Top Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs Near Houston
Four of the nation's largest nonprofit hospital systems—Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann, Baylor St. Luke's, and HCA Gulf Coast—call the Bayou City home, creating a deep pipeline for clinical social-work internships. Add NASA-adjacent behavioral-health research at Johnson Space Center and more than 1,500 community nonprofits serving Harris County's nearly 7 million residents, and Houston becomes a living classroom for future social workers. Yet the city's median rent still sits 15 percent below the national average, meaning you can train at top-tier institutions without the coastal price tag.
But Houston's growth also presents challenges: the region's poverty rate remains above 18 percent, and 1 in 5 adults report unmet mental-health needs. Local employers need MSW graduates who understand both macro-level policy and hands-on counseling. Choosing the right program—one that's Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited, packed with Houston-specific field placements, and competitively priced—sets you up to tackle those needs while keeping debt manageable.
Top Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs Near Houston
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View, TX - Public 4-Year - pvamu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Medical Social Work - Online Learning - Visit Website
Prairie View A&M University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program specializes in Medical Social Work, blending clinical expertise with an Africentric perspective to tackle healthcare disparities. This CSWE-accredited program is Texas's sole HBCU MSW offering, emphasizing medical and behavioral health through evidence-based practices. With options for both traditional and advanced standing tracks, it requires a 2.75 GPA and a statistics prerequisite. Graduates are primed for LCSW certification, supported by supervised internships and a curriculum focused on healthcare social work. No entrance exam is mentioned, highlighting accessibility for aspiring social workers.
- Only HBCU MSW program in Texas
- Medical and Behavioral Health specializations
- Advanced Standing option available
- Minimum 2.75 GPA required
- Traditional and Part-time formats
- Supervised internship opportunities
- Focus on healthcare social work
- Africentric learning environment
- Statistics course prerequisite
- CSWE-aligned curriculum
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Behavioral Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Behavioral Health, Prairie View A&M University's online MSW program stands out as Texas's only HBCU offering in this field. It integrates an Africentric approach to train students in addressing health disparities, preparing them for LCSW certification. The program welcomes both traditional and advanced standing students, requiring a 2.75 GPA and a statistics course beforehand. Unique supervised internships and a focus on clinical skills development are key highlights, with no mention of an entrance exam, making it accessible for those aiming to make a difference in behavioral health.
- Clinical MSW Program
- Medical and Behavioral Health Specializations
- HBCU Unique Program
- LCSW Certification Track
- 2.75 Minimum GPA Required
- Traditional and Advanced Standing Options
- Statistics Course Prerequisite
- Supervised Internship Opportunities
- Healthcare Social Work Focus
- Africentric Learning Environment
Why Earn an MSW in Houston?
- Field-placement variety – From MD Anderson's oncology units to Catholic Charities' refugee services, practicums span hospitals, schools, and justice-reform agencies.
- Job-market momentum – Texas projects a 20 percent jump in social-work openings between 2023 and 2033.
- Affordability – Houston's lower cost of living leaves room for exam fees, supervision hours, and association memberships.
More context on professional benefits appears in [How to Become a Social Worker].
Curriculum & Program Structure
Houston-area MSW programs average 60 credits and two years full-time:
- Human Behavior & the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy & Advocacy for Texas Communities
- Evidence-Based Practice With Latinx Families
- Clinical Assessment & DSM-5 Diagnostics
- Research Methods or Capstone Thesis
- 900–1,000 supervised field hours
Online learners can benchmark syllabi against Online MSW Programs to confirm parity with on-campus tracks.
Admission Snapshot
| University | Min. GPA | Tests | Prerequisite Courses | Houston Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston (UHV & Main) | 3.0 | GRE optional | Stats, Intro Soc | GCSW partners with 200+ metro agencies |
| Texas Southern University | 2.75 | No GRE | Research Methods | HBCU emphasis on urban health equity |
| Baylor (Hybrid Houston Cohort) | 3.0 | No GRE | Lifespan Dev. | Field residencies at Baylor St. Luke's |
| Stephen F. Austin (2-hr drive, alt-schedule) | 2.8 | No GRE | Abnormal Psych | Weekend classes + Houston field sites |
Apply by January 15 for the state's Urban Practice Scholarship and other need-based awards.
Tuition, Funding & Cost-Saving Tips
Houston MSW tuition ranges $490–$820 per credit. Stretch every dollar by:
- Securing graduate assistantships that waive 25–50 % of tuition at UH and TSU
- Leveraging the Texas Health Service Corps loan-repayment program ($10,000 per year)
- Combining employer tuition aid from local systems like Harris Health with Affordable Online MSW Programs to finish coursework part-time
- Applying for Social Worker Salary Guide scholarships targeting bilingual practitioners
Work–Life–Study Balance in Space City
Evening and hybrid schedules let students work day shifts as case managers or CPS aides. Many share apartments in Midtown or The Heights—short METRORail rides to both campus and the Texas Medical Center.
Importance of CSWE Accreditation
Texas licensure (LMSW, LCSW) requires graduation from a CSWE-accredited school plus 3,000 supervised hours. Verify that your program's advanced clinical classes align with state law. A step-by-step licensure roadmap appears in [Master of Social Work (MSW) Salary Guide].
Salary Expectations for Houston Social Workers
| Location | Median Annual Wage | 90th Percentile | Growth 2023-33 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $65,360 | $87,730 | +18 % |
| Texas (statewide) | $64,120 | $81,230 | +20 % |
| United States | $61,330 | $99,500 | +7 % |
Figures reflect May 2024 BLS data for healthcare social workers, the largest MSW-required specialty.
Networking & Professional Development
- Join the Houston Area Network of Social Workers for monthly CEU breakfasts.
- Present at the annual Texas NASW Conference—often hosted in nearby Galveston.
- Volunteer with Houston Food Bank Community Assistance Program to log macro-practice hours and connect with potential supervisors.
Strategies to expand your network appear in [Best Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs].
Local Employment Outlook & Key Employers
Houston's top MSW-level hiring hubs include:
- Harris Health System—Level I trauma social work
- MD Anderson Cancer Center—oncology counseling
- Texas Children's Hospital—pediatric behavioral health
- Catholic Charities and BakerRipley—immigrant & refugee services
- Chevron Employee Assistance Program—corporate mental-health consulting
Decision Guide: Choosing Your Ideal Houston MSW Program
- Compare per-credit cost vs. guaranteed field hours.
- Audit supervision quality—seek LCSW supervisors with trauma-informed credentials.
- Check campus commute times; METRORail or I-45 traffic can add an hour.
- Confirm CSWE accreditation to avoid extra coursework.
- Inspect alumni outcomes through LinkedIn or program dashboards.
Start Shaping Houston's Future—One Family at a Time
Visit campuses, finalize FAFSA, and reserve your spot in the next Houston MSW cohort today. The region's hospitals, schools, and community agencies are ready for the expertise you'll bring.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS Data: Healthcare Social Workers—Houston MSA, May 2024. bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS Data: Healthcare Social Workers—Texas, May 2024. bls.gov
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook—Social Workers, 2024. bls.gov
- Texas Workforce Commission. Projections 2023–2033, Social Work Occupations. bls.gov
