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.
Nonprofit Leadership
Are you interested in working in mission-driven organizations? Doe you feel a calling to leadership? Consider a minor in nonprofit leadership.
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 1300 Human Flourishing & Social Issues - Students will consider barriers to human flourishing in contemporary society through experiential learning opportunities in both residential and community contexts. Students will draw on the connections between leadership, social change, and human flourishing; seeking to develop a deeper understanding of self and their vocation interests in a global context.
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 2320 Human Diversity and Leadership - (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 4316 Trauma, 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.
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."
