Master of Social Work Programs in Texas
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The Lone Star State hosts Texas Women’s University, Texas Tech University, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and Texas State University. All of these Texas-based schools offer quality master’s in social work programs.
You can get into a master’s in social work (MSW) program with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a related field and a passion for improving the lives of individuals and families in need of support.
In this guide, we’ll explore accredited MSW programs in Texas, explain the process of becoming a social worker, and examine the earning potential of these professionals.
Why Become a Social Worker in Texas?
- Save on Tuition: As a Texas resident, you’ll pay in-state tuition, which is typically cheaper than out-of-state tuition.
- Advocate for Others: As a social worker, you’ll get to advocate for residents of your state, creating change and improving lives in your community.
- Job Stability: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for social workers to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is almost double the projected national average rate of 4% growth for all jobs.
- Variety of Work Environments: You can find job opportunities in various work environments, from private practice to government agencies, including remote and hybrid settings in Texas.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Texas
The chart below lists 21 master’s programs in Texas accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the only organization that accredits MSW programs in the U.S.
| University | Location | Available Concentrations |
|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX |
|
| Baylor University | Waco, TX |
|
| East Texas A&M University | Commerce, TX | |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, TX | Hispanic Children and Families |
| Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, TX |
|
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Nacogdoches, TX | Advanced Generalist Practice in a Rural Context |
| Tarleton State University | Stephenville, TX | |
| East Texas A&M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX | |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, TX | |
| Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, TX |
|
| Texas State University | San Marcos, TX | Advanced Practice Leadership |
| Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | |
| Texas Woman’s University | Denton, TX | |
| University of Houston | Houston, TX |
|
| University of North Texas | Denton, TX | |
| University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, TX |
|
| University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX |
|
| University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | |
| University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX |
|
| West Texas A&M University | Canyon, TX |
Accreditation for MSW Programs in Texas
Before you apply to a Texas-based master’s in social work program, check its programmatic accreditation status. You should only apply to programs accredited by the CSWE, which has a searchable directory of accredited programs.
CSWE-accredited programs have undergone a rigorous review process that ensures they meet certain academic standards. Accredited programs award degrees that allow you to pursue clinical licensure and are more likely to be recognized and respected by prospective employers.
Another way to confirm a program’s accreditation status is to look at its program page online or contact the school directly.
How to Become a Social Worker in Texas
To become a baccalaureate social worker (LBSW), you must graduate from a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program and pass the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) bachelor’s exam and the Texas jurisprudence exam.
If you want to become a licensed master social worker (LMSW), you’ll need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and pass the ASWB master’s exam and the Texas jurisprudence exam.
The licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience and 100 hours of supervision by a qualified supervisor. You’ll also need to pass the ASWB clinical exam and the Texas jurisprudence exam.
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker | Licensed Master Social Worker | Licensed Master Social Worker — Advanced Practice | Licensed Clinical Social Worker | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree Requirement | BSW | MSW or DSW | MSW or DSW | MSW or DSW |
| Exam Requirement | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Advanced Generalist | Clinical |
| Minimum Postgraduate Supervised Experience Required | N/A | N/A | 3,000 hours | 3,000 hours |
| Minimum Direct Supervisor Contact Required | N/A | N/A | 100 hours | 100 hours |
How Much Do Social Workers Make in Texas?
As a general group across the U.S., social workers earn a median annual salary of $61,330 as of May 2024, according to the BLS. However, salaries vary depending on role, specialization, experience, employer, and location.
For example, mental health and substance use social workers in Texas earned a median annual salary of $44,790 in 2024, while healthcare social workers in the same state earned a median annual salary of $69,960 during the same time period, according to the BLS.
All other social workers in Texas not listed separately by the BLS earned a median annual salary of $89,520 as of May 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSW Programs in Texas
You can expect to spend 4-8 years becoming a licensed social worker in Texas. The length of your journey will depend on whether you pursue licensure and which level you pursue.
You’ll need a four-year degree to become a LBSW. You can add two years to your social work journey if you want to become a LMSW.
After your master’s program, you can pursue a LCSW credential, which requires an additional 2-4 years of supervised clinical hours plus another exam.
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