Online MSW Programs in Texas

Students and professionals in Texas interested in earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) online have several options in terms of both in-state and out-of-state universities.

Some universities in Texas that have online master of social work programs include: Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas State University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Stephen F. Austin State University is also launching an online master of social work program for Texas and surrounding state residents in Spring 2020.

It is important to check with each university as some only accept students from specific states. For example, the University of Texas at Arlington accepts students for their online and hybrid programs if they are a Texas resident currently living in Texas.

On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer campus visits per year as an online MSW program. For hybrid programs, the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Arlington offer mixed online/on-campus degree plans.

Colleges in Texas with Online MSW Programs

If you’re living in Texas, don’t have the time to take daytime classes, or are out of reach of a campus, there are many options for online master’s in social work programs within the state.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there is the University of Texas at Arlington. South Texas offers OLLU and Texas State University around San Antonio and the University of Houston near the city center.

  • Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) – OLLU’s online master of social work offers two online options for students: foundation MSW and concentration MSW for bachelors of social work (BSW) applicants. OLLU’s MSW program has an emphasis on working with and serving the Hispanic community, which can be completed in a little over three years.
  • Texas State University – Offering part- and full-time online master’s in social work program options, Texas State also offers a traditional standing and advanced standing program for BSW applicants.
  • University of Houston – The University of Houston has a part-time online master of social work that can be completed in three years. Tracks are offered in traditional standing or advanced to help students prepare for clinical social work practice.
  • University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – Accepting only Texas residents at this time, the University of Texas at Arlington offers an online social work master’s program in traditional and advanced standing tracks. UTA’s online MSW program also has concentration options in Direct Practice with Children and Families, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and Direct Practice in Aging.
  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) – The UTRGV has an online advanced standing master’s in social work program with concentrations in Administration and Community Practice and Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups.

Colleges in Texas with Hybrid MSW Programs

Two of the online master’s in social work program offerings in Texas also offer a hybrid option — the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Arlington with different program structures and options.

  • The University of Houston offers a hybrid MSW program in addition to their online master of social work. In three years, students are able to earn their master’s of social work through online classes and some Saturday classroom settings. Students may also pursue advanced standing admission to complete their degree in about two and a half years.
  • The University of Texas at Arlington offers a “Mixed-Mode Cohort” for advanced standing students at a full-time enrollment level. Students in the advanced standing hybrid program may complete their master of social work degree in 12 months, while students in the traditional program will take 24 months. Students may pursue specialties in Children and Families.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas

The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners issues three different social work licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

How to Become a Social Worker in Texas

The Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners issues four types of social work license: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Master Social Worker – Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Texas, which you should confirm with Texas’ board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Texas was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an LBSW in Texas

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Texas

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of approved, supervised professional clinical experience within two to four years, with a minimum of 100 hours of board-approved supervision with an approved supervisor.
  • Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Pathway to Become a LMSW in Texas

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Pathway to Become a LMSW-AP in Texas

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of supervised non-clinical experience within 24 to 48 months, with a minimum of 100 hours of supervision.
  • Pass the Advanced Generalist Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Last updated: September 2020