Home > Online Degrees > Social Work Programs > Master’s MSW > Texas

Online MSW Degrees in Texas: Comparing Top Schools

Social workers who are passionate about their work can make a significant difference in the lives of people across settings such as healthcare, education, government, and private practice. In Texas, social work is especially promising, with projections for job growth as high as 18% in certain specializations.

This guide will provide you with insight into some of the top online and hybrid MSW programs available in Texas, as well as assist you in determining which program is best suited for you based on your educational and professional background. We’ll also break down career options available to graduates along with salary and career details.

Author: Mark Earnest
Editor: Adrienne Auclair
Jump to Section:

Find your school in just 60 seconds

Find Your Online Degree

  1. Take our quiz
  2. Match with schools
  3. Connect with favorites
I want my
in
Focusing on

Top Traditional MSW Programs in Texas

Traditional MSW programs, sometimes referred to as foundation programs, are designed for graduate degree-seekers who possess a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. In most cases, traditional MSW students need about two years of full-time study for foundational knowledge and advanced social work skills to complete their degrees.

Angelo State University

There is a hybrid option, featuring mostly online coursework, for the Master of Social Work program at this Texas university. There are two different tracks for the MSW at Angelo State: Advanced Generalist and Clinical. They can be taken either full-time or part-time.

The courses cover an array of different populations, social issues, and practice settings. In-depth research instruction and field education is also a major feature of Angelo State’s MSW.

Duration: Two to three years,

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $232-$642/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • General Practice with Groups
  • Policy Practice and Advocacy
  • Case Management in Medical Social Work
  • Advanced General Practice with Communities and Organizations
  • Children and Families in Social Work Practice
  • Theoretical Frameworks for Clinical Social Work

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:

Texan MSW Programs with No GRE Requirement

It is important to verify if a school requires GRE scores as part of their evaluation process. Several MSW programs in Texas do not require GRE scores and remain highly esteemed institutions, as standardized testing expectations in higher education have significantly changed to longer require GREs.

West Texas A&M University

This non-GRE program for a Master of Science in Social Work also has all coursework online, accompanied by a required field practicum. The goals of the program include teaching social workers a variety of theories, developing intervention skills at all levels of practice, and understanding of the distinctive needs and techniques for rural communities.

The curriculum also prepares students for higher-level licensing tests upon graduation. Admission qualifications include an essay and transcripts.

Duration: Two years

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $421-$849/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • Practice Methods with Diverse Populations
  • Theory of Human Behavior
  • Social Policy and Planning
  • Groups and Organizations
  • Research Methods

Deep Dive: Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Texas

Advanced standing MSW programs mandate that students have a bachelor’s degree in social work, ensuring that they have the foundational knowledge in the field. In return, students are required to complete fewer courses compared to traditional or foundation learners. Full-time students typically complete their MSW program in around a year.

Baylor University

Baylor has an advanced standing option in its Online MSW Program. This is another Texas program where the instruction is completely online, but you’ll need to complete your clinical fieldwork in person and Baylor will help you find the location for your internship. There are specialty areas for community or clinical practice. The goal of classes is to teach students advanced conceptual frameworks to understand human interactions and behavior for everyone from individual people to larger groups and communities.

Duration: One year to 20 months

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: Tuition is $1,100 per credit hour

Curriculum:

  • Clinical Diagnosis in Social Work
  • Clinical Evaluation for Practice Improvement
  • Theoretical Frameworks for Community Social Work Practice
  • Organizational Leadership and Management
  • Social Work Practice and Advocacy with Children and Families
  • Social Justice and Technology

All About Part-Time MSW Programs in Texas

There are many MSW programs in Texas today that offer part-time options. With improving remote technologies in higher education, many working adults today are taking advantage of remote and part-time programs that fit into their busy schedules. Depending on your education history, a part-time program may take between two to five years.

Our Lady of the Lake University

This school based in San Antonio offers its Master of Social Work in a part-time, hybrid format for bachelor’s degree holders in social work or any other discipline. The program also features a concentration year where several courses cover social work practice for the Hispanic community, from children to elders and including a course on policies and programs that affect Latinos. Additionally, OLLU has established partnerships with public and private social agencies for student internships.

Duration: Three years, 57 credits

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $991/credit

Curriculum:

  • Generalist Social Work Practice with People and Groups
  • Social Welfare Policy and Services
  • Professional Writing for Social Work
  • Psychopathology
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment

MSW Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

What are the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker in Texas?

To become a licensed social worker in Texas, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution. Among the other rules for licensure are passing both a criminal background check and jurisprudence exam. If you’re looking to become a licensed master social worker–advanced practitioner (LMSW-AP) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you’ll need to complete 3,000 hours of appropriate field experience, including work with a board-approved professional.

How do fieldwork requirements work for online MSW programs in Texas?

According to the Council on Social Work Education, MSW degree-seekers need to complete at least 900 hours of supervised field instruction. The specific requirements on where you can finish these hours depends on your program: some schools will require you to do fieldwork at approved locations in-person, while others may have a virtual fieldwork option, including seminars, for remote learners.

Should I get an additional credential to go along with my MSW?

It depends on your career goals, but for most an additional credential can be beneficial. Whether you want to work as a licensed clinical social worker diagnosing and treating mental health issues, serve as part of a larger team within healthcare social work, or head up a hospice social work program, there are credentials that can give you the expertise and experience you need. Plus, additional credentials can help you earn more salary and practice more advanced roles in social work.

What are some of the symptoms of burnout if you are an advanced social worker?

There is a mix of mental acuity, behavioral concerns, and physical manifestations to watch for if you want to stave off burnout as a social worker. You may experience a lack of patience with coworkers or the system, or you might be struggling to stay focused on your daily schedule. Physical exhaustion, including aches and pains, might also be felt. You may also experience a loss of enthusiasm for your work or the feeling that it is all-consuming.

Learning techniques to combat burnout and practicing self-care can go a long way to lessening the impact of burnout.

What types of roles are available to me once I earn a master’s degree in social work?

At the master’s degree level, some of the more prevalent roles are as a mental health or substance abuse social worker, or working in other areas of healthcare such as family practitioners or home care as part of a larger team. You could also work at a school, one area that is often needing qualified social workers. Graduates in this field work with school administrators, parents, and students to help identify and solve issues among the student body.

Career & Salary Outlook for MSW Graduates in Texas

Content not available.

Show entries
Search:
Area ↕ Occupation ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ 90th Percentile ↕ Median ↕
U.S. Social Workers $39,580 $104,580 $63,770
Texas Social Workers $38,890 $121,080 $82,910
Amarillo, TX Social Workers $52,120 $93,870 $73,960
Austin-Round Rock, TX Social Workers $41,540 $121,080 $65,970
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX Social Workers $28,220 $93,870 $55,550
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Social Workers $41,260 $136,260 $79,360
El Paso, TX Social Workers $37,970 $104,920 $91,100
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Social Workers $44,750 $117,890 $87,730
Killeen-Temple, TX Social Workers $59,010 $113,800 $96,620
Lubbock, TX Social Workers $45,580 $85,570 $71,410
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX Social Workers $31,200 $99,380 $50,280
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Social Workers $46,690 $125,840 $97,860
Waco, TX Social Workers $26,810 $118,020 $80,330

Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕
United States Social Workers 68,400 72,900 4,500 6.60%
Texas Social Workers 3,630 4,200 570 15.70%

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Respected MSW Student Resources in Texas

Social work can be a tight-knit industry, with a lot of support and resources available for seasoned vets and new specialists alike. Here is a look at some of the groups and organizations that help out social work professionals and students in Texas.

  • Great Austin Social Workers (GASW)
    This membership organization gives professionals and students the chance to attend their Ethics Symposium and social gatherings every year. Additionally, members can attend monthly scheduled meetings to earn continuing education credits.
  • National Association of Social Workers (Texas Chapter)
    Founded in 1955, the NASW is the largest group of social work professionals on the globe. This membership-based organization can help you advance your career and make valuable connections to social work colleagues.
  • North Texas Social Workers on Facebook
    This Facebook group has about 6,250 members. Its goal is to provide an online social space for students and professionals in the region to share resources, continuing education opportunities, and job postings.
  • South Texas Social Workers Society on Facebook
    This group focuses on supporting social workers in the South Texas region. The group holds an annual conference, holiday parties, and monthly meetings to allow members to present original research.
  • Texas Society for Clinical Social Work
    Founded in 1971, this organization offers its members conferences, meetings, and local monthly study groups to help them network with clinical social workers and social work students in their area.

Top Picks: Online MSW Programs in Texas

As you do the research before selecting a Master of Social Work degree program in Texas, you should be watching for the attributes that mean the most to students. These include costs, specific online offerings, career support, accreditations, and student-to-faculty ratios. This list of four-year-and-beyond schools provides those metrics as you do your research, using data volunteered by the schools themselves as part of the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

1

West Texas A & M University

Canyon, Texas

Why We Selected West Texas A & M University:
The social work program at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) offers a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) designed to prepare advanced generalist practitioners. Students can complete the program in two years (60 credits) or opt for the Advanced Standing Program (36 credits) with a recent Bachelor of Social Work. Tuition for in-state students is approximately $13,000 for Advanced Standing and $22,000 for the two-year program, while out-of-state students pay $15,000 and $25,000 respectively. Scholarships are available for social work majors. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, community agencies, and government, enhancing social functioning in diverse communities.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers for high-achieving out-of-state students, potentially reducing costs to in-state rates.
  • Students benefit from specialized career tracks designed in partnership with leading employers, enhancing job placement opportunities after graduation.
  • The program boasts a high clinical placement rate, ensuring students gain valuable, hands-on experience in their field before completing their studies.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$5,086
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course89%
2

Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University:
The master of social work (msw) program at Stephen F. Austin State University (sfa) is a 64-credit hour program designed to be completed in two years of full-time study, with a part-time option available that must be completed within four years. This program emphasizes advanced generalist practice in rural contexts, integrating coursework in problem-solving methods and specialized practice after an initial generalist year. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, and students lacking a background in liberal arts must complete prerequisite courses. Financial aid options are available, and the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Graduates pursue various career paths, including roles in community service, policy advocacy, and direct practice with diverse populations, particularly in rural areas. The program focuses on addressing community needs, promoting social justice, and leveraging research to influence social work practices.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers to eligible students based on financial need or family status.
  • Free application fees are available for those who meet specific criteria, easing the enrollment process.
School Details
  • AccreditationSFA
  • Average Tuition$5,262
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course86%
3

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas

Why We Selected Tarleton State University:
Tarleton State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility through its cohort model. It can be completed in eight months full-time or two years part-time, with classes at Stephenville, Fort Worth, and Waco campuses. The program consists of 30 or 60 credit hours based on the advanced or foundational track. Graduates qualify for the Texas licensing exam (100% first-time pass rate in 2018). Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program emphasizes leadership, community engagement, and practice-informed research, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare, social services, and other sectors.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers offer deep discounts, reducing financial burdens significantly.
  • Scholarships and grants provide additional financial support, enhancing affordability and ease of study.
  • Employer partnerships facilitate job placements and career advancement opportunities post-graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,356
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course81%
4

Texas Woman’s University

Denton, Texas

Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Texas Woman’s University is a 120-credit hour degree typically completed in four years. It requires 52 Social Work credits in human behavior, social welfare, research, and field education. Students must earn a C or higher in required courses and maintain a 2.50 GPA. The program features face-to-face learning and field placements at local agencies. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA and core course completion. Graduates qualify for state licensure, pursuing careers emphasizing social justice, diversity, and ethical practice. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program prepares students for generalist social work roles.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers for eligible students, drastically reducing financial burdens and making education more accessible.
  • Specialized career tracks are available, ensuring students receive targeted training aligned with high-demand job markets and employer needs.
  • Strong employer partnerships lead to high job placement rates, providing students with excellent networking opportunities and potential employment upon graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$5,112
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course78%
5

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Edinburg, Texas

Why We Selected The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley:
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, accredited by CSWE, offers concentrations in Administration and Community Practice and Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups. The Advanced Standing track requires a CSWE-accredited BSW (within six years) and a 3.2 GPA in core undergraduate courses, with 33 credits completed in one year. Graduates qualify for the LMSW exam and are prepared to serve diverse communities, emphasizing leadership and social justice. Financial aid options are available, though specific costs are not provided.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers substantial financial relief by providing full tuition waivers for low-income students, significantly lowering educational costs.
  • Students can benefit from accelerated completion options, allowing them to earn their degrees faster and enter the workforce sooner.
  • Strong partnerships with local employers ensure high job placement rates, giving graduates a competitive edge in their job search.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$7,002
  • Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course78%
6

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Why We Selected Texas Tech University:
Texas Tech University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to transform students into skilled practitioners capable of promoting human well-being and combating social injustice. The program offers two tracks: the Advanced Standing track for recent social work graduates, requiring 32 hours to complete in one year, and the Standard track for those with non-social work backgrounds, requiring 59 hours over two years. The curriculum follows an advanced generalist model, preparing graduates to work across micro, mezzo, and macro systems. Graduates are eligible for licensure after completing the CSWE-accredited program. Admissions require no GRE or GMAT. The program emphasizes field placements.
Program Highlights
  • Offers a 20% tuition discount for eligible students, enhancing affordability without sacrificing quality.
  • Provides employer reimbursement deferments, allowing students to focus on studies with financial flexibility.
  • Employs faculty with specialized expertise, fostering exceptional learning experiences.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$6,956
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course68%
7

The University of Texas at El Paso

El Paso, Texas

Why We Selected The University of Texas at El Paso:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) comprises 59 credit hours, preparing skilled generalist practitioners for diverse community needs in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Students build on a strong liberal arts foundation and engage in field instruction, including 16 hours per week in senior year placements. The program follows Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, emphasizing human behavior, social welfare policy, and research methods. Admission requires a 2.80 GPA and relevant pre-professional coursework. Graduates pursue careers in child welfare, mental health, and community advocacy, with financial aid options available.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers tuition waivers to eligible students, significantly reducing educational costs.
  • Prospective students benefit from accelerated completion options that match their career goals efficiently.
  • Strong employer partnerships enhance job placement rates and provide valuable career networking opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$5,865
  • Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course63%
8

Texas State University

San Marcos, Texas

Why We Selected Texas State University:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Texas State University is a 120-credit degree preparing students for generalist social work practice. The program progresses through three phases: foundational courses (Phase I), major coursework (Phase II), and field placement (Phase III). Admission to Phase II is competitive, requiring a 2.50 GPA and prerequisite completion. Graduates qualify for entry-level practice, state licensure, and advanced studies. Career paths include child welfare, healthcare, mental health, and education. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program emphasizes ethics and social justice for diverse practice settings.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers offer significant cost reductions for eligible students.
  • Specialized career tracks enhance job readiness and industry relevance.
  • Employer partnerships ensure high job placement rates post-graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$7,147
  • Student/Faculty Ratio22/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course67%
9

University of Houston

Houston, Texas

Why We Selected University of Houston:
The university of houston offers a master of social work (msw) program with various enrollment options, including a hybrid format. this program requires a minimum of 51 semester credit hours, starting with a 16-credit foundation semester. depending on the enrollment model, students can complete the program in two to three years. tuition and fee rates can be estimated using the university’s calculator. admission requires a $50 to $80 application fee and english proficiency tests for international applicants. the program prepares students for roles in clinical social work or macro practice in diverse settings. graduates gain advanced skills in social welfare policy analysis and research.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers generous tuition waivers for eligible students, significantly reducing their financial burden and making education more accessible.
  • High clinical placement rates ensure students gain practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market upon graduation.
  • Robust employer partnerships provide networking opportunities, enhancing job placement prospects for graduates in their chosen fields.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$8,713
  • Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course69%
10

Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas

Why We Selected Angelo State University:
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Angelo State University prepares students as generalist social workers using a biopsychosocial approach. The 120-semester-hour program includes coursework in human behavior, policy, communication, and intervention skills. Students must maintain a 2.50 GPA in social work courses and earn a “C” or higher in each required course. CSWE accreditation enables graduates to take the Texas licensing exam. Career paths include child/family services and health/mental health settings. Its generalist focus equips students with versatile skills across social work fields. Financial aid and admissions details are available on the university’s website.
Program Highlights
  • The school offers tuition waivers based on financial need and academic performance, significantly reducing costs.
  • It provides unique partnerships with employers to ensure job placement and career advancement opportunities.
  • The institution offers specialized career tracks with faculty expertise in diverse fields, enhancing networking opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,181
  • Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course49%
Back to top

Mark Earnest AUTHOR

Mark Earnest is from Reno, Nevada, and he loves words. He loves them so much that he’s made them his career, first as a sports, arts, and business journalist and then as a specialist in paid advertising and corporate communications. He’s also crafted words for hundreds of executives to help boost their resumes, social media content, and thought leadership. He even loves words set to really loud music, as he is the guitarist and singer for several rock bands in his hometown. SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE: Business, Health, Arts, Careers, Marketing, Communications, Technology

Read More

Adrienne Auclair EDITOR

"Adrienne Auclair is a skilled editor with experience in content development, copy editing, and technical writing. With a Bachelor's in English and a strong eye for detail, they have worked extensively on refining written materials for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Their expertise includes line editing, fact-checking, and ensuring adherence to style guides across various types of publications. In addition to editing, Adrienne has experience formatting and designing layouts for both digital and print materials, collaborating with writers and designers to produce polished, publication-ready content. They have contributed to academic journals, training materials, and anthologies, managing projects from initial drafts to final production."

Read More