Becoming a Social Worker in Texas

If you are someone who is looking for a meaningful way to contribute to communities and enact social change, social work could be a fulfilling path to pursue. But what does that entail?

Social work takes many forms, including child welfare, crisis intervention, disaster relief, homelessness prevention and intervention, mental health, and gerontology.

Social work is also a growing field, meaning that possible positions could expand over time, meaning more job opportunities. Over the last decade alone, the number of licensed social workers in Texas has increased dramatically: in 2020, around 11,400 Texans were employed social workers, nearly 71% more than in 2010.

While it is possible to find a job in one of these fields without an advanced degree, a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) is likely to be the most reliable path to securing a steady position, particularly in competitive hiring pools.

In the following article, we’ll walk you through attaining an MSW in Texas, touching on educational and licensure requirements, fieldwork, and admissions requirements. We’ll also touch on graduate programs in social work in Texas from accredited schools, including accredited schools with online Master’s of Social Work programs and accredited schools with hybrid MSW programs.

This article also defines the difference between an MSW, an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), and an LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker: overlapping, but distinct, qualifications within the field of social work.

What’s An MSW?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a two-year graduate degree that equips students with advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in social work in all of its forms. While not all social workers have MSWs, many jobs in social work favor applicants with MSWs, which will also enable social workers to take on higher-level (and better-paid) positions.

During the MSW program, students can expect to learn more about concrete topics like policy and applied research, but also to dive into concepts like human behavior, psychology, and cultural competence.

Master’s in Social Work programs also require students to practice fieldwork (sometimes called an internship or a practicum), where aspiring social workers can learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a social worker (for more on this, see the section below, “Fieldwork”).

What’s the Difference Between an LCSW, an LMSW, and an MSW?

While a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) is an educational degree at the graduate level, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a professional who has attained a clinical license to provide specific types of social work.

In order to become an LCSW, aspiring social workers must already have an MSW. However, it is not necessary to obtain an LCSW after receiving an MSW.

Amid all these acronyms, what you really need to know is this: the primary distinction between a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) comes down to their roles, responsibilities, and levels of expertise within the field of social work.

As explained in the section above (“What’s an MSW?”), an MSW is someone who has successfully completed a Master’s in Social Work program, which typically takes two years of education at the graduate level. While an MSW is a necessary step in the path to becoming an LCSW, it is not a license in itself. Not all social workers have MSWs, but they’re strongly encouraged, particularly if you’re seeking higher-level employment or a wider range of opportunities.

Meanwhile, an LCSW is a licensed professional who has completed many hours—sometimes up to two years—of additional fieldwork. After completing their fieldwork hours, LCSWs must then take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam. The ASWB exam costs $260. However, the number of fieldwork hours, licensing fees, and other requirements will vary state by state. (For more on Texas-specific requirements, see the section below, “Are There Any Requirements that are Unique to Texas?”).

Interestingly, the number of LCSWs in Texas is quite low. As of 2020, just 8,799 individuals were practicing as licensed clinical social workers in America’s second-largest state.

For employers, the LCSW designation signifies a higher level of expertise, particularly in clinical social work, and often in work specifically related to mental health care. LCSWs are authorized to diagnose and treat mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder. LCSWs are also able to provide trauma-informed psychotherapy, offer counseling services, and facilitate group therapy with skill and sensitivity. LCSWs often work in clinical settings like hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, private practices, or mental health agencies. Because so many of an LCSW’s average responsibilities are highly sensitive, the licensure process ensures that LCSWs meet stringent standards of competence and ethical conduct, making them well-equipped to address complex mental health issues. As such, LCSWs typically earn more than MSWs in Texas, as they are employed in more specialized roles in clinical settings.

Across the United States, becoming an LCSW includes the stipulation that you must have an MSW from a program that has been accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Some, but not all, online programs have been accredited by the CSWE. If you are interested in becoming an LCSW, it is essential to ensure that your MSW program is CSWE-accredited.

Finding the Right Program For You: The Path to Becoming an MSW in Texas

Embarking on the journey to become an Master of Social Work (MSW) professional in Texas involves navigating a range of educational opportunities provided by accredited colleges with MSW programs across the state.

Prospective MSW students in Texas can come from various undergraduate backgrounds. That means that you don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree in social work to pursue a master’s in the field—however, if you do have a bachelor’s degree in social work, you may be eligible for Advanced Study programs, or to graduate up to a year early.

Colleges in Texas offer a diverse array of social work programs at the graduate level, which include hybrid, in-person, and online options. Upon completion of the MSW program, alumni are well-equipped to address the unique social challenges faced by Texas communities, contributing to the state’s vibrant landscape of social work professionals.

While there are many advanced degree programs for social work in America’s second-largest state, some of the best MSW programs in Texas include:

Online Option: N/A.
Curricula Covers: Subjects include suicide prevention, juvenile justice, mindfulness and social work practice, loss and grief, and social work in schools.
Fieldwork Requirements: 960 hours
Accredited by the CSWE: Yes
Trivia tidbit: The University of Texas at Austin’s Steve Hicks School of Social Work has been consistently named one of the top ten schools for social work in the United States since 2003.

Online Option: Students may complete the MSW on-campus or online.
Curricula Covers: Topics like health care, spirituality, international social work, work with veterans, “adventure therapy,” and more.
Fieldwork Requirements: 270-540 hours
Accredited by the CSWE: Yes

Online Option: Students may complete an MSW at the University of Houston in-person, online, or in a hybrid format.
Curricula Covers: Topics like diversity and human development, social policy analysis, leadership, child abuse and neglect, and mediation.
Fieldwork Requirements: 500 hours (Standard); 700 hours (for Advanced Standing)
Accredited by the CSWE: Yes

Online Option: Fully online program available for applicants who live within 500 miles of Commerce, Texas, or face-to-face option.
Curricula Covers: Topics like social work and the law, clinical practice in mental health, and human behavior in the social environment.
Fieldwork Requirements: Minimum 260 hours
Accredited by the CSWE: Yes

Online Option: No; this program is in-person only.
Curricula Covers: Topics like death, dying, and bereavement; human diversity; social work administration; and foster care, adoption, and permanency planning.
Fieldwork Requirements: 1-2 full-time field practicum requirements. For more information, see the University of North Texas MSW program website.
Accredited by the CSWE: N/A
Because application requirements can vary year-to-year and based on an applicant’s geographic background, financial status, or educational history, be sure to check the official university websites or contact admissions offices for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Preparing Your Application

While every MSW program has different requirements for their applicants, it’s likely that most programs will include some, or all, of the following:

Educational Requirements

Many MSW programs in Texas do not require applicants to already have a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. However, applicants with such a background may qualify for an MSW program on an “Advanced Standing” track, meaning that they will not need to take a foundations course, and may be able to complete their MSW in a shorter time period.

An important factor to consider is that a bachelor’s degree from an “accredited institution” does not necessarily mean a CSWE-accredited institution. Rather, that simply means that an applicant has attained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that has been officially accredited in accordance with the US Department of Education standards. A CSWE-accredited institution comes into play specifically for MSWs who are seeking licensure as LMSWs or LCSWs.

Once accepted into an MSW program in Texas, students typically undergo a two-year graduate-level curriculum. The coursework covers a broad spectrum of topics, including social work theories, research methods, human behavior, and cultural diversity. Additionally, students choose a specialization, such as clinical social work, community and administrative practice, or school social work, allowing them to focus on their specific area of interest. Many programs also incorporate practical experiences, such as internships or field placements, to provide students with hands-on training and exposure to real-world social work scenarios. (For more on this, see the above section, “Finding the Right Program for You: The Path to Becoming an MSW in Texas.”)

Licensure Requirements

Licensure for Master of Social Work (MSW) professionals in Texas is overseen by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE). To obtain licensure, individuals must complete specific educational and experiential requirements. (For more on this, see the above sections, “What’s the Difference Between an LCSW, an LMSW, and an MSW?” and “Educational Requirements.”)

After completing an MSW program, individuals in Texas are eligible to pursue licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). To achieve this, candidates must accumulate a minimum of 3,000 supervised postgraduate work hours. These hours should be completed over a period of no less than two years, and they must include at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision with an approved supervisor. Additionally, candidates must pass the ASWB (Association of Social Work Boards) Master’s level examination. Once licensed as an LMSW, individuals can practice non-clinical social work in Texas, engaging in various roles such as case management, advocacy, and community outreach.

For those aspiring to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) in Texas, further requirements must be met. In addition to the 3,000 supervised postgraduate hours required for LMSW licensure, LCSW candidates must accumulate a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. These hours should be completed over a minimum of two years and include at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision. Successful completion of the ASWB Clinical Level Examination is also necessary for obtaining LCSW licensure. The licensure process ensures that social workers in Texas are well-prepared and qualified to provide high-quality, ethical, and competent services to diverse populations across various social work settings.

Are There Any Requirements That Are Unique to Texas?

In Texas, it is not strictly mandatory to have an MSW to be considered a social worker. However, the requirements for becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state typically involve earning an MSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program. (For more on this, see the above section, “Licensure Requirements.”) The MSW is a key qualification for individuals aspiring to pursue clinical roles, therapy, or advanced positions in the field. To practice independently and provide clinical services, obtaining an LCSW is crucial, and requires meeting specific educational and supervised clinical experience criteria.

For those interested in non-clinical social work roles, such as case management, advocacy, or community organizing, a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a related field may be sufficient. However, aspiring social workers without an MSW may find that their career options could be limited compared to those with advanced degrees, especially when seeking positions that involve therapeutic interventions, policy development, or leadership roles within social work organizations. Ultimately, while an MSW is not an absolute requirement to be a social worker in Texas, it significantly expands career opportunities and professional advancement within the diverse and dynamic field of social work.

Fieldwork Experience

Fieldwork experience is a critical component of MSW programs, providing students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and develop the practical skills necessary for effective social work practice. Fieldwork allows students to engage with diverse populations and address various social issues. This hands-on experience is crucial for fostering a deep understanding of the complexities within the field of social work, preparing students for some of the challenges they may encounter in their future careers.

During fieldwork, MSW students work under the supervision of experienced social workers or professionals in relevant settings, such as social service agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, or community organizations. This direct interaction with clients and communities enables students to enhance their communication, assessment, and intervention skills. Field placements are often structured to align with the student’s chosen specialization, whether it be clinical social work, community practice, or another focus area. Through these experiences, students not only gain practical insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of social workers but also have the opportunity to develop their own professional identity and ethical framework.

Fieldwork experience is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, allowing MSW students to integrate theory with practice. It provides a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, supervision, and continuous learning, encouraging students to adapt to diverse and dynamic social work environments. The insights gained from fieldwork contribute significantly to the development of competent and compassionate social workers who are well-equipped to address the multifaceted challenges of individuals and communities in need.

Personal Motivations

Why might someone choose to become a social worker?

In this field, individuals often describe being drawn to becoming social workers out of a sense of a “calling,” or a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of people in need. Personal experiences, such as overcoming challenges, personal encounters with professionals in the field, or witnessing the struggles of others, can also serve as powerful motivators. Some individuals are drawn to the field by a commitment to social justice, seeking to address systemic inequalities and advocate for marginalized populations. These elements collectively shape the diverse and passionate community of social workers committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.