Since the saying goes "everything's bigger in Texas," it's no surprise that finding numerous accredited social work degrees in Texas is simple.
Along the Mexico border, Texas is positioned as the country's second most populous state with over 27.6 million residents. From the major cities of Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth to the rural towns of the Panhandle, Texas offers a diverse landscape for social workers to practice with multicultural citizens and immigrants.
In fact, Texas employs 16,020 social work professionals to implement interventions to societal problems. Graduates with a degree in social work can expect to earn an average yearly salary of $56,090 by working in Texas. Before you can enter the field though, Texas will require you have at least a bachelor's degree and fulfill the requirements to become a LBSW. With a master's degree, you could advance into leadership with the LCSW credential too. Scroll through our final list (U-Z) to find a CSWE-approved social work program that suits your needs in Texas.
Online Social Work Programs For You
University of Houston
Graduate College of Social Work
Featuring more than 40 research centers, the University of Houston is a large four-year public state institution enrolling over 40,900 students on its flagship 667-acre urban campus in southeast Houston near the banks of Buffalo Bayou. Named 31st nationwide for social mobility by Payscale, UH has been recognized by the USNWR as America's 187th best national university, 105th top public school, and 149th best college for veterans. Even more impressive, the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) is acclaimed for hosting the country's 37th best social work degrees.
MSW Program
Fully accredited by the CSWE since 1970, the MSW Program at UH is structured to deliver quality master's level education for social work practitioners to advance into leadership. The dynamic degree is ideal for graduate students seeking to encourage the maximum development of human potential in today's diverse communities. Students can pursue the MSW on-campus in Houston, online from anywhere, or in a hybrid weekend format. Within the 63-credit curriculum, all students will be required to complete at least 900 clock hours of fieldwork. In addition to the generalist track, students can concentrate in Clinical Practice or Macro Practice. Students can also gain more hands-on experience participating in the Austin Legislative Internship.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4800 Calhoun Road
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 743-8075
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Houston- Clear Lake
School of Human Sciences and Humanities
Nestled on a waterfront 524-acre suburban campus in the winding bayous of Pasadena adjacent to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, the University of Houston- Clear Lake is a comprehensive public state teaching institution with over 8,100 students. As a member of the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, UHCL is ranked as the 81st best regional college and 32nd top public school in the West by the U.S. News. The School of Human Sciences and Humanities houses 16 bachelor's and nine master's degrees exposing students to the systematic study of people.
BSW in Social Work
Building on a truly liberal education, the BSW in Social Work program at UHCL is focused on preparing undergraduate students to practice as responsible, productive, and creative generalists for dramatically changing our world. Since 2004, the CSWE-accredited program trained students to use a bio-psychosocial approach in helping individuals, families, groups, and organizations. In the 120-credit degree plan, students learn the skills to critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate social interventions. Field practicum is arranged at several local agencies in the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Students can also participate in the university's active Social Work Student Organization or Phi Alpha Honor Society. Graduates can qualify for furthering their education with advanced standing status.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2700 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 283-3333
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Houston- Downtown
College of Public Service
First established in 1974, the University of Houston- Downtown is a four-year public metropolitan state school educating nearly 14,000 students on its 20-acre campus in the heart of Houston's central business district. Federally designated as a Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI), UHD is currently honored as the West's 31st best regional college and 7th top public school with the U.S. News and World Report survey. The College of Public Service has the mission for preparing tomorrow's leaders for enhancing communities in criminal justice, social work, or urban education.
Bachelor of Social Work
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at UHD is a practice-oriented program designed for upper-division undergraduates who seek the requisite skills to effectively empower minorities, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. Students are trained to become generalist social work practitioners with a variety of intervention modalities, including case management and advocacy. Backed by CSWE accreditation, the program has an emphasis on promoting improved well-being and social functioning in inner cities like Houston. After completing the Texas Common Core, BSW students will complete at least 45 major credits in social work. Two semesters of applied field practicum are built into the curriculum for graduating with experience.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 221-2729
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
College of Sciences
Boasting a low student-faculty of 16:1, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a private non-profit Christian liberal arts institution serving around 3,300 coeds on its beautiful 170-acre suburban campus in Belton within just 20 minutes from Fort Hood. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UMHB is currently named the 55th best regional college and 41st top school for military veterans in the West. Housed in the spacious York Science Center, the College of Sciences is dedicated to developing motivated, faith-informed global citizens for working in the natural, social, and applied sciences.
Social Work B.S.W.
With a four-year generalist curriculum, the Social Work B.S.W. degree at UMHB is structured for undergraduate students looking to start beginning practice and build a foundation for graduate school. The CSWE-accredited program requires the completion of at least 124 credit hours of general core and social work education. Using a distinctive Christian view, the program trains students to serve all members of God's community with compassion and dignity. Coursework will cover topics in abnormal psychology, sociology, government, statistics, human behavior, case management, diversity, and social work practice. Students must also complete two field practicum experiences and pass a senior examination. Graduation will be recognized by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
900 College Street
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 295-4555
[email protected]
Program Link
University of North Texas
College of Public Affairs & Community Service
Since its founding in 1890 as a teacher's college, the University of North Texas has evolved into a major senior public research institution with over 37,200 students studying from its 875-acre urban campus in the lively city of Denton within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. In addition to being named America's 214th best research university in Forbes magazine, UNT was crowned the 149th top college in the South. The university also ranked 209th nationally by the CWUR. In the College of Public Affairs & Community Service, students can receive the training to strengthen communities in Texas and beyond.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Following the CSWE's standards, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is offered for undergraduate students who wish to build a community-based career assisting people facing poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, disability, illness, and racial prejudice. From a generalist approach, the four-year curriculum spans over 120 total hours. Students are gifted more than six free elective courses to customize their higher learning. Those pursuing the BSW can supplement their knowledge with a minor in Applied Gerontology, Behavior Analysis, Criminal Justice, Drug Abuse and Addictions, Rehabilitation Studies, or Sociology. The Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program is also available. Full-time seniors can save money by earning UNT's Adam Main Courage and Perseverance Award.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1155 Union Circle
Denton, TX 76203
(940) 565-3437
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas at Arlington
School of Social Work
Highly regarded as one of the country's fastest-growing colleges, the University of Texas at Arlington is a large public state research institution with over 34,800 students enrolled on its main 420-acre urban campus on the southern edge of Arlington near Johnson Creek. Honored as a "Next Generation University" by the New America Foundation, UT Arlington was ranked the 159th best master's-level institute for social mobility and ethics in Washington Monthly. According to the USNWR, the CSWE-accredited School of Social Work also provides the 44th best graduate social work degrees in the United States.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
At UT Arlington, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has excelled in producing influential professional social workers who find careers in child welfare, mental health, addictions treatment, criminal justice, long-term rehabilitation, education, public policy, and more. The major includes 39 credits of social work courses with an optional Certificate in Diversity. Students are trained to practice in accordance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. All BSW students must complete two consecutive semesters of field experience for a total of 480 clock hours. Well-known for its affordability, the program uses its broad liberal arts foundation to prepare entry-level generalist social work practitioners.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Offered on-campus in Arlington or online via web-based instruction, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is devised to give graduate students the enhanced knowledge and skills required for becoming advanced clinical practitioners. The program has an emphasis on Direct Practice with Children and Families. A Community and Administrative Practice (CAP) Concentration is also available. Most students will complete four semesters full-time for a total of 64 credits, but there's a shorter Advanced Standing option for graduates with a bachelor's degree in social work. The cohort-based curriculum includes field practicum across East Texas. Students may be interested in earning the Joint MSW/MPH degree for public health training too.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
211 South Cooper Street
Arlington, TX 76019
(817) 272-3191
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas at Austin
School of Social Work
As an elite member of the American Association of Universities (AAU), the University of Texas at Austin is a flagship public space-grant research institution located on a 434-acre urban campus within one mile from the Texas State Capitol to serve over 51,300 students. Crowned the 46th best university globally by the Times Higher Education, UT Austin is ranked as America's 52nd top college, 16th best public school, and 42nd top university for veterans by the U.S. News. The School of Social Work is also distinguished for conferring the 7th best graduate social work degrees nationwide.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Consisting of 125 semester hours, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at UT Austin is devoted to giving undergraduates direct entry into professional human service positions to make a tangible difference. Students work collaboratively to develop essential interviewing, service planning, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, research, and community outreach skills. All students begin as pre-social work majors for completing a rigorous liberal arts core before applying to the upper-division major as sophomores. In the last semester, students gain 480 clock hours of experience in a supervised social service internship. Study abroad opportunities are offered to BSW students each Maymester in London and Accra, Ghana.
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at UT Austin gives graduate students the chance to advance their skills for specialized practice with individuals, families, groups, couples, and whole communities. Using a systems/developmental framework, the 60-credit program trains students to ethically confront problems of social injustice. After the foundational year, students can select a concentration in Clinical Social Work or Administration and Policy Practice (APP). Post-BSW students can complete the degree in just 12 months with Advanced Standing status. All master's social work students will be required to complete at least 1,020 hours of practicum. The MSSW can be pursued with a MDiv, MPH, MPAff, JD, or M.A. in Latin American Studies too.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1925 San Jacinto Boulevard
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-5457
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas at El Paso
College of Health Sciences
Located on a main 366-acre urban campus on the hillside overlooking the Rio Grande River into Mexico, the University of Texas at El Paso is a major public Hispanic-serving research institution enrolling more than 23,000 students. Known for having America's largest Mexican-American student population, UTEP is ranked the 8th top master's-level university for civic engagement nationwide in Washington Monthly magazine. UTEP spends nearly $76 million annually for conducting cutting-edge research. The College of Health Sciences trains students for entering nine distinct, in-demand healthcare professions to improve human welfare.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at UTEP gives a broad introduction to fundamental knowledge in the social sciences for students working towards human services careers. The program strives to produce culturally competent practitioners who can promote social justice in the multicultural Paso Del Norte region along the U.S.-Mexico border. Requiring 59 major credits, the upper-division program offers classes during daytime, late afternoon, evening, and Saturday hours. Students further acquire generalist practice skills through practicum fieldwork at social service agencies in El Paso. BSW students can also add on specialized training in the Child Welfare Training Collaborative (CWTC).
Master of Social Work (MSW)
With a built-in concentration for "Social Work in the Border Region," the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is offered to graduates seeking advanced practice and leadership in UTEP's surrounding bi-cultural community. Students who don't qualify for the 30-credit Advanced Standing track with a CSWE-accredited bachelor's degree must complete 60 credits either full-time or part-time. All courses are conveniently held in late afternoon and evening hours for busy working professionals. Students will thoroughly discuss topics on clinical assessment, social policy, cultural diversity, group dynamics, research methods, and macro practice. Completing two advanced practica and a culminating master's research project is required before graduation.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
500 West University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
(915) 747-5095
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas at San Antonio
College of Public Policy
Enrolling more than 28,600 annually, the University of Texas at San Antonio is a large public state Hispanic-serving research institution spanning over 747 acres of suburban land just outside the state's second most populous city. Along with being selected as one of the world's best universities under 50 years old in Times Higher Education, UTSA received an A rating from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for high caliber curriculum. Also recognized by the USNWR for the 138th best public affairs programs, the College of Public Policy produces global citizens for contributing to the public good.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
First granted CSWE accreditation in 2008, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on educating transformative practitioners for advanced social work leadership with diverse individuals, groups, families, and organizations. UTSA uses a multicultural context for preparing culturally competent social workers capable of ethical social responsibility. The main curriculum requires the completion of 60 credits. Students with an accredited BSW and minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 could qualify for the 36-credit Advanced Standing route. In addition to their evening and Saturday classes, MSW students must complete two 450-hour field practicum placements at an approved agency. Many will also conduct research with a faculty mentor on aspects of domestic violence, child welfare, mental health, discrimination, and more.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
(210) 458-4331
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas of the Permian Basin
College of Arts & Sciences
Established in 1973 by oil industrialist Bill Noel, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a comprehensive four-year public state institution authorized by the state legislature to serve over 5,600 students from its 644-acre urban campus headquarters in Odessa. 90 percent of UTPB tenure-track faculty hold doctorates in their chosen field. According to the U.S. News, America's 90th best online bachelor's programs are granted at UTPB. The College of Arts & Sciences is a large academic division housing degrees ranging from social work and history to performing arts and computer science.
Bachelor of Social Work
Fully accredited by the CSWE, the Bachelor of Social Work program at UTPB places students on the pathway to becoming eligible for social work licensing in Texas. The rigorous curriculum trains generalist social workers with the capability to deliver culturally competent services that foster full human potential in multi-lingual communities. Students strengthen their sense of social responsibility for advocating against the perils of discrimination and oppression. Pre-social work majors must complete 45 lower-division credits before gaining admissions into the professional program. Throughout the senior year, students will gather 480 hours of applied field placement experience under formal supervision. Majors must attain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in all coursework for graduation.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4901 East University Boulevard
Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 552-2353
[email protected]
Program Link
University of Texas- Pan American
Department of Social Work
Founded in 1927, the University of Texas- Pan American is a public state research institution serving over 20,000 students in the Rio Grande Valley on its 238-acre rural Edinburg campus. Named the nation's 2nd most affordable school, UTPA was crowned the South's 125th top college in Forbes magazine. As the only Texas division offering a bachelor's and master's program south of San Antonio, the Department of Social Work is recognized by the USNWR for having the 172nd best graduate social work education in America.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Rooted in a strong liberal arts foundation, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree at UTPA is structured to give students the social and behavioral science knowledge necessary for generalist practice with diverse populations. Students are trained to follow ethical standards in advocating for social justice to alleviate poverty, oppression, and discrimination. The 120-credit program spans over four years full-time with three required field practice opportunities. Selecting a minor in Addiction Studies, Rehabilitation Services, Mexican American Studies, or Women's Studies could be helpful. The last semester consists of a 480-hour field internship and accompanying seminar. Any graduate will be qualified to become a LBSW under the Texas Professional Social Work Act.
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
With a tradition of excellence recognized by the CSWE, the Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program allows graduate students to explore theoretical frameworks and ground-breaking research for advancing into social work leadership. Students are able to specialize their skills for Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups (micro practice) or Community Practice and Administration (macro practice). Either way, the 63-credit program will span over two years and require the completion of two 200-hour field placements. Students with a BSW degree from an accredited school and 3.2 major GPA could follow the 33-credit Advanced Standing track. The program can also be completed at a distance through the University of Texas at Brownsville partnership.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1201 West University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 665-2413
[email protected]
Program Link
West Texas A&M University
Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
With enrollment of over 9,400 students, West Texas A&M University is a comprehensive four-year public state institution situated on a 176-acre suburban campus in Canyon within just 13 miles south from Amarillo. Featuring a selective acceptance rate of 67 percent, West Texas A&M has been named among Princeton Review's "Best in the West" and Newsweek's "Most Beautiful Colleges." The U.S. News noted WTAMU for having the 119th best online bachelor's degree programs. The Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work is a student-centered scholarly community seeking to better understand the human condition.
B.A./B.S. in Social Work
Leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, the B.A./B.S. in Social Work program at West Texas A&M is fully accredited to produce beginning entry-level generalist practitioners prepared for graduate education. Students are given the requisite background for social workers to effectively assist clients of different cultures in improving quality of life. The 48-credit major fulfills the requirements necessary to become a practicing LBSW in Texas. Two block practicum placements of 225 clock hours apiece are included. Coursework will explore human diversity, social welfare, self-reflection, human behavior, social policy, research methods, counseling, aging, grief, professional ethics, and community planning.
M.S. in Social Work
CSWE-accredited since 2013, the M.S. in Social Work program is available for WTAMU graduates who seek to become advanced generalist practitioners with the professional values to assume leadership as societal change agents. Students focus on building the skills, network, resources, and knowledge for alleviating social and economic injustice in the rural Texas panhandle region. For Advanced Standing, students must have completed a BSW degree in the last six years with a minimum major GPA of 3.0. Advanced Standing students must finish 36 credits, whereas non-BSW students must complete 62 credits. By graduation, students will have acquired at least 900 clock hours of applied field practicum for seamless job transition.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2501 4th Avenue
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-2590
[email protected]
Program Link
Social work is the ideal major for college students wishing to turn their passion for community service into a lifelong career promoting positive societal change. Licensed social workers are given the tremendous opportunity to help diverse people across the lifespan cope with and resolve social problems impacting their daily life. Whether you specialize in child and family, clinical, geriatric, medical, school, mental health, or military social work, you'll be in high demand. The BLS projects that 114,100 new social work jobs will be added through 2022 in the United States for whopping 19 percent employment growth. If you're looking to study in the "Lone Star State," consider one of these accredited social work degrees in Texas to start liberating people for enhanced well-being.
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