Master of Social Work

Welcome to our MSW program, where innovation, inclusivity and your personal and professional growth are our top priorities!

Our hybrid online format provides you with the flexibility to learn at your own pace, while still offering the depth and richness of an in-person experience. This flexibility caters to diverse learning styles and helps make education accessible to students with various personal and professional commitments.

One of the greatest strengths of our program is the diversity that enriches both our faculty and student body. You will be part of a dynamic community, where different perspectives and experiences contribute to a vibrant learning environment. Our faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and are dedicated to supporting you at every step of your academic journey.

Fall applications

Admissions for Fall 2026 are open.

Virtual information session:

November 20, 4 p.m. via Zoom.
Click here to register.

MSW admissions drop-in sessions:

Have questions about applying to the MSW program at Texas Woman’s University? Join our faculty for an admissions drop-in session to get answers about the application process, program structure, and admission requirements.

No registration is required, simply join via Zoom during any of the scheduled sessions listed below. We’re here to help you navigate the process and support you every step of the way.

For the fall 2025 semester, these sessions will be held on Thursday noon-12:45 p.m. for the following dates:
November 13
November 20
December 4
December 11
Join via Zoom.

Spring semester dates will be added soon.

Priority application deadline

The MSW Program will have a priority application deadline of Jan. 16, 2026. Applicants who submit all materials by this date will receive an admissions decision by Jan. 30, 2026. Students wishing to be considered for TWU scholarships (university, college, school, division and/or program level) are strongly encouraged to apply by this priority deadline.

If the program has not yet reached capacity, a secondary deadline will be available March 20, 2026. Applications received by this date will be reviewed, and decisions will be released no later than April 4, 2026. If the program reaches capacity during the priority review period, qualified applicants reviewed after that point may be placed on a waitlist and notified if space becomes available.

Applications submitted after March 20 will be reviewed on a rolling basis after April 4, 2026, as space allows. Applicants reviewed during this period will be admitted until capacity is reached, declined or added to the waitlist.

Programs of study

The TWU Master of Social Work degree program offers two programs of study. The first is a two-year Generalist degree for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Social Work.

The second is geared towards students with a BSW degree from an accredited program. Students who qualify can enter the program with Advanced Standing status. For these students, the first Generalist year of the MSW is waived and they can complete the program in one year.

Students accepted into the Generalist program with full-time status will complete 10 foundation courses (30 credit hours) in the first year and 10 advanced courses (30 credit hours) in the second year. Students accepted into the Advanced Standing program with full-time status will complete 10 advanced courses (30 credit hours). Students will be required to choose one elective during the advanced year. Both groups of students will graduate with the same degree.

Field education

Social work is a multifaceted profession and requires you to develop a knowledge, skill and value base that can support a complex array of activities across diverse settings. The field internship has historically been one of the key elements in social work education, providing an opportunity for you to build, integrate and apply your knowledge with a client population within an agency setting.

Under the guidance of agency field Instructors, students take on greater and greater levels of responsibility. Field internships provide you an opportunity to build a repertoire of skills and enhance your sense of identification with the profession. This important educational experience is often referred to as the signature pedagogy of social work education and signifies a transition to the professional work world. For all of these reasons, students often report that field is one of the most important and challenging parts of the curriculum.

For your convenience, we have provided links to access the Field Education Manual, Field Application, Learning Contract, Internship Evaluation and current CSWE Competencies. These PDF documents are intended to provide information to both you and your field instructor to ensure a successful field experience. Feel free to contact the Field Director at any time for additional information or questions.

Field Education Documents

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to attend?
Tuition and fees for the TWU MSW program vary based on residency status, program length, and the number of credit hours taken. For detailed and up-to-date costs, prospective students can use TWU's tuition calculator available on the university website: Tuition Estimator.

Using the Estimator, here are some examples of estimated costs for Fall 2024:

  • Full-Time Generalist Students (12 credit hours):
    • Texas Residents: $6,102.00
    • Non-Residents: $11,022.00
  • Full-Time Advanced Standing Students (15 credit hours):
    • Texas Residents: $7,494.00
    • Non-Residents: $13,644.00

Please note that these figures are subject to change without notice, as determined by the University Board of Regents and State Legislature.

2. What scholarships are available for MSW students, and how do I apply?
TWU offers a range of scholarships specifically for MSW students, as well as general scholarships available to all TWU graduate students. Here’s what you need to know:

  • MSW Program Scholarships:
    Newly admitted MSW students may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship during their first year in the program. Each year, up to five students are awarded this scholarship, and no application is required. Whether you are admitted as a generalist or an advanced standing student, you will automatically be considered for this scholarship at the start of your first semester. Recipients are typically selected based on academic excellence, with preference given to those who achieved a 4.0 GPA in their last 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework.
  • Division of Social Work Scholarships:
    MSW students are automatically considered for all active social work scholarships when they submit the General Scholarship Application at twu.academicworks.com. The system matches you with scholarships you qualify for, and a scholarship committee reviews and scores applications using a standardized rubric. Awards are distributed based on scores until funds are fully allocated.
    • Key Dates: Applications open on July 1 and close on March 1 of the following year.
    • Funding Amount: Scholarships typically range from $1,000 to $5,000 per academic year.
    • Renewability: Most scholarships are renewable for up to two years for MSW students, provided you maintain eligibility.
  • TWU Graduate Student Scholarship:
    This scholarship is managed by TWU's General Scholarship Committee. To be eligible, you need a GPA of at least 3.2 in the last 60 credit hours and enroll in a minimum of 5 credit hours per semester. No application is required—departments nominate eligible students, and awards are distributed accordingly.
  • International Students:
    All scholarships at TWU, unless specifically requiring FAFSA, are open to international students. No separate scholarships are designated exclusively for international students. Unfortunately, we are currently unable to provide full financial aid to international students.

if you are interested in research, some professors may have research assistantship positions available, depending on funding. We encourage you to reach out to faculty members to explore potential opportunities.

It is worth noting that international and out-of-state students who receive at least $1,000 scholarship a year will be eligible for in-state tuition. TWU’s scholarship system ensures that all eligible students are considered for opportunities that can help fund their education. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact the MSW Program Coordinator at bfelderhoff@twu.edu or contact the TWU Scholarships Office. For more information, visit the Scholarships page at https://twu.edu/finaid/scholarships/.

3. What are the career options after graduation?
Graduates of the TWU MSW program are prepared for diverse and impactful careers in social work across various settings, such as hospitals, schools, mental health centers, child welfare agencies, and veterans’ services. An MSW degree equips you with the skills to pursue roles including:

  • Mental Health Therapist
  • Case Manager
  • Child and Family Social Worker
  • Child Welfare and Foster Care Specialist
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Geriatric Social Worker
  • Nonprofit Leader or Administrator
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • Policy Analyst and Advocate
  • Research Analyst
  • Social Justice and Equity Advocate
  • School Social Worker

Our MSW graduates are eligible to pursue licensure as Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) after fulfilling state requirements. Graduates can take the LMSW exam immediately upon completing the program. To qualify for the LCSW exam, most states require you to complete 3,000 supervised hours of clinical practice. Many social workers with an LCSW license go on to open their own private practice.

4. Are classes offered online? If not, how many days a week do I need to come to campus for classes?
The TWU MSW program follows a hybrid online model, offering both flexibility and in-person learning opportunities. Approximately half of the courses are conducted online, either synchronously or asynchronously, while the other half require in-person attendance on campus once a week. Typically, practice courses are held in person, while other courses are offered online. For in-person courses, you will need to come to campus one day a week, with some classes scheduled in the evening to accommodate different schedules.

To view the course format (online or in-person), visit our Generalist Degree Two-Year Plan. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are delivered online.

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Page last updated 3:38 PM, November 10, 2025