10 Top-Rated MSW Programs in Texas: Online & Campus Options

Ready to pursue an MSW in Texas? The timing is perfect. Social work jobs will grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033 – almost twice the average 4% growth rate for other occupations.

Texas has more than 30.5 million residents but only about 9,000 licensed social workers. The state just needs more qualified professionals to serve its population. This gap creates promising career paths for future social workers. The field offers competitive salaries too – mental health specialists earn a median of $44,790 annually, while healthcare social workers can make up to $69,960.

The state’s social work master’s programs adapt to your lifestyle with flexible study options. Students with a BSW can complete an Online Advanced-Standing MSW in just 12 months. Those without a BSW can finish an Online MSW Program in 27 months. These programs open doors to work in various settings – from private practice to government agencies. Remote and hybrid work options are available too.

You have choices – from online MSW programs to traditional campus learning in the Lone Star State. Each path leads to exceptional opportunities in social work. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 top-rated MSW programs in Texas, both online and on-campus, to help you choose the right one.

University of Texas at Austin

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin ranks among the top ten master’s programs nationwide. The school stands out as one of the best MSW programs in Texas, giving students advanced training to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Program overview

UT Austin’s Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The complete program needs 60 credit hours of coursework plus 960 hours of supervised field internship. Students start with foundation courses and then move into their chosen specialized tracks.

You’ll need these requirements to get in:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (especially in upper-division coursework)
• An introductory statistics course with grade C or above
• Three recommendations
• Personal narrative statements
• Social work or related field experience through volunteering or paid work

The GRE isn’t mandatory, but students with non-traditional transcripts or GPAs under 3.0 might want to submit their scores to strengthen their application.

Specializations offered

Students can choose between two main concentrations:

Clinical Social Work – This track gives you the tools to practice ethical, evidence-based, and culturally responsive clinical work. The coursework has:

• Clinical assessment and diagnosis
• Group treatment methodologies
• Specialized electives in trauma treatment, attachment theory, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy

Administration and Policy Practice – This path prepares future leaders in human service organizations. Students learn about:

• Strategic collaborations
• Information systems
• Organizational management
• Program evaluation
• Grant writing
• Advanced policy practice

Students can also earn specialized certificates in Military Social Work Practice, School-Based Social Work Practice, or Health Care Social Work.

Program format

The MSSW program fits different student lifestyles with its flexible options:

Classes run during daytime and evening hours, with some summer options. Working professionals looking for social work masters programs in Texas will find this flexibility helpful.

Tuition and duration

The 2025-26 academic year costs vary between residents and non-residents:

• Texas residents pay $22,074 (2025 incoming class)
• Non-residents pay $37,138 (2025 incoming class)

The total cost with fees comes to about $28,628 for in-state and $58,000 for out-of-state students.

The Steve Hicks School offers many financial aid options. Students can get fellowships and scholarships based on their academic performance, professional potential, and financial needs. Filing your FAFSA helps you qualify for various scholarships.

The school also helps students through special funds:

• Student Support Fund helps BSW and MSSW students during practicum internships
• Professional Development Assistance Fund supports conference presentations
• Student Emergency Assistance Fund helps with unexpected money problems

Students interested in dual degrees must apply and get accepted to each program separately. This opens up more career opportunities in the MSW education field.

University of Houston

The Texas Legislature created the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) in 1967. This respected program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since 1970. Students who graduate receive recognized qualifications they need for professional practice.

Program overview

The GCSW gives students detailed preparation for professional social work practice. Students learn to enhance social functioning of individuals, families, and communities. The program focuses on these core elements:

• Knowledge and skills development for professional practice
• Social work profession’s Code of Ethics and values
• Understanding how various forms of discrimination affect people
• Building knowledge and research that advances the profession

Students can choose between two options: a Full Program that needs 51 semester credit hours or an Advanced Standing option with 34 semester credit hours (if you have a BSW). Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. They must also submit 2-3 recommendations, write a personal narrative, and include a resume.

Specializations offered

The GCSW curriculum features two main concentrations:

Clinical Practice – Students learn to improve cognitive, mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, and social well-being through:

• Theory application, methods, and skills
• Relationship-centered approaches placed in context
• Assessment, intervention, diagnosis, and treatment
• Core courses in diagnostics, individual/family/group practice, and clinical praxis

Macro Practice – Students become ready for leadership in urban settings through:

• Community development that equips neighborhoods
• Program planning and evaluation
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Core courses in organizational practice, leadership, community practice, and policy change

Program format

Students get exceptional flexibility with three enrollment options:

Field practicums are required for all students regardless of format. Full program students must complete 900 clock hours of field practicum. Advanced Standing students need 720 clock hours. This means even online students get practical, hands-on experience through field placements they arrange with field coordinators.

Tuition and duration

Your MSW program length at University of Houston depends on which enrollment model you pick:

• Full-time, face-to-face: Two calendar years
• Part-time hybrid or online: Three calendar years

Advanced Standing students finish faster. Face-to-face Advanced Standing students complete their program in one year full-time (34 semester credit hours). They start in fall and finish in the next two semesters.

Tuition rates change based on:

• Your department
• Residence status
• Graduate level
• Specific courses you take

Face-to-face students have more financial support options. City Year AmeriCorps members, alums, and staff can get at least a 25% tuition scholarship. This scholarship is available for up to two years, making it one of the more available social work masters programs in Texas.

Remote education keeps growing in popularity. University of Houston’s online MSW ranks among the best online MSW programs Texas offers, especially if you want to focus on clinical practice in health and behavioral health.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University delivers an outstanding MSW program that takes an advanced generalist approach to health and well-being. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through June 2031. Graduates learn to practice social work in a variety of populations and settings.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work at Texas Tech equips graduates to make meaningful contributions through professional practice and civic involvement. Students become critical thinkers and self-directed learners who promote social justice in their local communities and worldwide. The degree allows you to:

• Take the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
• Apply for corresponding licensure in most jurisdictions
• Work in settings like hospitals, schools, community organizations, and mental health agencies

Students learn an advanced generalist curriculum that builds skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities effectively.

Specializations offered

Unlike other MSW programs in Texas with formal concentrations, Texas Tech takes an advanced generalist approach that provides detailed training at all practice levels. This versatile education enables graduates to:

• Use evidence-based prevention and intervention methods
• Leverage existing client strengths and resiliences
• Champion human rights and social justice
• Serve multiple professional roles (supporter, advisor, mediator, supervisor)

Students develop competencies in clinical practice, community organization, and policy analysis while gaining practical experience through field education.

Program format

Texas Tech gives students flexibility with several program options:

The university offers both on-campus and fully online MSW options. The online program maintains small class sizes so students receive personal attention and build meaningful connections with peers and faculty. Students can complete field placements in their local community or potentially at their current workplace, making this one of the most available online MSW programs Texas offers.

Tuition and duration

Your previous education and enrollment status determine program duration:

• Advanced admission (BSW holders): Finish in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)
• Standard admission (non-BSW): Complete in 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)

Tuition rates vary based on residency status. Graduate programs outside engineering and business have these estimated costs for 2024-25:

• Texas residents: $8,990 per academic year
• Non-residents: $16,370 per academic year
• Teaching/research assistants: $2,509 (Master’s) or $2,049 (Doctoral)

Among social work masters programs in Texas, Texas Tech stands out with competitive tuition rates. Various financial aid options make this program available to students from different economic backgrounds, solidifying its position as one of the most valuable MSW programs Texas institutions offer.

Baylor University

Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work sits in downtown Waco. The school blends faith with social work education through a unique program. Students benefit from shared coursework, meaningful internships, and social justice curriculum that prepares them to work confidently in a variety of settings.

Program overview

Baylor’s MSW program creates social work leaders within a Research 1 and Christian environment. Students learn innovative, research-based curriculum that gives them the skills, theories, and models to tackle complex social justice issues. Graduates can pursue licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.9% job growth for social work graduates over the next decade.

Specializations offered

Baylor’s program has two clear specializations:

Clinical Practice Specialization

• Readies students to practice in many clinical and mental health settings
• Works with individuals, families, and groups
• Uses evidence-based practice theories and models
• Career paths span healthcare, schools, behavioral health organizations, and trauma intervention

Community Practice Specialization

• Prepares students to work in public/nonprofit organizations, communities, and religiously affiliated agencies
• Uses asset-based community practice frameworks
• Builds skills in planning, organizing, and community development
• Creates responsive human resource systems and green environments

Baylor University program format

Students can choose between online and residential options:

Online students attend one weekly live Zoom session (90-120 minutes). These sessions run Tuesday-Thursday evenings from 5:30-9:00 pm CST. Students complete internships within 75 miles of their community.

Tuition and duration

Each program format has different tuition rates:

Residential MSW (Waco campus): $875 per credit hour

• Standard track (58 credits): $50,750 total
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): $26,250 total

Online MSW: $1,100 per credit hour

• Standard track (58 credits): $63,800 total
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): $33,000 total

Students can complete the program in 12 months through accelerated Advanced Standing or take up to 3+ years with part-time options. The Garland School helps subsidize student costs to make your MSW more affordable. This makes Baylor competitive among MSW programs in Texas, even as a private institution.

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University’s Department of Social Work has shaped culturally responsive social work leaders for nearly 50 years. The MSW program started in 1975 and focuses on creating competent practitioners who address structural inequities through trauma-informed approaches.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work program at TCU prepares advanced-generalist practitioners to work independently in a variety of settings. Students learn critical analysis of structural inequities along with trauma-informed methods. The program helps graduates partner with marginalized populations to create an equitable society. Students become positive change agents who excel in various professional environments.

TCU partners with Brite Divinity School to offer dual degree options. Students can combine their MSW with theological training in biblical studies, Black church studies, military chaplaincy, pastoral care, or sexual and gender justice.

Specializations offered

The MSW program features two specialization tracks:

• Health and Mental Health – Advanced training supports psychological well-being in various populations
• Children and Families – Expertise development in family systems strengthens family units

These focused areas prepare graduates to practice in multiple settings while upholding TCU’s steadfast dedication to ethical social work education.

Program format

Students can choose between two flexible tracks:

Working professionals benefit from TCU’s hybrid option. Students can take up to four courses in asynchronous online format during their concentration year. This flexible structure makes TCU one of the more available online MSW choices.

Tuition and duration

Program length varies based on enrollment status and previous education:

• Traditional MSW: Two years (full-time) or extended study (part-time)
• Advanced Standing: Nine months (full-time)

Graduate tuition costs $2,210 per credit hour as of 2025. Total tuition costs approximate:

• Traditional MSW (60 credits): $132,600
• Advanced Standing (30 credits): $66,300

TCU maintains small class sizes to ensure individual attention as students develop expertise in their chosen specialization. The school’s Dallas-Fort Worth location creates excellent field placement opportunities in various settings, making it a compelling choice among social work masters programs in Texas.

University of Texas at Arlington

The School of Social Work at University of Texas at Arlington ranks among the state’s largest institutions. It serves over 1,800 students through four degree programs. The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited UTA’s MSW program, which prepares graduates to work in a variety of practice settings.

Program overview

UTA’s Master of Social Work helps students enter one of the fastest-growing career fields, with a projected 16% increase in jobs. Students complete 61 semester hours of graduate work that combines classroom learning with field experience. More than 65% of MSW students come from non-social work backgrounds, making this program perfect for career-changers. The School started in 1967 with just the MSW degree and later expanded to include BSW, PhD, and other programs.

Specializations offered

Students can choose from five unique specializations during their Advanced/Specialty Year:

• Direct Practice in Health – Students learn to help individuals and families dealing with acute, chronic, and terminal health conditions
• Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Misuse
• Direct Practice in Children and Families
• Direct Practice in Aging
• Community and Administrative Practice (macro social work)

Each specialty includes introductory practice courses, integrated theory courses, specialty policy courses, research, and field placements.

Program format

UTA gives students amazing flexibility through several program options:

Students can take evening classes at both Arlington and Fort Worth campuses. The program is also available online for students nationwide.

Tuition and duration

The 2025-2026 graduate tuition and fees for full-time students are:

• In-state: $11,044 per academic year
• Non-resident: Add approximately $12,442

Program length depends on your prior education. Advanced Standing students (BSW graduates meeting criteria) complete 38 credit hours. Traditional students finish all 61 hours and two internships.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV Is the nation’s second largest Hispanic-serving institution. Their MSW program uniquely focus on Latino populations. The Master of Science in Social Work program equips students with skills to work in a variety of communities while developing their leadership abilities.

Program overview

UTRGV’s MSSW program has managed to keep full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education since April 2003. Students learn multicultural competence, ethical practice, and quality social service delivery that champions human rights and social justice. The program readies students to meet binational and multicultural communities’ needs, with education centered on population diversity.

Specializations offered

Students can choose between two main concentrations:

Students must complete field practicum experiences totaling 500 hours. These specializations create different career paths while focusing on Latino communities.

Program format

UTRGV’s program comes in two formats:

• Traditional Program – Mix of in-person and online courses in standard 15-week semesters
• Traditional Online Program (TOP) – Fully online with synchronous elements in 7-week modules

The program offers two tracks:

• Regular (63-hour) program if you have non-social work bachelor’s degrees
• Advanced Standing (33-hour) program for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs

BSW degree holders can finish the Advanced Standing online MSW program in just 12 months.

Tuition and duration

UTRGV’s tuition ranks among the lowest in the United States, making it an economical choice among Texas schools. The 2025-2026 costs for resident graduate students are:

• Living with family: $18,413 per academic year
• Living on campus: $23,809 per academic year
• Living off campus: $24,935 per academic year

UTRGV uses guaranteed tuition plans, so your rates stay fixed during the guaranteed period. Program length varies by track, and you can start in spring, summer, or fall semesters.

Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View A&M University stands out with Texas’s only Master of Social Work program at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). The program works to address health disparities through a unique combination of clinical practice and an Africentric framework. Students learn core values of spirituality, interdependence, and collectivism.

Program overview

PVAMU’s MSW program shapes clinical practitioners who specialize in medical and behavioral health with an Africentric point of view. Students can become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and earn between $50,000 to $90,000 yearly in Texas. The program is unique as Texas’s only MSW that trains students specifically for medical social work. This gives graduates an edge in meeting the core team needs of growing healthcare systems. Texas offers excellent job prospects with 5,764 medical social work openings and 12,387 behavioral health positions as of March 2022.

Specializations offered

The clinical MSW program has two main specializations:

1. Medical Social Work
2. Behavioral Health

Both paths teach culturally relevant evidence-based interventions through an Africentric curriculum. Students become skilled at various therapeutic approaches like case management, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy. Graduates can work confidently with individuals, families, and communities.

Program format

PVAMU’s MSW program comes in two online pathways:

Students who earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution in the last six years can complete Advanced Standing in just 11 months. The Traditional program builds skills progressively – professional foundation courses come first, followed by clinical concentration in the second year.

Tuition and duration

Texas residents pay about $7,992 in tuition and fees per academic year. Non-resident graduate students pay $17,379. Total yearly costs vary based on living arrangements:

• Living at home: $17,060
• On-campus: $26,341
• Off-campus: $23,999

Advanced Standing students finish in 11 months. Traditional students take two years full-time or three years part-time. Unlike other MSW programs in Texas, PVAMU’s online format makes quality education available to working professionals.

Angelo State University

Angelo State University offers one of the most budget-friendly MSW programs in Texas. The program takes an efficient approach to social work education with a single-track design and lower tuition rates than other state institutions.

Overview

ASU’s MSW program helps students qualify for master’s-level licensure through hands-on training in social issues of all types. Graduates can pursue careers as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). The curriculum splits into two main parts. Students complete 30 hours of foundational social work knowledge first. They then move on to 36 hours of advanced coursework in their chosen specialization. The program’s excellence shows in its recent recognition – EduMed.org ranked it among the “Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs” for 2023.

Specializations

Students choose between two specializations:

Advanced Generalist Practice This path equips students to become administrative leaders as LMSWs. Students learn to work with clients from individual cases to whole communities. The focus includes advocacy, policy creation, management skills, and driving social change.

Clinical Practice This specialization builds expertise in client assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation. Students take specialized courses to diagnose disorders, create treatment plans, use evidence-based interventions, and measure their effectiveness.

Format

The program adapts to different schedules with several options:

Students can choose between fully online or on-campus learning. The program doesn’t currently offer hybrid options.

Tuition

ASU’s program costs 20% less than other Texas Division I public universities and 70% less than private universities in Texas. The 2024-2025 annual costs look like this:

• In-state graduate: $7,508.90
• Out-of-state graduate: $14,888.90

In-state students pay $805.11 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,645.33. Most students get help with costs – 97% receive financial aid packages averaging $9,007. The university meets 49% of students’ financial needs.

University of North Texas

UNT’s Master of Social Work program highlights ethical leadership and advanced generalist practice. Graduates can take on many roles such as clinicians, administrators, case managers, and program managers in social work settings of all types.

Program overview

The MSW program at University of North Texas prepares advanced generalist social workers who commit to ethical practice and leadership. The program’s mission helps promote human and community well-being as environments change faster. Students learn to use evidence-informed knowledge that addresses complex issues. They also promote social and economic justice for vulnerable populations. The 5-year-old program meets growing workforce needs and responds to 64,000 social work job openings expected each year through 2032.

Specializations offered

UNT gives complete training in advanced generalist practice instead of multiple concentrations. Students get the skills they need for healthcare, child and family services, mental health, and other human service fields. The curriculum builds expertise in:

• Ethical practices in settings of all types
• Leadership training in a variety of environments
• Evidence-informed intervention strategies
• Advocacy for human rights and social justice

Program format

UNT has two program options:

Traditional students attend classes on Mondays while Advanced Standing students meet on Wednesdays. Field practicum needs 30-35 hours each week in agency settings during regular business hours.

Tuition and duration

The 2025-2026 annual costs depend on where you live:

• In-state students pay $8,700 tuition plus living expenses that total $25,102-$27,803
• Out-of-state students pay $16,080 tuition plus living expenses

Your chosen track determines how long the program takes:

• Advanced Standing: One year (full-time) or three semesters (extended)
• Traditional: Two years (full-time) or six semesters (extended)

Students can pick full-time or extended options based on their schedules and life situations.

Choosing the Right Texas MSW Program for Your Career Goals

Looking at these top-rated MSW programs in Texas shows the wealth of educational opportunities available for your social work career trip. Each program brings its own advantages, whether you value affordability, flexibility, specialized concentrations, or particular teaching approaches.

The numbers tell an interesting story in Texas. With almost 30.5 million residents but only about 9,000 licensed social workers, the state faces a critical shortage. MSW graduates can expect exceptional career prospects. Job growth rates are nearly double the national average, which means your MSW degree investment should bring strong returns through career stability and competitive salaries between $44,790 and $69,960 yearly.

These institutions shine when it comes to program flexibility. BSW holders can complete their degrees in just 9-12 months through Advanced Standing options, while Traditional tracks take two years full-time. Part-time and online options make getting your MSW possible whatever your work situation or location.

Your final choice depends on several key factors:

• Specialization interests (clinical practice, community organization, healthcare, etc.)
• Program format priorities (online, in-person, or hybrid)
• Financial considerations (tuition ranges from about $7,500 to $132,600)
• Location priorities within Texas
• Faith-based or secular educational environments

Note that exploring financial aid opportunities at your prospective schools is crucial. Most institutions give scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships specifically to social work students to help with educational costs.

Social work continues to grow in importance without doubt as communities face mounting challenges. These MSW programs help you learn the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to make real differences in individual lives, families, organizations, and entire communities across Texas and beyond.

Selecting the right educational program launches your trip toward becoming a professional social worker. Review each option against your personal and professional goals, ask program advisors questions, and take that next step toward a rewarding career focused on positive social change.