A Career in Social Work: Leading Change, Making a Difference
What is Social Work? Social work equips your passion with the skills needed to make a difference in nearly every aspect of any community. Social work involves assessing needs, connecting individuals with resources and advocating for policies that promote social justice. Social workers work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They may specialize in areas such as children and families, congregational ministry, mental health, social policy, substance abuse or gerontology (working with aging adults), just to name a few.
What can I do with a degree in Social Work?
So many options in the field of social work
The field of social work is vast and varied. A social work degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Social workers hold diverse titles and positions and do not always have the words "social worker" in those titles. Here are some common paths:
- Clinical Social Worker: These professionals provide individual, family and group therapy, often specializing in areas like mental health, substance abuse or trauma.
- School Social Worker: School social workers support students' academic and social development, addressing issues such as bullying, behavioral problems and family concerns.
- Healthcare/Medical Social Worker: Healthcare or medical social workers help patients and their families navigate the healthcare system, coordinate services and address psychosocial needs.
- Community Organizer: Community organizers work with communities to address social issues, develop resources and empower individuals to advocate for change.
- Social Policy Analyst/Politician: Social policy analysts research and analyze social policies, advocating for policies that promote social justice and equity. Politicians with a background in social work diligently work toward systemic change on behalf of society.
- Nonprofit Executive Director: Social worker executives bring a human-centered approach to nonprofit leadership, focusing on the needs of the community and the organization's mission.
- Human Resources Social Worker/Corporate Responsibility (CSR) Manager: A social worker in this role would focus on the well-being of employees, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges. A CSR would help align company policies with community service, volunteerism, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Pastor/Minister: A social work pastor or minister serves as a bridge between the church and the community, providing both spiritual and practical support to those in need
- Child Welfare Social Worker: These professionals investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, provide services to families, and work to ensure children's safety and well-being.
The Garland School of Social Work graduates more mental health professionals than any other program at Baylor University. Our program is also the quickest path to becoming a mental health professional.
Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University
Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is committed to preparing students for a fulfilling career in social work. Our program offers a rigorous academic curriculum, real-world internship experiences, world-class faculty and unique to our program, a course of study that considers the role and influence of religion, spirituality and philosophical perspectives (aka our 10th Competency).
Check out four reasons to choose social work at Baylor:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of topics, including social work theory, research methods, human behavior and social policy.
- Practicum Experiences: Students gain practical real experience through internship placements, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
- Strong Faculty: The School of Social Work is led by experienced faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentoring students.
- Christian Context: Our 10th Competency guides us to engage in ethical and anti-oppressive social work practice and research that considers the role and influence of religion, spirituality and philosophical perspectives.
By choosing to study social work at Baylor, you can gain the knowledge, skills and values necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals, families and communities from wherever you choose via our residential and online programs. Whether your goal is to work in clinical practice, community organizing or social policy, a Baylor social work degree can provide you with the foundation for a rewarding and meaningful career.
Come be a changemaker with us! Whether you are an undergrad or looking to apply to grad school, reach out to SWO@baylor.edu with any questions you may have. We are here to guide you through your social work journey.