New graduate program to be offered online through Baylor’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

In the fall of 2026, Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work will welcome its first students into the new online Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership program that includes a master’s degree and two professional certificates. This is an interprofessional program that seeks to empower leaders to drive social change and enhance human flourishing both locally and globally. 

The Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership program will help develop character-driven leaders who can address complex social challenges, including poverty and food security, while examining how faith shapes institutional and personal responses to these issues. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring this program to social and public service sectors across the country. It offers those passionate about social change and meaningful impact the chance to strengthen their leadership skills, delve deeply into organizational management and immerse themselves in policy and data analyses,” said Jon Singletary, Ph.D., dean of the Garland School. “In addition, this program presents the unique opportunity to explore religious identity in social impact, allowing students to learn how faith impacts both our organizational responses and our personal calling to serve others, which undergirds Baylor’s mission.”

The program curriculum guides students through essential areas of social impact leadership, such as:

• religious identity in social impact;
• grassroots community organizing;
• advanced policy analysis and strategy;
• nonprofit leadership, fundraising and development;
• poverty and domestic social challenges;
• data analysis; and
• program evaluation.  

“If you’re asking yourself how to scale impact to address injustice in your community, state or country, Baylor’s new Social, Nonprofit and Public Leadership program is the place to explore that question alongside future colleagues—while gaining the tools, networks and vision needed to lead scalable, data-driven solutions that truly transform communities,” said Jeremy K. Everett, D.Min., executive director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.

Both the degree and certificate options offer evening classes with online delivery to accommodate working professionals. The full degree route is a 31 credit-hour program and includes two immersive experiences on location with nonprofits and policy makers, providing invaluable hands-on learning and networking opportunities. The flexible structure will allow students to maintain their professional commitments while gaining expertise in program implementation and public policy. 

“We’re thrilled to offer this program as an online opportunity with multiple pathways for study, allowing us to connect with emerging leaders wherever they are in their journey,” Singletary said. “In the ever-changing landscape of higher education, we recognize the need for flexibility in our offerings as working professionals seek to advance their careers.”

There is no GRE requirement, and both full- and part-time options are available. Prospective students are encouraged to find more information online, or reach out to the Garland School admissions team via email at SNPL_Admissions@baylor.edu or by phone at 254-710-8360.