Become a Social Worker in Texas

Social workers can help children, students, older adults, those experiencing alcohol and drug addiction and many more. Clinical social workers provide much needed diagnoses and treatments for mental illnesses. 

Texas is a great state to practice social work because it provides a variety of settings, from inner-city schools to rural health care practices. It offers prospective social workers a wide array of career paths. If a future in social work interests you, read on to learn more about some common ways on how to become a licensed social worker in Texas.

Steps to Become a Texas Social Worker

Texas offers four levels of licenses: licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), LMSW – advanced practice (LMSW-AP) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).  In order to become a social worker in the state of Texas, according to the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, you’ll need to generally complete the following steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.

If you are planning to apply for a bachelor-level social work license, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is required. However, for Master of Social Work (MSW) level licenses, a bachelor degree that will admit you to a MSW program will be sufficient. Check with your ideal MSW program’s requirements. 

2. Complete a CSWE-accredited MSW program.

For two of the three social work licenses in Texas, a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program is required.

3. Complete field experience requirements.

For either your BSW or MSW program, you will likely complete field experience hours as a part of your required curriculum. In addition, licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed master social worker – advanced practice (LMSW-AP) in Texas requires 3,000 hours of clinical experience between two and four years with 100 hours of supervision.  

4. Take the Texas Jurisprudence Exam

You must pass the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence exam regarding the laws, regulations and ethical considerations for the profession. This is a no-fail exam, which means you must answer each question correctly before you can move on to the next. There is no time limit, but it takes about two hours to complete. It costs $39 as of 2020. Once you pass this exam, you can move forward with the next step of applying for the state license exam. 

5. Apply for the Social Worker License Exam

You must apply with the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners to take the licensing exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Permission to test is determined by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners post-application. The type of ASWB examination you will be required to pass is determined by the level of license you apply and qualify for.

Learn more on how to become a social worker.

Degree Pathways to Become a Social Worker in TX

Three of the four social work licenses in Texas require an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Only one, the LBSW, requires a minimum Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). There are multiple MSW and social work education options to pursue:

  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Earning your BSW is an education requirement to pursue your LBSW license in Texas to work in non-clinical positions.
  • Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW): There are several online MSW programs available from Texas universities and even more across the country that are accredited by the CSWE.
  • Advanced Standing MSW Program: If you’ve earned your BSW already, you may be eligible to pursue an advanced standing MSW program to pursue licensure as an LMSW or LCSW.
  • Online Clinical Social Work (LCSW) Program: Texas does not require LCSW applicants to complete an MSW degree with a clinical focus, but online clinical social work programs may help prepare you for the clinical examination needed for this licensure and to pursue clinical social work experience.
  • Online MSW with No GRE: A few colleges offer admissions without requiring the successful completion of a GRE but may still have GPA and other requirements.
  • Doctorate of Social Work (DSW): In some cases a DSW degree may be accepted by the Texas Board of Social Work Examiners for the LCSW license.

Learn more about MSW programs in Texas.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

  • Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
  • No GRE Required
  • Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

  •  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
  • There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
  • Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

  • Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
  • Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
  • Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

  • Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
  • Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
  • Minimum completion time: 9 months

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

  • Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
  • Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
  • Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
  • No GRE required
  • Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

  • CSWE-accredited
  • No GRE requirement
  • Complete in as few as one and a half years

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Social Work Licenses in Texas

In Texas, there are three social worker licenses: a bachelor’s degree level, a master’s degree level and a clinician. Texas also offers an advanced practitioner status for LMSW (LMSW-AP).  The below information was obtained from the Texas Administrative Code on Social Worker Licensure Rules and Regulations.

Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

An LBSW can work in non-clinical positions. 

  • Education: Complete a BSW program accredited by CSWE.
  • Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.
  • License Exam: ASWB Bachelor Examination
  • Fees: Application Fee – $91.00
  • Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education with six hours in ethics and social work values for every two-year renewal. 

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

An LMSW can work in higher-level, non-clinical positions. 

  • Education: Complete an MSW program accredited by CSWE.
  • Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.
  • License Exam: ASWB Masters Examination
  • Fees: Application Fee – $91.00 or $20.00 for a license upgrade from LBSW
  • Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education with six hours in ethics and social work values for every two-year renewal. 

Learn more about how to become an LMSW. 

Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP)

An LMSW-AP is the highest level non-clinical social worker and is available to current LMSWs in Texas. 

  • Education: Complete an MSW program accredited by CSWE.
  • Field Requirements: Complete 3,000 hours of supervised work and 100 hours of supervision.
  • Jurisprudence Exam: Provide proof of completing the Texas jurisprudence exam.
  • License Exam: ASWB Advanced Generalist Examination
  • Fees: Application Fee – $110.00 or $20.00 for a license upgrade from LMSW
  • Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education with six hours in ethics and social work values for every two-year renewal.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

The highest social worker credential you can obtain in Texas is becoming an LCSW. 

  • Education: Complete an MSW program accredited by CSWE.
  • Field Requirement: Complete at least 3,000 hours of experience in a clinical setting under a Board-approved LCSW within 40 months. 
  • Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Texas Jurisprudence exam.
  • License Exam: ASWB Clinical Examination
  • Fees: Application Fee – $110.00 or $20.00 for a license upgrade from LMSW or LMSW-AP
  • Renewal: 30 hours of continuing education with six hours in ethics and social work values for every two-year renewal. 

Learn more about how to become an LCSW.

Social Work Salaries for Texas

The average social worker salary in Texas depends on your role and work environment.

Social Work CareersNumber of Social Workers in TexasAnnual Mean Salary
Child, family and school Social Workers
21,120
$49,060
Health care social workers
10,250
$58,430
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
6,010
$43,170
Social workers, all other
2,530
$60,240
Social work teachers, postsecondary
570
$73,440

Information on the above social work salaries in Texas was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Texas as of July 2020.

Learn more about different social work salaries.

Texas Social Work Scholarships

Let’s say you’ve decided on becoming a social worker in Texas and begin applying to schools, you may start considering how you’ll pay for your social work degree. There are hundreds of scholarships available for social work students. In Texas, a notable scholarship opportunity is the Ima Hogg Scholarship, which provides $5,000 to a student in a Texas-based, accredited graduate social work program. Applicants must be recommended by a dean or director of the social work program. 

Be sure to check with your preferred university for more scholarship opportunities, such as:

Texas Social Work Organizations

There are a few organizations dedicated to social workers in Texas that can provide education and career guidance: 

FAQs 

Does Texas have social work reciprocity?

Texas does not issue licenses by reciprocity. If you hold a social work license in another state, you must meet the requirements in Texas and apply for a license. In certain circumstances, though, you can ask the Board to accept completion of certain minimum requirements for a license in Texas that you obtained while holding a license in another jurisdiction through the process of endorsement. Also, if your license was based on an ASWB exam, you might be eligible for an examination waiver. 

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Texas? 

Social work license holders in Texas must complete 30 hours of social work continuing education every 24 months. These hours have to include at least six hours of professional ethics and social work values. CE can include seminars, workshops, conferences, classes and independent study programs accredited through a college, university, organization or agency authorized to provide CE. 
Learn more about continuing education for social workers.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Texas?

As of July 2020, social work license verification in Texas is available online via the Online Licensing Services.

Information on this page was last retrieved in August 2020.