Looking for the best Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) in Texas? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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You can get the best degrees in Texas for social work at a variety of colleges. Master's degrees are an excellent way to prepare for work in a variety of fields. Master's degrees can lead to advanced roles.
Additionally, master's degree-holders earn approximately $1,574 per week, or about $6,296 a month and $81,848 annually. With a master's degree, unemployment is at 2.6% while with a high school diploma it is at 6.2%.
Social Work Master's Programs for You
Working and Living in Texas in the Social Work Profession
Social work programs allow students to learn about the demographics, challenges, and trends facing a community. Students learn to use a holistic approach in treating social problems. There are several common courses in a social work program, including research and data analysis, healthcare policy issues, mental health provisions, child welfare services, and community organizing. Students who complete their coursework may enter into related careers such as family counseingr or director of regional human services.
It is estimated that the median annual salary for all occupations in Texas is $39,030, or $18.77 an hour. This statistic affects every 12,226,170 employees in Texas. According to the BLS, then, the lowest 10% of earners take home $22,110, and the highest 10% of earners take home $99,880. A report on the earnings of social workers in Texas is shown below.
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MERIC ranks Texas as number 15 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.) on its cost of living index. According to the cost of living index, the average cost of living in the United States is compared with the cost of living in specific locations in the country. In the U.S., the average is calculated as 100, and all locations are either above (expensive) or below (cheaper). In Texas, the cost of living index currently stands at 90.9, which is -9.1% lower than the national average. Compare the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and more in Texas.
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Social workers can expect a 5.8% growth rate in their profession over the coming decade. According to the BLS, there is a projected change from 71,400 social workers in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. These positions typically require a bachelor's degree as an entry-level education.
The master of science in social work at The University of Texas at Austin offers a flexible online format. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
Students explore social work research and methodologies. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The admission requirements include a background in social work or a related field.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
The University of Texas at Austin at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 32%
Total Online Master's Programs: 5
Program Name: Master of science in social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,998
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $22,966
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,448
Out-of-state
$40,032
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
50,476
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Texas
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
4 years
Campus
Learners interested in a master's in social work can earn their master of science in social work from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, located in Edinburg. The rigorous curriculum prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. Earning a master's degree can help candidates advance in their current career or pursue a new career path entirely.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a background in social work may need to complete prerequisites.
Online enrollees complete internships at approved sites in their own community. Campus students can access the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program Name: Master of science in social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,959
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,555
Average Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Texas
University of Houston
Houston, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
University of Houston offers an online MSW program that emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills. The program prepares enrollees for decision-making responsibilities. Master's degree-holders can also pursue new career opportunities.
The curriculum explores social work research and methodologies. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants who majored in social work or a related field typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Houston at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 65%
Total Online Master's Programs: 15
Program Name: MSW program
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,370
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,746
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,449
Out-of-state
$20,665
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
47,090
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Texas
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Fort Worth, Texas Christian University offers an online master of social work. The program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to social work. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. Applicants without a degree in social work or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Those who attend on campus can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
Texas Christian University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 47%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $30,780
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,780
Average Tuition
In-state
$51,570
Out-of-state
$51,570
Retention Rate
92%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
11,379
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Master’s Degrees in Social Work in Texas
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
From its campus in Lubbock, Texas Tech University offers an online master of social work. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree. Master's graduates can advance their current career or move into new careers.
The curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in social work or a related field.
Online enrollees gain real-world experience through internships offered in their local area. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.
Texas Tech University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 69%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,958
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,428
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,683
Out-of-state
$20,953
Retention Rate
87%
Admission Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
40,322
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Master's Degree in Social Work
You can use financial aid to pay for your college education. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs are all forms of financial aid. Some students qualify for federal student loans, while some students qualify to receive private student loans. The colleges you are interested in may also offer their own scholarships. Research in advance to learn what kind of financial aid might be available.
For scholarship, grant, and work-study opportunities, students should contact the university's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Texas
Texas colleges charge varying tuition rates. In spite of this, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. Find out whether or not attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Texas vs. National Average
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Texas
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university instead of a public one? There is generally a higher cost associated with private schools. Learn more about the private colleges in Texas by looking at the following graph.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Texas vs. National Average
Key
Texas
National Average
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salary types.
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Federal Student Loan Information
In order to pay for school, should you consider borrowing student loans? Prior to obtaining a loan, you should take certain things into consideration.
You should be sure that you can make all the payments on time and repay the loan when it becomes due.
Consider if a degree from your chosen school will progress your career goals.
You should ensure that you understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan after you graduate.
Find out what students typically borrow by reviewing the following data.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Cost and class size are among the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus. Online programs offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. The fees of on-campus programs tend to be higher than those for distance students. Even so, there are advantages to attending classes on a regular basis.
A private college may have many distinct advantages over a public college. For example, private schools charge more in tuition than public schools. For students at public universities, grants and scholarships help them lower the cost of tuition and fees. There are often merit scholarships that help with the cost of attending a private college.
Students attending private colleges often benefit from more one-on-one time with professors. There are several pros and cons to attending a private institution over a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for social workers in Texas?
In Texas, social workers make a mean of $67,470 per year.
Are occupations for social work graduates in high demand?
The total number of social workers is projected to change 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any options for earning a master's degree in social work online?
A master's degree in social work is a great way to prepare for the workforce. At least some online courses are available as part of most schools' programs in today's environment.
How many years does it take to complete a master's degree?
On average, a master's degree takes two years to complete for a full-time student. The completion time will vary for part-time students as will the duration of their studies.
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