Master of Social Work | Waco

Many Baylor MSW online students pursue a clinical specialization with the intention of becoming a therapist or counselor. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), professional social workers are the nation’s largest group of mental health services providers. There are more clinically trained social workers than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined. Our Master of Social Work online curriculum prepares you to work with individuals and families in an agency providing mental health services or through your own private practice.

“When we look at others, we look at their strengths and their possibilities. Then, we use those strengths to empower our clients toward their goals. The physical and mental health focus prepared me by exploring the symbiotic relationships between the mind, body and spirit." —Brittney Kleinemas, MSW ‘14

Hospitals and health care facilities across the nation employ social workers and are looking for social workers with clinical experience — a key part of the Baylor MSW online curriculum. Consider the opportunity for placement in a local hospital or health system, so you can learn firsthand how essential social workers are to our healthcare system. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics social workers in healthcare have an expected job growth of 10% in the next year. 

Many Baylor MSW online graduates pursue social work careers in hospitals, working as a hospital social worker, behavioral health specialist, licensed clinical social worker, case manager, or pediatric social worker.

“I love this work because I get to treat the WHOLE PERSON in the hospital system, and support their social and psychological needs...which we know greatly impacts their physical health!” —Kelsey Smith, MSW ‘14

Social workers are uniquely prepared to work in and lead nonprofit organizations. They work in a wide array of settings to bring positive change to large populations and help create sustainable physical and social environments.

Our online MSW graduates work as case managers, intervention specialists, community organizers, program developers and evaluators, long-term care administrators and population health managers.

"I work as social work program manager at a nonprofit training and supporting interns and preparing them for their future in social work! It is an honor.” —Ashley Mendoza, MSW ‘21

Social workers can be found across the continuum of public policy and government, even in the halls of the United States Congress. We prepare our graduates to step into positions that help develop or improve the services and systems that affect people both individually and collectively. Social workers and social work values can influence legislation that becomes just public and institutional policies.

Baylor online MSW graduates pursue careers in places such as governmental agencies and grassroots organizations as community organizers, researchers, program developers and policy advocates, and even run for office themselves!

"Social worker AND researcher here! I help to empower people through wholistic program evaluations, collective impact models for communities, and coalition building. I am grateful for all the social workers I know!" —Courtney Haworth, MSW ‘20

The Baylor School of Social Work prepares social workers that can provide leadership in community, education and congregational life through both congregations and religiously affiliated organizations. They ethically work to strengthen ministries and affect change in their communities, churches and organizations.

Baylor Social Work graduates are conducting congregational research, working in full-time congregational staff positions and helping to strengthen community transformation initiatives.

"Empowerment through my work is training church leaders on trauma-sensitive care so that congregations are safe for people who have experienced trauma.” —Erin Albin Hill, MSW ‘19

Community organizations, government agencies and school systems are looking for social workers who are committed to serving children and families. They play a vital role in communities by connecting families to resources, providing safe spaces for children and older adults, and helping families navigate the fostering and adoption process.

Our graduates are serving as advocates in careers such case managers, adoption specialists, behavioral health professionals, school social workers, nonprofit directors and more. Social workers are essential in affecting positive change in the world around them.

“We get to do some of the most important work on the planet! Walking with people through their hardest moments and supporting them along the way. Celebrating wins and mourning losses. Making people feel seen and heard and cared for — sometimes for the first time in their lives.” —Missouri Brown Gray, MSW ‘19