Best MSW Programs in Texas 2025: Online & Campus Degrees
In the vibrant landscape of higher education, Texas stands as a beacon for individuals seeking advanced studies in social work. With a diverse array of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, the Lone Star State offers a rich tapestry of educational opportunities for aspiring social workers. From bustling urban centers to serene rural communities, Texas universities provide a dynamic learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary society. Embarking on a journey through MSW programs in Texas promises academic excellence and fosters a deep sense of commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Texas
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX - Public 4-Year - angelo.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Angelo State University's Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares passionate professionals for dynamic careers in social services. Students can choose between Advanced Generalist and Clinical Practice concentrations, gaining comprehensive skills through immersive instruction and practical field experiences. The flexible online and on-campus formats accommodate diverse learning needs. Graduates are equipped to pursue licensure as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), entering a field projected to grow 30% through 2030.
- 100% online or on-campus
- Advanced Standing option available
- CSWE accredited program
- Two practice specializations
- Summer study abroad opportunity
- National program rankings
- Small class sizes
- Licensed faculty
- 12-month completion possible
- Multiple career pathway options
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Angelo State University offers a comprehensive Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program designed to prepare advanced practitioners for diverse social work careers. Students can choose between Advanced Generalist Practice and Clinical Practice concentrations, with flexible online and on-campus options. The program leads to licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Graduates can complete the degree in as little as 12 months with Advanced Standing, benefiting from immersive instruction, field education placements, and potential international study opportunities.
- 100% online or on-campus
- Advanced Standing option
- CSWE accredited program
- Two specialization tracks
- Summer study abroad
- Small class sizes
- National program rankings
- Licensed faculty
- Licensure preparation
- Career demand through 2030
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX - Public 4-Year - pvamu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Medical Social Work - Online Learning - Visit Website
Prairie View A&M University's Master of Social Work (MSW) offers a unique clinical program specializing in medical and behavioral health, with a distinctive Africentric perspective. This innovative degree prepares advanced practitioners to address healthcare disparities and social challenges through evidence-based interventions. Tailored for both BSW graduates and professionals from other disciplines, the program provides comprehensive training in clinical social work, enabling graduates to pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation while addressing complex societal issues.
- Only HBCU MSW program in Texas
- Medical and Behavioral Health specializations
- Advanced Standing option available
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Traditional and Part-time formats
- Supervised internship opportunities
- Focus on healthcare social work
- Africentric learning environment
- Statistics course prerequisite
- CSWE-aligned curriculum
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Behavioral Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Prairie View A&M University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a transformative educational journey for aspiring social work professionals. Uniquely positioned as the only HBCU MSW program in Texas, it provides specialized training in medical and behavioral health with a powerful Africentric perspective. Students gain advanced clinical skills through innovative internships, preparing them for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) designation while addressing critical health disparities in diverse communities.
- Clinical MSW Program
- Medical and Behavioral Health Specializations
- HBCU Unique Program
- LCSW Certification Track
- 2.75 Minimum GPA Required
- Traditional and Advanced Standing Options
- Statistics Course Prerequisite
- Supervised Internship Opportunities
- Healthcare Social Work Focus
- Africentric Learning Environment
Baylor University
Waco, TX - Private 4-year - baylor.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Baylor University's Master of Social Work program offers a transformative educational journey for aspiring social workers. Located in Waco, this comprehensive program prepares students for impactful careers through collaborative coursework, meaningful internships, and a social justice-focused curriculum. Students can choose between Clinical Practice and Community Practice specializations, with options for Advanced Standing (30 credit hours) or Standard Program (58 credit hours). The program costs $875 per credit hour and provides unique opportunities like dual degree options with Truett Seminary and the Hankamer School of Business.
- MSW in Waco, Texas
- Two practice specializations
- $875 per credit hour
- Advanced Standing available
- Dual degree options
- 30-58 credit hours
- Clinical and community tracks
- Practicum education included
- Social justice curriculum
- Licensure preparation
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Baylor University's Master of Social Work program offers a transformative educational experience in the heart of Waco, preparing students to become compassionate and skilled social work professionals. With two specialization tracks—Clinical Practice and Community Practice—students can tailor their learning to their career goals. The program provides comprehensive coursework, meaningful internships, and a social justice curriculum. Advanced standing options allow BSW graduates to complete the degree in as few as 12 months, while the standard program typically takes two years. Tuition is competitively priced at $875 per credit hour, with various financial aid opportunities available.
- Two MSW specialization tracks
- Advanced standing: 12 months
- Standard program: 58 credit hours
- Tuition: $875 per credit hour
- Clinical and community practice focus
- Dual degree options available
- Practicum education included
- Faith-integrated curriculum
- Located in downtown Waco
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Baylor University's Online Master of Social Work (MSW) empowers passionate professionals to transform lives through comprehensive, faith-integrated social work education. With flexible 16-24-32 month tracks and an advanced standing option for BSW graduates, this program combines cutting-edge mental health training and social justice principles. Students benefit from 100% virtual coursework, localized internships, and specialized concentrations in clinical and community practice. Tuition is competitively priced at $1,100 per credit hour, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.
- Online 100% virtual program
- 16-32 month flexible tracks
- Advanced standing option
- Clinical and community specializations
- $1,100 per credit hour
- Localized internship placements
- Mental health and social justice focus
- Summer 2025 application deadline: March 24
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, TX - Public 4-Year - utpb.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Texas Permian Basin's online Master of Social Work (MSW) empowers students to become skilled clinical social workers specializing in healthcare and rural settings. This comprehensive two-year program prepares professionals to address complex social challenges through evidence-based interventions, cultural competence, and advanced practice techniques. Students gain hands-on experience through 900 practicum hours, learn innovative research methods, and develop skills in healthcare, group work, and specialized populations. With no GRE requirement, a competitive tuition of $25,414.35, and flexible online learning, this program offers a transformative pathway for aspiring social work professionals seeking to make meaningful community impacts.
- 100% Online Program
- No GRE Required
- 65 Total Credits
- 900 Practicum Hours
- 12:1 Student-Faculty Ratio
- Rural Social Work Focus
- Healthcare Settings Emphasis
- LMSW/LCSW Exam Prep
- Tuition: $25,414.35
- Admission GPA: 3.0+
- Application Fee: $40
- Fall 2025 Deadline: 8/11/25
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Online Learning - Visit Website
Unlock your potential in social work with the University of Texas Permian Basin's online Master of Social Work program. Designed for passionate professionals, this comprehensive degree prepares you to excel in clinical social work, especially in rural healthcare settings. With no GRE required, the program offers flexible online learning, personalized faculty attention, and robust field practicum experiences. Students gain advanced skills in evidence-based interventions, healthcare collaboration, and ethical practice while exploring critical topics like social justice, mental health, and diverse population dynamics. Ideal for those seeking to make meaningful community impact, the program costs approximately $25,414 and provides comprehensive preparation for professional licensure.
- Online MSW program
- No GRE required
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio
- 900 total practicum hours
- 65 total credit program
- LMSW/LCSW exam prep
- Healthcare settings focus
- Rural practice emphasis
- Tuition ~$25,414
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - tcu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health and Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Christian University's Master of Social Work program prepares highly skilled, culturally responsive advanced generalist practitioners for diverse social work settings. Offering two specialization tracks in health/mental health and children/families, the program provides comprehensive training through flexible hybrid learning options. Students can choose between traditional 60-hour and advanced standing 30-hour programs, with full-time students completing their degree in nine months to two years. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, trauma-informed approaches, and leadership in addressing social inequities.
- No GRE Required
- Two Specialization Tracks
- 30-60 Credit Hour Options
- Full/Part-Time Enrollment
- Hybrid Learning Format
- Advanced Standing Available
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Transfers Up to 10 Credits
- Dual Degree Opportunities
- Trauma-Informed Curriculum
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children and Families - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Christian University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares advanced-generalist practitioners to excel in diverse settings. Students can choose specialized tracks in health and mental health or children and families. The flexible program offers traditional and advanced standing paths, with full-time students completing the degree in nine months to two years. No GRE is required, and the hybrid format allows for online course flexibility. Graduates emerge as culturally responsive leaders equipped to drive social change and transform communities.
- MSW with two specialization tracks
- No GRE required for admission
- 30-60 credit hour options
- Full-time completion: 9-24 months
- Hybrid learning format available
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
- Traditional path for other majors
- Up to 4 online courses option
- Accepts 10 transfer credits
- Dual degree opportunities
- Trauma-informed approach
- Micro, mezzo, macro practice focus
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Christian University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips students to become advanced-generalist practitioners prepared for diverse professional settings. The curriculum focuses on developing culturally-responsive social workers capable of addressing complex social challenges through trauma-informed approaches. Students can specialize in health/mental health or children and families, with flexible program options including traditional, advanced standing, and hybrid formats. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, research, and mentorship to cultivate leaders who can drive meaningful social change at multiple practice levels.
- No GRE Required
- Advanced Standing Option: 30 Credit Hours
- Traditional Program: 60 Credit Hours
- Full-time Students Complete in 9-24 Months
- Hybrid Online/Campus Learning
- Two Specialization Tracks Available
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Up to 10 Transfer Credits Accepted
- Dual Degree Options with Divinity School
- Trauma-Informed Practice Emphasis
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Texas
Texas Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Students who have not completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree will need to enter into a traditional MSW program, which supplies them with all of the necessary training they’ll need to become social workers. They must also commit to two years and complete 60 credits to graduate. The admissions process will involve submitting an application along with the following:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
Texas Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you’re looking for a fast-tracked option, the Advanced-Standing MSW program is available for students who have graduated from a BSW program and have maintained a 3.5 GPA or higher. The rest of the admissions requirements are the same as the traditional MSW program. Here are a few options available in Texas:
- Texas State University – visit site
- Texas A & M University – visit site
- University of Houston – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Texas MSW Program Tuition and Costs
As you can see below, the tuition costs associated with MSW degrees in Texas can vary significantly, but generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $382 and $1,000 per credit as a resident. Non-residents of Texas can expect to pay between $790 and $1,800 per credit.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Texas | $470 (Resident) $902 (Non-resident) | 60 | $28,216 (Resident) $54,132 (Non-resident) |
| Texas State University | $1,000 (Resident) $1,820 (Non-resident) | 62 | $62,000 (Resident) $112,840 (Non-resident) |
| Texas A & M University | $382 (Resident) $790 (Non-resident) | 57 | $21,751 (Resident) $45,007 (Non-resident) |
Are Online MSW Programs in Texas as Good as Campus-Based?
MSW programs in Texas take on all kinds of shapes and sizes. Many students have been drawn to online formats due to their flexibility, but some still prefer a more intimate on-campus format. Either way, you can obtain a world-class education no matter what program delivery method you choose. Here are the various differences between the two:
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Texas
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
Regardless of your format, you’ll need to ensure that your MSW program is accredited. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is responsible for accrediting all social work programs in the US. If a program is accredited by them (and most are), you’ll see it mentioned on the program website.
Learn more about Social Work Degree options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Texas Social Work License
To get licensed as a social worker in Texas, there are several steps you’ll need to take to meet the state requirements. It’s important to fully understand the regulations in Texas, as all states have their own licensure guidelines. Learn how to get a social work license in our comprehensive guide.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Texas
Abilene, TX
Abilene Christian University
- Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Website
- COAMFTE-accredited online program
- 60 credit hours, 33 months
- $799 per credit hour
- 5 unique concentrations
- Prepares for national licensure
- 100+ internship supervision hours
- Christ-centered learning environment
- Flexible online format
- Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma - Online Learning - Website
- COAMFTE-accredited online program
- 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
- 5 unique concentration tracks
- $799 per credit hour
- 100+ hours supervised internship
- Prepare for national licensure exam
- Christ-centered learning approach
- Flexible online format
- Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Website
- COAMFTE-accredited online program
- 60 credit hours, 33 months
- Multiple therapy concentrations
- Cost: $799/credit hour
- 100+ internship supervision hours
- Prepares for national licensing exam
- Christ-centered learning environment
- Flexible online format
- Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Therapy with Military Families - Online Learning - Website
- 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
- Online flexible learning format
- Five specialized concentrations
- $799 per credit hour
- 33-month minimum completion time
- 100+ hours supervised internship
- Prepares for national licensure exam
- Christ-centered educational approach
Hardin-Simmons University
- Master's - Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- 700 Clinical Experience Hours
- LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
- 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
- Fall/Spring Admission Options
- Interview Required for Admission
- Multiple Mental Health Credentials
Belton, TX
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling - Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CACREP-accredited program
- 60 total credit hours
- Counseling core: 36 hours
- Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
- Clinical instruction: 9 hours
- Comprehensive exam required
- Prepares for LMFT licensure
- Multiple specialized counseling courses
Dallas, TX
Southern Methodist University
- Master's - M.S. in Counseling
Concentration: School Counselor - Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Three-year full-time completion
- Personal interview required
- State licensure preparation
- Specialized counseling tracks
- Clinical practicum included
- Multiple specialization options
- Diverse course offerings
- Master's - M.S. in Counseling
Concentration: Licensed Professional Counselor - Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Three-year completion option
- State licensure preparation
- Diverse counseling specializations
- Supervised clinical practicum
- Multiple concentration tracks
- Comprehensive admission process
- Interview required for admission
- Master's - M.S. in Counseling
Concentration: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- 3-year full-time completion
- Personal interview required
- Multiple specialization areas
- Supervised clinical practicum
- Licensure preparation track
- Diverse course offerings
- Flexible six-year maximum completion
Denton, TX
Texas Woman's University
- Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Website
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 3-Year Typical Completion
- 100% National Exam Pass Rate
- No GRE Required
- Thesis Research Option
- Texas State Licensure Prep
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15
Fort Worth, TX
Texas Wesleyan University
- Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science in MFT
- 6-hour and 9-hour plans
- Research methods course
- MFT Practicum included
- Located in Fort Worth, TX
- Graduate Counseling Program
- Professional licensure preparation
Garland, TX
Amberton University
- Master's - Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Classroom and online courses
- Cost: $300 per credit
- Texas LMFT licensure preparation
- Next term starts 3/15/25
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Counseling skills practicum
- Focused on marriage/family therapy
Houston, TX
Houston Christian University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour graduate coursework
- 100% online and residential
- Leads to MFT licensure
- 700 hours practicum/internship
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Texas licensure compliant
- Comprehensive exam required
- National exam preparation
Killeen, TX
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
- Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- On-campus program
- 60 credit hours total
- COAMFTE accredited
- Fall admission July 1st
- Spring admission November 1st
- Summer admission April 1st
- Practicum in community settings
- Prepares for MFT licensure
Lubbock, TX
Lubbock Christian University
- Doctorate - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour master's degree program
- Faith-inspired therapeutic learning
- Experienced faculty mentorship
- Small class sizes
- Clinical internship opportunities
- Research engagement possibilities
- Comprehensive professional development
- Requires bachelor's degree
Texas Tech University
- Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Website
- Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
- Accredited since 1981
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% licensure exam success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Licensure hours count in Texas
- Research spans diverse topics
- Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nationally largest graduate faculty
- Accredited since 1981
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Extensive clinical training
- Research covering diverse topics
- Licensure hours in Texas
- Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree
Concentration: Family resiliency during health care crises - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based Master's program
- Strong clinical focus
- Large marriage therapy faculty
- Addictions treatment specialization
- Licensure exam preparation
- Research publication opportunities
- State certification compliant
- Practical career development
- Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree
Concentration: Treatment of addictions - Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based Master's degree program
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
- Unique addiction treatment focus
- Strong clinical training opportunities
- Research publication possibilities
- Large marriage and family therapy faculty
- State certification eligible program
- Specialized research areas available
- Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Campus Based - Website
- Ph.D. program fully accredited
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Research spans diverse topics
- Strong clinical practice focus
- Supervised therapy experience
- Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based Master's degree program
- Licensure preparation for LMFT
- Specialized addiction treatment focus
- Research and publication opportunities
- Large, experienced faculty group
- Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
- Prepares for doctoral studies
- Meets Texas state certification requirements
San Antonio, TX
Our Lady of the Lake University
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Website
- 60 semester hour program
- COAMFTE accredited concentration
- Multiple campus locations: San Antonio, RGV, Houston
- Meets Texas MFT licensure requirements
- GPA requirement: 2.50 overall or 3.00 last 60 hours
- 12 psychology undergraduate hours prerequisite
- Fall admission deadline: April 1st
- Criminal background check required
- Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Website
- 60-credit hour program
- Three-year completion time
- COAMFTE accredited
- Meets LMFT licensure requirements
- Saturday course schedule
- Small group learning pods
- Strengths-based therapy approach
- Multiple therapy model training
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
- Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Master of Arts
Campus Based - Website
- 60-hour counseling degree program
- Meets LPC academic requirements
- Serves San Antonio community
- Diverse population counseling focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- 100 hours clinical experience
- Practicum and internship included
- Professional ethics emphasis
