8 Accredited Texas PhD in Social Work Programs
A PhD in Social Work from Texas universities could open doors to a fully funded education that covers all tuition and fees for up to five years. These prestigious programs go beyond financial support and serve as launching pads for future social work scientists who want to create meaningful social change.
The competition is fierce. Programs like Baylor’s accept all but one of these applicants, selecting just 7-10 students every other year. The rewards make the challenge worthwhile. To cite an instance, some universities offer detailed funding packages that include stipends of $33,500 annually, full tuition coverage, and health insurance. These social work PhD programs in Texas also give you the skills through publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at international conferences, and grant preparation experience.
Your PhD in social work creates paths beyond traditional roles. These programs prepare you for specialized careers in education, especially when you have minority-serving institutions in mind. Texas is reputable by offering one of only three online PhD programs among non-profit universities nationwide. This flexibility doesn’t compromise academic standards. Eight accredited Texas universities await your consideration if you’re ready to take your social work career to its peak.
1. Baylor University – Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work runs one of Texas’s most unique PhD programs in Social Work. The program combines a challenging curriculum with faith-based learning. This school is the only denominational social work program among Research 1 universities, where spirituality helps improve practice results.
Program highlights
The PhD program at Baylor follows a 10-semester curriculum through online classes with HD videoconferencing technology. Students join classes on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. CST. This setup lets them learn from anywhere while connecting with teachers and classmates in real time. Students start with a 4-5 day campus visit in Waco, Texas before moving to online classes.
Baylor’s program has a unique dissertation format. Students must write three publishable, peer-reviewed articles as part of five required chapters. This approach helps students become better academic writers and build their portfolio. The program also includes teaching practice during the fall semester of year three.
The school accepts 7-9 new students every other year, which creates a close-knit learning group. Most students finish in three to four years. They become experts in mental health, gerontology, and faith-based social services.
Faculty and research strengths
Research at the Garland School covers eight main areas: mental health and trauma, religion/spirituality, sustainability, social justice, global practice, gerontology, community organization, and social work education. These areas match the expertise of 24 faculty members (11 full-time and 13 part-time).
The school keeps a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This gives students personal guidance from leading scholars. Faculty members study topics from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care to spirituality in mental health treatment, church community service, and criminal justice. Recent reports show USD 533,412 in outside research funding.
Students work with specialized research centers. The school’s research work adds to Baylor’s R1 status. Faculty focus on research that helps professional practice and supports social justice and community wellbeing.
Funding and financial aid
Baylor’s PhD program offers excellent financial support. Students get full coverage of tuition and fees for up to five years. This means students can earn their degree without education debt.
Students might also get extra money through research positions with PhD faculty. They can teach in the Online MSW Program as adjunct faculty. Those near campus can teach in the regular BSW and MSW programs too.
Admissions requirements
The PhD program chooses just 7-10 students every other year. They look for candidates with:
- Strong interest in social work theory, policy, and research
- Great academic records
- The right mindset and preparation for doctoral work
Applications need several items. Students must pass a statistics exam with a B or better in two tries. GRE scores are optional now. Candidates also need to submit:
- A 7-10 page personal statement about their goals
- A scholarly writing sample (up to 25 pages)
- Resume or CV with publications and presentations
- Three recommendation letters (two from faculty)
- College transcripts
- USD 50 application fee
A Master of Social Work from a CSWE accredited program helps but isn’t required. Strong candidates with related master’s degrees can apply too. The next cohort (Summer 2027) opens for applications in Fall 2026, with a February 1, 2027 deadline.
2. University of Texas at Arlington – School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington runs a detailed PhD program. Students who graduate from this program become scholars who make major contributions through teaching, research, and advancing social work knowledge. UTA’s Carnegie Research Tier 1 university status gives doctoral candidates excellent resources to develop groundbreaking research that tackles today’s social problems.
Program structure and goals
The PhD in Social Work at UTA needs 48 credit hours to build expertise in theory, research methods, and specialized practice areas. Students follow a clear path through the program. They take foundation courses in research, statistics, theory, and policy during their first year. The second year focuses on specialization areas and advanced research courses. Students dedicate their third year to dissertation work.
The program builds five core skills: theory and theory development, research methods and data analysis, specialty practice application, ethics and social justice in scientific inquiry, and theory application to social work practice. UTA’s doctoral program goes beyond practitioner training. The program wants to create top scholars who will shape social work academia.
Most students finish the program in four years, though some complete it in three. These graduates find roles as faculty members in universities worldwide or lead research, policy, and social work education initiatives.
Research opportunities and faculty mentorship
UTA doctoral students get hands-on research experience through faculty-led projects. Many projects receive funding from prominent organizations like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and National Institute for Transportation and Communities. The school’s specialized research centers, including the Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies and the Child Welfare Research Center, create excellent environments for shared research.
UTA’s strong mentoring system helps students publish in professional journals, present at academic conferences, and work on external grant submissions. Faculty mentors play a key role in student growth and success. Students also get help through writing workshops, publication support, and teaching preparation programs.
Funding and stipend details
UTA’s PhD program is known for its excellent financial support. Social Work PhD students in good standing receive $33,500 yearly in stipends and fellowships. They also get full tuition coverage and individual health insurance for their first four years. Students earn these stipends through Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) roles, working 20 hours weekly during long semesters and 10 hours in summer terms.
The program usually takes four years to complete, and this generous funding package makes UTA’s PhD in Social Work Texas program very appealing to future students.
Admissions process
UTA’s PhD program follows a specific application timeline. Applications start on August 1st each year, with priority review by December 12th. The program accepts applications until all spots fill or until January 16th.
Future students must apply through two channels: UTA’s Graduate School and the School of Social Work PhD Program directly. Application materials needed include:
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Writing sample (less than 10 pages) showing academic writing skills
- Statement of educational and professional goals (3-4 pages)
- Three professional references
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
Students no longer need GRE scores for admission. The admissions committee interviews qualified candidates to find students whose research interests match faculty expertise. All new students start in fall semester because courses follow a set sequence.
3. University of Texas at Austin – Steve Hicks School of Social Work
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin stands among the nation’s top ten social work schools. Their prestigious PhD program shapes future social work scientists who will drive the discipline forward. Students enjoy a close-knit, supportive community within a leading research university, right in the heart of vibrant Austin.
Mission and interdisciplinary focus
The doctoral program prepares the next generation of social work scientists to create meaningful social change. Students become exceptional researchers who provide scientific leadership while advancing social work practice and human well-being.
Students pursue education in a variety of disciplines as they develop expertise in areas crucial to human well-being and social equity. This approach helps doctoral candidates build university-wide connections while maintaining their social work identity. The school’s steadfast dedication to diverse views from Texas and worldwide benefits every student.
Curriculum and research training
The PhD program demands a complete curriculum of 47 credit hours beyond dissertation work. Students master critical thinking, scientific epistemology, social work theory, advanced research methods, and pedagogy. Methodological training takes center stage, equipping graduates to conduct high-quality research that advances social work’s mission.
Research training serves as the substance of the doctoral experience. Students receive intensive mentoring and hands-on experience in methodologically rigorous scientific research. Many more opportunities exist to share research through publications and presentations – essential skills for future academics. UT Austin provides four years of competitive funding, including fellowships, health insurance, stipends, and tuition coverage (9 hours during long semesters, 3 hours in summers).
Mentoring and advising
The mentoring approach targets four essential areas: interdisciplinary education, content expertise in human well-being, development of mission-driven research programs, and hands-on experience in curriculum development and instruction. This well-laid-out mentoring helps students develop diverse academic career skills.
The core team works closely with doctoral students on course selection, research development, and professional growth. A vibrant scientific community promotes social work’s mission through service, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership. Students develop both research expertise and professional networks through this community-centered approach.
Admissions and application process
Students must gain acceptance to both UT Austin Graduate School and the School of Social Work through one online application. Competition runs high, so early application gives an advantage. Prospective students should:
- Browse the PhD program website
- Contact program faculty about potential collaboration
- Review facts about current doctoral students
- Learn more about UT Austin through Graduate School resources
The program welcomes applicants whatever their race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, or ability. Human services motivation, academic potential, interpersonal effectiveness, sustained effort capacity, and communication skills influence admission decisions. Application processing in the university system takes up to 72 hours after submission.
Students passionate about community-engaged research with a focus on social justice and change will find UT Austin’s PhD program a great way to get preparation for careers as researchers, educators, and leaders in social work.
4. University of Houston – Graduate College of Social Work
The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston, America’s fourth-largest city, is notable among social work PhD programs in Texas with its evidence-based curriculum and steadfast dedication to social justice. This program equips the next generation of social work researchers, scholars, educators, and leaders who will take faculty appointments or research positions in institutes nationwide.
Program overview
The GCSW’s PhD program helps students find, develop, and pursue specialized research areas that advance the profession’s knowledge base. Small classes and personalized study opportunities give students the attention they need for doctoral success. Houston’s ethnically diverse population and location near one of the world’s largest medical complexes give doctoral candidates unique research possibilities not found anywhere else.
The application process requires transcripts showing a minimum 3.5 GPA, four recommendation letters (at least two from academics), a complete curriculum vitae, a four-page personal statement, and up to two writing samples. The program does not require GRE scores for admission.
Research and curriculum
GCSW’s curriculum needs a minimum of 53 credit hours—44 in coursework and 9 in dissertation research. The program focuses on evidence-based social work (EBSW) and teaches students to create and use valid research evidence that shapes social work practice and policy decisions at every level.
Coursework includes:
- Three EBSW research methods courses
- Statistics and data management
- Social science theories
- Social welfare policy analysis
- Teaching in higher education
- Grant writing
- Research internship
Students complete their dissertation within five years after passing the oral comprehensive examination, though all dissertations must be finished within ten years of initial enrollment. Students should defend their dissertation proposal by the fifth term following the oral comprehensive examination.
Faculty mentorship
GCSW’s faculty share their knowledge, expertise, and social work values through teaching and mentoring. They help students think critically, discover intellectually, and develop professionally while emphasizing scholarship and research. Faculty members bring expertise in trauma, children and families, mental health, immigrant health, racial/ethnic disparities, and global aging.
Students develop skills to produce scholarly publications, present at conferences, and prepare grant applications through close faculty relationships. The faculty-to-student ratio provides individual attention throughout the program.
Student achievements
Doctoral students at GCSW publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at national and international conferences, and help prepare grants regularly. The program’s unique doctoral journal runs entirely by doctoral students. These practical experiences prepare graduates for various career paths beyond traditional roles.
The program’s success shows in its current and former students’ impressive backgrounds and research interests. Students like Hayley Brown specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, while Agnes studies mental health disparities among marginalized adolescents, which represents the program’s diverse research portfolio. Alexandra researches systemic racial injustices affecting Black and Biracial girls and builds strategic collaborations with county courts to better understand multi-system involvement.
The University of Houston’s PhD in Social Work gives exceptional preparation to those who want to advance social work knowledge through research, teaching, and leadership.
5. Our Lady of the Lake University – Worden School of Social Work
Our Lady of the Lake University’s Worden School of Social Work stands out with one of only three online PhD programs among non-profit universities nationwide. Students can prepare for research, service, and teaching positions at minority serving institutions. The program supports underrepresented scholars who continue their full-time work during doctoral studies.
Program design and online format
The Worden School’s PhD program uses a well-laid-out cohort model that needs 54 credit hours completed over four years. The program ranks #8 in the U.S. for 2024 according to Forbes Advisor. Students experience both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. The fall and spring courses blend these methods to help students balance their work and academic life.
Students learn specialized training in decolonized pedagogy and mixed methods research beyond their online coursework. The curriculum progresses as cohorts start in summer terms. The program’s core mission helps students prepare for academic roles in minority-serving institutions. Students learn the best ways to teach diverse student populations.
Assistantship opportunities
Teaching expertise forms a vital part of OLLU’s doctoral training. The university’s BSW and MSW programs offer teaching assistantships through mutually beneficial alliances. Students gain practical classroom experience under faculty mentorship. Each course comes with a stipend of $2,500.
These teaching assistantships help develop professional skills that prepare graduates for academia. Students build teaching portfolios and research credentials throughout their program. This combination makes them strong candidates for faculty positions after graduation.
Dissertation and research expectations
The PhD program requires students to complete a dissertation. Students must create original scholarly research approved by their dissertation committee members. This work needs to meet high scholarship standards and contribute to social welfare knowledge and practice.
Students show their research abilities through the dissertation process. They must organize materials logically, write clearly, and interpret facts soundly. The final step involves an oral dissertation defense. Students receive their PhD degree after successfully completing this defense.
Summer residency and student support
The program requires a one-week summer residency at OLLU’s San Antonio campus each year until the student’s proposal defense. Students pay $550 for the summer residency, which covers room and board. Faculty mentoring and academic socialization happen during this immersive experience. These elements help students succeed as future social work educators.
Students bond with their cohort peers and faculty during campus residency. They explore the campus and learn about its history. OLLU has complete academic support services. Students can access academic advising, accessibility services, and specialized writing and math tutoring centers. Graduate student ambassadors also provide mentoring and guidance to boost the student experience.
6. Texas State University – School of Social Work
The School of Social Work at Texas State University is a dynamic part of the College of Applied Arts. The school helps students become skilled at working with underserved populations that public agencies typically serve. Students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees with full Council on Social Work Education accreditation. The program also builds a strong foundation for students who want to pursue doctoral studies in social work.
Program overview
The School of Social Work helps create social workers who serve society’s forgotten clients. Students work with many public and private agencies in both rural and urban settings during their field training. These hands-on experiences give graduates the skills they need to work with people from all backgrounds, professionals, policy-makers, and organizations.
Students can choose between two master’s program tracks. The Foundation/Regular Track needs 62 credit hours for students without a BSW degree. The Advanced Standing Track requires 36 credit hours for graduates from CSWE-accredited BSW programs. Students can take classes on campus or online, with both options using the same textbooks and core faculty teaching the curriculum.
Research and faculty focus
The Richter Research Institute started its mission in 1997 to understand social conditions, service practices, and human service systems better. The institute supports research that aligns with the school’s goal to lead innovation in social work education as the field evolves.
The faculty brings expertise in medical social work, end-of-life care, trauma, children and families, and mental health. More than 30 dedicated faculty members balance teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Social justice and professional ethics remain central themes throughout all educational programs.
Funding and scholarships
Social work students can apply for several scholarships:
- Dorothy Jean and Walter Richter Endowed Scholarship ($340 annually, two awards)
- Karen Brown Social Work Endowed Scholarship ($200 annually)
- Molina Scholarship in Social Work ($700 annually)
On top of that, students can receive Title IV-E Child Welfare Partnership stipends during their final field semester. These stipends offer financial support when students agree to work in public child welfare after graduation.
Admissions criteria
Graduate programs need a minimum GPA of 2.9 overall or in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Advanced standing applicants must have earned their BSW degree with CSWE accreditation within the past ten years. The application period starts August 1st each year. Students can apply for scholarships between November 1st and February 1st.
7. University of North Texas – College of Health and Public Service
The University of North Texas’s College of Health and Public Service has expanded its academic offerings through social work programs that focus on advanced generalist practice.
Program structure and delivery
The MSW program at UNT takes an Advanced Generalist approach that gives you the skills to work in almost any setting. Students develop strengths in multidimensional problem-setting, self-reflective leadership, and ethical advocacy. The program aims to prepare practitioners who can work ethically in different settings while promoting human well-being. The MSW degree should receive full accreditation by summer 2024, as it’s currently in candidacy status.
Research centers and faculty
The faculty brings expertise in a variety of areas such as child welfare, mental health, aging, and global social work. CSWE accreditation ensures the social work department’s programs maintain strict academic standards. Research-active faculty members bring real-world experience from different practice areas and publish regularly in respected journals.
Financial aid and assistantships
Teaching and research positions through graduate assistantships provide financial support with 20-hour weekly commitments. Students who secure assistantships might qualify for the Tuition Benefit Program award and out-of-state tuition waivers. Handshake offers additional hourly positions to earn extra income.
Admissions and deadlines
Each semester has specific application deadlines: June 15 for fall, April 15 for summer, and October 15 for spring. International students must apply by April 15 for fall admission. Students need a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 hours of coursework to join the MSW program, and no GRE scores are required.
8. Texas A&M University – School of Public Health and Social Work
Texas A&M University connects public health and social work education through programs that prepare advanced practitioners to solve complex societal challenges. Students get valuable cross-disciplinary training opportunities in a prestigious research environment at the School of Public Health.
Program mission and goals
Texas A&M’s faculty shows unwavering dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and service. They push knowledge boundaries by developing new concepts and refining methodologies that better describe our social world. The institution creates competent generalist practitioners who serve and strengthen vulnerable populations. The university goes beyond simple preparation to educate professional advanced practitioners who lead and create positive changes in social services.
Interdisciplinary research opportunities
The university takes a multi-faceted look at economic, social, and political forces that shape healthcare organization and delivery. Students learn skills to influence policy and affect healthcare systems through applied research. The program’s impressive 97% placement rate helps graduates secure positions at universities, government agencies, think tanks, and consulting firms. Students can pursue advanced training in health policy, organization theory, and health economics along with applied knowledge in specific areas.
Funding and support
Financial support flows through several channels. Graduate assistantships give many students stipends, tuition coverage, and health insurance. The Pathways to the Doctorate Fellowship stands out with its exceptional benefits—offering $2,000 monthly stipends, a one-time $6,000 top-up stipend, full tuition payment, and health insurance during the first year. Students receive an additional $500 in professional development funds yearly.
Admissions process
The application process requires:
- Complete GraduateCAS application with fee ($89 domestic/$114 international)
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Statement of professional intent
- Current resume/CV
- Three reference letters
- Department-specific questions
International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
Next Steps
Picking the right PhD program in Social Work needs you to think over several factors. These include curriculum structure, funding options, and how well they line up with your research interests. Eight accredited Texas universities give you different paths to earn the highest academic credential in social work.
These prestigious programs are highly competitive, but the benefits make it worth the effort. Many programs offer complete funding packages. You’ll get full tuition coverage, health insurance, and substantial stipends that make these programs available to more students. On top of that, you can gain teaching experience while doing research training that prepares you for academic careers.
Each university brings something special to doctoral education. A few examples stand out: Baylor’s faith-integrated framework, UT Arlington’s $33,500 annual stipend, UT Austin’s interdisciplinary focus, and Our Lady of the Lake’s innovative online format. These are just some features you’ll find in Texas institutions.
These programs give you the tools to succeed through chances to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and learn about grant preparation. These experiences are a great way to get ready for jobs in academia, research institutes, or leadership roles in social service organizations.
Texas holds a special place in social work doctoral education. Programs range from traditional on-campus experiences to flexible online formats. You can pick a program that fits your professional goals and personal life while getting solid academic training.
Take time to review each program’s research focus, faculty expertise, and funding structure. Meeting with current students and faculty members helps you learn about program culture and expectations. Getting a PhD in Social Work takes commitment, but these Texas universities create environments where your scholarly goals can grow.
Starting your journey to become a social work scientist begins with choosing the right doctoral program. These eight Texas universities offer excellent launching points for a meaningful career that advances social work knowledge and creates real social change.