The state of Texas has many great options to consider when looking into enrolling in a university program to become a social worker. There are 53 social work programs in Texas that offer either online or on-campus programs to prospective students. Each of these social work programs in Texas are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Due to the number of programs available, you have plenty to choose from when seeing the right program that fits your specific needs and goals. Earning a social work degree in Texas is one excellent step towards a career in a helping profession. If you want to find out more about this rewarding career path and how to obtain the education to get there, this article breaks down the process.
There are 25 schools in Texas with MSW programs, offering you educational opportunities no matter where you live in the state. The average cost of tuition is $11,896, although there are obviously a wide range of tuition costs in the state. Tuition is as low as $1,366 at Texas Southern University. Because of the many different scholarships available in Texas, the average scholarship in the state is $6,014.
Types of Social Worker Degrees in Texas
When you first look into becoming a social worker, you will need to decide on which degree you want to earn. You may be looking into obtaining your first bachelor’s degree, or you may be a seasoned professional who wants to contribute to the field of social work with a PhD. You might even have a career in social work already and want to attend school to increase your income or improve your practice. Regardless, there are many programs where you can obtain the best social work degree in Texas.
Bachelors in Social Work (BSW)
The bachelor’s social work degree in Texas is a program of study that prepares students for general social work practice. Earning this degree is a good option for students who want to go on to pursue their master’s degree and possibly become licensed. The timeline of this degree can take about four years of full time attendance. While attending the bachelor’s degree in social work program, students usually can choose a specialization to focus on. An example of a school in Texas that offer a bachelor’s degree include:
The University of Texas at Austin
This program equips students with skills to become professionals in the social work world. The program requires 122 credit hours of course work and 480 hours of a supervised field internship. It also requires 60 hours of service learning within the community. This provides students with relevant training that will prepare them for careers with the public. Students will begin with foundational courses that take about two years, followed by two years of social work courses. Foundational courses may include, but are not limited to:
- Social work research methods
- Foundations of social justice
- Generalist social work practice
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A master’s degree in social work is the next step for professionals to earn a promotion or higher wage, or become a licensed clinical social worker. This step generally follows earning a bachelor’s degree and can take about two to four years depending on if someone is attending school full-time or part-time. The benefit of earning this degree and becoming licensed is that someone can choose to become a licensed mental health therapist and even go open their own practice. Some master’s level degree programs in Texas include:
Texas State University
TSU offers both full-time and part-time master’s program options as well as standard and advanced standing programs. The advanced standing program is for students who have their bachelor’s degree in social work. Texas also offers these programs online with the same curricula, which allows those who need a more flexible schedule to also receive a high-quality education. Each student that attends this program is eligible for state licensure. The program offers electives such as international social work, adventure therapy, spirituality, and more.
University of Houston
The social work program at UH is intended to teach students to consider the well-being of all and to improve the detrimental effects that unhealthy social environments can have on a community and instead achieve social and economic justice. The program helps social work students develop skills and values to positively influence the behavior of their clients and of the social systems in their community. This university offers a traditional, hybrid, or online msw.
Doctors in Social Work (DSW)
A DSW degree is a social work degree for professionals who want to pursue a higher education beyond the master’s level and want to change social work at a big-picture level. This doctorate degree is ideal for individuals who are interested in getting involved in nonprofits, developing leadership skills, learning more about how to make change in regards to social justice, and more. This degree is different from a PhD, as those with a doctorate in social work are important on a community facing basis. Texas has DSW programs, including:
Angelo State University
The DSW program through ASU is the first doctorate of social work program that was ever offered in Texas. They offer the degree on campus or online to accommodate all kinds of schedule needs. The degree can be customized and help students build skills within their social work practice with groups, families, individuals, and couples. The degree through this program allows graduates to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.
Ph.D. in Social Work (PhD)
A PhD program is intended for masters degree graduates who want to extend their knowledge in the world of social work and become involved in academia and research. A PhD allows professionals to take on leadership and instructor roles, which allows them to change social work as a whole for the future. Texas offers PhD programs in social work, including:
University of Texas at Arlington
The PhD program at UTA is intended to prepare students to become scholars and leaders in the world of social work. Students are taught based on a premise that social welfare must constantly evolve as global societal needs do. The program admits 6-8 applicants at a time, and they study a number of subjects including:
- Health disparities
- Domestic violence
- International social work
- Mental health
- And more
CSWE Accredited Programs in Texas
While choosing what program to attend, it’s important to choose a school that is accredited. Seeking an accredited program is a responsible way to ensure career and academic success in the future. There are many reasons to choose accredited programs, which have been outlined here. Luckily, all of the social work programs in Texas are accredited by the CSWE.
What is CSWE Accreditation?
Accreditation is essentially a guarantee to students and the state that a school or program meets standards for excellent education.The CSWE, or the Council on Social Work Education, is an organization that contains many dedicated social work professionals who want to increase the quality of social work education. The CSWE has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the sole accrediting agency in the United States for social work.
Why is CSWE Accreditation Important?
Accreditation through the CSWE is important because the mission of the organization is to ensure that social work education is always advancing in quality and innovation. Because accreditation is intended to make sure that schools and programs meet certain educational standards, accreditation is a way to prove that the school has done so and is a good choice for those who want to attend, especially those who need to take an exam to earn their social work license.
List of All CSWE Accredited Degrees in Texas
Online Social Work Programs in Texas
Having the option to pursue an online social work master’s degree is a good option for many individuals, and Texas has several programs that allow professionals to do just that. These programs are at the masters degree level, with one school having a doctorate in social work online degree option. The schools with this online option include:
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Texas State University
- University of Houston
- University of Texas at Arlington
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
What Are the Benefits of an Online Social Work Degree?
Taking part in an online program is a great chance for individuals who have a career or family to pursue a higher education who might need an alternative learning method. Additionally, this can be good for those who have a full-time career as a social worker and want to advance their career by going to school.
Those who take part in online social work degree programs in Texas also have the benefit of being able to work at their own pace. However, it is important to note that they may have to complete some of their requirements— such as any licensure internship hours—in-person as opposed to online.
Social Work Licensure in Texas
The process of becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Texas is regulated by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners. This process is very similar to other states. To receive a license in Texas, students must first graduate from a social work program at an accredited university. Afterwards, they must take the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) licensure exam. There is an online licensing system one can use to apply for licensure along with requesting for transcripts to be sent to the council. Once the exam has been taken, the ASWB is responsible for scoring the exam. Assuming all requirements are met, the license is mailed to the newly licensed social worker.
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas
Becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Texas involves several steps that need to be fulfilled to meet requirements for clinical practice. The steps needed for someone to earn their social work license include:
- Earn a master’s level degree in social work.
This degree must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Earning this degree can take two to four years depending on if one is attending school part time or full time.
- Obtain hours of supervised experience.
Texas requires students to complete a supervision plan within 30 days of beginning a new job, and the new job must meet certain clinical duties which include assessing clients as well as diagnosing and treating them. Additionally, the requirements include providing clinical therapy and psychotherapy. The total number of clinical work that must be completed is 3,000 hours over the course of 24-40 months, with at least 100 supervised hours.
- Submit an “upgrade of licensure” application.
After completing supervised hours, applicants should submit this application upgrade form, also known as Form A. Other materials included within this application include:
- Transcripts from the master’s degree program
- Social work employment history
- Verification of supervision experience
- Security information acknowledgement examination
- Proof that online jurisprudence exam has been completed
- A copy of photo ID
- Take the ASWB Clinical Exam.
Once the application has been approved by the state board, the candidate may take the exam. Candidates are allowed to take this exam up to three times with a 90 day waiting period in between. However, after three attempts, students must wait a year to reapply for licensure. Students must also pay the fee to take the exam, which was $260 as of March 2020.
- Receive your license.
Finally, if the exam is passed, the clinical social work license will be received from the board. The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners is responsible for scoring the exam within two weeks.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in Texas?
The length of time it takes to become a licensed social worker in Texas can depend on a number of factors, including how far you are in your education when you begin as well as if you decide to attend full time or part time.
Assuming you have no education, the timeline may take up to eight years including the required supervised hours of work experience needed to take the license exam.
However, by the time many people are considering earning a license, they already have their bachelor’s degree. In that case, it can take around 3-4 years to earn a license (once again including internship hours).
Does Texas Have Social Work Licensure Reciprocity?
Texas technically doesn’t have formal reciprocity for out-of-state applicants. However, the applicants who are licensed in another state and come to Texas may have the option to submit a licensure verification form if the applicant meets specific requirements.
Social Work Salary & Job Outlook in Texas
The average salary of social workers in Texas can vary widely depending on the city in which they live and the type of work they take part in. Other factors that contribute to the average salary include the number of years one has been in practice or what certificates they might have.
Social Worker Salary in Texas
In Texas, the average salary of a social worker is about $52,226 per year, with the salaries ranging from as low as $35,754 to as high as $76,286. This range is so high because Texas is such a large state. However, these salaries may vary even more depending on the type of degree that the social worker has.
BSW Average Salary in Texas
The average salary for a social worker with a bachelor’s degree is about $60,602 per year. The salary range can vary, falling between $54,166 to $67,603. A social worker with a bachelor’s degree is usually considered a generalist social worker and is usually in high demand, and is also an entry-level social worker.
MSW Average Salary in Texas
The average salary for a social worker with a master’s degree is about $67,347 per year. The salary range can vary, falling between $60,839 and $74,288. Social workers with this degree have more opportunity for career advancement and leadership roles due to their higher level of advanced education.
LCSW Average Salary in Texas
The average salary for a licensed clinical social worker in Texas is $74,824 per year. The salary range can vary, falling between $69,025 and $83,149. Licensed clinical social workers have a high level of opportunity for career advancement because they can practice therapy with clients by opening their own private practice.
DSW Average Salary in Texas
The average salary for someone with a doctorate or PhD in social work may vary due to the various careers someone may choose with these advanced degrees. However, one example of a career that one may choose is a professor. The average salary for a professor of social work in Texas is about $100,532 with the salary ranging from $81,755 and $143,259.
Social Worker Job Outlook in Texas
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the job outlook for social workers is expected to grow about 9% over the next decade. This projection is for social work careers over the entirety of the United States, as specific job outlook information for Texas is unavailable.
Popular Social Work Careers in Texas
Texas offers the opportunity of many choices for a social work career due to the large population and diverse areas of the state. There are three main areas of social work which include child/family social workers, medical/public health social workers, and mental health/substance abuse social workers. Some of these positions that can be pursued within Texas include:
- Substance Use and Recovery Treatment Counselor
- Median salary: $42,170
- This career involves the difficult but rewarding process of working with clients to achieve sobriety and work through the steps to maintain it. This career path is an excellent path to go down for those who always want their career to be in high demand as drug treatment programs are becoming an alternative to jail for many offenders more and more over the years.
- Foster Care Social Worker
- Median salary: $42,350
- Social workers in this career are responsible for working with children who are involved with the foster care system by advocating for them and ensuring that they are being cared for. This is a difficult job as well, but rewarding and also in high demand.
What is the Typical Cost of a Social Work Program in Texas?
The cost of social work programs in Texas depends on the program and university. Some of these costs may include various fees, but some can be lowered by living at home and other cost lowering options. Some examples of how much each degree may cost are outlined below.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work: $4,212 per 12 credit hours for Texas residents.
- Master’s degree in social work: $3,669 per 9 credit hours for Texas residents.
- Doctorate degree in social work: $1,195 per credit hour.
Social Work Scholarships
Because social work is in such high demand, there are many organizations willing to offer scholarships to prospective students. Some of the websites that offer scholarships to those pursuing social work degrees include:
- Scholarships360— This website allows you to create a specific profile that matches your educational and scholarship needs.
Even though it isn’t specifically for social work, it is important to also mention the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application determines if students are able to receive grants or loans based on their income, number of family members, and other factors. This is a great initial first step when looking for financial aid for college, as some students can end up with much of the costs covered or loans with lower interest rates than they may have otherwise been able to find.
Key Social Work Areas in Texas
Like the rest of the United States, Texas has the need for social workers. Social workers are beneficial for handling social justice issues and a number of complex situations within family systems to attempt to improve the lives of others. One area in which social workers are needed in Texas is child, family and school social workers, because the job demand is growing at a rate of 16.1%. Comparatively, the estimated projection on a national level is 14.2%.
One reason for this may be that Texas nearly last on one report for child wellbeing, which included measures of health, education, and economic well-being.This may reflect overall issues of poverty, and it also demonstrates an issue with uninsured families, as more than 81,000 children do not have health insurance.
The training that social workers go through helps them get to the bottom of what causes these issues and the education helps them work with the wide populations that may be struggling. General social workers at a bachelor’s level can be a family’s advocate and assist them with navigating social systems that may feel built against them. Clinical social workers can help families cope with the difficulties that come along with circumstances that cause poverty and mental health issues.
Schools in Texas Offering Masters in Social Work Programs
Abilene Christian University
(Abilene, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $26,770 Tuition Cost
- $10,169 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Baylor University
(Waco, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $30,586 Tuition Cost
- $15,500 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Lamar University
(Beaumont, TX)
- Masters in Community and Social Psychology
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- $5,940 Tuition Cost
- $2,261 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Lubbock Christian University
(Lubbock, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- $16,350 Tuition Cost
- $5,355 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Our Lady of the Lake University-San Antonio
(San Antonio, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $22,920 Tuition Cost
- $11,007 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Prairie View A & M University
(Prairie View, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- $4,314 Tuition Cost
- $6,314 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Saint Edward’s University
(Austin, TX)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $30,710 Tuition Cost
- $16,050 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
St. Mary’s University
(San Antonio, TX)
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $23,600 Tuition Cost
- $12,580 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Stephen F Austin State University
(Nacogdoches, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,605 Tuition Cost
- $3,642 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Rural Campus Setting
Texas A & M International University
(Laredo, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,504 Tuition Cost
- $2,237 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Texas A & M University-Commerce
(Commerce, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,790 Tuition Cost
- $5,058 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
(Kingsville, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,366 Tuition Cost
- $3,367 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Texas Southern University
(Houston, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $1,399 Tuition Cost
- $8,383 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Texas State University-San Marcos
(San Marcos, TX)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,642 Tuition Cost
- $3,412 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Texas Tech University
(Lubbock, TX)
- Masters in Housing and Human Development
- $4,862 Tuition Cost
- $3,481 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Texas Woman’s University
(Denton, TX)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $4,124 Tuition Cost
- $2,385 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas at Arlington
(Arlington, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $8,878 Tuition Cost
- $5,022 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas at Austin
(Austin, TX)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $9,790 Tuition Cost
- $4,326 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas at Dallas
(Richardson, TX)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $10,666 Tuition Cost
- $10,437 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas at El Paso
(El Paso, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,565 Tuition Cost
- $3,553 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas at San Antonio
(San Antonio, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,742 Tuition Cost
- $2,185 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
The University of Texas-Pan American
(Edinburg, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,168 Tuition Cost
- $2,581 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of Houston
(Houston, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $7,176 Tuition Cost
- $5,031 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of North Texas
(Denton, TX)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $6,187 Tuition Cost
- $3,816 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
West Texas A & M University
(Canyon, TX)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $4,370 Tuition Cost
- $2,190 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting