Master of Social Work Programs in Texas

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
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Updated on April 26, 2024
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Interested in earning a social work degree in Texas? Check out our list of the best MSW programs and then learn more about how to become a social worker in Texas.

Interested in earning a social work degree in Texas? Check out our list of MSW programs and then learn more about how to become a social worker in Texas.

Texas social workers make a difference at child welfare agencies, schools, and healthcare agencies across the Lone Star State. An accredited master’s degree in social work can help you launch your social work career and join their ranks.

But with 18 accredited MSW programs in Texas — accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) — how can you find the right fit? First, consider your interests, budget, and career goals. Then, check out our research on the best MSW programs in Texas to learn more about programs. Finally, apply to programs and compare financial aid packages.

After earning your MSW degree, you’ll meet the education requirement for three social work licenses in Texas.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Texas

MSW Programs in Texas
UniversityLocationAvailable ConcentrationsEnrollment Type
Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene, TXFull-Time, Advanced Standing Option
Angelo State UniversitySan Angelo, TX
  • Advanced Generalist Practice
  • Clinical Practice
Full-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Baylor UniversityWaco, TX
  • Diversity
  • Gerontology
  • Congregational Social Work
  • International Social Work
  • Trauma, or Integrated Behavioral Health
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio, TXHispanic Children and FamiliesFull-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches, TXAdvanced Generalist Practice in a Rural ContextFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Tarleton State UniversityStephenville, TXFull-Time, Advanced Standing Option
Texas A&M University-CommerceCommerce, TXFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Texas A&M University-KingsvilleKingsville, TXFull-Time, Advanced Standing Option
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX
  • Health and Mental Health
  • Children and Families
Full-Time, Advanced Standing Option
Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TXAdvanced Practice LeadershipFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TXFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of HoustonHouston, TX
  • Clinical Practice
  • Macro Practice
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington, TX
  • Direct Practice in Aging
  • Direct Practice in Children & Families
  • Direct Practice in Health
  • Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse
  • Community and Administrative Practice
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
University of Texas at AustinAustin, TX
  • Clinical Social Work
  • Administration and Policy Practice
Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso, TXSocial Work in the Border RegionFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of Texas at San AntonioSan Antonio, TXCultural CompetenceFull-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option
University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX
  • Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups
  • Administration and Community Practice
Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option
West Texas A&M UniversityCanyon, TXFull-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option

How to Become a Social Worker in Texas

In Texas, social workers need a license to practice. The state issues four different social work licenses, and your education and career goals will determine which one you’ll need.

With a bachelor’s degree, you can become a licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW). Social workers with a master’s degree from an accredited program qualify for three social work licenses: licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed master social worker — advanced practice (LMSW-AP), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

If you’re interested in clinical roles — including child and family social worker, school social worker, or healthcare social worker — you’ll need an LCSW credential. The following chart explains how to become a social worker in Texas.

Degree Requirements by Social Work Career
 Licensed Baccalaureate Social WorkerLicensed Master Social WorkerLicensed Master Social Worker — Advanced PracticeLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Degree RequirementBSWMSW or DSWMSW or DSWMSW or DSW
Exam RequirementBachelor’sMaster’sAdvanced GeneralistClinical
Minimum Postgraduate Supervised Experience RequiredN/AN/A3,000 hours3,000 hours
Minimum Direct Supervisor Contact RequiredN/AN/A100 hours100 hours

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.

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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.

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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.

Texas Social Worker FAQs

Becoming a social worker in Texas takes a minimum of four years. All social workers need a bachelor’s degree, which meets the requirements for a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker credential.

However, many social work jobs require a master’s degree, which adds extra time. Typically, earning an MSW degree takes two years. Clinical social workers also need 3,000 hours of supervised experience after graduation. That adds two years. As a result, clinical social workers typically spend around eight years meeting the educational and experience requirements.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 24, 2024.

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