest percentage of Hispanic enrollment at both undergraduate (63%) and graduate (54%) levels.
Duration and format
The MSW program accommodates working professionals through flexible scheduling:
Part-time students complete the Foundation MSW program in just over three years (38 months). Full-time students can finish in two years. The Advanced Standing MSW program takes 11 months at an accelerated pace or 20 months part-time.
Students can earn their degree through multiple formats:
- Hybrid program with evening classes and online components
- Campus-based options at San Antonio or Rio Grande Valley locations
- Fully online option with asynchronous instruction
The online program delivers identical curriculum and values as on-campus learning with maximum flexibility. Courses run in seven-week sessions without required campus visits.
Field education remains vital to all MSW programs. Foundation students complete 950 total hours – 450 hours in foundational internship and 500 hours in advanced-level placement. Advanced standing students finish one 500-hour field internship. These placements happen at approved agencies in your local community.
Special features
OLLU’s MSW program stands out as one of only three nationwide focusing on serving the Hispanic community. This specialization matters as the Hispanic population grows rapidly in the United States.
Students learn specialized intervention skills for direct practice with Hispanic children and families. This cultural competency makes graduates more employable in communities across the country.
The program offers additional unique features:
- Active military members and veterans receive a 10% tuition discount through the Yellow Ribbon School program
- The historic San Antonio campus houses one of Texas’s oldest social work schools
- High national ranking boosts job prospects after graduation
- Advanced direct practice training prepares you for clinical and direct service roles
Admission requirements
Foundation and Advanced Standing programs have different admission requirements:
Foundation MSW Program (Fall admission):
- Completed application (no fee)
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities
- Personal statement (1-2 pages in APA format) about MSW motivation, Worden Student Code of Conduct understanding, and identification with Worden School’s mission
- Three recommendations from employers, supervisors, professional colleagues, or academic references
- Professional résumé with licensure, professional experience, and volunteer social work activities
- Minimum 2.50 overall GPA or 3.00 in last 60 semester hours
Advanced Standing MSW Program (Summer admission): All Foundation program requirements plus:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Modified personal statement addressing BSW to MSW transition growth and challenges
A $250 tuition deposit confirms enrollment and secures your program spot.
Two Worden School faculty members review each application. They look at GPA, personal statement, and reference letters. Priority deadlines are April 1 for Advanced program and May 15 for Foundation program. Later applications get space-available consideration.
The Foundation MSW program costs approximately $56,487 ($991 per credit hour). The Advanced Standing program costs about $29,730. This investment opens doors to improved career opportunities and potential salary growth for social workers in San Antonio.
University of Texas at San Antonio
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) stands out as a great choice for students looking to pursue social work education at a public institution. The program ranks among the nation’s top social work programs. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes cultural competence and transformative practice in a supportive environment.
Accreditation
UTSA’s Master of Social Work program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the highest standard for social work education in the United States. The program got its first accreditation in February 2008 and has kept its quality standards high. Reaffirmations came in 2012 and 2021, with accreditation secured through 2028. Your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards across the country.
The Social Work Department’s reputation continues to grow. The program jumped into the top 75 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best Grad Schools Rankings Guide, moving up from position 91 in 2016. The MSW program remains among the top 100 social work programs nationwide.
Program options
Students can choose between two MSW program tracks based on their educational background:
- 36-Hour Advanced Standing MSW Program: This faster track works best for students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program or have finished at least 24 graduate semester credit hours in a CSWE-accredited MSW program. You’ll build on your existing knowledge without repeating basics.
- 60-Hour Traditional MSW Program: This track serves students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. You’ll start with fundamental social work concepts before moving to specialized content.
Both programs prepare you for advanced social work practice. You’ll develop skills in assessment, intervention, and advocacy for various populations. The program combines theory with hands-on experience to help you tackle complex issues like mental health, substance abuse, and trauma while promoting social justice.
Duration and format
The MSW program offers flexibility that works well for working professionals:
Location and Schedule: Most classes take place at UTSA’s Downtown Campus during evening hours. Some daytime classes give you more scheduling options.
Time to Completion:
- The 60-credit traditional track takes two years full-time, while the 36-credit Advanced Standing track takes one year.
- Part-time options take longer. An accelerated full-time option lets 60-credit students finish in six semesters and 36-credit students in three semesters.
Field Education Requirements:
- The 60-credit program needs 900 clock hours of supervised field experience.
- Advanced Standing students complete 450 clock hours.
- Field placements happen at human service agencies in San Antonio and Bexar County.
- Students spend 12-15 hours weekly at their agencies over four semesters.
Weekend and evening placements might be open for working professionals, though most field work happens during business hours.
Special features
UTSA’s MSW program stands out with these key features:
Cultural Competence Focus: Students learn “transformative, culturally competent practice with diverse populations within a local-global context”. This helps you work better in San Antonio’s varied communities and beyond.
Faculty Mentorship: Each student gets a faculty mentor who stays with them throughout the program. This gives you personal guidance when you need it.
Affordability: UTSA costs less than private schools as part of the public University of Texas system. The program costs between $31,334 and $32,500, and 89% of students get financial aid.
Career Versatility: Graduates work in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, schools, probation services, homeless services, and substance abuse treatment. Some now lead teams at organizations like SAMM transitional living program, Texas Youth Commission, and Child Protective Services.
Downtown Campus Experience: The campus location puts you close to local organizations, agencies, and community leaders. This adds real-life context to your education.
Admission requirements
The MSW program’s admission process looks at several factors:
Application Materials:
- UTSA Graduate Application with fee ($50 domestic, $90 international)
- Official transcripts from all schools
- Narrative statement about your interest in UTSA’s MSW program (max 1,250 words/five pages)
- Three recommendation forms from professionals who know your work
- Professional résumé
- 36-hour program applicants must show proof of BSW degree or prior MSW coursework
Academic Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- 0 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale
- International students need English test scores (TOEFL Paper: 550, TOEFL Internet: 79, IELTS: 6.5, or Duolingo: 100)
Application Deadlines:
- Fall: June 15 (domestic), March 1 (international)
- Spring: October 15 (domestic), September 15 (international)
The program accepts about 76% of applicants. A recent cycle saw 62 acceptances from 81 applications, with 49 students enrolling.
Students with GPAs below 3.0 can apply for probationary admission by explaining their academic performance in their narrative. Conditional admits must meet specific first-semester requirements to gain full status.
The program welcomes students ready to “affect change for complex social issues to improve the well-being of communities and the world”.
Texas State University (San Marcos – near San Antonio)
Texas State University sits just outside San Antonio in San Marcos. The university’s MSW program combines direct practice and administrative coursework. Its School of Social Work has been a leading provider of social work education. Students from all over Texas benefit from its programs.
Accreditation
The Master of Social Work program at Texas State University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates can take state licensure examinations after they complete the program. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has given regional accreditation to Texas State University. This adds more credibility to the institution’s academic standards.
The program stands out for its excellence in online education. It ranks among the nation’s best colleges for online master’s programs in social work. Texas State has earned top honors for quality, affordability, and student success. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to pursue an MSW in the San Antonio area.
Program options
The School of Social Work offers two MSW degree tracks with a major in Advanced Practice Leadership:
- Foundation/Regular Track (62 credit hours) – This track works best for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field except social work. Students learn essential basics before moving to specialized content.
- Advanced Standing Track (36 credit hours) – This track serves graduates of CSWE-accredited BSW programs who got their degree in the last 10 years. It builds on their existing social work knowledge.
Students can choose from these formats:
- On-campus cohorts
- 100% online program options
The curriculum focuses on Advanced Practice Leadership and blends direct practice with administrative coursework. This balanced approach creates ethical, effective social workers ready for various roles. The School also has specialized electives in health care, diversity, international social work, gerontology, spirituality, adventure therapy, work with veterans, and more. Students can shape their education based on their interests.
Duration and format
Program length changes based on your track and enrollment status:
Foundation/Regular Track:
- Full-time students finish in seven semesters
- Part-time students need about eleven semesters
Advanced Standing Track:
- Full-time students graduate in four semesters
- Part-time students take roughly six semesters
Students can pick between:
- On-campus program – Only available full-time
- Online program – Available full-time (3-4 courses per semester) or part-time (2 courses per semester)
Field education plays a key role in both tracks. Foundation/Regular track students must complete 900 total hours. Advanced Standing students need 540 hours[192]. These placements give students real-life experience under professional supervision. Foundation students do two internships—360 hours for foundation field and 540 hours for advanced field in different settings. Advanced Standing students complete one 540-hour advanced field internship.
Special features
The MSW program stands out in several ways:
The Advanced Practice Leadership curriculum combines direct practice and administrative coursework. This helps graduates work in either clinical practice or program administration.
The online program’s reputation keeps growing. It regularly ranks as one of the top programs nationwide. This adds value to the degree when graduates enter the job market.
Social justice and professional ethics run through the entire curriculum. Graduates learn to tackle complex social challenges. This matches the School’s mission to prepare students for advanced specialized practice.
Texas State’s graduates work across Texas and beyond. They serve in child welfare, healthcare, behavioral mental health, education, veteran’s affairs, and criminal justice. Many take leadership roles in clinical practice, program development, or administration.
Admission requirements
You’ll need to meet these requirements:
- At least 2.9 overall GPA or 2.9 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- Advanced Standing applicants need a minimum 2.9 GPA in their last two academic years and all undergraduate social work courses
- The program doesn’t require GRE scores
Your application should include:
- Official transcripts from every school where you earned credits[191]
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
The priority admission deadline is January 1, and the regular deadline is August 1. International students must apply by June 1 for standard admission.
Tuition costs depend on your credit hours each semester. Graduate assistantships let students work with faculty while getting possible tuition help. Most students can get federal financial aid through FAFSA.
The program looks for students who show promise in graduate social work education. They look at college GPAs, personal essays, work and volunteer experience, and how well candidates do in interviews.
University of Houston (Online Option for San Antonio Residents)
San Antonio residents can now earn their MSW degree online through the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. This 52-year-old nationally recognized program lets you complete your degree without moving to Houston.
Accreditation
The University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges also accredits the university. Your online MSW degree will be valid for employers and licensing boards throughout Texas and beyond, thanks to this dual accreditation.
The program’s excellence shows in national rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranked it #22 among the top 50 social work programs in its 2020 evaluation. This ranking demonstrates the high-quality education available to online students.
University of Houston program options
Students can choose between two paths based on their educational background:
- Full Program (51 semester credit hours) – Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work need to complete foundation courses plus specialized practice courses.
- Advanced Standing (34 semester credit hours) – BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs can take this accelerated option that builds on their existing social work knowledge.
Both tracks let you specialize in:
- Clinical Practice (with focus on Health and Behavioral Health)
- Macro Practice
Full program students start with a 15-credit foundation over two semesters. This foundation focuses on generalist practice and social, economic, and political justice while building critical thinking skills. Students then move on to specialized coursework in their chosen concentration.
Duration and format
Students progress through courses with about 25 classmates in a cohort model. This setup creates professional relationships that make learning better[241]. Full program students usually finish in 3 years, while advanced standing students complete their degree in 2 years.
The course format includes:
- Asynchronous content that you can access anytime
- Some synchronous elements where faculty might hold “live” office hours or class meetings
- Group projects using audio/video technology
Field education plays a vital role. Full program students must complete 900 clock hours of practicum, and advanced standing students need 720 hours. The program helps online students find qualified agencies near their homes, making this requirement easier for San Antonio residents.
Special features
This online program stands out in several ways:
Working professionals in San Antonio will appreciate the program’s flexible structure. The courses have specific deadlines and due dates that provide structure while fitting into busy schedules.
The cohort learning approach helps students build strong connections with classmates and faculty, even in an online format. Students develop a supportive network throughout their educational experience.
The program works with over 200 social service agencies to provide varied practicum opportunities. A dedicated practicum coordinator helps online students find suitable placements in their communities.
Students learn both theory and real-life applications, preparing them for advanced specialized practice in various settings.
Admission requirements
You’ll need these items to apply for the online MSW program:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- A minimum 3.0 GPA (both cumulative and last 60 hours)
- A personal statement (3 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font) answering three specific questions
- Two to three recommendation letters from references who know your graduate study potential
- Application fee ($50 for domestic applicants, $80 for international applicants)
The program doesn’t require GRE scores. Advanced standing applicants must have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.
Online students should apply by March 1. Students taking 5+ hours per semester can receive financial aid. The university’s website offers tuition calculator tools to estimate costs, including additional distance education fees.
Simmons University (Online MSW for San Antonio Students)
Simmons University’s online MSW program gives San Antonio students a premier education option. The program combines 120+ years of clinical social work education with modern digital learning technology. Students can boost their social worker salary in San Antonio, TX without moving away, making it one of the nation’s most available distance education choices.
Accreditation
The university’s dual accreditation will give students quality education and graduate licensure eligibility. The online MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The university also maintains institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). These credentials validate the program’s academic standards.
Program options
Students can choose from five distinct tracks in this clinically focused curriculum:
- Advanced Standing (34 credits): BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can complete this in 9 months
- Accelerated (65 credits): Students can finish this intensive option in 16 months
- Full-time (65 credits): Standard course load takes about 23 months
- Extended (65 credits): A convenient pace that takes about 32 months
- Extended-plus (65 credits): The most flexible option takes roughly 40 months
The program serves both career-changers and BSW holders who want clinical specialization.
Duration and format
Weekly interactive classes limit enrollment to 20 students. The virtual classroom combines smoothly with HD streaming video for face-to-face interaction in real time. Students can access course content 24/7. This flexibility supports San Antonio’s working professionals with varied schedules.
Special features
Simmons, 119 years old (established 1904), brings exceptional historical expertise to its online program. The curriculum blends social justice values with multicultural views. Students get ready for direct clinical practice through immersive practicum experiences. Dedicated placement coordinators help secure positions in students’ local communities.
Admission requirements
Students need a bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA and relevant work or volunteer experience. The application needs:
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Professional résumé
- Two recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
- $50 application fee (waived for early applicants)
Advanced Standing applicants must have completed their BSW within the past seven years. They need minimum B grades in all social work courses.
Choose Your San Antonio MSW Now
Picking the right MSW program is a crucial step in your social work career path. San Antonio’s area has several CSWE-accredited options that help you advance professionally while fitting different academic backgrounds and schedules.
Our Lady of the Lake University stands out with its historic roots and Hispanic focus. UTSA shines with its culturally competent approach, while Texas State’s curriculum balances direct practice with administrative training. These schools provide quality education that meets national standards. The University of Houston and Simmons University’s online programs give you flexibility without compromising on educational quality or accreditation.
Each school’s program comes with traditional and advanced standing tracks. BSW graduates can complete their degree in 9-12 months, while students from other backgrounds take about two years. Field education is crucial to these programs and gives you hands-on experience in local communities.
Most schools have dropped their GRE requirements, making them more available to students. You’ll need good GPAs, strong personal statements, and professional recommendations. Public and private institutions’ tuition costs differ by a lot, but all programs offer financial aid options.
The best program for you depends on your situation and career goals. Think about schedule flexibility, focus areas, how long it takes, and what it costs before deciding. Any accredited MSW program you pick will open doors to advanced practice opportunities and better pay as a social worker in San Antonio.