Online MSW Programs in Texas

Students and professionals in Texas interested in earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) online have several options in terms of both in-state and out-of-state universities.

Some universities in Texas that have online master of social work programs include: Our Lady of the Lake University, Texas State University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Stephen F. Austin State University also offers online MSW coursework options. Its program notes that advanced-standing students can complete the online MSW entirely online, and that advanced courses may be taken fully online (with some face-to-face options). 

It’s important to check each university’s state eligibility rules before applying. Some online MSW programs limit enrollment based on state authorization requirements and/or professional licensure disclosures, which can affect whether a school can offer online coursework (and field placement support) to students in certain states. For example, the University of Texas at Arlington offers MSW coursework 100% online and offers a pathway for non-Texas residents (the Non-Resident Online Distance Education, or NRODE, pathway). Because eligibility can vary by location, prospective students should confirm UTA’s current distance education authorization/licensure guidance for their state before enrolling.

On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer campus visits per year as an online MSW program. For hybrid programs, the University of Houston and the University of Texas at Arlington offer mixed online/on-campus degree plans.

Colleges in Texas with Online MSW Programs

If you’re in Texas, don’t have time for daytime classes, or are out of reach of a campus, there are many online master’s in social work programs in the state.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there is the University of Texas at Arlington. South Texas offers OLLU and Texas State University around San Antonio and the University of Houston near the city center.

  • Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) – OLLU’s online MSW has two pathways: a Foundation Program (for non-BSW applicants) and an Advanced Standing Program (for eligible CSWE-accredited BSW graduates). Program length varies by pacing.” OLLU’s MSW program emphasizes working with and serving the Hispanic community and can be completed in under 3 years.
  • Texas State University – Texas State offers an online MSW with a Foundation/Regular track and an Advanced Standing track for eligible BSW graduates; pacing varies by plan.
  • University of Houston – The University of Houston offers an Online MSW designed for working professionals; program length depends on the student’s plan (e.g., part-time pacing). Tracks are offered in traditional standing or advanced to help students prepare for clinical social work practice.
  • University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) – UTA offers MSW study 100% online and also enrolls non-Texas residents through its Non-Resident Online Distance Education (NRODE) pathway; eligibility can vary by state, so students should confirm authorization for their location. The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online social work master’s program in traditional and advanced standing tracks. UTA’s MSW offers five specialty areas: Direct Practice in Aging, Direct Practice in Children & Families, Direct Practice in Health, Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Abuse, and Community & Administrative Practice.
  • University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) – UTRGV offers an online advanced standing MSW option; concentration options include Administration & Community Practice and Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families, and Groups.

Colleges in Texas with Hybrid MSW Programs

The University of Houston offers a Hybrid MSW option with a distinct structure from its other enrollment models. UH notes that its part-time MSW (hybrid and online options) can be completed in three calendar years for full-program students (with different timing for advanced standing). 

  • The University of Houston offers a hybrid MSW program in addition to its online master of social work. In three years, students can earn a master’s in social work through online classes and some Saturday classes. Students may also pursue advanced standing admission to complete their degree in about two years.
  • The University of Texas at Arlington offers a “Mixed-Mode Cohort”, including a Fort Worth Cohort designed for working professionals. The Fort Worth Cohort meets primarily in the evenings and includes some online coursework (the program notes one online course for advanced standing students). UTA notes that after the foundation year (or with advanced standing eligibility from a BSW), the program can be completed in about 12 months, which aligns with a typical two-year timeline for students completing the foundation curriculum plus the specialty year. The Fort Worth Cohort is described as offering a concentration in Direct Practice with Children and Families along with a Certificate in Administration (and it notes an advanced field focus tied to Mental Health and Substance Misuse).

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. 100% online programs do not require students to visit the campus.

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas

In Texas, the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (within the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council) issues three social work license types: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

How to Become a Social Worker in Texas

The Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (within the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council) issues three social work license types: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Texas also maintains certain specialty recognitions, but it notes that the Advanced Practitioner recognition is no longer offered to new applicants. 

Below are common steps to become a social worker in Texas. Because licensing rules and documentation requirements can change, applicants should confirm current requirements directly with the Texas Board/BHEC before applying.

Information on Texas licensure was last retrieved in January 2026.

Pathway to Become an LBSW in Texas

  • Complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Pass the Bachelors Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Complete the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Exam and save your completion certificate (must be dated within 6 months of BHEC receiving your application).
  • Obtain a certified NPDB self-query report (National Practitioner Data Bank).
  • Apply online for the LBSW with the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) / Texas SW Board and pay the required fee, uploading required documents.
  • Complete the required fingerprint background check (instructions are provided after online application submission).
  • If you’ve ever held a social work license elsewhere, submit verification of licensure from each jurisdiction.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Texas

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of approved, supervised professional clinical experience within two to four years, with a minimum of 100 hours of board-approved supervision with an approved supervisor.
  • Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Pathway to Become a LMSW in Texas

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Complete the Texas Social Work Jurisprudence Exam (and keep the completion certificate).
  • Request a certified NPDB self-query report (National Practitioner Data Bank).
  • Arrange the fingerprint-based background check (instructions are issued after you submit the online application).
  • Send an official transcript showing the MSW was conferred.
  • If applicable, submit verification of any social work license held in another jurisdiction.
  • Apply to the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

Licensed Master Social Worker–Advanced Practitioner (LMSW-AP) in Texas:

Texas previously offered the LMSW-AP as an advanced, non-clinical designation that allowed independent practice at the advanced practitioner level; however, the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) notes that Texas no longer offers the Advanced Practitioner specialty recognition to new applicants (some legacy licensees may still hold it). Today, Texas directs LMSWs seeking independent non-clinical practice to pursue Independent Practice Recognition (LMSW-IPR), the current pathway for independent non-clinical practice recognition. 

Information last updated: January 2026