Stephen F. Austin State University’s MSW

Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University has established itself as one of Texas’ most respected educational institutions with almost 100 years of academic excellence. The university’s 430-acre campus sits in Nacogdoches, offering a peaceful rural East Texas setting. Students come from all over Texas, including Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth, and the university attracts learners from 46 states and 42 countries.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings named SFA the #1 Regional Texas Public School. The university ranks #38 in Regional Universities West and holds the #21 spot in Top Public Schools in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. These rankings showcase the university’s dedication to quality education at reasonable costs.

The campus offers excellent facilities that support student learning. Students have access to 1.5 million volumes in the Ralph W. Steen Library. The grounds include 28 instructional buildings, 19 dormitories, and specialized facilities such as:

• A 477-acre beef and poultry farm
• A 200-acre dairy farm
• An experimental forest in southwest Nacogdoches County
• A forestry field station near Lake Sam Rayburn

The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you get individual attention throughout your educational experience. This close-knit learning environment helps achieve strong academic results, with 41% of students graduating in four years.

Current enrollment shows 10,472 students, with 9,129 undergraduates and 1,343 graduate students. The student community reflects diverse backgrounds: 55% White, 24% Hispanic, 12% Black, along with students from other ethnic backgrounds.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has fully accredited Stephen F. Austin State University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students can choose from more than 120 areas of study across six colleges, including the School of Social Work within the College of Liberal and Applied Arts.

The university joined the University of Texas System on May 11, 2023, opening an exciting new chapter in its growth. Before this change, it was one of just two public universities in Texas that operated independently from the state’s seven university systems.

SFA’s social work programs stand out because they’re affordable, high-quality, and flexible. The focus on advanced generalist social work practice, particularly in rural communities, helps graduates tackle unique challenges in underserved areas.

Programs offered

Stephen F. Austin State University School of Social Work has three different educational paths that match your career goals. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits these programs to ensure you get an education that meets national standards.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program needs 47 hours of professional social work courses, supportive discipline courses, and 13 hours of electives. This detailed program gets you ready for entry-level positions and builds a strong foundation for graduate studies. Your BSW experience requires at least 15 hours of field practicum completed at SFA.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program has two specialized tracks:

• Advanced Standing MSW: Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can complete this accelerated 35-credit hour program in 10 months full-time or two years part-time. This option runs entirely online.
• Non-Advanced Standing MSW: Students without a BSW need to complete 64 credit hours. This typically takes two years of full-time study or up to four years part-time.

Both MSW tracks focus on advanced generalist practice in rural settings. This prepares you to handle the unique challenges rural communities face. The curriculum blends classroom learning with hands-on field experience and has 11 hours of advanced field instruction.

Transfer students can bring credits from other institutions based on SFA policies. However, they must complete nine hours of practice methods courses and the 15-hour field practicum at SFA. Social work courses from CSWE-accredited programs or those with approved articulation agreements count as equivalents for professional courses.

The MSW curriculum works in two phases: generalist practice and specialized practice. Your first year provides basic social work knowledge as with BSW content. This creates a foundation for advanced studies. The second year focuses on advanced generalist practice in rural areas. You’ll learn skills that work well in rural settings and lifestyles.

The Child Welfare Professional Development Project gives you unique fieldwork and internship opportunities. This federally funded Title IV-E partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services substantially improves your practical experience and career readiness.

About the online program

Stephen F. Austin State University’s online Advanced Standing MSW program gives qualified social work professionals complete flexibility. You can earn your degree from anywhere without compromising educational quality. The program maintains the same high academic standards as the on-campus version while letting you learn remotely.

The program structure works well for professionals who need to balance their career and education. You can finish the 35-credit hour curriculum in just 10 months as a full-time student or take up to two years with part-time enrollment. Part-time advanced standing students must complete all degree requirements within this two-year window.

SFA’s online coursework employs both synchronous and asynchronous learning approaches:

• Live Zoom sessions create engaging interactive environments
• Self-paced materials allow for schedule flexibility
• Blackboard learning management system delivers course content
• Evening class options work well for professionals

Faculty members who teach your online courses have special training and certification in effective online teaching. Their expertise keeps course quality on par with on-campus offerings.

Field education plays a vital role in your MSW training, even in the online format. While you’ll complete coursework virtually, you still need to fulfill the required in-person, site-based field hours—a crucial part of social work education. The program helps you find suitable field placement sites near your location, so you can meet this requirement whatever your location.

The program really shines in advanced generalist practice with emphasis on rural contexts. This specialization helps you tackle the unique challenges rural communities face, which makes the program stand out from many others.

Money matters when choosing a graduate program. At $599.50 per credit hour, SFA’s online MSW program is budget-friendly compared to many alternatives. Qualified non-Texas residents might save even more through the Non-Resident Online Distance Education Program.

Your online MSW holds the same value as the traditional degree in employers’ eyes. The program’s full CSWE accreditation means graduates can pursue the same licensure opportunities as on-campus students, so your online degree will help advance your career.

Accreditation

Quality accreditation is a vital marker for any social work program. Students pursuing their MSW degree need to check proper accreditation. This step will ensure their education meets professional standards and qualifies them for licensing after graduation.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s Master of Social Work program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This prestigious credential shows that SFA’s social work curriculum meets national educational standards. The BSW and MSW programs both maintain this accreditation, which gives students uninterrupted progress through different degree levels.

CSWE accreditation brings valuable benefits. It lets graduates qualify for social work licensing—a vital credential that helps career growth. Students who don’t graduate from CSWE-accredited programs face major hurdles getting professional licenses in most states. Employers value and respect degrees from CSWE-accredited schools, and often require this accreditation for social work jobs.

Students looking at the online MSW option should know the CSWE accreditation covers all approved teaching methods. Your online degree carries similar value as traditional on-campus programs. You’ll graduate with the same respected credentials whether you study online or in person.

The university also has institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This complete accreditation allows SFA to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in any discipline. SFA got SACSCOC reaffirmation in 2021, with the next review set for 2031.

Having both institutional and program-specific accreditation offers several benefits:

• Credits transfer easily between accredited schools
• Students can get federal financial aid
• The institution’s quality and stability are confirmed
• Educational standards stay consistent across all program types

SFA has many more specialized credentials in a variety of academic departments. This extensive accreditation portfolio shows the university’s steadfast dedication to excellence in all educational programs.

SFA’s dual accreditation through CSWE and SACSCOC gives it a major advantage among Texas MSW programs. These credentials show your education investment meets quality standards and prepares you well for professional social work practice.

Admission Requirements

The MSW program at Stephen F. Austin State University needs a well-prepared application package. Students must submit several essential documents as part of their application process.

Your application package for the Stephen F. Austin State University MSW program should include:

• SFA Graduate School application through ApplyTexas
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Three letters of recommendation (from a work/volunteer supervisor, a professor/dean, and a professional reference)
• Supplemental application specifically for the MSW program
• Written statement of interest in social work
• Professional résumé

Non-advanced standing admission requires an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Students with exceptional qualifications might receive probationary admission with an overall GPA of 2.5 and a GPA of 2.8 for the last 60 hours.

The advanced standing path moves faster but demands more. You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program. This path requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework and a 2.5 GPA overall.

Students on probationary status cannot qualify for advanced standing. Advanced standing credit isn’t automatic – you might need course equivalency information or competency examinations before getting credit for specific courses.

The MSW Program Director decides all course equivalency credits. Students might receive advanced placement credit for these courses: SOCW 5301, SOCW 5302, SOCW 5307, and SOCW 5312. Advanced standing students must complete at least 35 credit hours to earn their MSW degree.

The application deadlines vary by program type. Advanced standing applicants should submit by June 17, 2024. Non-advanced standing applicants have until August 1, 2024.

International students need extra documentation. The Office of International Programs helps guide these students through their specific admissions process.

Probationary admission students must earn a B average in their first twelve semester credit hours to stay in the program. Missing this requirement leads to academic suspension.

The School of Social Work accepts all application materials through email, mail, or fax. Check the application instructions for specific submission details.

Tuition

Stephen F. Austin State University offers excellent value for your MSW education. The graduate school tuition for 2024-2025 academic year is $7,829 for Texas residents and $15,209 for non-Texas residents. The tuition has stayed stable with only small adjustments over the last several years.

Students who attend part-time or take extra credits pay per-credit-hour rates. Texas residents pay $378 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $790 per credit hour. These costs play a major role in planning your education.

The online MSW program charges $599.50 per credit hour, which makes it cheaper than most Texas programs. Texas residents pay about $5,262 per year while getting high-quality education.

Your budget needs to cover these additional costs:

• Books and supplies: $1,208 annually
• Room and board: $13,144 (on-campus) or $12,184 (off-campus)
• Personal expenses: $3,350

The total estimated cost comes to $25,531 for on-campus Texas residents and $32,911 for on-campus out-of-state students.

Social work students have access to various financial aid options. The School of Social Work provides scholarships exclusively to MSW students who maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher. These dedicated funding options help reduce educational expenses without increasing post-graduation debt.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get scholarships, grants, loans, or work-study programs. SFA’s financial aid office guides you through the application process even though it might seem overwhelming at first.

Non-resident students should know that receiving scholarships of $1,000 or more from an SFA scholarship committee qualifies them for in-state tuition rates throughout their scholarship period. This policy can lead to big savings for out-of-state applicants who show academic excellence.

Additional Information

SFA’s MSW program extends learning beyond the classroom with practical experiences that create successful social work professionals. Your education builds on field instruction as its foundation, and supervised practice opportunities in agency settings of all types help you grow.

SFA graduates have excellent job prospects, with 95% finding work within six months of finishing their degree. Their earning potential is solid too – graduates in salaried positions make $56,309 annually on average, while those in hourly roles earn $44,393. Social workers in Texas must get licensure through the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.

The program’s faculty brings both academic expertise and clinical experience in a variety of specialties such as mental health, cultural diversity, and rural social work. Licensed clinical social worker and board-approved supervisor Dr. Sam Copeland shows this perfect blend of hands-on and academic knowledge.

Students can learn about global perspectives through study abroad programs in Ireland and Ghana. Research presentation opportunities range from local events to international conferences.

The Child Welfare Professional Development Project partners with Texas Department of Family and Protective Services through federal funding to provide special internships with attractive stipends.

Students who want to tackle rural social work challenges can work with SFA’s Center for Rural Social Work Research and Development, which supports research studies and intervention strategies focused on rural communities.