phd social work schools in texas

2023-2024 Academic Catalog

Social work, ph.d..

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires a minimum of 51 hours of course work plus 9 hours of dissertation and is designed to prepare academic and professional leaders in social work.  The course work schedule is sensitive to the professional demands of adult learners, making it possible for students to remain in their current location and employment, if they choose to do so. The main goal guiding the curriculum of this innovative program is to develop leaders and educators who can lead visionary social work education or service programs and conduct original research addressing the complex social issues of our world. The program provides a distinct focus on the integration of religion and faith with the ethics, values, and practices of the social work profession.

The Online Program Design

The curriculum is designed to be taught primarily in an online classroom using high definition videoconferencing technology. Each cohort of students will begin classes in May to early June with a required four- to five-day session on campus in Waco, Texas, to enable students and faculty to get to know each other and to introduce the coursework of the program. Throughout the program students will attend classes in a synchronous-format, online classroom on a weekly basis. Classes will meet on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. CST.

Admission to Doctoral Program

Admission to the Graduate School of Baylor University and the PhD program in Social Work is conducted by formal application. Students are admitted every other year through a highly selective admissions process. The committee selects students who have a clear interest in developing theory, policy, and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work, a superior academic record in all previous work, and maturity, intellectual ability, and readiness for doctoral study. The doctoral committee will specifically look at the critical factors below that are deemed important for success in graduate studies. Documents with information about these factors are part of the application process.

Admissions Process

All applicants must submit an application fee to the Graduate School. Options for submitting payment will be presented when you submit your online application. When the electronic application is submitted, an email is immediately sent to the applicant with instructions about paying the application fee.

The following items must be submitted/completed as part of your online application to the Baylor University Graduate School:

• Applicants must complete the exam with an earned grade of B or better. There are modules that can be used as a refresher for students prior to taking the exam. The modules and exam are free for students.
• A passing grade on the statistics exam is required in order for an application to be considered complete.
• The GRE is not required.
• Explains your motivation for and expectations of doctoral education in social work
• Includes particular assets that you would bring to the school and to the profession as well as areas in which you would most like to grow academically and professionally
• Specifies your areas of academic and research interests
• Describes briefly your understanding of integration of faith and ethical social work practice, supported by existing literature
• Demonstrates scholarship potential
• Published article, book chapter, or excerpt from a published work
• Unpublished research report
• A paper written in a graduate level course
• Grant application that includes significant reflective writing
• Policy analysis
• A 7-10 page paper on a topic of interest to the applicant that is written specifically as the writing sample for the application.

Resumé or Curriculum Vitae Include a list of publications and professional presentations.

Degree Bearing Transcripts from Previously Attended Universities A Master of Social Work from a CSWE accredited program is preferred but not required. Applicants without an MSW will be considered if they have exceptionally strong credentials, a master's degree in a related field, and experience working in social service settings. Exceptions may also be made for applicants from countries without university accreditation but with exceptionally strong credentials. The Graduate School requires applicants to submit transcripts from every institution which has granted a bachelor's degree and higher. Transcripts should indicate the degree granted. If the transcript does not list the degree and date conferred, applicants must also submit a proof of degree (certificate, diploma, etc.).

Three letters of recommendation At least two references should come from academic faculty who can attest to the applicant’s superior ability and potential. A third reference should come from a supervisor, director, or someone that could provide insight into the applicant’s ability and achievement in social work to date.

• English proficiency exam (foreign national and permanent resident applicants) English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores are valid for two years from the time the test is taken.

Upon review of all the information, faculty teaching in the PhD program may contact prospective students for a personal interview. This interview will be of sufficient length to allow the applicant as well as the faculty to make an informed decision about admission.

Faith in Practice

Teaching and leadership, dissertation, ph.d. program - standard plan.

Students can complete their electives at any point in the program of study.  Students will be required to take one elective course which focuses on enhancing their research skills (statistics or methods).  The PhD Program Director must approve all electives.

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must present an acceptable dissertation on a problem in the field of their major subject. The dissertation must give evidence that the candidate has pursued a program of research, the results of which reveal scholarly competence and a significant contribution to knowledge.

The PhD Dissertation will focus on a single cohesive theme, consist of one document, and have a single defense. The dissertation document consists of five chapters: an introductory chapter, three publishable articles, and a final chapter that integrates the document into a coherent whole. Each article must include a substantive review of the literature, and one of the articles may be a Systematic Research Synthesis of the literature. Two articles will incorporate data from the student’s research with one article using findings from quantitative analysis and the other findings from qualitative analysis. The final article can be a theoretical or an additional research article.

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2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

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2022-2023 Diana R. Garland School of Social Work Catalog

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Doctor of Social Work Programs in Texas

1-4 of 4 results

Steve Hicks School of Social Work

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

Graduate School

University of Texas - Austin ,

Graduate School ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Baylor University Graduate School •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed the program itself and how it was structured. However a situation occurred that was not handled well and had I known that was how the school would react I would not have attend the program. ... Read 3 reviews

Blue checkmark.

Baylor University Graduate School ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says I enjoyed the program itself and how it was structured. However a situation occurred that was not handled well and had I known that was how the school would react I would not have attend the program. .

Read 3 reviews.

Graduate College of Social Work - University of Houston

Houston, TX •

University of Houston •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Master's student: The academic program is rather good at the University of Houston. I have three social work classes and they are robust and full of great information. The choices of classes at UH is very good and allows students to follow their academic path and find classes that fit their program. The advisors at UH are on top of things and are always able and willing to help. I would honestly say that UH is a great place for academics! ... Read 3 reviews

University of Houston ,

HOUSTON, TX ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says The academic program is rather good at the University of Houston. I have three social work classes and they are robust and full of great information. The choices of classes at UH is very good and... .

Houston Christian University School of Humanities

Houston Christian University •

Graduate School •

HOUSTON, TX

Schreiner University

KERRVILLE, TX

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   14

Houston Christian University

• • Rating 4.17 out of 5   24

University of Texas - Arlington School of Social Work

Arlington, TX •

University of Texas - Arlington •

• • Rating 3.33 out of 5   18 reviews

Master's Student: The University overall is alright; I enjoy its investment in mental health care. However, I wish the staff was more helpful and looked for answers rather than expecting students to figure it out independently. ... Read 18 reviews

University of Texas - Arlington ,

ARLINGTON, TX ,

18 Niche users give it an average review of 3.3 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The University overall is alright; I enjoy its investment in mental health care. However, I wish the staff was more helpful and looked for answers rather than expecting students to figure it out... .

Read 18 reviews.

College of Business & Communication - Concordia University - Texas

Concordia University - Texas •

Houston Christian University School of Nursing and Allied Health

Houston Christian University School of Fine Arts

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1

Showing results 1 through 4 of 4

School of Social Work

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Ph.D. In Social Work Admissions

Thank you for your interest in applying for the PhD Program in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington. The deadline to apply to the program for Fall 2024 has now passed.

Helpful Links and Contact Information

All new PhD students start in the fall semesters only.   We only have a full-time PhD program at this time.   Full-time PhD students receive funding for three years through a combination of tuition payment, fellowship awards and stipends for graduate assistants and graduate teaching assistants. See FAQs  for more information. School of Social Work PhD Admissions requirements can be found on the following website:

For additional information contact the School of Social Work’s Admissions Office at 817-272-1044 or email [email protected]

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Get In Touch with SSW Admissions

Poco Kernsmith , PhD Professor and PhD Program Director [email protected]

Monisa Caldwell Administrative Assistant I 817-272-3921 [email protected]

Questions About School of Social Work Admissions?

Get information about School of Social Work Academic Programs, Admissions Requirements, Complete Future Student Interest Form, and more.

Address School of Social Work Box 19129 501 W. Mitchell Street Arlington, TX 76019-0129

Phone (Local): 817-272-3181 | (Toll Free): 866-272-3181 Fax : 817-272-5229

The School of Social Work Admissions office is located in Suite 203 in the Social Work and Smart Hospital Building (501 W. Mitchell Street, Arlington, TX 76019).

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Clinical Social Work D.S.W.

• Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) in Clinical Social Work

Develop advanced clinical practice skills in our unique program that is the first D.S.W. offered in Texas. 

In our wide-ranging clinical social work doctoral program, you can tailor your degree plan to build individual, couples, family and group practice skills, taking advantage of the capstone project and internships for comprehensive learning and hands-on experience. You can also complete your degree on campus or 100% online.

This degree equips you with advanced knowledge, skills and abilities to assess, diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, conditions and addictions in adults, adolescents and children. You will also be prepared for higher education and leadership opportunities.

Get More Information

Contact Information

Our D.S.W. in Clinical Social Work degree is a MEMBER of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE).

CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA) is currently piloting the accreditation of professional practice doctoral programs. Although there are currently no CSWE-BOA accredited professional practice doctoral programs, in June 2020, CSWE-BOA approved and adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work . The D.S.W. Program in Clinical Social Work at Angelo State University has adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work and is prepared to undergo accreditation once it becomes available. For information about professional practice doctoral program accreditation and the current pilot, please visit the Council on Social Work Education website .

Program Details

Admission requirements, degree plan and courses, d.s.w. in clinical social work.

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Course Descriptions

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All the faculty for the D.S.W. program hold doctoral degrees and are licensed clinical social workers.

Our faculty are also dedicated to delivering the best possible learning experience, whether it’s on campus or online. Plus, our small class sizes mean you get the individual attention you deserve.

Paying for College

Tuition & Fees We don’t sacrifice quality for affordability. Angelo State is committed to helping you achieve your educational goals will as little debt as possible.

ASU Distinguished Graduate Scholarships Earn our premier graduate scholarship based on your highest degree GPA. Once you are admitted to an ASU graduate program, you will automatically be considered. No application is necessary.

General Scholarships We offer over 600 different types of scholarships. You can apply for both our general scholarships and degree-specific scholarships with one application.

What Can You Do With a D.S.W. Degree?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow by 18% over the next 10 years.

Additionally, the Health Resources and Service Administration reports that while many social workers are trained at the master’s degree level, a 30% increase in the number of master’s and doctoral-level social workers will be needed to meet the demand by 2030.

Our D.S.W. program prepares you to meet the needs of the community you serve as a licensed clinical social worker.

• <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “It’s amazing how they designed the D.S.W. program. This is a clear path from B.S.W. to M.S.W. to D.S.W. It opens the door for other students to come here, and it’s a one-stop shop.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/iamangelo/felicia.php">Felicia Garcia</a></strong>, Class of 2023, Social Work</p> </blockquote>
• <blockquote class="quote-block--simple"> <p> “The social work professors are amazing and will do anything for their students.”</p> <p class="blockquote-author"><strong><a href="/iamangelo/felicia.php">Felicia Garcia</a></strong>, Class of 2023, Social Work</p> </blockquote>

Why Earn My D.S.W. Degree at Angelo State?

Extensive Internship Program

Our on-campus students can take advantage of a wide array of clinical internship opportunities with local and area agencies and practitioners. We also contract for internship opportunities for our online students in their home areas. Internships in social work higher education can be completed on campus as adjunct ASU faculty members.

Teaching Practicum

In addition to internships and the capstone project, you will participate in a Teaching Practicum that gives you even more valuable first-hand experience. You will be paid a Teaching Assistant (TA) stipend as you teach social work courses, either on campus or online, under the mentorship of our doctoral-degree faculty.

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Committed to Your Success

Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree, doctoral degree or certificate/certification, you have access to all the services in our College of Graduate Studies and Research . You’ll find information and resources for everything from registering for classes and writing a thesis – to available graduate/teaching assistantships and graduate research opportunities.

If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.

Go as a Ram.

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• Graduate College of Social Work

Dual Degree Programs

Several collaborative degree programs are available that enrich the options and opportunities available to our students. Dual degree programs allow students to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to complete them sequentially. Students interested in this option must be admitted separately to each of the programs and admission to one has no official bearing on admission to the other. Since admission to two programs is required, interested persons are encouraged to begin their application process early. In addition, it is recommended that students plan to complete the dual degree options as a full-time student.

Options for dual degrees include:

University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work and the Hobby Center for Public Policy offer a concurrent degree program that prepares students for professional practice in social welfare policy arenas. This concurrent degree program enables students to pair the quantitative and ethics-oriented approach to policy analysis offered by the MPP program with the substantive policy and practical training in health and human service-related domains offered by the MSW program.

Students must apply and be admitted separately by each program. All students must apply to the second program no later than the end of their first year in the first program. It will take approximately three years of full-time study to complete the coursework for both degrees.

Both programs require an internship component. The internship requirement for both programs can be met through completion of the required field practicum hours through the GCSW. Students pursuing this concurrent degree are eligible to apply to participate in the Graduate College of Social Work’s Austin Legislative Internship Program .

Learn more about the MPP Program

Applicants without a master’s degree in social work, or with a master’s degree in another field, may pursue a program of study that leads to both the MSW and the PhD degrees. Students are prepared to teach, participate in research, and hold high level positions in administration upon graduation from the dual program. Applicants must submit separate applications and fees to both programs.

Upon acceptance into this full-time program, it will take approximately 3 1⁄2 years to complete the dual MSW/PhD coursework with up to an additional two (2) years allotted for completion of the doctoral dissertation. The GRE is not required for either program. It is preferred that MSW/PhD dual degree students spend their first year focused on MSW coursework. The second year combines courses from both programs, with the remaining 2+ years exclusively in PhD coursework.

Sample degree plan can be found here .

Learn more about the Doctoral Program

University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work and the C.T. Bauer College of Business offer a concurrent degree program that enables students to prepare for a career in which knowledge and skills in both social work and business administration are critical. Examples include nonprofit management, organizational development, and employee assistance programs.

Upon acceptance, enrollment in both the MSW program at the Graduate College of Social Work and the MBA program at the C.T. Bauer College of Business should occur within a period of one calendar year. The GRE is not required for the MSW program, but the MBA requires either GRE or GMAT test scores be submitted. It will take approximately three years of full-time study to complete the coursework for both degrees. It is preferred that the student spend their first year focused on MSW coursework, with the last two years being spent in both programs.

Learn more about the MBA Program

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and the University of Texas School of Public Health offer a concurrent degree program that enables students to prepare for careers in which knowledge and skills in both social work and public health are critical. Examples include policy analysis, hospital administration and research.

Upon acceptance, enrollment in both the MSW program at the Graduate College of Social Work and the MPH program at the UT School of Public Health should occur within a period of one calendar year. The GRE is not required for the MSW program and is optional for the MPH. It will take approximately three years of full-time study to complete the coursework for both degrees.

Learn more about the MPH Program

The Graduate College of Social Work and the Law Center at the University of Houston offer a concurrent degree program that prepares students for professional practice in arenas where law and social work intersect and complement each other. Examples include public services, health and mental health care systems, services to children and families, and the political arena. This program enables students to finish both degrees in a shorter time than if they were pursued separately.

Applicants must be admitted separately to each of the degree programs and admission to one has no official bearing on admission to the other. The GRE is not required for the MSW program, but LSAT or GRE scores are required for the JD program.

Learn more about the JD Program

Best Social Work Degrees & Career Options

10 Best Social Work Schools in Texas

With dozens of Texas colleges and universities offering social work programs, the Lone Star State is a great place to launch your career in the field. The question is, what are the best social work degree schools in the state?

Our editors first ranked social work schools in Texas in December 2021. This ranking was updated in March 2024.

There are about 9,000 actively licensed social workers in Texas, but with more than 30.5 million people in the state, there are not enough social workers to fulfill demand. Between the high need for social workers and the many program options available, Texas should be on your short-list of states to get a social work education.

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• Best Human and Social Services Bachelor’s Degrees
• Social Work Grants, Scholarships and Loans
• Is a Degree in Social Work Worth it?
• What are Jobs in Foster Care and Child Welfare?

How We Ranked the 10 Best Social Work Schools In Texas

Social Work Degree Center editors focused on including accredited institutions. In addition, our editors ranked programs according to cost, graduate salary, and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.

1. The University of Texas at Austin

The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin is one of Texas’s best social work schools. The school’s mission is to educate social workers who have both a passion for social justice and a desire to make a difference in the world.

UT Austin offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) that balances liberal arts and social work with a social justice focus. In addition, the Master of Science in Social Work (MSW) program is one of the best master’s in social work programs in the state and beyond. The master’s program also has certificates if students have a specific focus for their social work practice. And for students interested in continuing their education further, UT Austin offers a PhD program.

UT Austin has educated Texas social workers since 1950. The Steve Hicks School of Social Work is widely regarded as one of the best Texas colleges for social work. The school offers small classes and has a top-tier research facility with countless years of experience and leaders in their field.

Degrees:  BSW, MSW, PhD

Social Work at UT Austin

• 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 88% graduation rate
• 95% retention rate for full-time students
• All degree levels offered
• Certificates and focus areas
• Higher out-of-state tuition for non-residents
• Low acceptance rate of 31%

2. University of Houston

The Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston is one of Texas’s best master’s in social work schools. Dedicated to preparing the leaders of today and tomorrow, Houston emphasizes diversity in practice and research.

UH social work students learn how to promote the well-being of all and understand the harmful impacts of unhealthy environments while making them better. While the school does not have an undergraduate BSW program, it has a robust offering of graduate degrees. In addition to an MSW, the university also offers five dual-degree master’s programs and a doctorate in social work.

The Graduate College of Social Work has been one of the top Texas social work schools since 1967, and it received CSWE accreditation in 1970. The school offers three methods by which students can learn. Students can take classes online, in person, or a hybrid format. This flexibility allows students to pick the learning method that best fits their lives to work and continue their education.

Degrees:  MSW, MSW/MPP, MSW/MBA, MSW/MPH, MSW/JD, MSW/PhD, PhD

Social Work at the University of Houston

• Dual degree offerings
• Multiple completion pathways (online or in-person)
• Plentiful internship opportunities
• Research access with esteemed faculty mentors
• Top research institution
• No undergraduate social work program

3. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University has one of the best social work schools in Texas with undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Students learn special skills and knowledge and a commitment to a core set of values. The program adheres to the fundamental values of social justice, integrity, and competence. 

Texas Tech University contains one of the best Texas social work schools. They have almost 100 years of service, and are rated one of the top 100 public research universities. In addition, the university has ten colleges and 150 academic programs providing the opportunity for students to work on dual degrees.

Degrees:  BSN, MSN

Social Work at Texas Tech

• Both undergraduate and graduate social work programs
• CSWE-accredited
• Dual degree options
• Field placement assistance
• Preparation for licensing
• Larger classes (21:1 student-to-faculty ratio)

4. Texas Christian University 

Another top social work college in Texas is Texas Christian University. The school’s Department of Social Work offers both an undergraduate and graduate degree path. Students can earn a BSW, a MSW, or one of the three dual degrees in Social Work and Divinity.

TCU social work students are passionate about individuals, families, organizations, and groups. Students are given practice with critical thinking, leadership, and social change. The program has a focus on trauma-informed practice. In addition to the degree programs, the school offers various related electives and minor options, including child development, criminal justice, and psychology. 

TCU also ranks as one of the top 100 universities in the US. Its programs offer small class sizes and individual attention. In addition, students get access to a large alumni network and internship opportunities.

Degrees:  BSW, MSW, MSW/MATM, MSW/MTS, MSW/MDiv

Social Work at Texas Christian

• 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 92% retention rate
• 84% graduation rate
• Graduate and undergraduate social work programs
• More competitive than some other Texas schools (56% acceptance rate)

5. Baylor University

The Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University is another one of Texas’s best social work schools. Baylor offers an undergraduate degree, four different graduate degree options, two specializations, three dual degrees, and a PhD program. In addition, the university is one of the top Texas social work schools focusing on justice, service, healing and restoration, and dignity for each person.

Baylor social work students enjoy small classes with a ratio of one professor to 15 students and an average class size of 15. The school focuses on experiential learning and innovative techniques to train students to become professionals in social work.

Degrees:  BSW, MSW, MSW/MBA, MSW/MDiv, MSW/MTS, PhD

Social Work at Baylor University

• 90% retention rates
• Active alumni network
• Career-focused curriculum and classes
• Clinical Practice or Community Practice specializations
• Real-life learning opportunities
• More expensive than some Texas schools
• Selective admissions (46% acceptance rate)

6. University of North Texas

The University of North Texas has one of Texas’s best social work schools. The Department of Social Work at UNT offers a bachelor’s degree in social work and a joint MSW program with Texas Woman’s University.

The BSW program is a long-standing staple of the school and received accreditation from the CSWE in 1975. The joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) degree program is the first program of its kind in the state and draws on the resources of both universities. Students in the joint program are considered members of both the TWU and the UNT communities. In addition, program graduates receive a degree jointly awarded by both universities. The joint MSW has a generalist and advanced standing option. In addition, students can attend a full-time or part-time program. 

UNT is a public university about a thirty-minute drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. UNT first opened in 1890 and today is the flagship institution of the University of North Texas System.

Degrees: BSW, MSW (joint)

Social Work at the University of North Texas

• 79% acceptance rate (less competitive)
• Access to Dallas social work jobs and internships
• Full- and part-time completion pathways
• Joint degree options
• In-state tuition for Texas residents
• 59% graduation rate
• Larger class sizes (23:1 student-to-faculty ratio)

7. The University of Texas at Arlington

The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington has one of the best social work schools in Texas. UT Arlington offers multiple degree options. These include a both Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. In addition, UT Arlington also has a PhD in Social Work and certificate programs.

Students learn how to become advocates for social justice and understand human behavior in a social environment. Social work majors will work with varying issues, including poverty, discrimination, addiction, and educational problems upon graduation. In addition, students can attend UT Arlington Social Work programs online or in-person, depending on what works for the student.

The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work began in 1967 and received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1970. Today, the school is home to two research training sites – The Judith G Birmingham Center for Child Welfare and The Center for Addiction and Recovery Studies (CARS).

Degrees:  BSW, MSW, PhD, Graduate Certificates, Dual Degree options

Social Work at UT at Arlington

• 81% acceptance rate
• All levels of social work degrees
• Highly affordable for in-state students
• 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 53% overall graduation rate

8. The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

The School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley offers both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work degree. The Bachelor of Social Work program focuses on teaching students the fundamentals of Social Work practice.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs incorporate field education. As a result, students gain a basic understanding of the welfare system, theories of social work practice, skills, and knowledge to enter the social work profession successfully. In addition, both social work programs at the school focus on direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups in the local area.

UTRGV is the southernmost member of the public University of Texas System. Although the school opened in 2015, it is a product of the consolidation of two established schools, UT Brownsville and UT Pan-American. The majority of the school’s student population is Hispanic. The UTRGV Social Work programs were initially part of UT Pan-American. The BSW program first received CSWE accreditation in 1976 and the MSW in 2002 under the old name.

Degrees:  BSW, MSSW, Graduate Certificate

Social Work at UT Rio Grande Valley

• 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• 88% acceptance rate (less competitive than other Texas schools)
• Access to diverse populations
• Field education opportunities for undergrads
• Research for undergrad and grad students
• Out-of-state tuition for non-residents

9. Texas Woman’s University  

Texas Woman’s University offers one of Texas’s best social work programs. The school has a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. The MSW is a joint degree with the University of North Texas.

As one of the best social work schools in Texas, TWU provides an opportunity for students to gain employment in the health care industry. Students focus on child and family service, mental health, and other social concerns. 

Texas Woman’s University has been one of the top Texas social work schools with an accredited Social Work program since the mid-1970s. Together the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University have worked for decades to create trained and professional Social Workers. This joint program gives students the ability to utilize the resources at both universities while developing robust connections throughout the community.

Social Work at Texas Women’s – Joint Program

• 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Diverse core classes and electives
• Internship opportunities
• Joint degree program offered
• Practical field work opportunities
• 48% overall graduation rate

10. Texas State University 

The School of Social Work at Texas State University is another one of Texas’s best social work schools. TSU offers two-degree programs with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work.

As one of the best Texas social work schools, TSU provides students with a general foundation of social work principles. Students learn to improve the overall well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Upon graduation, students will understand how to apply social work values and skills toward achieving social and economic justice.

Texas State has small classes which ensures students have individual attention. The school takes pride in the deep interaction between faculty and students. In addition, TSU offers full-time and part-time programs and class schedules to accommodate the needs of working students. Texas State has a robust program with also high expectations for students.

Degrees:  BSW, MSW

Social Work at Texas State

• 88% acceptance rate
• Access to research opportunities
• Diverse selection of electives and core courses
• Generous transfer credit policy
• Small class sizes and access to faculty mentorship
• 56% overall graduation rate

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many different career paths for students with a social work degree in Texas. Working in a clinical or community practice is one of the most common careers. You can also work in human services or with a community organization. But most students become licensed clinical social workers.

Labor statistics show that the average pay for a licensed master social worker in Texas is $60,641. However, a social worker with less than one year of experience can expect a salary of around $56,276 in Texas. A social worker with more than 10 years of experience in human services can expect a salary of $71,134. The highest paying city in Texas is El Paso, with an annual salary of around $77,752.

The job market for a licensed social worker is growing not only in Texas but around the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor, overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations (3%). There is a projection of 63,800 job openings each year for a licensed master social worker over the next 10 years. A large percentage of those jobs come from replacing the workforce. 

On average, it takes about 4-8 years to become a licensed clinical social worker in Texas. To become licensed, you need a graduate degree and 3,000 hours in the field.

Social work is a worthwhile career that can offer stability, personal and career growth, and steady pay. In Texas, you can make between $44,100-$68,500/year working as a social worker. Due to job growth and demand, becoming a social worker in Texas is worth it for students.

You need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work to get licensed in Texas. Anyone who uses the title of social worker must be licensed in Texas. But you’ll need at least a MSW degree to practice clinical social work.

• Dual Degrees

In this Section

• MSSW Program Requirements
• Certificate Programs
• Portfolio Programs

Helpful Links

• MSSW Field Education
• Incoming MSSW Students
• Current MSSW students

In partnership with other schools and colleges, the Steve Hicks School of Social Work offers dual degree programs that allow students to obtain an MSSW degree in combination with another graduate degree.

Students must meet each institution’s admission criteria and be accepted into the MSSW and the accompanying degree program independently.

with McCombs School of Business

• Earn an MSSW and a Master of Business Administration.
• Gain skills and knowledge to design and manage effective and client-responsive human service delivery systems in the non-profit, for-profit and government sectors.
• MSSW students must be in the Administration and Policy Practice concentration.

with UT Austin School of Law

• Earn an MSSW and a Doctor of Jurisprudence
• Social workers and lawyers often converge in areas such as child welfare, juvenile justice, immigration and housing. Both professions have a deep commitment to client advocacy and social justice.
• MSSW students can be in the Clinical or Administration or Policy Practice concentration.

with LBJ School of Public Affairs

• Earn an MSSW and a Master of Public Affairs
• Earn knowledge and skills to pursue a professional career in human service management, social welfare policy-making, program planning. implementation and evaluation.

MSSW/MA in Latin American Studies

With lozano long institute of latin american studies (llilas).

• Earn an MSSW and a Master of Arts with major in Latin American Studies
• Acquire clinical knowledge and skills as well as cultural and linguistic competency to work with Latinx clients and Latin American immigrant populations in the United States.

with UT Health School of Public Health

• Earn an MSSW and a Master of Public Health
• Acquire knowledge and skills for careers in health-related fields and organizations, tackling public health problems and conducting clinical or community-based research.

with UT Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

• Earn an MSSW and a Master of Divinity
• Acquire knowledge and skills to be proficient in your understandings of client’s religious and spiritual lives, and to work with faith-based communities.