Discover Social Work as an Undergrad
Are you someone who wants to help people? Or someone who wants to make a difference? Or maybe someone who is a good listener? Then you're in the right place! Social work is a mission-driven field that will prepare you to make a significant impact on the world around you.
In addition to a major in social work, we also offer three minors and a whole host of social work electives that can help you develop skills relevant to any major or career. Check out what social work has to offer below.
Our Minors (open to all majors)
All minors in the Garland School of Social Work are a total of 15 hours and are open to students from all majors within Baylor University.
Civic Interfaith Studies
Are you interested in civic engagement? Do you appreciate religious differences and interfaith experiences? Consider a minor in Civic Interfaith Studies, which equips students to effectively recognize the intersections of religious traditions and navigate religious diversity within cultural, political, and economic contexts.
Gerontology
Are you interested in the physical, mental, and social changes in older adults? Would you like to research the changes within society that results from our aging population? Consider a minor in Gerontology.
Poverty Studies and Social Justice
Are you interested in working with diverse and vulnerable populations? Do you feel called to effect social change, or advocate for poverty issues? Consider a minor in poverty studies and social justice.
Social Work Electives (open to all majors)
SWO 2321, Introduction to Social Work - An introduction to the profession of social work and the institution of social welfare. Emphasis on common human needs and problems, and the development and functioning of social welfare as an institution of society.
SWO 2V80, Leadership and the Enneagram - The Enneagram is an ancient resource with modern implications for how we understand ourselves in relation to others. In order to be effective, leaders must be self-aware and be able to practice discernment. This course explores 9 ways of self-reflective leadership by exploring the ancient roots and modern theories of the Enneagram.
SWO 2V80 Special Topics: Mental Health Professions (Intro to Mental Health Professions) - This course focuses on learning about mental health and professional paths that serve this aspect of holistic wellness.
SWO 2320 Human Diversity and Social Justice - (listed on the A&S Contemporary Social Issues Distribution List) Creates opportunities to increase understanding of diversity and difference, power and privilege, and oppression—as well as an understanding of one’s self. Students will look at diversities within religion, ability, age, sexual orientation in addition to race/ethnicity, class, gender. This is an essential foundation for culturally competent leadership in any professional setting.
SWO 3305 / GRT 3305 / SOC 3305 Introduction to Gerontology - An examination of aging in relation to sociology, psychology, biology, law, political science, literature, religion, recreation, and health. Special emphasis is placed on seeking ways to improve the quality of life for persons over 35.
SWO 4315 Foundations for Social Justice - Examines theories and practices of social justice as related to oppressed groups in a multicultural society utilizing religious and nonreligious perspectives. Addresses issues of power, inequality and privilege and the diverse experiences of oppressed groups in framing strategies to promote social justice.
SWO 4316 Loss and Mourning - Specialized knowledge and skills for loss and grief and therapeutic interventions for the bereaved, including bereaved children. Preparation for work with loss of relationship and health across the lifespan. Emphasis on religious faith and grief, and the response of faith communities and religiously affiliated providers to suicide, divorce, loss of parental rights and other disenfranchised grief.
SWO 4393 / GRT 4393 / SOC 4393 Sociology of Aging - Prerequisite(s): SOC 1305 and 3305 or consent of instructor. Impact of aging upon individuals and society, as well as the reactions of individuals and society to aging. Social gerontology is the principal focus of attention of the course.
SWO 4395 / GRT 4395 / SOC 4395 Aging and Mental Health - Prerequisite(s): SOC 4393 or PSY 4355 or consent of instructor. Mental health needs and related problems of aging individuals with considerable discussion of approved mental health treatments for such persons.
SWO 4V80 Special Topics in Social Work - Prerequisite(s): Upper-level standing or graduate student. Provides instruction in areas of social work knowledge, values and/or skills that are not available in the standard social work or graduate curricula. Course may be repeated up to six times with different topic of study, not to exceed a maximum of six hours.
SWO 4v80 Interfaith Diversity - In this interdisciplinary course, you will gain knowledge and skills for engaging in professional and community life in a religiously and culturally diverse 21st century. Using case studies, texts from multiple disciplines, alongside experiences and interactions inside and outside of the classroom, students will explore various religions, interfaith dynamics, and how to have respectful and effective dialogue in diverse contexts. The course includes an opportunity to connect the content you learn in this course with your chosen profession, your major, or an issue of specific interest to you such as how different traditions address comfort, pain, ethics, meaning, transformation, and growth. You will also learn about interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and community-based applications that will expand your understanding of Civic Interfaith Studies.
Ask your advisor how to sign up for a social work minor or social work electives!
The Social Work Major (BSW)
At the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, social work is about justice and service, the dignity of individuals, the power of relationships, integrity and competence.
A degree in social work is one of the most versatile degrees offered today. Social workers are found in nearly every aspect of community and business and go by more than just the title “social worker.” Social workers can be executive directors, therapists, politicians, community organizers, ministers and so much more. Click here to learn how to major in social work.
I am really passionate about social justice and advocating for and amplifying the voices of groups who are not in power. A social work degree offers a wide variety of career opportunities, all geared toward helping and loving others. I knew I wanted to help people but wasn’t sure how I was going to achieve that until I learned about social work and what you can do with a social work degree."
