7 Affordable Online Social Work Degrees in Texas

If you live in Texas and are interested in studying social work, you may be curious about the local schools offering online social work bachelor's programs. Specifically, you'd like to know more about colleges and universities in your state that offer affordable online social work degrees.

Read on as we look at some top schools providing full-time and part-time bachelor's and master's degrees in social work that won't break the bank. We'll also answer some questions you may have about studying social work online.

Affordable Online Social Work Degree Programs in Texas

It's important to choose a social work degree that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Let's look at some top affordable online colleges in Texas that offer these programs at lower rates.

1. University of Texas Arlington

The University of Texas Arlington is a public school located in Arlington. It is one of the largest schools in the state with an enrollment of almost 41,000 students.

This school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in social work in on-campus and online learning formats. The undergraduate program combines general education, electives, core courses, and a fieldwork internship requirement. The graduate programs are highly customizable, providing advanced standing options, concentrations, and the ability to study full-time or part-time.

The average tuition rates for these programs are $12,208 per year for undergrad students and $11,044 per year for graduate students. Numerous scholarships are available to help students cover their costs, and qualifying low-income undergraduate students can enroll tuition-free.

2. Texas State University

Texas State University is a public school headquartered in San Marcos. This large school enrolls around 40,600 students.

The university's School of Social Work provides online bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. The undergraduate program prepares students for generalist social work practice and graduate studies. The graduate program offers both a foundational track and an advanced standing track.

Students enrolled in the bachelor's degree program can expect to pay about $12,220 in tuition each year, while those in the online MSW program can expect to pay around $9,000 a year. Grants, work-study programs, and scholarships can make it easier for students to afford their degree.

3. Angelo State University

Angelo State University is a public school located in San Angelo, TX. It enrolls around 10,800 students in various online and in-person degree programs. Online learners can pursue bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in social work at this school.

The bachelor's degree provides a strong foundation to help prospective students build their social work career. The master's program provides concentrations in advanced generalist practice and clinical practice. The doctoral degree in clinical psychology enables you to deepen your skills in individual, family, and community practice.

This school offers some of the most affordable tuition in the state at an estimated $9,584 per year for undergrad students and $7,509 a year for graduate students. It offers hundreds of scholarships and financial aid options, and students with significant financial need may qualify for free tuition.

4. Texas A&M University Commerce

Texas A&M University Commerce is the third largest school in the Texas A&M University System with around 12,000 students. It is a public school located in Commerce, TX.

The school offers an online Master of Social Work that's ideal for those looking to pursue a graduate degree on a budget. A foundational program and an advanced standing program are available. Social work-specific courses include topics such as:

• clinical practice in mental health
• foundation of social welfare policy
• human behavior in the social environment
• social justice for oppressed populations
• field foundations practicum

This program costs $7,338 per year for students taking nine credit hours per semester. Scholarships, grants, assistantships, and more are available to help students fund their education.

5. University of Houston

The University of Houston is a large public school in Houston. It enrolls nearly 47,000 students in many online and on-campus academic programs.

The school provides a highly flexible online MSW program. Coursework focuses on advanced generalist practice and covers political, social, and economic topics that can apply to a variety of social service careers.

This affordable program costs $475 per credit hour. Students can earn funds to pay for their education through scholarships, grants, work-study programs, loans, and financial incentives available through the school and from outside sources.

6. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, TX. This large public school boasts an enrollment of nearly 41,000 students.

The school provides both standard and advanced standing MSW programs online. These programs provide the education necessary to advance in your current career and pursue new opportunities in clinical social work, direct practice, and behavioral health. Flexible field experience requirements can be completed at a location near you for maximum convenience.

Master's degrees at this school cost from $450 to $800 per credit hour, depending on the programs and courses. Students can apply for financial aid and scholarships to diminish their financial burden.

7. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a multi-campus public school with locations throughout the southern part of the state. It enrolls around 34,300 students.

The school offers a Master of Science in social work online and on campus. This CSWE-accredited program offers advanced standing and standard options with specializations in direct and community practice. Flexible field education components enable students to pursue licensure after graduation. The program prepares students for a variety of careers and job titles, including:

• child welfare social worker
• healthcare and medical social worker
• school social worker
• substance abuse social worker
• community services manager

This master's program costs $749.40 per credit hour.

FAQs About Online Social Work Degrees

If you're still curious about starting your social work career by earning an online degree, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.

How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost?

Different schools have different tuition rates and fees. That said, among the schools discussed above, bachelor's degrees typically cost around $7,500 to $12,200 per year, while master's degrees cost around $400 to $800 per credit hour.

Does the Master of Social Work Offer Concentrations?

Some of the accredited MSW programs listed above offer program concentrations that allow students to tailor their degrees to the specific career paths that interest them. These specializations typically require taking extra or more highly specific courses as part of your degree program.

What Degree Do You Need to Be a Social Worker in Texas?

Social work licensure is available at three levels in Texas: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Social work students can pursue the LBSW credential with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, while those hoping to obtain an LMSW or LCSW social work license must have completed at least a Master of Social Work program.

Find Online BSW and MSW Degrees Today

If you're ready to become a social work professional, check out the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the colleges or universities to discover more about their programs, admission requirements, and opportunities for online students.