Master of Social Work Programs in Texas

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or a Related Field

All Texas social workers need a bachelor's degree. If you're pursuing the LBSW credential, you'll need a bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. If you're pursuing one of Texas' three other social work licenses, you will need a graduate degree in social work.

If you're planning to attend an MSW program in Texas, you can major in any subject for your bachelor's degree. However, majoring in social work can give you advanced standing in your MSW program. That means you can earn your degree in less time while also saving money.

Step 2: Earn a CSWE-Accredited Master's Degree in Social Work

A master's degree typically means more career options for social workers. With your MSW degree, you can become a child and family social worker, a substance use social worker, or a clinical social worker.

In Texas, you must attend a program accredited by CSWE to qualify for a social work license. There are 18 MSW programs in Texas with CSWE accreditation.

What are the admission requirements for the best MSW programs in Texas? Although specific requirements vary, you'll likely need a bachelor's degree, a resume or CV, 2-3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Some programs also require standardized test scores from the GRE or MAT. Most programs set a minimum GPA requirement for admission, as well. You can research the average GPA for admitted students to find a program that matches your academic record.

Most MSW programs require around two years of full-time study. However, students admitted with advanced standing can graduate in as little as one year.

Step 3: Pursue Postgraduate Experience

During the last semester of your MSW program, you can start the application process for an LMSW license. However, if you're interested in an LMSW-AP or LCSW license, you'll need to complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours.

Most social workers hold an LMSW license while they complete the clinical hour requirement to upgrade their license.

First, you'll need to find an approved supervisor. In Texas, that means a licensed social worker who holds board approval to supervise other social workers. Next, you'll track your clinical hours on the Clinical Supervision Verification Form, which you'll submit with your application to upgrade to an LCSW license.

Finally, you'll need to pass the required licensing exams to qualify for your social work license.

Step 4: Take and Pass the Required Licensing Exams

All Texas social workers must pass a licensing exam. At every licensure level, you'll need passing scores on the Texas Jurisprudence Examination. This also applies to graduates from out-of-state social work programs.

Texas uses Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exams. For the LBSW license, you'll pass the ASWB bachelor's exam. The LMSW license requires passing scores on the ASWB master's exam. LMSW-AP candidates must pass the ASWB advanced generalist exam. Clinical social workers must pass the ASWB clinical exam to earn the LCSW credential.

When signing up to take an ASWB exam, you can select Texas as your licensure state. The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners will automatically receive your scores. If you originally took your ASWB exams to apply for licensure in another state, ASWB can transfer your scores to Texas.

Step 5: Submit Your Application for Social Work Licensure

The application requirements and process for a social work license in Texas depend on the level. For an LBSW or an LMSW license, you can submit your application after earning your degree and passing the required ASWB exam.

These licensure applications also require a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report, fingerprinting for a background check, and official transcripts.

If you're upgrading to an LMSW-AP or an LCSW license, you'll need to pass the required ASWB exam and complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Then you can submit your license upgrade application with the Clinical Supervision Verification Form.

Applicants submit their materials through Texas' online licensing system. The system notifies applicants of the required documents.