If you dream of becoming a social worker but don’t yet hold an undergraduate degree, the best move you can make to take the reins on your career will be to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
BSW degrees present a unique opportunity to serve as a jumping off point in your social work career. It provides a robust platform for those aspiring to advance their education through a Master of Social Work (MSW) program or to pursue licensure as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW). This degree effectively opens the door to a diverse array of opportunities within the social work profession.
Bachelor of Social Work degrees allow motivated students to expedite their educational journeys so that they can kick start their social work careers as quickly as possible.
This can be tremendously useful to students who know at the outset of their undergraduate experience that they would like to pursue careers in the social work field.
So what is a BSW program, and how does it fit into the larger process of becoming a social worker? Read on to learn everything you need to know about obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree in Texas.
How to Become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker in Texas with a BSW
Taking on the immense responsibility of providing social services to families in need requires no small amount of preparation and training. After all, as a social worker, you’ll often be a primary source of support for people who have few other options at their disposal. This means that competency and depth of knowledge are paramount to your success in helping clients find the resources they need in critical situations.
In order to assert that you meet the qualifications to become a social worker, a basic pathway is in place that all social workers must follow in order to obtain licensing. Take a look below to see what you need to do in order to launch your social work career.
Step One: Attend an Accredited BSW Degree Program
Many who decide to become social workers already hold a bachelor’s degree by the time they decide to enroll in an MSW program. One can pursue an MSW with a bachelor’s degree in any subject, so if you don’t hold a BSW, fear not: you don’t need to go back to undergraduate college to apply for graduate programs.
However, those who don’t hold bachelor’s degrees have the unique option of pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree, which includes some of the coursework featured in a Master of Social Work program. A BSW program typically requires about 120 credits and takes four years to complete. Be sure to choose a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. For reference, we have included accredited programs at the end of this step-by-step guide.
Coursework for a BSW may include topics such as:
- Social Work Policy
- Research Methods in Social Work
- Psychology
- Human Behavior
- Statistics
- Case Management
- Integrative Work or Fieldwork
Looking to dive right into social work? In Texas, once you complete a CSWE accredited BSW program, you have the opportunity to become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker. LBSWs are crucial in carrying out and supporting social service initiatives and policies. Securing an LBSW designation allows you to gain practical, on-the-ground experience in the field, providing a solid foundation for your professional growth.
Step Two: Complete the Texas Jurisprudence Exam
To advance your social work career in Texas, you need to pass the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Exam. This exam tests your knowledge of the laws, regulations, and ethical practices relevant to social work. It’s a 50 question no-fail exam designed to ensure you fully understand these crucial aspects by requiring correct answers to each question before moving on. Though there’s no time limit, the exam generally takes about two hours and costs $39 as of 2024. Once you pass, you’ll be ready to proceed to the next step: applying for the state licensing exam.
Step Three: Pass the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam
This crucial step evaluates your knowledge and skills in social work practice, ensuring that you meet the professional standards required for effective service delivery. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam covers a broad range of topics relevant to social work, including assessment, intervention, and ethical practice. Preparing thoroughly for this exam is essential, as it serves as a key milestone in achieving licensure and advancing your career in the field.
As of 2024, the registration fee for the ASWB Social Work Licensing Exam is $230. To assist you in your preparation, the exam site provides a comprehensive 98-page guidebook. This resource includes detailed information on what to expect during the exam, insights into the question format, and valuable test-taking strategies.
Advantages of Getting a Bachelor of Social Work Degree in Texas
If getting a BSW isn’t a requirement to enter an MSW program, what are the advantages of pursuing one? It all comes down to the time it takes to complete your education.
Those who hold BSWs are the only students eligible for Advanced Standing MSWs, which offer the education of an MSW program in a single year (reduced from the standard two).
If you haven’t yet begun your path through higher education, shaving a year off your trajectory can be a useful and cost-effective option that will allow you to start your career more quickly. As mentioned above, attaining a BSW is also a path to practicing as a LBSW, without needing a MSW.
Finding BSW Programs in Texas
There are numerous institutions offering BSW degrees in Texas in locations all over the state. There are also many Bachelor of Social Work online programs.
Some accredited institutions offering BSWs in Texas include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Angelo State University (San Angelo, TX)
- Stephen F. Austin State University (Nagocdoches, TX)
- Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX)
- Texas A&M – Central Texas (Killeen, TX)
- Texas A&M – Commerce (Commerce, TX)
- Texas A&M – Kingsville (Kingsville, TX)
- Texas State University (San Marcos, TX)
- Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX)
- University of Houston – Clear Lake (Clear Lake, TX)
- University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX)
- University of Texas at Austin – Steve Hicks School of Social Work (Austin, TX)
- University of Texas at Permian Basin (Permian Basin, TX)
- University of Texas at San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
- University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler, TX)
As you can see from these options, students based in any part of Texas should be able to find excellent opportunities that are easily accessible for them.
Online BSW Programs Can Help You Pursue Your Career Goals on Your Terms
Many of the BSW programs listed above offer classes both in-person and online. For students who don’t live in close proximity to any of these universities, online school can be a game-changing opportunity, allowing you to complete your coursework with maximum flexibility and convenience.
Online BSW programs include all of the same coursework as a traditional on-campus program while eliminating the logistical hassle of commuting or even relocating to be closer to school.
For many students, this makes all the difference in putting a social work education within reach. Receiving a BSW online in Texas (from a CSWE accredited program) will leave you eligible for all of the same Master of Social Work programs and provide you with the skills needed for LBSW licensing, just the same as those who received their degrees from in-person programs.
Some online Bachelor of Social Work programs offer courses on a part-time basis, extending the overall duration of the program but allowing working students to pursue their education alongside other responsibilities. In some cases, courses may be pre-recorded, allowing students to tune in at their own convenience rather than meeting at fixed times. It is worth looking into the offerings of the different BSW online Texas programs to see what each school offers.
Requirements to Attend a BSW Program in Texas
Bachelor of Social Work programs are offered as majors or concentrations at colleges and universities across Texas. This means the requirements to enroll in such programs are the same as for any other undergraduate program. These include:
- High school diploma or GED
- GPA
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT – optional at some schools)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from teachers or colleagues
- Personal statement
Some schools call for additional materials to be provided in students’ applications. For this reason, it’s crucial to take a good look at the expectations for each school on your list to be sure you are meeting their exact requirements.
Further Your Education: Advanced Standing MSWs
The greatest benefit of obtaining a BSW degree is the opportunity to enroll in an Advanced Standing MSW program. These programs allow students to consolidate their coursework and field work into a single year (full-time) of graduate school, halving the length of a traditional MSW program.
While those who hold MSWs typically devote six years total to their education (including both graduate and undergraduate courses), BSW holders can reduce this total to five years.
This is not insignificant for those who are daunted by the great deal of time and dedication it takes to launch a social work career. It’s worth noting that there are also Advanced Standing MSW programs available on a part-time basis, extending the duration of your program to two years but reducing class time and allowing a greater ability to continue working or keeping up other responsibilities outside of school.
LBSW Jobs in Texas
One of the great draws of the social work profession is the wide range of employment opportunities available for those who hold proper licensure.
If there’s a particular social issue you’re devoted to, chances are there is a social work position that can put you on the front lines of the cause you care most about.
As a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker, there are a plethora of positions you qualify for. Although, in order to take on higher level roles, an MSW is typically needed. LBSW jobs in Texas can include:
- Child and Family Services
- Case Manager
- Community Outreach Assistant
- Human Services Specialist
- Residential Counselor
- Mental Health Assistant
If you decide to pursue a MSW, many more career opportunities open up to you. There are social work jobs in Texas related to all different sorts of causes and connected to all different sorts of communities. These are the positions providing direct support to individuals and families in need, as well as taking leadership roles that can direct key social service programs. Job titles for these roles can include:
- Therapist and Counselor
- Case Director
- Program Director
- Service Coordinator
- Community Outreach Organizer
- School Counselor
- Client Advocate
These positions can be engaged in causes ranging from elder care, immigration, homelessness and more.
Social Worker Salary in Texas
Salaries for social workers in Texas can vary depending on the branch of social work where your career is focused, as well as the type of license that you hold. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median social worker salaries in Texas in each focus area are as follows:
- Child, family, and school social workers: $49,810
- Healthcare social workers: $62,500
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers: $44,100
- Social workers, all other: $68,500
It’s worth noting that with seniority and advanced credentials, one can significantly exceed the median annual salaries reported above. The BLS does not organize data by degree level, but one can assume that most BSW jobs in Texas will offer salaries on the lower side of the spectrum, while jobs for MSW holders – in particular those with LCSW certification – will offer higher salaries. This offers additional incentive for motivated social workers to pursue their master’s degrees and obtain their social work licenses.
Finding BSW Programs in Texas
There are numerous institutions offering BSW degrees in Texas in locations all over the state. There are also many Bachelor of Social Work online programs.
Take a look at the directory below for a comprehensive list of undergraduate social work programs across Texas.
Abilene Christian University
Location: Abilene, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $44,200
Abilene Christian University’s School of Social Work provides a comprehensive social work education with a Christian spiritual orientation for undergraduate students. Each year of this program is dedicated to a particular pursuit: Community (year one), Hospitality (year two), Calling (year three), and Wisdom (year four), ensuring that students will cultivate personal growth in step with their social work education. Professional growth is also a paramount concern of the ACU BSW program, providing an in-depth education that can prepare students for Advanced Standing MSW programs as well as the LBSW career path.
ACU’s BSW program is only available in an on-campus format, aiming to foster a deep connection between students and the Abilene community. For those who are eager to see firsthand the impact of social services on the world at large, this is an excellent program for you.
Angelo State University
Location: San Angelo, TX
Format(s): In-person, online
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,584
For students who wish to pursue their BSW entirely online, Angelo State University is an excellent choice. The school boasts one of the top-ranking 100% online BSW programs in the country, tailoring its immersive education in social work practice to a virtual context. This can be a great boon for students who wish to balance their educational pursuits with outside responsibilities, as well as for students outside of the San Angelo area who wish to take advantage of ASU’s stellar educational offerings.
In addition to their fully remote program, ASU also offers an in-person BSW program featuring the same coursework, which is a great option for students who want to take advantage of the benefits of on-campus learning (such as deeper community building and greater access to professors). It’s worth noting that both the in-person and online versions of this program include 500 hours of field education, to be completed in students’ last year of school over two semesters. Regardless of your program format, you should expect to complete this field work in person at the site of your choosing.
Baylor University
Location: Waco, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $58,100
Baylor University’s BSW program offers a comprehensive education in social work that extends outward into community action. Beyond an overview of the central tenets of the social work profession, students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective courses, many of them focused on social work subfields such as Gerontology and Mental Health, as well as broader topics such as Loss and Mourning and Foundations of Social Justice. Students in the BSW program also are expected to complete a significant amount of field education, giving them hands-on exposure to the social work profession before they’ve graduated.
For students who know at the outset of their undergraduate education that they intend to pursue MSWs in the long run, Baylor can be an excellent choice of school, as it offers students the opportunity to graduate from their BSW directly into its Advanced Standing MSW program, allowing them to complete the entirety of their social work education in five years.
Hardin-Simmons University
Location: Abilene, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $46,748
Hardin-Simmons University’s BSW program is distinctly oriented toward experiential learning, including a volunteer experience requirement at a local social service organization as well as a Community Group Project option, in which students join a coalition aimed at identifying, analyzing, and addressing key issues in Abilene public life. This is a tremendous opportunity for students who are eager to get started providing supportive services to others as soon as possible.
HSU’s BSW program is equally designed for students who wish to pursue MSWs upon graduating as well as students who intend to obtain their LBSW certification once they’re done with their undergraduate program. The school boasts an impressive 100% passage rate for students who take the LBSW exam after graduating.
Howard Payne University
Location: Brownwood, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $30,702
Howard Payne University is a Christian university that offers a BSW with a religious orientation. This program features a foundational education in social work practice, values, and history, providing the skills and expertise students need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of society’s most vulnerable. This program is also centrally focused on the unique needs of at-risk populations in rural Texas, making this an ideal choice of school for students who know they would like to focus on these communities in their careers in the long term.
The final year of HPU’s BSW program features an intensive practicum component, where students will gain significant field experience through social work internships. This can provide fantastic skill-building opportunities that can make students appealing candidates for their first social work job opportunities after school – in particular those who are interested in pursuing their LBSW upon graduating.
Jarvis Christian College
Location: Hawkins, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,720
Jarvis Christian College offers a BSW program designed for entry-level generalist social work practice. This means that coursework encompasses a wide breadth of social work focus areas, allowing students to gain an expansive understanding of the field to determine where they’d like to focus their careers. This coursework also extends to the different levels of social work practice – micro, mezzo, and macro – that social workers can engage in to support others at all levels.
The JCC BSW program is a CSWE accredited program. It is designed both for students who wish to pursue LBSW credentials upon graduating as well as students who intend to go on to MSW programs in the future.
Lamar University
Location: Beaumont, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $6,284
Students seeking an affordable option for their Bachelor of Social Work can find an excellent option in Lamar University. Students in the BSW program will gain an intensive knowledge of social work practice alongside other core requirements, allowing them to build the professional skills needed to become an LBSW or to proceed to an MSW program upon graduating.
Lamar University’s BSW program curriculum includes a broad overview of the social work field as well as targeted studies of numerous subtopics in the social work field. The program culminates in two field practicum requirements that promote professional skill-building and provide students with their first work experience upon graduating.
Lubbock Christian University
Location: Lubbock, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $28,540
Lubbock Christian University’s BSW program is oriented toward helping students build the core competencies students need to thrive in their careers upon graduating. These include an understanding of social work ethics; procedural knowledge of key social work practices such as assessment, intervention, and long-term client engagement; and an appreciation of how social workers’ insights can influence public policy. The generalist orientation of this program is designed to prepare students broadly for the responsibilities of a social worker, with the opportunity to focus their interests around a particular specialization in their field practicum.
It’s important to note that as a Christian university, the core curriculum at LCU includes four classes directly related to Christianity, including two bible studies courses as well as classes on Christian heritage and contemporary Christian life. Students who are motivated to join the social work field for religious reasons will appreciate the school’s attention to spirituality in relation to their work, but secular or non-Christian students should keep this in mind as they consider their academic options.
Midwestern State University
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $10,310
The BSW program at Midwestern State University is designed to equip students with an overall understanding of the goals of social work practice as well as detailed insight into life “on the ground” as a social worker. Students will perform dedicated research projects on the topic of their choosing and are expected to complete field work at local organizations over their final two semesters of school. This will prepare students for LBSW certification or for an Advanced Standing MSW program, depending on their long-term social work career goals.
It’s worth noting that MSU can be an excellent choice of school even for students who aren’t current Texas residents, having been recognized on the US News and World Report’s list of “Top Ten Public Schools with the Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition” nationwide. Further, Oklahoma residents are charged in-state tuition plus $30 per credit hour, making it an attractive choice for those who reside in the state.
Nelson University
Location: Waxahachie, TX
Format(s): In-person, online
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $24,024
Nelson University, formerly known as Southwest Assemblies of God University, is a Christian university whose Bachelor of Social Work education is framed through Christian values of servitude and community uplift. Providing a generalist social work education, the BSW program equips students with a vast breadth of knowledge, including research methods, diagnostic techniques, policy analysis, human behavior theories, and clinical skills assessment. This program is specifically designed for professional development, preparing students for entry-level social work positions, LBSW certification, or MSW programs for those who wish to pursue higher-level social work roles.
Nelson University’s BSW program is available in both on-campus and online formats. Its online BSW degree program has been named as one of the fastest-to-complete online bachelor’s degrees in the nation, thanks to an option in which students can complete two seven-week sessions within a traditional semester, as well as the opportunity to take online courses over the summer. For those who are eager to obtain their BSW degrees as quickly as possible, this can be a fantastic option.
Our Lady of the Lake University
Location: San Antonio, TX
Format(s): In-person, online
Websites: BSW Degree | Online BSW
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $31,112
Our Lady of the Lake University offers both an in-person and an online option for its BSW program, allowing students to pursue their studies in the way that is most convenient to their needs. Both programs are designed to build generalist social work competencies while placing an emphasis on work with LatinX communities, in step with San Antonio’s large Hispanic population.
Both the on-campus and online versions of the OLLU BSW program include field work. Those who take their classes online will still be expected to complete their field work in person, but they will have the ability to pursue internships at organizations that are convenient to where they live. Those taking classes on campus will have a wide breadth of internship options, taking advantage of San Antonio’s many social service organizations to enrich their professional development.
Prairie View A&M University
Location: Prairie View, TX
Format(s): In-person, online
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $22,598
Prairie View A&M University is the second oldest academic institution in the state of Texas, a Historically Black College/University founded in 1876. Its BSW program is designed to equip students with the professional skills needed to start thriving social work careers, whether by pursuing LBSW certification immediately upon graduating or pursuing an Advanced Standing MSW. (Students who are interested in the latter track can take advantage of the university’s MSW program, adding a fifth year to their program seamlessly.)
Prairie View A&M University’s BSW program aims to enrich students’ knowledge in five main areas: policy, human behavior and the social environment, research, practice and field, and professional foundation work. This includes seminars, research projects, and field work experiences that will help build out a well-rounded education for students. The school also offers several BSW student organizations, including the Social Work Action Club, the Social Work Student Advisory Committee, and the National Association of Black Social Workers student chapter.
St. Edward’s University
Location: Austin, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $50,484
Austin-based students have a terrific educational opportunity in St. Edward’s University’s BSW program, offered through the university’s School of Behavioral and Social Sciences. This program is designed to prepare students for future careers as social workers, providing an in-depth education in the foundations of the social work field while building professional connections with local nonprofits and social service organizations. This is built into students’ education from the get-go, as the program’s Introduction to Social Work course requires 40 hours of service learning at a volunteer organization.
The BSW program at St. Edward’s University is oriented toward a generalist education, but because of the hands-on nature of the program – as well as the opportunity to conduct graduate-level research with the program’s faculty – many students are able to cultivate specializations before they graduate. This can be a tremendous opportunity for incoming undergraduates who have a strong sense of where they’d like to focus their social work careers.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Location: Nagocdoches, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $28,876
Stephen F. Austin State University’s BSW program offers a generalist education with an emphasis on leadership, helping ambitious social work students gain a foundational understanding of social work practice with a built-in understanding of how they can eventually put their expertise toward high-ranking roles in social service organizations. The program’s curriculum includes courses taught within the School of Social Work department as well as related classes in other disciplines, allowing students to integrate their understanding of the social work field into a larger liberal arts perspective.
Stephen F. Austin State University is an excellent choice for students who want to belong to a tight-knit community in which the can have a personal impact. Those who wish to play a role in shaping the School of Social Work for the future can join the Social Work Student Council, which works directly with faculty to help evaluate, refine, and reshape campus policies related to student affairs. This makes the school an excellent choice for those looking for a strong experience of community in their BSW program.
Tarleton State University
Location: Stephenville, TX (primary), also Fort Worth and Waco, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $10,394
Tarleton State University’s BSW program is one of the most affordable in Texas, offering students a fantastic path to a degree that won’t break the bank. While the primary location of the school is in Stephenville, students have the opportunity to transfer to campuses in Fort Worth or Waco if they have 24 transferable credit hours or more, making it a more accessible learning opportunity for students all over the state.
For those who wish to pursue graduate study upon obtaining their BSW, TSU has an Advanced Standing MSW program that students can enroll in directly after graduating, allowing them to complete their full social work education in five years. Those who wish to pursue LBSW certification will also be well-prepared for licensing exams upon completing the BSW program.
Texas A&M – Central Texas
Location: Killeen, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $6,627
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Texas A&M – Central Texas is noted for its acclaimed professors and exceptional performance in community outreach projects that are part of the program’s curriculum. Students seeking close relationships with professors will benefit from the school’s low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing opportunities for mentorship that can help future social workers navigate their careers with confidence and care.
Texas A&M – Central Texas’ BSW program also offers students who are interested in pursuing work in child welfare a unique opportunity to apply for its Title IV-E training program. This opportunity is available for four students per year, and comes with a $3,000 stipend. Students awarded this stipend will be given an 8-month funded position with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Service (TXDFPS) upon graduating, giving them fantastic specialized career experience as soon as they’ve obtained their BSW degree.
Texas A&M – Commerce
Location: Commerce, TX and Dallas, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $8,424
Prospective social work students in both Commerce and Dallas have an excellent opportunity to obtain their BSW from Texas A&M – Commerce, which has locations in both cities (the latter being a satellite location of A&M – Commerce). This program offers a holistic approach to the social work field, incorporating classes not only from the department of social work but also the departments of psychology and sociology. Through this generalist framework, students will receive a rigorous education designed to build skills and expertise to pursue their LBSWs or go on to complete their MSWs.
Those who are interested in spending a semester abroad or more have a unique opportunity to do so through A&M – Commerce’s study abroad program, which allows students to obtain major credits through study of social services and public policy in other countries. This can be especially illuminating for students who are interested in pursuing macro-level social work careers in the long term, providing a larger perspective on social work practice and its impact on communities in need.
Texas A&M – Kingsville
Location: Kingsville, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,892
Those hoping to pursue MSWs upon obtaining their BSW degrees have an excellent opportunity to do so at Texas A&M – Kingsville, which offers an Advanced Standing MSW for A&M–Kingsville students that allows students to seamlessly proceed to their master’s program upon graduating from the school’s BSW program. Students who only wish to obtain their LBSWs will also graduate qualified to do so.
The BSW curriculum at A&M–Kingsville provides a thorough overview of the social work field, with course requirements in many of the major social work specialization areas. This allows students to gain an in-depth knowledge of the different causes social workers can devote their careers to, helping them pick the best Kingsville-based social service organization to complete their field practicum, and in turn plot the first steps of lasting social work careers.
Texas Christian University
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $61,650
Students looking for flexibility and customizability in their BSW education will find an excellent program option in Texas Christian University, which places an emphasis on interdisciplinary study, allowing students to bring in areas of interest outside of the restrictions of the social work discipline. The school also places a unique emphasis on global social work, with coursework extending to studies of social work all over the world as well as opportunities to study at TCU’s international outposts in locations such as Dublin, Madrid, and Barcelona.
TCU’s BSW program includes a field work component that places students in local social work agencies in the Fort Worth area. Those who are eager to participate in additional extracurricular activities related to social work have the opportunity to join the Student Association of Social Workers (SASW), which is designed to facilitate students’ participation in campus and community activities related to social work.
Texas Southern University
Location: Houston, TX
Format(s): In-person, hybrid
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,450
Texas Southern University is one of the nation’s largest historically Black universities, located on a 150-acre campus in Houston. As such its social work department places an emphasis (though not an exclusive one) on serving and supporting African American communities in Texas and nationwide. Through the school, students have the opportunity to get involved with the National Organization of Black Social Workers – Student Chapter, a tremendous opportunity for Black social work students to build community and connect with likeminded social work students.
Entry into the BSW program at TSU requires students to apply after completing nine semester credit hours of specific social work courses with a grade of C or higher. This allows students to familiarize themselves with program expectations and topics before enrolling, ensuring that the program will provide the education they are seeking.
Texas State University
Location: San Marcos, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,450
For those looking for a unique BSW curriculum, Texas State University’s School of Social Work offers a wide range of courses including most social work specialization areas (from veterans’ services to addiction support to child welfare and more) as well as more exploratory topics such as Innovative Community Engagement, Perspectives in Global Social Work Ethics, Hip-Hop and Social Justice, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and more. This can be a fantastic choice for students who are interested in engaging critically with the discipline of social work as well as gaining entry-level professional skills.
The TSU BSW program is available in a fully on-campus format or a hybrid format, in which students are able to complete a significant amount of coursework online. For San Marcos-based students who wish to have more scheduling flexibility and reduced commute time while pursuing their bachelor’s degree, this can be an excellent way to fit your education into the rest of your life.
Texas Tech University
Location: Lubbock, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,852
Texas Tech University offers a Bachelor of Arts of Social Work (BASW), which affords students the same eligibility for LBSW licensure and entry into Advanced Standing MSW programs that they could get from a BSW. Coursework in this program covers the fundamentals of social work practice, including topics in key social work focus areas as well as macro-level subjects like policy and advocacy. In their final year of school, students complete field work in a Lubbock-based social service organization.
TTU’s BASW program boasts stellar faculty support, with students expected to hold regular meetings with a department advisor. There are also excellent opportunities for students to connect through on-campus groups such as the Social Work Students Organization, or to serve as student representatives for those in their department, acting as liaisons with the faculty to ensure the best student experience possible.
Texas Woman’s University
Location: Denton, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $18,720
Texas Woman’s University is the largest university in the country focused on women, with a 91% female student body and the prestigious Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership on its campus. It has also been ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as the #1 school in the nation for student diversity (tied), with 67% of the student body identifying as minorities. This makes it a fantastically supportive environment for students of all backgrounds.
Indeed, face-to-face interaction is paramount to Texas Woman’s University’s BSW program, which is only available on campus, allowing students to seek direct mentorship from faculty members and form close relationships with their classmates. Students also have the opportunity to join student organizations such as The Child Abuse Prevention Society (CAPS) and The Student Association for Social Work.
University of Houston – Clear Lake
Location: Clear Lake, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $7,746
For budget-minded prospective social work students in the Houston area, University of Houston – Clear Lake offers an exceptionally affordable program designed to build skill and expertise that will help you launch a thriving social work career. This partnership-oriented program is intended to facilitate rich, deep connections between students and the larger Houston community, providing students with a well-informed perspective on the key causes in the city and the work being done to improve the lives of those in vulnerable populations.
Students in the BSW at UHCL have the choice of adding additional certificates to their bachelor’s degree, including a Women’s and Gender Studies certificate or a minor from any department of their choosing. For those who know they would like to specialize in an area that would be enriched by interdisciplinary studies, this is a fantastic chance to build additional expertise, making you a more unique and qualified job applicant upon graduating from your BSW program.
University of Houston – Downtown
Location: Houston, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $7,708
Houston residents who are hoping to pursue careers as social workers have an excellent opportunity to take the first steps toward their goal at University of Houston – Downtown, which offers one of the most affordable undergraduate programs in the state. A well-rounded program offering courses in broad social work topics as well as electives in social work specialty areas and field practicum opportunities, graduates of this program are eligible for LBSW credentials or Advanced Standing MSW programs. This program is available in both English and Spanish, expanding access to students and fostering a strengthened bilingual work force to support the Houston area.
Those who are interested in joining student groups on campus have the chance to join the Social Work Student Community Advocacy Network (SWS-CAN), which has a chapter at UHD as well as other colleges and universities in the state. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know like minded social work students with whom you can network and build leadership skills to inform your career ambitions in the long term.
University of North Texas
Location: Denton, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,164
Those who wish to pursue their social work education alongside outside interests have a terrific opportunity to engage their majors with other disciplines at University of North Texas. Students are encouraged to pursue minors in subjects like Behavioral Analysis, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Nonprofit Leadership Studies, and more, allowing them to gain specialized knowledge that can carry them into uniquely focused careers. This is an excellent choice for those who have a strong sense of which focus area of the social work field they’d like to pursue in the long term.
Coursework for BSW majors includes the UNT core curriculum alongside courses in social work fundamentals, such as ethics, psychology, and social work history alongside skill-building classes like micro-counseling and assessment. In combination, these provide a generalist education that will prepare students to become LBSWs or pursue their Master of Social Work degrees upon graduating.
University of Texas at Arlington
Location: Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX
Format(s): In-person, online
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,728
UT Arlington offers three BSW program options to accommodate students all over the state of Texas: in-person programs in Arlington and at the university’s satellite location in Fort Worth as well as a fully online option that even students outside of the state of Texas can take. (Please note that it is not a good idea to enroll in a Texas BSW program if you don’t intend to practice social work in the state of Texas.) In every program, students are expected to complete a field practicum with a local social service agency in a location that is convenient to them.
The curriculum in UTA’s BSW program is consistent across locations, with courses covering foundational social work topics such as ethics, behavioral health, practitioner skills, and more. Students who are interested in developing leadership skills have the opportunity to join the Undergraduate Student Leadership (USL) program, acting as direct liaisons between students and department heads to make the BSW experience the best it can be for all.
University of Texas at Austin – The Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Location: Austin, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $11,678
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work at UT Austin is one of the most prestigious schools of social work in the country, having ranked among the nation’s top ten by U.S. News and World Report every year since 2003. This is an excellent choice for especially motivated social work students who are eager to make use of the school’s many offerings, from one-on-one mentorship opportunities to honors programs to the Social Work Education Enhancement Program (SWEEP), which is designed to facilitate connections between students as well as provide unique career development opportunities.
The Steve Hicks School of Social Work places a high emphasis on service learning for BSWs, incorporating hands-on internships into the program’s curriculum beginning in the first semester of school. This can make for an invigorating academic experience for students who are eager to take their first steps in the social work profession as quickly as possible. There are also study abroad opportunities for students, including a four-week seminar in London and the Projects with Underserved Communities (PUC) program.
University of Texas at El Paso
Location: El Paso, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,744
Those with an interest in pursuing a social work career in border-related issues such as immigration, citizenship, and workers’ rights can find an illuminating BSW program option in the University of Texas at El Paso. Engaging with the bi-national and bi-cultural community of El Paso, the program can provide a powerful orientation into the key causes and concerns faced by those living at the border, allowing students to gain specialized knowledge of the region’s unique social and political landscape.
The course curriculum at UT El Paso provides a generalist social worker education, with special attention to the Hispanic and Native American communities that populate the region. Students are expected to complete a field practicum over several semesters, gaining an on-the-ground understanding of a social worker’s responsibilities and a deeper immersion into the particular social service needs of the El Paso community.
University of Texas at Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $10,904
For students seeking a supportive, focused on-campus BSW experience, UT Permian Basin offers an undergraduate program that may be right for you. The program boasts small class sizes and a student-focused faculty that can provide students with the individualized mentorship that can help focus and streamline educational pursuits. The school’s Office of Academic Advising exists specifically to help students navigate their academic options with insight and care.
UT Permian Basin’s program is equally designed for students who hope to obtain LBSW licensure after graduating as well as those who intend to pursue Advanced Standing MSWs upon completing their bachelor’s degree. It offers a generalist education with opportunities for students to begin to carve out their specializations through field internship experiences.
University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
Location: Edinburg, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,859
The Bachelor of Social Work program at UT Rio Grande Valley offers students a wide-ranging generalist education that can qualify them for LBSW certification or an expedited path through MSW programs, depending on their long-term goals. This curriculum is built up from a liberal arts foundation accompanied by coursework in social and behavioral sciences. Students also get the opportunity to complete field work at local social service organizations in the last year of their program.
Those who wish to get more involved within the program as well in Rio Grande Valley causes outside of school can find an excellent opportunity to do so in the school’s Social Work Student Association (SWSA), which is designed to strengthen connections between students and enrich their knowledge of local life in the social work arena. Students also get the opportunity to attend major professional conferences, such as the NASW conferences and Social Work Legislative Day activities in Austin.
University of Texas at Tyler
Location: Tyler, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,920
For students located in or near Tyler, TX who are looking to enroll in BSW programs, UT Tyler is an excellent choice for you. The school is the only public university within 50 miles of Tyler, making it a uniquely affordable option for budget-minded prospective students. To add to the convenience, the school offers both in-person and online formats, allowing students to customize their academic experiences to meet their educational and logistical preferences.
The core curriculum at UT Tyler offers an overview of the central tenets of the social work profession as well as focused classes on the major focus areas within the field. Those who are interested in enriching their studies with other disciplinary perspectives have the opportunity to develop research projects in collaboration with the school’s Criminal Justice and Psychology and Counseling departments, allowing them to build up early specializations that may carry their careers in the long-term.
West Texas A&M University
Location: Canyon, TX
Format(s): In-person
Estimated Program Tuition (per year, in-state): $9,101
Located in the Texas panhandle region, West Texas A&M University’s BSW program has a particular emphasis on providing social services in rural communities. Populations in these areas have a unique set of concerns that require specific approaches that are different from those of urban communities. Within this program, students will receive the training and skill-building they need to make an impact in such communities, particularly in Texas.
Students at West Texas A&M have the uncommon opportunity to study abroad, gaining a global perspective on social work efforts that can enhance their practices in the long term. The program also offers a semi-annual Field Fair organized by graduating students, allowing current students to learn about active opportunities for social workers in the Texas panhandle region.
As you can see from these options, students based in any part of Texas should be able to find excellent opportunities that are easily accessible for them.
Tuition data taken from program websites and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) database.
FAQs
Who is a candidate to pursue a BSW in Texas?
Anyone who does not already hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject is eligible to enroll in a Bachelor of Social Work program.
Do I need a BSW to become a social worker?
No. You can become a social worker by completing any type of bachelor’s degree program, and then continuing your education with a MSW to become a Licensed Master Social Worker. However, in Texas, you can become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) after achieving a BSW and passing the ASWB Bachelor Examination.
What are the advantages of holding a Bachelor of Social Work degree?
A BSW program is a great choice for those who don’t yet hold bachelor’s degrees as it will allow you to speed up your Master of Social Work program, reducing your coursework from two years to one. This is because the curriculum of an BSW program overlaps with the first year of an MSW. Students who hold BSW degrees are therefore eligible to enroll in Advanced Standing MSW programs, which bypass the first year of curriculum so that students can launch their careers more quickly.
Is it possible to attend a BSW program part-time?
Yes. Many in-person and online BSW programs in Texas offer their coursework on a part-time basis, which will extend the duration of your graduate program but allow you more time during school to focus on other responsibilities.
Can I become a social worker in Texas without a license?
No. It is not possible to take on the full responsibilities of a social worker without a license in Texas or anywhere else in the country. While there are some entry-level positions available in social work organizations for non-licensed individuals, in order to reach the next level in the social work profession, it is imperative to be licensed. However, in Texas, you can become a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker and practice after obtaining a BSW and passing ASWB Bachelor Examination.
How does Texas social work license renewal work?
In Texas, all licensed social workers must renew their licenses every two years. In order to do this, Texas-based social workers must complete continuing education courses, which can help them build new professional skills as well as staying on top of emerging developments in the field.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2024.