Best Online Master of Social Work Programs in Texas
Ready to pursue an advanced career in social work? Get started here with a list of the best MSW programs in Texas. We’ll also break down career options available to Master of Social Work graduates along with details on social worker earnings in The Lone Star state.
Social workers who are passionate about their work can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals they assist across various settings, such as healthcare, education, government, and private practice. In Texas, social work is an especially promising field, with projections for job growth as high as 18% in certain specializations over the next several years. By obtaining an MSW in Texas, graduates can attain state licensure and qualify for a highly sought-after profession helping individuals in a state with a population of over 29 million.
This guide will provide you with insight into some of the top online and on-campus 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. Additionally, you’ll discover information about the salaries earned by social workers in Texas and the prerequisites for obtaining licensure. Continue reading to begin your journey towards earning an MSW in Texas and finding the program that aligns with your goals.
Types of MSW Programs in Texas
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 to complete their degrees. Unlike advanced standing students who already possess extensive training in social work because of their BSW, traditional students need extra time to develop foundational knowledge of the field before they can acquire advanced social work skills.
Accredited Traditional MSW Programs in Texas Worth a Look
Tarleton State University (Online and Campus)
Angelo State University (Online and Campus, Accredited by June 2022)
No-GRE MSW Programs in Texas
Admission requirements for Master of Social Work programs can vary widely, with some schools requiring applicants to submit GRE scores while others do not. It is important to verify whether or not 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. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered standardized testing expectations in higher education, with an increasing number of graduate schools no longer requiring the GRE for admission.
Accredited No-GRE MSW Programs in Texas Worth a Look
Texas A&M University – Texarkana (Campus)
West Texas A&M University (Campus and Hybrid)
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Texas
Advanced standing MSW programs mandate that students hold a bachelor’s degree in social work, ensuring that incoming students have the foundational knowledge of the field before acquiring more advanced skills. Consequently, advanced standing students are required to complete fewer courses compared to traditional or foundation learners. Full-time students enrolled in this track typically complete their MSW program in approximately one year, depending on enrollment status and program requirements.
Accredited Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Texas Worth a Look
Stephen F. Austin State University (Campus)
Baylor University (Campus and Online)
Part-Time MSW Programs in Texas
There are many MSW programs in Texas today that offer part-time enrollment options. With continually 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. Part-time programs are not limited to schools with online learning formats, as many colleges and universities offer evening courses on a part-time basis as well. Depending on your education history, a part-time MSW program may take anywhere from two to five years to complete.
Accredited Part-Time MSW Programs in Texas Worth a Look
Tarleton State University (Online and Campus)
Our Lady of the Lake University (Online, Hybrid, and Campus)
Best Online MSW Programs in Texas
Online and hybrid MSW programs in Texas can offer you a great education and scheduling flexibility. From stay-at-home parents to working adults, many learners today are taking advantage of online social work programs in Texas and across the country. In addition to avoiding costly and time-consuming commutes to campus, you might be able to complete your degree more quickly in an online, asynchronous, self-paced program.
Get started on your MSW online program search in TX with our list of top schools below. Each is CSWE accredited, so you can feel confident you’ll get a quality education that meets strict academic standards and professional licensing requirements.
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Public
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Public
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas
Private
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Public
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Public
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Public
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
Public
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs in Texas
Can I complete my MSW program in Texas completely online?
Yes. You can complete your online social work degree in Texas with no on-campus obligations. These options are typically open to both full- and part-time learners who wish to earn an MSW remotely. The University of Texas-Arlington, for example, offers a fully online MSW degree.
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 for remote learners.
Will earning my MSW online in Texas be cheaper and faster than a traditional program?
In some cases, earning your social worker degree in Texas can be cheaper and faster than a traditional in-person program. If you’re an out-of-state learner, for example, you might be able to pay lower in-state tuition rates as an online student. Some online MSW degree-seekers can complete their degree more quickly online than in-person, especially if their school offers self-paced courses.
Can I enroll in an online MSW program in Texas if I live out-of-state? Will it fulfill licensing requirements in my state?
Yes, you can enroll in an online social work degree program in Texas even if you don’t live in the state. While not every social work program may offer this option to you, they are out there. Any accredited program in Texas will ensure that you meet licensure requirements for Texas, specifically. There is no reciprocity system for social work licenses between states in the U.S., but it’s quite possible that your training in Texas will satisfy requirements in your state.
Social Work Licensing Requirements 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. You’ll also need to pass 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 of appropriate field experience including work with a board-approved professional. For more information on social work licensure requirements by state, check out our state licensure guide.
Job Demand for MSW Grads in Texas
The outlook for professionals with a social work degree in Texas is excellent. Compared to national averages projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate for Texas social workers by 2028 is slightly higher across the board. For professionals whose work in the field falls under “social workers, all other,” there is an anticipated 9.4% higher growth rate than the projected national average. Additionally, annual openings for mental health and substance abuse social workers in Texas should be about 1.5% higher than the national average.
| Employment in 2018 | Projected Employment in 2028 | Growth Rate | Average Annual Openings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 21,520 | 24,290 | 12.9% | 2,510 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 10,350 | 12,260 | 18.5% | 1,300 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 6,370 | 7,550 | 18.5% | 800 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 1,940 | 2,220 | 14.4% | 230 |
Source: Projections Central
Salaries for Social Workers in Texas
As a social worker in Texas, you can earn a good living that’s comparable to other MSW professionals in other states. In some cases, depending on your position, you’ll be earning a little more than the national average. Child, family, and school social workers in the U.S. make an annual median wage of $48,430, compared to similar professionals in Texas making about $50,390 per year. The annual mean wage of healthcare social workers across the country is $57,630. Those same types of professionals working in Texas, for comparison, make about $59,790 per year.
| Median Hourly Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $24.57 | $24.23 | $50,390 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $28.07 | 28.75 | $59,790 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $20.23 | $21.72 | $45,180 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $30.82 | $30.56 | $63,570 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020
Social Work Student and Professional Resources 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. GASW’s site features a job board, community events board, and a list of continuing education opportunities in the area. All in-person events and online information is free for students.
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, make valuable connections to social work colleagues, and receive the latest updates on related policies, legislature, and social justice issues in the field. NASW also features a student center for learners in Texas.
North Texas Social Workers on Facebook
This Facebook group boasts approximately 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, job postings, and more. The discussion board is open for members to post their own content and serves as a useful way to get answers and feedback on any Texas social work topics.
South Texas Social Workers Society on Facebook
Open to all social workers, social work students, and people who are simply interested in the field, this Facebook 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, build their professional network, and stay current with all things social work around the state and nationwide.
Texas Society for Clinical Social Work
This site is designed for clinical social workers and interested students to gain more insight and receive the latest news in social work in Texas and nationally. Founded in 1971, this organization offers its members local monthly study groups to help them network with clinical social workers and social work students in their area. There are also conferences and workshops for professionals and students who wish to present original research to the community, sharpen their skill set, or build their professional network.