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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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.
| Rank | School Name | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduation Tuition |
| #1 | University of Texas Austin | Austin | $11,678 | $12,012 |
| #2 | University of Houston | Houston | $9,711 | $8,723 |
| #3 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock | $11,852 | $6,956 |
| #4 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | $57,220 | $35,730 |
| #5 | Baylor University | Waco | $54,844 | $41,130 |
| #6 | University of North Texas | Denton | $11,164 | $7,160 |
| #7 | University of Texas Arlington | Arlington | $11,728 | $9,015 |
| #8 | University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | $9,859 | $6,948 |
| #9 | Texas Woman’s University | Denton | $8,648 | $5,184 |
| #10 | Texas State University | San Marcos | $11,450 | $7,147 |
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
Pros
- 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 88% graduation rate
- 95% retention rate for full-time students
- All degree levels offered
- Certificates and focus areas
Cons
- 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
Pros
- Dual degree offerings
- Multiple completion pathways (online or in-person)
- Plentiful internship opportunities
- Research access with esteemed faculty mentors
- Top research institution
Cons
- 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
Pros
- Both undergraduate and graduate social work programs
- CSWE-accredited
- Dual degree options
- Field placement assistance
- Preparation for licensing
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 92% retention rate
- 84% graduation rate
- Dual degree options
- Graduate and undergraduate social work programs
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 90% retention rates
- Active alumni network
- Career-focused curriculum and classes
- Clinical Practice or Community Practice specializations
- Real-life learning opportunities
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 81% acceptance rate
- All levels of social work degrees
- CSWE-accredited
- Dual degree options
- Highly affordable for in-state students
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 53% overall graduation rate
- 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.
Degrees: BSW, MSW (joint)
Social Work at Texas Women’s – Joint Program
Pros
- 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Diverse core classes and electives
- Internship opportunities
- Joint degree program offered
- Practical field work opportunities
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Out-of-state tuition for non-residents
- 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.
