Universities Offering MSW Programs in Austin, Texas

Austin is home to several universities offering high-quality Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Each program has unique strengths, specialization options, and learning formats to suit a variety of career goals. Below is an updated guide to the top MSW programs in the region, along with tips to help you choose the right one.

University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

School: Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Why Choose UT Austin?
UT Austin’s MSW program is one of the best in the nation, offering a balance of academic rigor and practical experience. With over 300 agency partnerships, students have access to extensive field placement opportunities. Whether you’re interested in clinical social work, policy advocacy, or community practice, UT Austin has you covered.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: ~2 years
  • Advanced Standing MSW: ~1 year (for students with a BSW from an accredited program)
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $10,000 – $12,000 per year
  • Out-of-state: $20,000+ per year
• Format: Hybrid and in-person options

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Texas State University

School: School of Social Work
Why Choose Texas State?
This program emphasizes social justice and multicultural awareness, making it a great choice for students passionate about equity and inclusion. With flexible learning formats, you can choose on-campus, online, or hybrid options to fit your schedule.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: 2 years full-time, 3+ years part-time
  • Advanced Standing MSW: 12-16 months
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $8,000 – $10,000 per year
  • Out-of-state: $17,000+ per year
• Format: Online, hybrid, or on-campus

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Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)

School: Worden School of Social Service
Why Choose OLLU?
OLLU’s MSW program is the oldest in Texas and has a strong reputation for its focus on Hispanic children and families. With small class sizes and hybrid or online learning options, students receive personalized attention and flexibility.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: 2 years
  • Advanced Standing MSW: 1 year
• Tuition: $15,000 – $18,000 per year
• Format: Hybrid and online

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University of Houston (UH)

School: Graduate College of Social Work
Why Choose UH?
UH offers tracks in both clinical and macro social work practice, making it a versatile option for students with diverse career goals. The program is nationally recognized for its faculty expertise in policy and mental health research.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: 2 years full-time, part-time options available
  • Advanced Standing MSW: 1 year
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $9,000 – $11,000 per year
  • Out-of-state: $20,000+ per year
• Format: Hybrid

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Baylor University

School: Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
Why Choose Baylor?
Baylor’s MSW program stands out for its six specialization tracks, including trauma, gerontology, and congregational social work. With a requirement of 1,030 hours of field education, students graduate with extensive hands-on experience.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: 2 years full-time
  • Advanced Standing MSW: 1 year
• Tuition: $20,000 – $25,000 per year
• Format: In-person

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Angelo State University

School: Department of Social Work
Why Choose Angelo State?
This fully online program is ideal for students seeking flexibility. With a focus on advanced generalist practice, graduates are prepared for a wide range of social work roles.

Program Details:

• Duration: Traditional MSW: 2 years full-time
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $7,000 – $9,000 per year
  • Out-of-state: $15,000+ per year
• Format: Online

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Texas Tech University

School: Social Work Program
Why Choose Texas Tech?
Texas Tech’s MSW program is research-focused, offering students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors. It’s a great choice for those interested in academic or policy-oriented careers.

Program Details:

• Duration:
  • Traditional MSW: 2 years
  • Advanced Standing MSW: 1 year
• Tuition:
  • In-state: $8,000 – $10,000 per year
  • Out-of-state: $18,000+ per year
• Format: In-person

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MSW Program Comparison Table

University	Duration (Traditional)	Duration (Advanced Standing)	Tuition (In-State)	Format	Specializations
UT Austin	2 years	1 year	$10,000-$12,000	Hybrid/In-person	Clinical, Policy, Community Practice
Texas State University	2 years	12-16 months	$8,000-$10,000	Online/Hybrid	Social Justice, Multicultural
Our Lady of the Lake Univ.	2 years	1 year	$15,000-$18,000	Hybrid/Online	Hispanic Children & Families
University of Houston	2 years	1 year	$9,000-$11,000	Hybrid	Clinical, Macro Practice
Baylor University	2 years	1 year	$20,000-$25,000	In-person	Trauma, Gerontology, Congregational
Angelo State University	2 years	N/A	$7,000-$9,000	Online	Advanced Generalist
Texas Tech University	2 years	1 year	$8,000-$10,000	In-person	Research-focused

Job Demand for MSW Graduates in Texas

Texas has a growing demand for social workers, particularly in mental health, child welfare, and healthcare. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% growth in social work jobs nationally from 2021 to 2031, with Texas being one of the top states for career opportunities. Salaries for MSW graduates in Texas range from $50,000 to $70,000, depending on specialization and location.

Choosing the Right MSW Program

When selecting an MSW program, think about:

• Specializations that align with your career goals
• Program format (online, hybrid, in-person)
• Field placement opportunities and partnerships
• Tuition costs and financial aid availability

Ready to Apply?
Explore each university’s offerings, attend information sessions, and take the next step in your social work career.