Best Online MSW Programs in Texas

Explore the Best Online MSW Degrees in Texas

An online MSW program provides the best of both worlds — flexible coursework paired with local, hands-on training. Below, we’ve highlighted three standout Texas MSW programs offered online.

Five Top MSW Specializations in Texas

What can you do with your MSW in Texas? Here are five in-demand fields of practice for social work graduates, chosen for their strong job outlook, salary potential, and relevance in Texas. Each field corresponds to popular MSW specializations and addresses critical needs in the Lone Star State.

1. Clinical Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Work

Why it’s a top field: Texas faces a growing need for mental health and addiction services, with related social work jobs projected to increase by over 15% this decade. 

MSW graduates who become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) can provide therapy for individuals and families dealing with issues such as depression, trauma, or substance use. Many MSW programs (e.g., UTA and UH) offer clinical concentrations preparing students for licensure in mental health counseling. While starting salaries are modest, experienced LCSWs in private practice or hospital settings can earn significantly more.

2. Child, Family & School Social Work

Why it’s a top field: Texas has a large youth population and, unfortunately, some of the highest foster care caseloads, which means CPS and family agencies are continually hiring. The state projects 13% job growth for child, family, and school social workers.

Professionals in this field may work in child protective services, foster care and adoption agencies, schools, or family service centers. They help protect at-risk children, strengthen family units, and link clients to resources. MSW grads often pursue the LMSW or LCSW and roles such as school social worker, family therapist, or case manager in child welfare. Given Texas’s diverse communities, bilingual social workers (English/Spanish) are especially valuable in this arena. 

3. Healthcare (Medical) Social Work

Why it’s a top field: The aging population and expansion of healthcare access in Texas drive demand for these professionals, especially in hospitals, oncology, palliative care, and dialysis centers. Healthcare social work is one of the higher-paying MSW fields, with even higher pay being possible through career advancement.

In Texas’s expansive healthcare sector (which includes renowned hospital systems and clinics), MSW-trained social workers assist with discharge planning, chronic disease management, and connecting patients to services. Many Texas MSW programs offer health or medical social work electives, and an MSW is the standard requirement for positions like hospital social worker or hospice social worker.

4. Macro Social Work (Administration & Community Advocacy)

Why it’s a top field: Not all social workers work directly with the community — some lead organizations, shape policy, and drive community change. Texas’s large network of social service agencies and nonprofits provides many opportunities for MSW graduates to move into management roles. The payoff can also be significant, as administrative social work roles in Texas have an average salary of around $68,000 (and often higher at the executive level). 

Macro social work involves program administration, policy analysis, community organizing, and nonprofit leadership. This field is a strong choice if you aim to become a program director, policy advisor, or agency executive. In Texas, MSW-holders have gone on to lead state agencies and influential nonprofits. With the state’s focus on addressing issues like homelessness, public health, and disaster relief, macro-level social workers play a crucial part in designing effective interventions. 

5. Gerontological Social Work (Aging Services)

Why it’s a top field: As Texas’s elderly population surges — the number of Texans over 65 grew five times faster than the total population from 2010 to 2020 — there is a pressing need for social workers who specialize in aging. Given the demographic trends, gerontological social work in Texas offers both a growing market and the chance to significantly impact the quality of life for elder Texans and their families.

Gerontological social workers assist older adults and their families with issues like long-term care planning, caregiving resources, mental health, and end-of-life decisions. They work in settings such as nursing homes, hospice, hospitals, Area Agencies on Aging, and veterans’ services. Many MSW programs in Texas now offer coursework or concentrations in aging (for example, UTA’s Direct Practice in Aging specialty) to prepare students for this field. Salaries vary by setting, but experienced medical or hospice social workers (common roles in gerontology) earn towards the higher end of the social work pay scale. 

Accreditation Summary for Texas Online MSW Programs

Accreditation is a critical quality check for any MSW program — and it’s especially important in Texas, where you must graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to become licensed as a social worker. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits MSW degrees nationwide, ensuring the curriculum meets professional standards.

In Texas, all reputable online MSW programs (including those at UTA, Texas State, OLLU, etc.) have CSWE accreditation. Regional accreditation (through bodies like SACSCOC for Texas schools) means the university meets rigorous academic standards, which is important for credit transfers and federal financial aid.

Both types of accreditation matter: CSWE approval qualifies graduates to sit for the Texas LMSW exam, and regional accreditation signals overall institutional quality. Always verify that any online MSW program in Texas lists an active CSWE accreditation. 

Texas MSW Program Types

Online MSW programs in Texas aren’t one-size-fits-all — universities offer different formats to suit students’ needs. You’ll find full-time accelerated programs, flexible part-time schedules, and even options with no GRE required. Below, we outline three common program types available in Texas. Understanding these formats will help you choose a program that fits your lifestyle and career timeline.

Full-Time Online MSW Programs

Full-time online MSW programs in Texas are designed for students who can devote the majority of their time to graduate study. These programs typically take about 2 years to complete for traditional students (and as little as 12–18 months for advanced standing students with a BSW). Expect a course load of around 3+ classes per term plus a field internship.

Pros:

• Faster path to graduation
• Quicker entry into advanced social work roles

Cons:

• Requires significant time management skills
• Intensive time commitment

Part-Time Online MSW Programs

Part-time MSW programs are a popular choice in Texas for working professionals. Part-time students typically take 1–2 courses per semester (extending the program length but allowing for a better work-study balance), whereas traditional MSW students might take 3–4 years to graduate part-time. Meanwhile, advanced standing part-timers might finish in about 2 years.

Pros:

• You can continue working full-time and managing other obligations

Cons:

• Field internships might need to be spread out over additional semesters

No-GRE MSW Programs

More and more Texas MSW programs have dropped the GRE requirement, making the admissions process less daunting. “No GRE” programs do not require applicants to submit Graduate Record Exam scores. Instead, schools focus on your GPA, letters of reference, statement of purpose, and relevant experience. The admissions criteria for these programs still ensure quality — usually a minimum GPA is required (often 3.0) and other materials are weighed more heavily. All programs listed in this article so far waive GRE requirements, though some optionally allow the submission of GRE scores if you feel they represent your quality of work.

Pros:

• An easier admissions process for poor test-takers or returning students
• Save time and money

Cons:

• Might not be ideal for low-GPA or inexperienced students

How Much Do Online MSW Programs in Texas Cost?

In Texas, online MSW program tuition can range widely, but tends to be more affordable at public universities (especially for in-state residents). Tuition per credit typically falls between about $400 to $900 at Texas schools, with public institutions on the lower end and private universities on the higher end. For a 60-credit traditional MSW, that translates to roughly $24,000 to $54,000 in total tuition. Keep in mind that advanced standing students pay much less overall since they need fewer credits (usually ~30-38 credits instead of 60+).

Online delivery can influence cost in a few ways: some public universities charge a flat e-tuition for online out-of-state students (making it cheaper than typical non-resident rates), and some programs have specific online fees. Generally, Texas residents get the best tuition deals at state schools like UTA or Texas State, while private programs have higher sticker prices but often offer scholarships.

When comparing costs, look at whether the program is fully online (no travel expenses), the number of credits required, and any available financial aid or employer tuition assistance. Below is a comparison of three online MSW programs in Texas with their credit requirements and costs:

Note: Tuition figures are current as of time of publication. Public university rates are for Texas residents — out-of-state students may pay more, although some online programs offer discounted non-resident rates. Always check with the school for the most up-to-date tuition information and fees.

Deep Dive: MSW Student FAQs

What are the requirements for social work licensure in Texas (LMSW or LCSW)?

In Texas, to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), you must earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and pass the ASWB Master’s level exam. The LMSW license allows you to practice generalist social work. If you want to practice clinically (therapy), you’ll pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Becoming an LCSW requires first holding the LMSW, then completing 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over 2–4 years (plus at least 100 hours of supervision). After supervision, you must pass the ASWB Clinical exam to obtain the LCSW license.

How long does it take to earn an online MSW in Texas?

The timeframe depends on your prior education and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you already have a BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) from an accredited program, you’re eligible for an Advanced Standing MSW, which in Texas typically takes about 12 to 18 months full-time (around 30–38 credits) or about 2+ years part-time.

Without a BSW, the traditional MSW program is around 60 to 62 credits. A full-time traditional student can finish in about 2 years (for example, UT Arlington’s MSW is four semesters full-time, whereas part-time students may take 3 to 4 years to complete the degree. Many online students opt for part-time enrollment to balance work, so they might take around 3 years for advanced standing or 4 years for a traditional MSW.

Keep in mind that all programs will include field internships that usually span 2–3 semesters (totaling ~900 hours for traditional or ~500+ hours for advanced standing). These internship requirements can affect your schedule, sometimes extending program length if done in smaller increments.

Can I work full-time while enrolled in an online MSW program?

Many online MSW students in Texas continue working, but it requires good time management. If you enroll part-time, it’s quite feasible to work full-time since you might be taking only one or two courses at a time. Texas programs often cater to working professionals by offering asynchronous classes or evening live sessions. For example, OLLU’s hybrid MSW holds evening classes for working students. 

Full-time MSW enrollment, however, is roughly equivalent to a full-time job in terms of hours — between class assignments and the field practicum, you’ll be very busy. During the semesters when you have a field internship, you’ll need daytime availability to complete ~20 hours per week at a social service agency. Many students who work full-time choose to reduce work hours or shift to a very flexible job during those terms. Another option is seeking an employer that will allow your field placement to count as part of your workday (if your job is in a relevant social service setting).

Do Texas online MSW programs require the GRE for admission?

In most cases, no — the GRE is not required. The majority of online MSW programs in Texas have dropped the GRE requirement, though there are a few exceptions. Schools like Texas State University and UT Arlington explicitly waive or do not require GRE scores for MSW applicants. Admissions committees focus on your academic record (GPA), letters of recommendation, resume, and personal statement. They may also consider any social work experience you have.

If your GPA is below the program’s minimum, some schools might then look for GRE scores as an additional factor or require other steps. Always check the latest admission guidelines, but as of now, prospective MSW students in Texas can breathe easy about not needing the GRE.

How do field internships work for online MSW students?

Field education — the hands-on internship portion of the MSW — is a crucial component of every program, including online ones. As an online student in Texas, you will be required to complete field hours just like on-campus students (around 900 hours for traditional MSW and 500–600 hours for advanced standing). These hours are typically spread over two or more semesters. You might do 16–20 hours per week at your placement if following a traditional academic calendar. Some programs offer block placements or flexible scheduling if you need to spread it out.

The good news is that programs will help you arrange local placements near your home. Each school has a field education office that partners with agencies across Texas (and often nationwide). You’ll typically discuss your interests (e.g., medical social work, school social work, etc.), and the program’s field coordinators will work to find an approved agency in your community.

Social Worker Career Outlook in Texas