Texas MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Work Careers
Texas draws in many people each year due to its size and reputation. This state is an excellent place to become part of the field of social work and has many different options for students interested in a MSW degree program.
Austin and Denton are 2 of the most popular cities for college students in Texas. Other cities such as Houston, Waco, and Dallas are also home to large numbers of social work students looking to get involved in the field.
Generally speaking, while in a MSW program, students can expect to see courses that blend ideas from Sociology, Psychology, Business, and Law. These topics can be combined to help social workers gain a better understanding of the laws surrounding public service, as well as the different agencies and methods available for assisting the public lead better lives.
MSW Programs in Texas
The University of Texas at Austin has an interesting MSW program that requires students to complete 60 credit hours total and has 2 available concentrations - Clinical Social Work and Administration and Policy Practice. This flexible program can be completed in 1-3.5 years, depending on how much time a student dedicates to coursework.
The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas also offers a competitive MSW program that has only recently been introduced. This program is currently provided in standard and advanced standing formats.
Overview of MSW Social Work Degrees in Texas
Residents of the state of Texas can likely attest to the many opportunities available to social work professionals that reside within. If you are searching for an online masters program that can help you obtain some of these many positions in clinical social work, medical social work or child and family social work, Texas may be a great place to begin your search.
Multiple Campus-Based Options
Larger cities like Houston can offer online MSW programs for students interested in improving the quality of life for those around them. There are currently 5 online MSW programs accredited by the CSWE in this state.
Considering an Online MSW Program
Online MSW degrees can assist you in learning the techniques required to be an effective helping professional for others. Many social work professionals choose to work in welfare-oriented fields with children and their family. Others may be more drawn to assisting those with extensive medical needs or even those needing assistance with the legal system. Regardless of your intentions, there are specialization options available to help you along the way.
Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners
If you are working on obtaining your online MSW in the state of Texas, you are encouraged to familiarize yourself with the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. This organization is responsible for providing the licensure requirements for upcoming social work professionals, so their guidance is vital for those that seek a license in social work in the future.
More on Texas Online MSW Programs
With the 100% online Master of Social Work at the University of Kentucky, you can earn a CSWE-accredited MSW that meets all the requirements for licensure in Texas through a school that’s been preparing social workers for more than 80 years.
A large number of colleges are starting to add online options for their degree programs. In the fast paced environment of education, most students only consider online degree programs when getting ready to enroll. Texas has several online degree options for those interested in pursuing a MSW.
Texas State University and the University of Houston are 2 high-quality universities in Texas that offer online MSW programs. These programs were designed to provide flexible learning opportunities to social work students that need to learn on their own time. Pursuing your degree online can give you more time for work or recreation and cut out a lot of unneeded costs associated with housing, transportation, and loss of work.
Reviewing Online MSW Programs in Texas
- Our Lady of the Lake University: Our Lady of the Lake University currently provides specialization for those interested in pursuing Direct Practice with Hispanic Children and Families. This online MSW program is offered in full-time, part-time and advanced standing format, which is great for those that have work experience in social work fields. Students enrolled in this program may have no campus visits required for graduation.
- Texas State University: Texas State University has an online MSW option for students interested in pursuing a career in social work. This college has full-time and advanced standing options available, which can cater to students from diverse professional backgrounds. As part of the degree requirement, some students may be required to visit with other students in skill institutes.
- The University of Houston: The MSW program at the University of Houston can provide students with both a fully online and hybrid option for their degree program. The online program is offered in part-time and advanced standing format, while the hybrid option requires students to meet on campus 1 or 2 times each month. Students that choose to enroll in this program may have the option to pursue a specialization in Clinical Social Work with emphasis in Health and Behavioral Health.
Texas Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Depending on where you live within Texas and the type of work you dream about doing, there could be different career options for you to consider. Our team has researched different careers in Social work and their respective salaries to help you learn more about this important field.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Salary: - $47,390 median salary per year.
Social Workers in Child, Family, and School Social Work can work primarily with youth in the education system or those involved in the welfare system. Home visits, school visits, and transportation are a few of the common daily tasks of individuals in this field.
Child, family, and school social workers typically work directly with children in a home and school setting. These professionals are responsible for identifying potential issues with children and ensuring that problematic circumstances are handled in an appropriate manner. These professionals are important to ensuring the safety of children at home and at school. There are 21,370 social workers currently employed in this field in Texas, according to the BLS, as of 2021.
Healthcare Social Workers
Salary: - $62,270 median salary per year.
Healthcare Social Workers may be assigned to patients in Healthcare systems that are in need of guidance throughout the treatment process. Assisting patients with choosing procedures, reviewing costs and insurance, and connecting clients with appropriate aftercare services can be part of your role in this area.
In healthcare and hospital settings, patients require the use of social workers to help them make important decisions regarding their health. These professionals may assess patient needs, find services, and arrange the intake of patients into different facilities. The state of Texas is a popular place for social workers in this domain, with 11,550 professionals currently employed throughout the state, according to the BLS, as of 2021.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Salary: - $42,230 median salary per year. Clients that are working a mental health treatment plan or those working through rehabilitation programs may be assigned Social Workers to help them succeed. Social Workers can provide individuals with access to follow-up services and help in obtaining a community support system for long-term health.
Mental health and substance abuse are 2 fields that require extra care from social workers. In this field, professionals can assist with the arrangement of treatments, enrollment in facilities, and follow-up services for general health and well-being. There are 3,650 mental health/substance abuse social workers currently working in Texas, according to the BLS, as of 2021.
General Social Workers
Salary: - $67,190 median salary per year.
Additional Social Work positions available in Texas include those for the court system and within private practice. Social Workers in these areas can work with clients that need advocacy or those in need of individualized mental health treatment.
In the remaining fields of social services, social workers can have varying job responsibilities that are vital to the normalcy of their clients. In all other fields of social work, Texas has 2,650 social workers employed, according to the BLS, as of 2021.
Social Worker Salaries in Texas’s Metropolitan Areas
- Amarillo: $66,790 median salary per year
- Austin: $59,770 median salary per year
- Brownsville: $49,650 median salary per year
- Dallas: $62,600 median salary per year
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers; Healthcare Social Workers; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers; Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.
Texas Social Work Licensure
The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners is the leading licensing agency for social workers in Texas.
If you are seeking licensure at the master's level, the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) distinction may be the option for you. In order to become licensed under this option, you must complete an accredited MSW program, pass the board examination for master's social workers, and submit your application and documentation in to the board.
Advanced practice licensing options in this state require that candidates complete around 2 years of additional training with clinical social work professionals.
Licensing Requirements for LCSW in Texas
1. CSWE Accredited MSW or Higher
Texas' requirements for becoming a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) include the completion of a CSWE-accredited Master's or higher degree in Social Work.
2. Clinical Experience
Once this step has been completed, students must take part in 3,000 of supervised work experience within a clinical setting. This experience must be monitored by an individual that is currently licensed as a LCSW in Texas and meets all of the qualifications set forth by the state for supervision.
3. State Licensing Exam and Test
Once the supervision period has come to a close, graduates can sign up to take the state's licensing examination and state law test. These 2 exams can test your knowledge of the curriculum as well as what your individual state requires in terms of the laws and rights of others.