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Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Texas (TX) – online and on-campus
Do you want to provide support to communities and people in need? Social workers help people overcome challenges, address trauma or significant life changes, and improve their quality of life through mental and emotional support.
To obtain any of the three social work licenses offered by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW). However, gaining licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requires a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.
With your MSW, you can find work in education, healthcare, substance abuse, child and family services, or the clinical sector. Ready to start or advance your social work career? This guide highlights both online and in-person MSW programs in Texas that can help you prepare to start or advance your social work career.
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Texas
Attending an MSW program in Texas can help students fulfill the educational requirements associated with social work licensure. Schools that offer in-person instruction include:
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Abilene Christian UniversityMaster of Social Work | Addison, TX | Certificate in Social Service Administration Available | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Angelo State UniversityMaster of Social Work | San Angelo, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Baylor UniversityMaster of Social Work | Waco, TX | Clinical Practice, Community Practice, Concentrations available in specialty areas, Joint Degree Options (for Waco campus only) | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Our Lady of the Lake UniversityMaster of Social Work | San Antonio, TX | Hispanic Children and Families | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Stephen F. Austin State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Nacogdoches, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Tarleton State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Stephenville, TX | Advanced Direct Practice, Administration and Leadership Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas A&M University – CommerceMaster of Social Work | — | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas A&M University – KingsvilleMaster of Social Work | — | Clinical/Activist | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas Christian UniversityMaster of Social Work | Fort Worth, TX | — | Full-Time |
Texas State UniversityMaster of Social Work | San Marcos, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas Tech UniversityMaster of Social Work | Lubbock, TX | Advanced Generalist Curriculum | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of HoustonMaster of Social Work | Houston, TX | Clinical Practice, Macro Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of North Texas & Texas Woman’s UniversityMaster of Social Work | Denton, TX | Advanced Generalist Curriculum | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Texas, Rio Grande ValleyMaster of Science in Social Work | Edinburg, TX | Direct Micro Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups , Community Practice and Administration | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of Texas at ArlingtonMaster of Social Work | Arlington, TX | Community and Administrative Practice, Direct Practice in Aging, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Health | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of Texas at AustinMaster of Social Work | Austin, TX | Clinical Social Work, Administration and Policy Practice (APP), Certificate in Military Social Work, Certificate in Health Care, Certificate in School-Based Social Work, Dual Degree Options, Portfolio Program Options | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of Texas at El PasoMaster of Social Work | El Paso, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Texas at San AntonioMaster of Social Work | San Antonio, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
West texas A&M UniversityMaster of Science in Social Work | — | Advanced Generalist Curriculum | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW programs in Texas
Looking for a more flexible MSW option? Online master’s in social work programs allow students to learn from anywhere. Some programs may offer advanced standing MSW tracks, which are designed for individuals who have obtained their bachelor of social work (BSW) degree. You can also explore MSW programs with no GRE requirement.
Deciding on the right online MSW program will depend on your current experience and professional goals. For instance, students interested in becoming an LCSW and working in a mental health setting can attend an LCSW program that meets the educational requirements for licensure.
Schools offering online MSW programs in Texas include:
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Angelo State UniversityMaster of Social Work | San Angelo, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Our Lady of the Lake UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | San Antonio, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Stephen F. Austin State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Nacogdoches, TX | Advanced Generalist Pratice in a Rural Context | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas A&M University – CommerceMaster of Social Work | — | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas State University - San MarcosMaster of Social Work (MSW) | San Marcos, TX | Advanced Practice Leadership | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Texas State UniversityMaster of Social Work | San Marcos, TX | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of HoustonMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Houston, TX | Clinical Practice, Macro Practice | Part-Time |
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Social work degree programs in Texas
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for on-campus and online social work programs. This includes both social work bachelor’s degree programs, as well as more advanced options for students interested in social work master’s degrees.
During undergraduate social work studies, students may explore research strategies, social welfare policy, and general social work practices. From there, they can deepen their knowledge in an MSW program, which may offer courses in leadership, child welfare, organizational theory, and social influences. These advanced programs may also offer opportunities to specialize in various social work areas.
Obtaining social work licensure in Texas may involve completing a set number of clinical hours, where you can demonstrate your knowledge in a real-world setting. A social work master’s degree program may build these opportunities into their curricula. Be sure to check with the programs you’re interested in to understand the requirements.
Educational requirements
Before you pursue your Master of Social Work and become a social worker in Texas, you’ll need to complete an undergraduate degree. While many MSW programs accept applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, students with their Bachelor of Social Work may be eligible for advanced standing master’s programs, which allows them to earn their degree more quickly.
Curriculum
MSW programs may offer both generalist and specialist options. The track that you choose will dictate the full curriculum you can expect, however, foundational courses may cover:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Clinical social work practice
- Community organizing and development
- Trauma-informed care
- Leadership in social work organizations
MSW programs might also require students to complete a considerable number of field work hours. Field work gives students the opportunity to bridge the gap between knowledge and experience and put what they have learned into practice.
What can I do with an MSW degree in TX?
The social work career opportunities available to those with an MSW are vast, with several specializations to choose from. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $61,330 in May 2024.
While your day-to-day duties will vary depending on your role and industry, many social work careers blend office and field work. Some common social work roles include:
- School social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Government social workers
- Military social workers
- Outpatient social workers
By becoming a social worker, you’ll be entering a field poised for growth. Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS projects that social work employment will increase by 6%. This growth will vary between specializations:
- Child, family, and school social workers: 3%
- Healthcare social workers: 8%
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: 10%
FAQs
Choosing the right program depends on your goals and needs as a student. Consider factors such as whether you prefer in-person or online learning, how much time you can commit to a program, and your existing undergraduate degree. Once you define your criteria, you can narrow your options and select a program that meets your needs.
Information last updated: January 2026