Texas Tech University MSW Program
Texas Tech University’s Social Work program has grown remarkably since its humble beginnings. The program started in the 1967-68 academic year with just 24 students and 3 courses. The university’s Board of Regents gave their official approval in 1970, which led to substantial growth in faculty, course offerings, and student enrollment.
The program reached a major turning point when its BA in social work degree earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1979. This credential has been reaffirmed every eight years since then. Texas Tech University expanded its educational offerings by launching the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) program in 2014, and the first cohort began their studies in fall 2015.
The MSW program quickly achieved several milestones. The first group of fifteen students earned their MSW degrees from Texas Tech in May 2017. The program earned full initial CSWE accreditation in February 2018 after completing a thorough multi-year evaluation process. Both the BASW and MSW degree programs received reaffirmation in 2023, with the next review set for 2031.
The program now has nine full-time faculty members and two full-time staff positions. They prepare about 150 enrolled students for baccalaureate and master’s level social work practice. The MSW program takes a comprehensive approach that emphasizes health and well-being, preparing graduates to work with populations of all types and social issues in various settings.
The Social Work program operates under the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, with its main office in Holden Hall 158. The department helps students become responsible citizens and effective communicators in a global society, giving them the knowledge and skills to understand and improve the human condition.
The social work profession’s strong job growth projections suggest the program will expand steadily over several decades with continued institutional support. Students can choose between campus-based and online MSW options that fit their learning priorities.
Programs offered
Texas Tech University’s Master of Social Work degree comes with several paths that match different educational backgrounds and schedule requirements. The MSW program uses an advanced generalist approach that focuses on health and well-being. This approach prepares graduates to work in settings of all types with various populations and social problems.
Your previous education determines which of the two admission tracks you’ll take. Students with a social work bachelor’s degree from the last five years can apply for advanced admission. This path lets you finish your degree in just one calendar year. Students with degrees in other fields can take the standard admission track, which usually takes two years of full-time study.
You can choose between full-time and part-time schedules in both admission types, creating four main program paths:
- Full-time, Standard Admission (2 years) – Begins in fall semester with foundation courses before advancing to specialized content
- Full-time, Advanced Admission (1 year) – Starts in summer and moves directly to advanced coursework
- Part-time, Standard Admission (4 years) – Helps you balance work and study commitments while completing all required coursework
- Part-time, Advanced Admission (2 years) – Gives you flexibility while building on your social work foundation
Each semester follows a well-laid-out curriculum. Standard admission students start with foundation courses that cover social work policy, human behavior across the lifespan, practice with diverse populations, and research methods. All students then take advanced courses in specialized practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
Texas Tech’s online MSW options maintain small student-to-faculty ratios that ensure individual-specific attention from experienced social workers who focus on student success. Both online standard and advanced standing options follow the same thorough curriculum as on-campus programs.
Field placement plays a vital role in all program options. Students complete required field hours at approved social service agencies and apply their classroom knowledge with professionals in their community.
Texas Tech’s MSW program has a special partnership with Angelo State University. This partnership reserves up to five slots each year for TTU MSW graduates to get automatic admission into their D.S.W. (Doctorate of Social Work) program.
After graduating, you’ll be ready to take the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards and apply for corresponding licensure in most jurisdictions.
About the online program
Launched in summer 2024, Texas Tech University’s online Master of Social Work program gives aspiring social workers a way to advance their education without moving. Students can match their study schedule with work and life commitments through this online option that mirrors the on-campus program but delivers content at your own pace.
The online MSW program at Texas Tech matches the academic standards of its campus version. The digital platform lets you choose between standard and advanced standing options. So whether you’re switching careers or building on your BSW degree, you can get quality education from any location.
The program stands out by building a strong online community. While you can study at your own pace, the program has:
- Virtual office hours to connect with professors
- Meetups scheduled throughout each semester
- Virtual sessions during practicum courses that work well for busy students
Field experience is the core of the online MSW program. You’ll complete your practicum hours at an approved agency near you, with the Online Director of Field Education supervising your progress. This setup lets you gain hands-on experience locally—and some students can even do their field work at their current job if it fits the program requirements.
Online students get the same detailed support as those on campus. You’ll have access to all university resources, from graduate school services to library facilities. The program keeps class sizes small to give you personal attention and help you build meaningful connections with classmates and teachers.
The first group of students in 2024-2025 turned out to be a soaring win with 16 students from Texas and Colorado. Each student managed to keep about 20 clients monthly during their practicum. The program grew faster than expected and welcomed 50 more students for 2025-2026.
Texas Tech shows its dedication to quality online education through its faculty choices. The program added several remote faculty members—Ms. Sheryl Thompson, Dr. Veronica Molina, and Dr. Tiffany Wiggington—who joined Dr. Cayce Watson as full-time online MSW teachers. These experts help students develop professional skills to promote human health and well-being at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a vital qualification for any social work program. It guarantees that courses, faculty, and policies meet professional standards. The Texas Tech University MSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through June 2031. This credential means much more than just paperwork—it officially confirms that the program gives graduates a legitimate social work foundation.
Texas Tech’s MSW program first earned CSWE accreditation in 2015. The program then went through a detailed three-year pre-candidacy evaluation from 2015 to 2018. The program received its original full accreditation in February 2018. This accreditation worked backwards too, which meant all students who started the program since 2015 graduated from a CSWE-accredited program.
Texas Tech’s undergraduate and graduate social work programs keep their accreditation status strong. They received their latest confirmation in 2023. The next detailed review will happen in 2031. This follows the standard eight-year cycle that matches when new Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards come out.
Texas Tech stands among 52 other CSWE-accredited social work programs in Texas. In spite of that, the university’s eight-year-old program has proven itself as a successful addition to this group. Some of the state’s oldest CSWE accredited programs date back to 1950.
CSWE accreditation brings real benefits to your career path. Graduating from Texas Tech’s accredited MSW program lets you take the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and apply for licenses across most states. This matters because most states require a CSWE-accredited degree to become a licensed social worker.
The CSWE accreditation of Texas Tech’s MSW program shows the quality of your education and your readiness as a new professional. This credential proves that whatever program format you choose—online or on-campus—you’ll get an education that meets professional standards and prepares you for licensing and practice.
Admission Requirements
The Texas Tech University MSW program offers two different admission paths based on your education background. You’ll need to pay close attention to specific admission requirements that match your situation.
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution qualifies you for standard admission. This path works best for students with degrees outside social work or those who earned their BSW more than five years ago. The standard track starts in fall semester.
Recent BSW graduates can take the advanced admission track if they completed their degree from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. The program might make exceptions if you’ve stayed active in social work. Advanced standing students start their program in summer.
Your application package must include these items:
- A completed TTU Graduate School application with paid fee
- Unofficial transcripts (you’ll submit official ones after acceptance)
- Two recommendation letters (ideally from a current employer and past professor)
- A detailed resume showing your work and volunteer experience
- Written answers to program-specific questions
Advanced admission candidates need to add their final BSW field placement evaluation.
International students must meet extra requirements and show English proficiency scores. The minimum scores accepted are 79 on TOEFL, 6.5 on IELTS, 60 on PTE, or 100 on Duolingo.
The application timeline matters a lot. Applications open October 1, 2025, for the 2026-2027 academic year. Submit everything by January 15 to get priority consideration. The program doesn’t allow students to start in spring semester.
Students who plan to work while studying should have very flexible work schedules. Think over your available time before choosing between full-time and part-time options.
Tuition
Texas Tech University MSW program values financial accessibility as its core principle. The university thinks over its tuition rates to ensure students get quality education without excessive financial burden.
Graduate program tuition and fees for the MSW program in 2025-2026 academic year are set at $9,518 for Texas residents and $17,918 for non-residents. Full-time graduate students usually take at least 9 credit hours each semester. This credit load becomes the baseline to calculate most financial aid.
Your total cost goes beyond tuition and fees. The overall expenses include fixed institution costs (tuition/fees) among other flexible expenses based on your choices (housing, food, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses). Your actual expenses will change based on where you live, how you spend, and what your courses require.
MSW student’s financial commitment varies by residency status. Out-of-state part-time graduates paid $748 per credit hour in 2019-2020, while in-state students paid $339 per credit hour. This is a big deal as it means that residency status plays a crucial role in your education budget.
Affordability matters to many future students. Texas Tech’s online MSW option offers better rates than many similar programs across the country. Most online undergraduate programs charge between $415 and $500 per credit hour, though graduate program rates differ.
Several options help you manage these costs. Graduate students can get federal student loans up to $20,500 annually. Your total financial aid package must stay within your estimated attendance cost. Texas residents looking for need-based aid should complete their FAFSA early.
The program stays dedicated to respecting students’ financial resources while delivering high-quality education. To name just one example, teaching and research assistantships can reduce tuition costs by a lot. Master’s TA/RA positions could lower your tuition to just $2,509 per academic year.
Additional Information
Social workers build careers in a variety of settings. They work in health facilities, child welfare agencies, mental health centers, aging services, and policy organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers earned a median annual wage of $50,390 in 2021, with Texas often offering higher salaries. The field shows strong growth potential, especially in medical social work and mental health services.
Your career options depend heavily on licensure requirements. Social workers in Texas can obtain licenses at four levels through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council: LBSW, LMSW, LMSW-AP, and LCSW. You’ll need a CSWE-accredited degree and must pass the corresponding ASWB exam. The process also requires supervised practice hours and completion of specific training modules.
Texas Tech provides excellent resources to help you succeed. The University Writing Centers give valuable feedback on your assignments. Students should use this service for every writing project. When times get tough financially, Raider Red’s Food Pantry helps with simple needs.
Texas Tech’s partnership with Angelo State University creates opportunities for your future. The university reserves five spots each year for TTU MSW graduates to enter their D.S.W. program automatically. This creates a continuous connection for students who want to advance their academic credentials after finishing the MSW program.