Texas · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Austin, TX (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
Austin, Texas (population 979,882) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 15 Texas programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Texas licensure.
Best MSW programs in Austin, TX
Accredited programs with a campus in Austin, TX, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Austin, TX
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX, TX · CSWE-accredited since 1952 · On-Campus
8.0
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Texas at Austin has held CSWE accreditation since 1952, 74 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Austin, TX). It records 3 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Management or Administration; Social Policy). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 6 dual-degree options and 6 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Austin, TX
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Austin, TX, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 San Marcos · ~31 mi
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX, TX · CSWE-accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
6.5
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Texas State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (San Marcos, TX). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Austin, TX
Texas-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Austin, TX residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Arlington | 1970 | Yes | #20 |
| University of Houston | 1970 | Yes | #51 |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | 1945 | Yes | #82 |
| University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley | 2002 | Yes | #108 |
| Baylor University | 2001 | Yes | #117 |
| Abilene Christian University | 2007 | Yes | #141 |
| Texas State University | 1997 | Yes | #146 |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | 1998 | Yes | #155 |
| East Texas A&M University | 2001 | Yes | #198 |
| Angelo State University | 2019 | Yes | #223 |
| University of Texas at El Paso | 2010 | Yes | #237 |
| Texas Tech University | 2015 | Yes | #263 |
| Texas Woman's University | 2017 | Yes | #274 |
| Prairie View A&M University | 2021 | Yes | #280 |
| West Texas A&M University | 2010 | Yes | #297 |
How much do social workers make in Austin, TX in 2026?
Austin, Texas sits within the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 3,790 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $76,020 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 1,010 | $76,020 | $39,150 – $100,050 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 860 | $47,740 | $37,730 – $77,630 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,670 | $58,640 | $45,790 – $77,420 |
| Social workers, all other | 250 | $61,690 | $43,850 – $128,940 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,580 | $80,030 | $54,990 – $127,840 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Austin, TX earn a median of $58,640 versus $55,680 statewide in Texas and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Texas median.
Where do social workers work in Austin, TX in 2026?
Austin, Texas sits in Travis County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Integral Care, Travis County’s mental-health authority
- Dell Children’s Medical Center and Ascension Seton
- Travis County Health and Human Services
- Austin Independent School District
- SAFE Alliance
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Austin, TX?
After an MSW from Austin, TX or anywhere, these are the Texas social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | 3000 hours | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Masters |
| Licensed Master Social Worker-Advanced Practice (LMSW-AP) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Advanced Generalist |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Texas state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Austin, TX?
How much do social workers earn in Austin, TX?
Can I earn an MSW online from Austin, TX?
What license do MSW graduates need in Texas?
MSW programs in other Texas cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Texas license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.