15 Top Accredited BSW Programs in Texas
Texas stands as one of the top three states for social work jobs nationwide. The state offers great opportunities through several accredited BSW programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Texas currently employs more than 38,000 social workers, and this number should grow steadily through 2034.
Texas has 37 CSWE accredited BSW programs. Students who need scheduling flexibility can choose the state’s only fully online bachelor of social work program. Most programs need 120 credits and take four years to finish. Students get unique hands-on experience through 900 hours of field education.
A BSW degree gives you a big advantage in your future career. You can complete your MSW in just one year through Advanced Standing programs. This helps you get clinical licensure and advanced practice roles faster. You’ll start working sooner and potentially earn more, depending on your specialty and license type.
Want to know your options? Let’s look at 15 top-rated accredited BSW programs in Texas. You’ll hear success stories that show how these excellent programs help students make a difference on the ground.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University, located in Nacogdoches, Texas, provides students with one of the most affordable paths to social work education in the state. The university excels at serving rural communities while giving students flexible options to learn.
About the program
The university offers Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students who complete the BSW program can start their careers in schools, health care facilities, mental health agencies, and family services organizations.
The curriculum combines 47 hours of professional social work courses with supportive discipline courses and 13 hours of electives. Students need to maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher in all prerequisite coursework. The BSW program ranks #11 among social work programs in Texas. The program awarded 92 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022—a 31% jump from the previous year.
What’s special about this school
The program stands out because of its focus on advanced generalist practice in rural settings. Students learn to tackle unique challenges in non-metropolitan regions while building on the strengths of rural communities.
The program connects students with over 100 agencies throughout East Texas for field education. Undergraduate students work with faculty members on various research projects, taking their learning beyond the classroom.
The School of Social Work runs special initiatives including:
- The Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development
- The Child Welfare Professional Development Project (a federally funded Title IV-E partnership)
Tuition and format
Texas students find great value in SFASU’s social work programs at $5,262 per year. In-state undergraduate students paid $10,600 for tuition and fees in 2022-2023, while out-of-state students paid $20,680.
Students can choose from several learning options:
- Online MSW programs ($599.50 per credit)
- Evening classes via Zoom
- Traditional on-campus classes
- Mix of virtual and in-person learning
Students can earn their degree from anywhere while getting the same quality education as traditional formats.
Student success story
One MSW student shares: “As a student, I am fortunate to experience community collaboration at its finest. My favorite aspect of the MSW program is that it focuses on advanced generalist practice in a rural context. Despite the numerous barriers associated with non-metropolitan regions, their strengths and resilience remain evident”.
The student did their field placement at CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, Texas. Professor Wilma Córdova mentored the student and “empowered me to take on the world”. This guidance helped the student publish their first academic paper, showing how faculty support leads to student achievement.
University of Texas at Austin – Steve Hicks School of Social Work
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin stands among the top 10 social work programs in the nation. The school ranks 8th out of 319 graduate programs. Students here get exceptional education based on social justice principles that helps them build meaningful careers in human services.
About the program
UT Austin’s Bachelor of Social Work program blends social work principles with liberal arts education to create a strong foundation for professional practice. This career-focused degree opens doors to licensure and entry-level positions in human service organizations. The BSW also serves as a stepping stone for graduate studies in law, public health, and medicine.
The program’s excellent reputation comes from its challenging curriculum and the faculty’s dedication to student success. UT Austin awarded 67 bachelor’s degrees in social work during the 2021-2022 academic year.
What’s special about this school
The Social Work Education Enhancement Program (SWEEP) shines as a signature initiative at Steve Hicks School. Students with experience mentor first-year BSW students to help them with academic challenges and connect them to valuable resources.
Field education is the core of the UT Austin experience. The BSW program includes supervised internships where students:
- Put theoretical knowledge to work in ground settings
- Learn from experienced professionals
- Create lasting connections with partner agencies
Tuition and format
The estimated program tuition for 2025-2026 costs about $50,484 yearly for in-state students. Students can access various financial aid options through Texas One Stop services. These services provide details about FAFSA submissions, work-study opportunities, and university-wide scholarships.
Student success story
Destiny Ayala’s story shows how UT Austin’s BSW program changes lives. A first-generation college student and SWEEP mentor, Destiny earned the prestigious SWEEP Mentor Scholarship for her outstanding work with first-year students.
“When you put good into the world, you receive it back multiplied,” says Destiny, showing her dedication to peer mentorship. Her drive to improve education equity grew from her own battles with imposter syndrome as a freshman. This experience now fuels her work on the school-to-prison pipeline. The scholarship let her focus completely on her final semester without financial worries, which deepened her connection to her studies.
University of Houston
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work shapes leaders who tackle complex challenges at home and worldwide. Their exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and community partnerships are the foundations of a detailed social work education that champions social justice and professional excellence.
About the program
The University of Houston’s Bachelor of Social Work program creates a solid foundation for professional practice. The curriculum needs 51 semester credit hours, with 16 credit hours of foundation coursework and 35 credit hours in specialized concentration and electives. Students finish the full-time program in two calendar years, while part-time students typically need three years.
Students choose either Clinical Social Work Practice or Macro Practice as their concentration after completing foundation curriculum. Each pathway requires twelve credit hours of specialized coursework. Critical thinking skills take center stage as students learn to champion social, economic, and political justice.
What’s special about this school
UH’s program stands out with its Focused Learning Opportunities (FLOs). These pathways let students become experts in specific areas. Students can choose from:
- Trauma Education Program – Incorporating trauma-informed clinical curriculum
- Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education – Students receive a $10,000 stipend in their final year
- Political Social Work – Students learn systems-level change
- Mental Health Advanced Practice in Social Work Program
Each FLO pairs students with faculty mentors and provides specialized training beyond regular coursework. The program has cut required semester credit hours, which saves students between $1,900 and $12,800 in tuition costs.
Tuition and format
Students choose from three enrollment models: face-to-face, hybrid, and online. This flexibility lets them pick a learning environment that matches their situation and priorities.
Field education remains vital whatever the format. All students complete required practicum hours at partner agencies. The practicum office helps secure high-quality field placements.
Student success story
UH’s social work graduates now work at prestigious organizations across Texas. To name just one example, Sophie McCollum joined Baylor College of Medicine after graduation. Other alumni work at Catholic Charities, DePelchin Children’s Center, and the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services.
MSW student Monica Martinez shows the program’s effect on students’ careers. She won the prestigious NASW Foundation award and became an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Her research about psychedelic therapy treatment and intersectionality shows how UH creates forward-thinking professionals who advance the field.
Texas State University
Texas State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program blends social work values with hands-on skills. Students learn to become culturally aware professionals. The CSWE accredited program helps develop leaders who know how to communicate effectively and solve problems that create positive change.
About the program
Texas State’s BSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn generalist social work practices to help improve lives of individuals, families, and communities. The program follows three phases where students move through entry-level courses and major coursework before concluding with field placement. Students need a minimum 2.5 GPA and must show emotional stability, communication skills, and ethical behavior throughout their studies.
What’s special about this school
The program stands out with its intensive field experience requirements. Students work with community agencies through mandatory placement. The BSW program runs both online and on-campus cohorts that adapt to different student needs. Students can pick between San Marcos or Round Rock campus options and graduate with advocacy skills that work in settings of all types.
Tuition and format
The estimated tuition for 2024-2025 runs about $12,220 for Texas residents and $24,520 for non-residents. Students can choose from three options:
- Traditional on-campus instruction
- Online cohort format
- Round Rock campus option
Online learners should factor in an extra electronic course fee of $50 per credit hour. A three-hour course adds $150 to standard tuition costs.
Student success story
Jessica, who graduates in 2024, shows how the program changes lives: “With the support of my children and my family, I have accomplished more these past two years than I ever have. I am proud of the mother and student I am today and the future social worker I aspire to be”. Her story shows how Texas State helps students balance life responsibilities while building professional skills. BSW graduates can take state social work licensure exams and start entry-level jobs or pursue advanced studies.
Baylor University
Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work blends faith with professional education. The school ranks as the 3rd best social work program in Texas and 49th nationwide. Students rate it an impressive 4.67 out of 5, which shows its excellence in education.
About the program
The Garland School provides CSWE-accredited degrees at undergraduate and graduate levels. Students in the BSW program need 124 credit hours to graduate. This includes over 40 hours of core social work courses and 480 hours of field experience with community professionals. They must keep a minimum 2.0 GPA overall and a 2.7 GPA in social work major courses. The MSW program has 58 semester hours with two internships. BSW graduates can choose the accelerated Advanced Standing MSW path and complete their master’s in just nine consecutive months.
What’s special about this school
The school’s faith-integrated curriculum stands out from other programs. It’s the only denominational social work program among Research 1 universities. Students learn to blend core principles of humanity, spirituality, and equity into their professional practice. They get hands-on experience through partnerships with over 300 agencies worldwide. The program takes a fresh approach with its trauma-informed curriculum. Instead of treating trauma as a specialty area, it weaves awareness throughout all coursework.
Tuition and format
Baylor’s undergraduate tuition costs $63,620 annually for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students can choose a Guaranteed Tuition Option at $71,320 annually that keeps rates fixed for four years. Field education remains essential in all formats. Students get valuable ground experience that prepares them for their careers.
Student success story
Beth Williams (MSW ’25) shows the diversity of Baylor’s student body. She worked for 25 years in various fields before studying social work. Her experience ranges from event planning and patient advocacy to therapeutic interior design. Beth’s background shows how Baylor welcomes students from non-traditional paths who bring rich life experience to their social work education.
Angelo State University
Angelo State University’s BSW program has gotten national recognition and ranks among the top 10 in the U.S. for online social work education. Students can start their careers right after graduation and make a difference.
About the program
The Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation has fully accredited both BSW and MSW degrees at Angelo State. Students learn an integrated approach to work with clients in the BSW program. Graduates can take the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners Licensing Exam. Licensed social workers teach all classes and bring their real-life experience to students.
What’s special about this school
Students get amazing opportunities beyond regular classes. The annual summer study abroad program takes them to European countries like the Czech Republic, Romania, and the Netherlands. Local agencies provide field education where students handle actual client cases before they graduate. Professional growth and networking come through the Student Social Work Association and Phi Alpha national honor society.
Tuition and format
The 2024-2025 in-state undergraduate tuition is $9,584 per year, while out-of-state students need to pay $21,884. Students can choose between on-campus classes or a 100% online program. The online BSW program consistently ranks as one of the best in the country.
Student success story
“The social work professors are amazing and will do anything for their students,” shares Felicia Garcia, Class of 2023.
Tarleton State University
Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1980, Tarleton State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program uses a comprehensive approach to prepare students for licensed social work careers.
About the program
Students in Tarleton’s BSW program benefit from a curriculum that blends liberal arts education with professional social work foundations. The program culminates in a 450-hour practicum experience at community-based agencies. Core focus areas include human behavior, crisis intervention, case management, and interviewing strategies. Graduates become eligible for social work licensure with the Texas Behavioral Health Council.
What’s special about this school
The program’s Child Welfare Concentration makes it stand out by preparing graduates for careers in child protective services. Students who qualify receive stipends during their four-semester internships. The university also provides:
- Study abroad experiences that connect students with global social work points of view
- Service-learning opportunities and community-based research
- Mutually beneficial alliances with over 200 agencies across four campuses
Tuition and format
Texas residents’ tuition for 2025-2026 comes to $183.71 per credit hour with an additional health sciences differential tuition of $51.34 per hour. Students can choose between the traditional BSW and the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Social Work (BAASSW) pathway. The BAASSW option lets students transfer up to 27 hours of workforce education courses.
Student success story
Students contribute thousands of service hours through internships, research, and practicum placements. The program’s excellence shows in its results – every MSW graduate passed their state licensing exam on first attempt in 2018.
Texas A&M University – Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a cohort-based BSW experience that gives you flexibility while preparing you for professional success. Students can fully concentrate on their social work expertise through this CSWE-accredited program without needing a second major or minor.
About the program
Students need 120 credit hours [link_1] to complete the Bachelor of Social Work program at Texas A&M Commerce. The curriculum includes 54 semester hours of social work courses and complementary disciplines. Liberal arts foundations are the building blocks that prepare graduates to work as entry-level generalist social workers. Graduates can take licensing exams to practice professional social work in Texas. Students can access the program at the main Commerce campus or choose from several locations including Frisco, Dallas, Corsicana, McKinney, Mesquite, and RELLIS Campus in Bryan.
What’s special about this school
The Title IV-E program stands out by providing stipend-paid internships and guaranteeing jobs with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services after graduation. Students progress through courses together in a cohort learning model that creates strong professional bonds. On top of that, the program’s mutually beneficial alliances with Collin College create seamless pathways for associate degree students.
Tuition and format
Texas residents taking 12 credit hours pay $4,212 in tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $9,108. Students can choose hybrid delivery options that blend online coursework with classroom learning. Field education plays a vital role, as students complete two practicum experiences totaling 400 hours under qualified supervision.
Student success story
Three students from the first social work cohort at A&M-Commerce at Frisco graduated in December after transferring from Collin College. Samantha Newton jumped straight into A&M-Commerce’s master’s program. Her classmate Jodie Schmitt participated in the Title IV-E program and landed a position with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Caylin Menard decided to explore job opportunities before starting graduate studies the following fall.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University, established in 1901, runs a CSWE-accredited BSW program that puts diversity and social justice at its core. Students passionate about making positive changes in Texas communities will find this program opens doors to meaningful careers.
About the program
The BSW program equips students with detailed training in generalist social work practice to serve people from all backgrounds. Students learn everything in social work – from human behavior and welfare policy to research methods and hands-on practice skills. The program requires field practicum experiences where students apply classroom knowledge under professional supervision.
What’s special about this school
TWU became coeducational in 1972 but maintains its steadfast dedication to women’s education while welcoming students of every gender. Small class sizes create strong bonds between faculty and students and enable customized learning. The university gives exceptional support to first-generation college students through dedicated mentoring programs.
Tuition and format
Students can choose between traditional on-campus classes and flexible hybrid options that fit different schedules and needs. The university offers several financial aid packages, including special scholarships for social work students.
Student success story
TWU graduates now work with leading organizations like Child Protective Services and mental health facilities across Texas. Alumni say the program’s focus on practical skills and ethical practice prepared them well for their professional roles.
University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Social Work ranks as the #1 program in the nation for military veteran friendliness. The school also places among the top 10% of all CSWE-accredited programs nationwide. Students receive essential skills for social service careers through flexible curriculum and experienced faculty at UTA.
About the program
Students need 120 credit hours to complete the BSW program. The curriculum includes 36 hours of required social work courses, 18 hours of field internship, and 24 hours of outside electives. Many students can add a minor to their primary degree with this structure. Students move from BSW-intended status to full BSW majors after completing five prerequisite courses with at least a C grade and maintaining a 2.5+ GPA.
What’s special about this school
The program’s strength comes from its 50+ full-time professors with rich clinical practice experience. Students can explore their interests through three distinctive minors:
- Substance Use Treatment
- Diversity Studies
- Social Welfare & Social Justice
Dr. Jones’s innovative class shows students how to use historical archives to create community change.
Tuition and format
The in-state undergraduate tuition costs approximately $9,206 with $2,521 in additional fees. Students have excellent flexibility in their learning approach. They can choose face-to-face classes in Arlington or Fort Worth, fully online instruction, or a hybrid model. Out-of-state online students benefit from reduced tuition rates.
Student success story
Stephen Silva-Brave represents UTA’s diverse student community well. His journey to social work began with an interesting realization. As a Lakota Nation citizen and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern, he discovered he “had been doing social work without a degree” while serving his community beyond his treatment facility work.
Our Lady of the Lake University
The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University is the first school of social work in Texas, 81 years old since 1942. This pioneering institution shapes professional social workers through its detailed educational pathways.
About the program
OLLU provides CSWE-accredited social work programs at bachelor’s and master’s levels. The BSW program readies students to practice as generalists and qualifies graduates to take state licensure examinations. Students need a minimum 2.5 GPA in social work courses. They must complete the formal admission process after six semester hours.
What’s special about this school
OLLU is one of just a few BSW programs nationwide that focuses on Services to Hispanic Children and Families. The university’s specialized certificates include:
- Violence Prevention and Intervention
- Dismantling Oppression
- Administration and Leadership
- Biliterate Program for Spanish-speaking students
Tuition and format
Undergraduate programs cost $15,556 per semester. Programs combine flexible hybrid formats with evening classes and online components. This setup helps working adults balance their professional and educational goals.
Student success story
Alicia Miller shows how OLLU changes student careers. She completed her BSW and moved on to the Advanced Accelerated MSW program at OLLU. Alicia, a mother of two young children, values the program’s flexibility. She shares, “The beauty of online classes at OLLU: I can do my coursework during the day or at night or whenever I have the time”.
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View A&M University has the only BSW program at a Historically Black College/University in Texas. The program ranks as the #1 HBCU social work program statewide. Students experience life-changing education through the university’s unique teaching methods.
About the program
The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the Baccalaureate Social Work Program since 1980. The program readies students for entry-level professional practice. Students need 120 credit hours that include core social work courses, field practicums, and electives. The curriculum teaches micro, mezzo, and macro-level practices needed to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
What’s special about this school
PVAMU stands out with its Africentric curriculum that emphasizes spirituality, interdependence, and collectivism. Minority students thrive in this educational setting without facing common issues like alienation or stereotyping. The program uses strengths, ecological, and empowerment approaches with systems theory for assessment and intervention.
Tuition and format
The 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition costs $11,299 yearly for in-state students and $26,874 for out-of-state students. Students living on campus pay about $11,478 more, plus extra costs for books and transportation.
Student success story
The program’s motto “Education for Enhancing Social Change and Making a Difference in People’s Lives” reflects in its graduates who now work in professional social work agencies worldwide.
University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso sits along the U.S.-Mexico border and provides a distinctive social work education. Their program prepares practitioners to tackle challenges in a bi-cultural, bi-national environment.
About the program
The CSWE-accredited BSW program shapes students into ethical, culturally competent practitioners from various backgrounds. Students need 59 credit hours to graduate, with 41 hours devoted to core courses. The department grants about 39 bachelor’s degrees each year, which shows an 11% growth from previous years. Graduates can take state licensing examinations and expect a median salary of $37,865.
What’s special about this school
The program excels in border region social work education. UTEP stands out by preparing practitioners who understand and respond to the unique bi-cultural, bi-national environment. Students learn to work with Hispanic populations (97% of BSW graduates), military families, Native Americans, and communities throughout the border region. Field education plays a vital role, as seniors complete 240 hours each semester at approved agencies.
Tuition and format
Texas residents pay $7,704 yearly tuition with $1,840 in fees. Out-of-state students pay $23,472 plus $2,040 in fees. The credit hour rate comes to $257 for Texas residents and $787 for non-residents.
Student success story
Emmanuel Avila found his calling in social work after becoming disabled at age 16. “I ultimately chose social work because of my own storied past,” he shares while volunteering at Child Protective Services. BSW student Rodriguez earned the Outstanding Bachelor of Social Work Student Award and plans to pursue her master’s degree.
Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University stands as the only CSWE-accredited social work program at a Historically Black College/University in Houston. The university prepares students from different backgrounds to practice ethical generalist social work with a focus on urban settings.
About the program
Students need 56 credit hours in social work courses and must maintain grades of ‘C’ or better. The admission process starts with university acceptance. Students must meet Texas Success Initiative requirements and can petition to join the department after completing nine specific credit hours. The curriculum builds on liberal arts foundations and addresses nine core competencies set by CSWE. Graduates become eligible to take state licensing examinations to practice professionally.
What’s special about this school
TSU’s curriculum emphasizes African American clients’ experiences and service delivery in urban environments. The S.H.A.P.E. Initiative helps tackle substance use, mental health, and HIV/AIDS prevention by providing free health screenings and education. Students benefit from faculty mentorship beyond the classroom to expand their professional network and develop leadership skills.
Tuition and format
Resident students will pay $50 per credit hour statutory tuition plus $197.91 per credit hour designated tuition under the traditional plan in 2025-2026. Students can also choose a fixed-rate tuition option that locks in rates for four academic years.
Student success story
Graduates often qualify for Advanced Standing Status in Master’s programs. This allows them to complete their advanced degree in about one year instead of two.
West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University’s social work program, 48 years old, ranks among Texas’s oldest accredited programs and has maintained full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education continuously.
About the program
The BSW program equips students for entry-level generalist practice positions while preparing them for graduate education. Students start as pre-majors and must meet formal admission requirements. These include completing university core curriculum, specific social work courses (SOCW 2315, SOCW 2361, SOCW 3301, SOCW 3302), and maintaining a 2.50+ GPA. Graduates qualify for Texas licensure as Licensed Baccalaureate Social Workers (LBSW).
What’s special about this school
The program’s semi-annual Field Fair is a chance for graduating students to connect with community agencies for internships. Students can study abroad in New Zealand, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and Hong Kong. The university offers two degree paths—Bachelor of Arts with foreign language requirements or Bachelor of Science that needs additional science coursework. The university’s Texas panhandle location gives students valuable experience with rural challenges that urban settings don’t deal very well with.
Tuition and format
Fall 2025 tuition rates vary by residency. In-state students pay $50 per semester credit hour. Students from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas or Colorado pay $80, while other non-residents pay $455. Students must complete the program in person with a 450-hour internship. They can choose between a full-time block placement of 32 hours weekly in the final semester or part-time at 16 hours weekly across two semesters.
Student success story
The program’s excellence shines through students like Sherika Scotland, who earned a $5,000 scholarship from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. Scotland’s role as an Afro-Caribbean student, mother, and intern at NWTX Behavioral Health helps reduce mental health stigma in underserved communities. After her graduation in 2026, she plans to provide telehealth therapy to clients in Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Get Started Today
Your social work career in Texas starts with picking the right BSW program. Texas offers 15 exceptional CSWE-accredited programs, each with its own unique approach to different interests, budgets, and learning priorities. Students can specialize in rural communities at Stephen F. Austin State University or gain border region expertise at UT El Paso. Texas gives aspiring social workers plenty of educational choices.
These programs shine brightest through their field education component. Students get 900 hours of hands-on experience and build professional connections before graduation. On top of that, many programs feature specialized concentrations, study abroad options, and unique projects that serve specific community needs statewide.
BSW programs in Texas are remarkably flexible. Some run fully online, while others mix online and in-person classes or offer evening sessions for working professionals. Tuition costs vary substantially – from about $5,262 yearly at Stephen F. Austin State University to over $60,000 at private schools like Baylor University.
Student success stories throughout this piece show how these programs change lives. These schools welcome everyone from first-generation college students to career-changers with years of experience, preparing them to serve Texas communities meaningfully.
Texas ranks among the top three states for social work jobs nationwide – great news for graduates. More than 38,000 social workers currently work here, with strong growth expected through 2034. BSW graduates can also fast-track their education through Advanced Standing MSW programs, finishing their master’s degree in just one year instead of two.
The best program matches your personal goals, budget, and preferred way of learning. Whether you choose a research university, historically black college, or faith-based school, these accredited BSW programs help launch rewarding careers dedicated to positive social change throughout Texas.