Looking for the best PhD in Social Work in Texas? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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You can make your career and life more fulfilling with the best degrees in Texas for social work. Doctoral degrees are great for pursuing diverse career opportunities. Those with a doctorate possess the skills and knowledge to move forward in their careers.
With a doctorate, unemployment is at 1.5%, while those with a high school diploma face 6.2% unemployment.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Texas in the Social Work Profession
Social work programs are designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to help others. Degree-seekers gain valuable insights into human behavior, social sciences, and policy that are essential for helping people in need. After you graduate from a social work program, you can begin a career in a variety of areas. For example, you may decide to work in the field of child welfare or become a case manager for people with mental illness.
Texas' median annual salary is $39,030, or $18.77 per hour. This holds true for the state's 12,226,170 workers. BLS data shows that the state's individuals with the lowest incomes take home $22,110 annually. The highest earners make approximately $99,880. The following page shows the typical earnings for social workers in Texas.
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As stated by MERIC, Texas ranks number 12 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in specific states against the cost of living nationwide. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). The cost of living index for Texas is 90.9, which is -9.1% lower than the national average. On the following page, you can find a comparison of the average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other essentials in Texas and the U.S.
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From 2020-2030, jobs for social workers are projected to grow 5.8%. The BLS projects an increase in total employment of 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. This position requires a doctorate. There are several typical job titles that include:
The Ph.D. in social work at Baylor University appeals to learners seeking an online doctoral degree. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research support.
The social work Ph.D. program includes a rigorous curriculum in social work. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate in social work, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.
Baylor University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 17,780
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $33,408
Average Tuition
In-state
$44,544
Out-of-state
$44,544
Retention Rate
91%
Admission Rate
68%
Students Enrolled
19,297
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
The online Ph.D. in social work program at The University of Texas at Arlington ranks as one of the best degrees in the social work field. Degree-seekers benefit from flexible course options through the public institution. Doctoral students participate in career counseling and benefit from research support.
In the social work program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. As the highest degree in social work, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Contact the social work program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
The University of Texas at Arlington at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 26,614
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,739
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,910
Out-of-state
$26,056
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
48,072
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in Texas
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
4 years
Campus
Individuals seeking an online program benefit from the Ph.D. in social work program at The University of Texas at Austin. Degree-seekers benefit from the public university's flexible format. Doctoral students receive research support throughout the program.
During the social work program, learners take doctoral courses to earn their degree. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates conduct research and defend an original dissertation that contributes to the field. As the terminal degree in social work, the program leads to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Online doctoral students at the accredited institution qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
The University of Texas at Austin at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 46,617
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,028
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
#4 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in Texas
The University of Houston
Houston, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
The online Ph.D. in social work program at the University of Houston ranks as one of the best degrees in the social work field. The public university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.
In the social work program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. With a doctorate in social work, graduates pursue academic, research, and industry roles.
Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Contact the social work program for more information about doctoral admissions.
The University of Houston at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 45,197
Online Master's Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,539
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
Financing a Doctoral Degree in Social Work
Financial aid is available to help students lower the cost of their degree. Some students qualify for federal student loans and private student loans. Several colleges offer scholarships and financial aid.
For scholarship and grant opportunities, students should contact the school's financial aid office.
Average Cost of Attending College in Texas
Depending on the institution, tuition and other costs in Texas may vary. Public and private institutions share some commonalities, however. Find out whether attending a public institution is right for you by reviewing the following information.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Texas vs. National Average
Key
Texas
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university? Private schools generally charge higher tuition. Take a look at the following graph to learn more about private colleges in Texas:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Texas vs. National Average
Key
Texas
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would borrowing student loans help you pay for school? When considering a loan, there are many important things to keep in mind.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all the payments on time.
Think about if your career goals align with the educational path you're considering.
You should understand the type of repayment schedule that will apply to your loan in order to avoid undue hardship once you have entered the workforce.
The following data can help you understand what students tend to borrow on a regular basis.
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
Among the main differences between online and on-campus programs include cost and class size. The advantage of online programs is that they are flexible, affordable, and convenient. Typically, on-campus degrees are more expensive because of student fees, which are optional for distance learners. As a result of attending classes, there are numerous benefits that can be gained over time.
Public and private colleges differ in numerous ways. The cost of education at public and private schools is generally different. Typically, the government determines the costs for public institutions, which are covered by grants and scholarships sponsored by the government. In private institutions, tuition is charged, but merit scholarships are usually available to students with high SAT scores or GPAs.
In private colleges, students benefit from more opportunities to speak with professors directly. Here are some pros and cons of attending a private vs. a public institution.
In today's environment, are graduates with social work degrees in demand?
The total number of social workers is projected to grow by 5.8% from 2020-2030.
How do you get an online doctorate in social work?
There are many opportunities to earn an online doctoral degree in social work. Today, most schools provide at least some online courses.
How much time will you spend earning a doctorate?
An average doctoral degree takes 4-6 years for a full-time student to complete. Part-time students will take longer to complete, and the completion time will vary from student to student.
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