Discover Social Work as an Undergrad

The Social Work Major (BSW)

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. 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. 

Social Work Minors (open to all majors)

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. 

This minor is an interdisciplinary partnership between the Garland School of Social Work, Spirituality and Public Life, Multicultural Affairs, the Academy for Leadership Development, the School of Education, and the BIC. It is available to students from all academic disciplines.

• 18 total hours
• 12 hours must be in residence

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.

• Gerontology is a minor available to all students, from all academic disciplines
• This minor requires a minimum of 18 hours
• At least 12 hours must be taken at Baylor

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.

• The Poverty Studies and Social Justice minor is available to all students, from all academic disciplines
• This minor consists of 18 hours

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.

Ask your advisor how to sign up for a social work minor or social work electives!