University of Houston - Graduate College of Social Work

About this program

The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, through exceptional education, innovative research, and meaningful community engagement, prepares diverse leaders in practice and research to address complex challenges. Our students’ preparation will enable them to achieve sustainable social, racial, economic, environmental, and political justice, locally and globally in the social work profession. Under newly appointed Dean Dr. Yarneccia D. Dyson, a nationally recognized scholar and advocate for justice, the College is poised to expand its influence and shape the future social work.

The MSW program offers Face-to-Face, Hybrid, and Online formats, with an Advanced Standing option for those holding a BSW to accelerate their degree. The College also offers a PhD in Social Work for those aiming for academic, research, or leadership roles. Additionally, students can pursue dual degrees in complementary disciplines such as law, public policy, or public health.

The population of University of Houston reflects the diversity of the city of Houston, the 4th largest and one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Graduate College of Social Work has opportunities for students to engage in international work, both within a variety of internship placements within the city, as well as through participation in study abroad courses offered twice a year.

• Year partnership began: 2026
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1

Application requirements

• College transcripts
• Resume
• Personal Statement
• Application Fee
• 2 Letters of Recommendation

Admissions process

Degrees awarded

Masters of Social Work

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $None

Cost savings details

Coverdell Fellows at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) are supported with scholarships and non-resident tuition waivers as applicable. In addition, all Fellows are prioritized for a Graduate Assistant position, working within the GCSW, the Institute for Global Engagement, or another UH department that aligns with their academic and professional goals. These placements are intentionally structured to provide both financial support and meaningful, mission-driven work experience that complement the Fellows’ graduate studies and Peace Corps service background.

Internship

All MSW students at the GCSW are required to complete 2 practica while in the program. The purpose of practicum is to provide students with opportunities for development, and integration of the nine competencies, through performance in actual service delivery. As students undertake learning within the reality of agency life, theory from the classroom is applied, skills are developed and refined, and attitudes and values are examined. Practicum is the primary pedagogy or learning modality for social work education. The GCSW provides various methods for connecting with affiliated agencies. The UH-GCSW is affiliated with over 200 social service agencies in the Greater Houston area and beyond. Practicum instruction is provided by qualified, affiliated social workers and supported by clinical faculty from the college.

For the first or generalist placement, students complete a Practicum application soon after their admission to the program from which the Practicum office makes a match to an agency. If students live outside the greater Houston area, they take part in identifying and connecting with an agency.

For the last year or advanced concentration placement (clinical or macro), students who live in the greater Houston area are invited to attend the Practicum Agency Marketplace that takes place each Spring at which they have the opportunity to meet people from agencies across the area. Students then interview with up to 6 agencies of interest. After the interviewing period, both students and agencies submit preference forms from which students are matched to their advanced placement site. For students who aren’t able to participate in the Spring matching process, an abbreviated placement process is available during the fall semester.

Other opportunities

Coverdell Fellows at the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) are supported with scholarships and non-resident tuition waivers as applicable. In addition, all Fellows are prioritized for a Graduate Assistant position, working within the GCSW, the Institute for Global Engagement, or another UH department that aligns with their academic and professional goals. These placements are intentionally structured to provide both financial support and meaningful, mission-driven work experience that complement the Fellows’ graduate studies and Peace Corps service background.

Jobs for alumni

Nontraditional options

Online degree program, Part-time degree program

Coverdell Fellows are evaluated and selected via the admissions process of the Graduate College of Social Work. All graduate applicants at the University of Houston complete an application through CollegeNet, the application system supported by the University of Houston Graduate School. Within CollegeNet, the GCSW requires applicants to complete College specific application questions and essay requirements. When the application is complete, applications are assigned to members of the GCSW Admissions and Financial Aid Committee comprised of faculty and staff who complete a holistic review of the application. Coverdell Fellows are identified through a specific question in the CollegeNet application.

Nontraditional options are available for the MSW program including 2 part-time programs, Online and Hybrid. The part-time programs take 3 years to complete (2 years for those in our accelerated advanced standing category).