Office of the Dean

Thank you for your interest in professional social work education at Baylor University!

Welcome to a rich and diverse professional journey that will open many doors to serve others and work for justice in our hurting world. You are likely reading this because those things matter to you and because of your ability to listen, care, guide and advocate for and with others.

As you know, social work is a helping profession. It is an allied health profession. It is a community development profession. Social workers are therapists and counselors. Social workers are executive directors and grant writers. Social workers are wherever people need help, guidance or support navigating systems, improving their lives or coping with problems that can overwhelm them. Social workers help individuals, families and groups of people; they help them overcome obstacles, collaborate with others and find a way to gather the tools to take care of themselves.

Social work is a growing field. There are more and more jobs in the profession and the U.S. government labor office predicts we will grow at a faster than average rate for the next decade. In addition, the profession is growing in ways people haven’t been able to predict. A decade ago social workers were just beginning to understand human trafficking and the effects of trauma; now these are increasing areas where social workers are making a difference. Social workers have long cared about mental health; today, the majority of mental health providers in the country are social workers.

Perhaps you are interested in social work because of the way your faith has motivated you. Social work—particularly social work education at Baylor University—recognizes the importance of religion and spirituality as part of our life's journey. As part of our program, you will learn about the ethical integration of these beliefs and values in the profession. Additionally, because of our Christian conviction, faculty work alongside students to further social justice and racial equity within the halls of the Garland School of Social Work, the Baylor campus at large and throughout the city of Waco.

In this day and age, social work education is a remarkable place to develop the knowledge, values and skills to make a difference in our hurting world. And, the Garland School of Social work is uniquely positioned to prepare social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership.

I hope I have the opportunity to meet you soon!