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Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Texas

Updated 11/21/2024 By Liane Marie Yosores Edited by Bailey Fletcher

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Updated 11/21/2024 By Liane Marie Yosores Edited by Bailey Fletcher

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Online MSW programs in Texas focus on advanced clinical practice, policy analysis, and community welfare. Universities in Texas provide both full- and part-time options to accommodate working professionals. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), these programs ensure you receive a quality education that prepares you for licensure and advanced roles in the social work field.

Key Takeaways:

  • The University of Texas at Arlington is the #1 most popular option, with over 6,000 online graduate students.
  • Baylor University Stands out with an 81% graduation rate.
  • The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley results in median earnings of $59,435 among MSW graduates, ranking in the top 31% nationally among peers.

We use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) for online enrollment, and we also include other important data, like median starting salaries and accreditation information. For more details, please see our methodology.

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How We Rank "Best" Schools

%%YEAR%% Best Online %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The OnlineU research team identifies colleges with a primary campus in the featured state that offer an online master's degree in msw and have publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We rank qualifying schools by online enrollment, which helps highlight colleges with larger distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

Online enrollment data comes from NCES and reflects the most current available figures. We also highlight median earnings for msw graduates, as available , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). , and note whether a school is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Online Enrollment Recommendation Annual Tuition Median Salary CSWE Accredited
# 1 #1 The University of Texas at Arlington 6,254 71% $24,155 $61,963 Yes
# 2 #2 Baylor University 2,708 97% $47,850 $58,549 Yes
# 3 #3 The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley 2,322 84% $15,342 $66,440 Yes
# 4 #4 East Texas A&M University 2,111 84% $24,978 $56,790 Yes
# 5 #5 University of Houston 1,404 86% $16,740 $62,582 Yes
# 6 #6 Angelo State University 1,164 83% $7,665 N/A Yes
# 7 #7 Texas State University 1,065 94% $19,061 $58,641 Yes
# 8 #8 The University of Texas Permian Basin 969 71% $8,933 N/A No
# 9 #9 Our Lady of the Lake University 645 89% $32,432 $60,372 Yes
#1
3.17 / 5
Overall Rating
71%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: UTA ranks first in Texas for its online MSW program, boasting a significant total online graduate enrollment of 6,254 students. This strong presence places the university within the top 3% of institutions for online student engagement. The MSW program, accredited by the CSWE, offers concentrations in Clinical Social Work and Macro Social Work, enabling students to specialize in areas such as Aging, Mental Health, and Children and Families. UTA provides 100% online or on-campus flexibility, allowing students to choose from part- or full-time plans tailored to their needs.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of Texas at Arlington are broadly mixed, with experiences often hinging on department support rather than academics alone. Many reviewers praise knowledgeable, caring professors, strong career preparation, diversity, affordability, and flexible online formats that work well for full-time workers and parents. Several say the curriculum is rigorous, practical, and helped them secure jobs, certifications, internships, or advancement. The sharpest criticism centers on inconsistent advising, poor communication, disorganized online administration, unclear transfer and graduation requirements, placement and preceptor problems, and surprise costs. Some also cite commuter-school culture, limited campus life, parking frustrations, and safety concerns.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 6,254 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $10,005
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $24,155
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $61,963
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#2
4.23 / 5
Overall Rating
97%
Recommend
95%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work - Non-Advanced Standing

Why we like them: BU stands out in online education with a total graduate online enrollment of 2,708 students, placing it in the top 10% of distance learning institutions. The MSW program at BU is designed for students with degrees in fields other than social work, requiring 58 credit hours. It offers concentrations in Clinical Practice and Community Practice, preparing graduates for healthcare and public service careers. The program features individualized field placements within a 75-mile radius, ensuring practical experience aligned with students' geographic preferences.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Baylor University are largely positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations. Students consistently praise rigorous academics, small classes, accessible professors, and a campus culture that feels close-knit, welcoming, and personally formative. Many highlight hands-on learning, research access, internships, networking, and strong name recognition that supports graduate admission and employment. Several also value the blend of big-school amenities with a smaller, more personal environment. The clearest drawbacks are cost and uneven financial aid, with repeated warnings about debt. A smaller set of reviews cite inconsistent department quality, limited diversity, unclear career support, and a few notably poor individual experiences.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 2,708 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $47,850
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $47,850
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $58,549
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#3
3.93 / 5
Overall Rating
84%
Recommend
88%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: UTRGV ranks among the top online graduate schools, achieving third place for total online enrollment with approximately 2,322 distance learners, positioning it within the top 12% of institutions. The MSW program, accredited by the CSWE, prepares graduates for diverse careers in social work. With a specialization in Administration and Community Practice available in both 33-hour- and 63-hour formats, students gain valuable leadership and social justice skills. Graduates are equipped to pursue Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials, enhancing their professional opportunities.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley are largely favorable, with many describing supportive professors, small classes, affordable tuition, and strong career preparation through clinical rotations, practical projects, networking events, clubs, and job fairs. Several reviewers say the environment feels welcoming, calm, and close-knit, helping them build confidence and connect with faculty. Online and accelerated options are praised for flexibility and organization. Criticism centers on administrative inefficiency, especially financial aid delays, weak responsiveness, inconsistent grading, limited course variety, and some underdeveloped online experiences. A few reviewers also mention sparse campus energy, local isolation, and concerns about leadership or campus culture.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 2,322 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $11,365
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $15,342
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $66,440
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#4
3.83 / 5
Overall Rating
84%
Recommend
82%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: TAMUC ranks in the top 15% of online graduate enrollment, with 2,111 distance learners. The MSW program is entirely online, catering to the needs of working professionals with asynchronous coursework. It offers two tracks: the Foundation Generalist Practice Track, requiring 57 credit hours over 2-4 years for those with non-social work backgrounds, and the Advanced Generalist Practice Track, which can be completed in one year with 33 credit hours for recent Bachelor of Social Work graduates. The CSWE-accredited program ensures eligibility for LMSW licensure in Texas.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of East Texas A&M University are largely favorable, with students most often praising affordable tuition, flexible online and hybrid formats, and professors who are accessible, caring, and experienced. Many say the coursework is rigorous yet manageable for working adults, parents, military-affiliated learners, and commuters, with strong practical application, research access, and career preparation. Small classes, supportive faculty, and useful technology also stand out. Criticism centers on inconsistent advising, weak financial aid or administrative support, limited nightlife and transportation, and some online courses that feel impersonal, overly reliant on self-teaching, group work, or busy work. A minority report serious concerns about teaching quality and program organization.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 2,111 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $11,324
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $24,978
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $56,790
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 57%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#5
3.6 / 5
Overall Rating
86%
Recommend
87%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: UH boasts an outstanding total online enrollment at the graduate level, ranking as the 5th most popular option in Texas. The MSW program emphasizes fieldwork, requiring students to complete 900 hours of hands-on experience, 63 credit hours and a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. Importantly, no standardized test scores are required for application. Accredited by a leading educational body, the program prepares students with social skills to design developmental programs and deliver direct services. With a collaborative approach, UH helps students secure vital fieldwork placements.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of the University of Houston are broadly positive, though uneven across departments and services. Students frequently praise affordable tuition, strong career pipelines, diverse classmates, and professors who are accessible, rigorous, and connected to local employers. Many say the school works especially well for commuters and working adults, with flexible scheduling, practical coursework, research access, and networking that often leads to internships or jobs. The most persistent drawbacks are weak campus community and school spirit, expensive and frustrating parking, safety concerns tied to the surrounding area, dated or inconsistent facilities, and inconsistent advising or administration. Several reviewers also report underperforming programs, uneven teaching quality, and poor communication.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,404 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $16,141
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $16,740
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $62,582
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#6
3.78 / 5
Overall Rating
83%
Recommend
97%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: ASU has achieved a remarkable online enrollment of 1,164 graduate students, positioning it at the top among institutions offering similar programs. This commitment to accessible education is underscored by an 83% recommendation rate, reflecting high student satisfaction. The flexible Online MSW program is accredited by the CSWE and can be completed entirely online, with opportunities for practical field experience. Students can specialize in Advanced Generalist or Clinical Practice, preparing for licensure. The curriculum addresses diverse social issues, further enhanced by options for global exposure through a study abroad program in Europe.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Angelo State University are largely favorable, driven by strong ratings and near-universal recommendations. Students repeatedly praise approachable professors, small classes, and individualized support, noting quick email responses, accessible advising, and faculty who actively guide academic and career planning. Affordability, scholarships, and flexible online formats are major advantages, especially for working adults balancing family and jobs. Many also value the close-knit, small-town atmosphere, updated facilities, and manageable campus layout. Criticism centers on inconsistent course availability, occasional weak advising, confusing online directions, limited interaction in online classes, technology hiccups, and a few programs described as underdeveloped or lacking financial support.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,164 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,665
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $21,030
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#7
4.07 / 5
Overall Rating
94%
Recommend
83%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: TXST boasts a total online enrollment of 1,065 at the graduate level, ranking in the top quartile for distance learning engagement. The Texas social work master's program, accredited by the CSWE, offers two tracks: the Foundation Track, requiring 62 credit hours for those without a Bachelor of Social Work, and the Advanced Standing Track, which requires 36 credit hours for BSW graduates. Emphasizing Advanced Practice Leadership, the curriculum integrates social justice and professional ethics, with options for both on-campus and fully online studies.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Texas State University are broadly positive, with students most often praising caring, accessible professors, strong peer support, and a campus atmosphere that feels large enough for opportunity but small enough for connection. Many highlight the San Marcos River, Hill Country setting, and proximity to Austin and San Antonio as meaningful parts of daily life, not just scenery. Students also value affordability, flexible online or evening formats, networking, internships, and career preparation. Criticisms center on inconsistent teaching quality, weak advising or administrative communication, some overly theoretical or underdeveloped coursework, limited course availability, and occasional concerns about outdated instruction, workload, or uneven departmental support.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,065 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $9,495
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $19,061
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $58,641
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#8
3.77 / 5
Overall Rating
71%
Recommend
75%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: UTPB ranks 8th among online graduate programs and is committed to engaging distance learners. The university offers an online social work master's in Texas for those interested in clinical social work, particularly in rural healthcare and behavioral health settings. The 65-credit program includes practical courses, such as Social Justice, Psychopathology, and Social Work Research Methods, with electives like Working with Latinx Families and Children and Adolescents. Students benefit from a faculty-to-student ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized support as they prepare for licensure exams.

Student Review Summary: Reviews of The University of Texas Permian Basin are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent recommendations, though a vocal minority report serious frustrations. Many reviewers praise small class sizes, accessible professors, and a personal learning environment that builds confidence, academic rigor, and career readiness. Online flexibility, manageable pacing for working adults, and strong value through affordable tuition or aid stand out repeatedly. At the same time, negative reviews focus on unprofessional or toxic instructors, poor communication, delayed grading, transfer-credit disputes, inconsistent advising, and slow administrative processing. Several reviewers also note intense workloads, limited course availability, and weak summer financial aid.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 969 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $8,933
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $8,933
  • CSWE Accredited: No
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#9
4.05 / 5
Overall Rating
89%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Online degree: Master of Social Work

Why we like them: OLLU has a total online enrollment of 645 graduate students, ranking 9th among popular online graduate schools in Texas for the MSW. Accredited by the CSWE, this program offers advanced standing and foundation options to accommodate various academic backgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes the needs of the growing Hispanic population, integrating field education with local practicums to enhance cultural competency. Students can complete the MSW in as little as 11 months for advanced standing or within 24-38 months for the foundation track.

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe a generally positive experience shaped by small classes, attentive professors, and strong flexibility for working adults, especially in online formats. Many reviewers say they felt known personally rather than treated like a number, with supportive advising, easy admissions, and meaningful hands-on training through internships, practicum, and field involvement. Cost is the most consistent drawback, with several calling the private-school tuition expensive or difficult to fund. A smaller group reports disorganization, unclear assignments, limited faculty diversity, weak career direction, technology outages, and uneven online instruction, including concerns that some professors were hard to reach or insufficiently invested.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 645 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $42,365
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $32,432
  • CSWE Accredited: Yes
  • Median Earnings: $60,372
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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Overview of Online MSW Programs in Texas

Texas social work is overseen by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, a governing body that is appointed by the state’s governor and which is part of the Texas Department of State Health Services. Social workers in the state of Texas work in a variety of communities and settings to provide critical social services. 



There are three levels of licensure that applicants can pursue in the state of Texas: LBSW, BSW, and LCSW.


There are three levels of licensure that applicants can pursue in the state of Texas: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (BSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Independent Practice Recognition (IPR) is available to LMSWs and LBSWs.

Students with a master’s degree in social work enjoy career opportunities across a variety of areas, including local and state government, communities, hospitals, private organizations, and more. Texas social work is carried out in many other diverse sectors as well, including schools, municipal buildings, and even private homes.

Each institution is unique in terms of its admissions requirements. However, most MSW programs require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, or a related field, and a minimum undergraduate GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, with a GRE score only necessary to help evaluate a student not meeting minimum GPA requirements. 

While bachelor’s degree recipients in social work or a related field can obtain a LBSW license, a master’s degree is required for those seeking licensure as an LMSW or LCSW. Upon completing their degree, students must pass the respective licensure exam from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and apply with the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners. Individuals seeking certification beyond the LBSW level are also required to obtain a set number of documented practice hours.

How Do I Become a Social Worker in Texas?

A student in their last term of an online master’s degree program in Texas may start their desired licensure exam application with the ASWB. Upon earning a master’s degree in social work, completing the required hours of experience, and successfully passing a licensure exam, a student may begin the licensure application on the online licensing system

Licensed social workers in Texas must also pass the Jurisprudence Exam, which tests a social worker’s knowledge of the Social Work Practice Act, Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council rules, and other laws specific to the field of social work.

Resources

The resource links below can provide prospective master’s students with expert insights, a list of different professional organizations to consider joining, and information from the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners: 

How Long Does It Take To Become a Social Worker in Texas?

After earning a bachelor’s degree in social work — which typically takes four years — a student must complete their desired master’s program in social work. Depending on the number of courses a student takes each term, a master’s degree program can take anywhere from two to four years to complete. Once a student has earned a master’s degree in social work, they must complete up to 3,000 hours of clinical experience to earn certification. 

Altogether, it takes anywhere from seven to eight years to become a licensed social worker in Texas when seeking a master’s degree-level certification.

Bottom Line

Texas offers a variety of accredited online MSW programs tailored to prepare students for advanced roles in social work, with options for full-time, part-time, and specialized tracks. Schools like UT Arlington and Baylor stand out for their large enrollments, high graduation rates, and diverse concentration options. Programs are designed for accessibility, with no GRE requirements at many schools, and focus on practical skills through fieldwork and licensure preparation. These programs emphasize flexibility and career readiness, making them ideal for working professionals and those seeking to serve diverse communities.

If you want to explore more options, check out our list of the most affordable online MSWs.

Student Reviews of Online MSW Programs

Valerie Nash, Graduated 2017

Attended: Capella University

Thank God that I only wanted to receive a second Masters Degree. If you choose to disregard ALL the negative reviews as I did and give them a chance you will REGRET IT. Capella is HORRIBLE, DISHONEST, and lies for financial aid purposes. Noooooooooo

Review Date: 8/19/2017

Attended: Capella University

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Valerie Nash, Graduated 2017

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