Why Baylor University?
Baylor University, a large private Christian university in Waco, Texas, recruits applicants for its online Master of Social Work program. Baylor accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject, provided that they can demonstrate that they have a strong liberal arts background.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Baylor University |
| Location | Waco |
| State | Texas |
| Niche.com Grade | A |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | Diana R. Garland School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $1415 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $84,900 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3.00 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | strong liberal arts background |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 16-36 months |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | January, May, and August |
| Program Concentrations | Clinical practice; community practice |
| Synchronous Classes | Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | prepares students to serve in religiously affiliated organizations and environments; curriculum challenges students to think critically about how faith affects their clients and communities and to understand and respect the diversity of human spirituality; prepares students for conversations with clients about faith; relatively few required courses |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Graduates of the school are prepared to influence the social welfare of individuals, families, and communities worldwide; lead healthy organizations focused on improving lives and promoting social justice; practice culturally responsive social work through service to others; approach social issues and provide solutions from a strengths-based perspective. |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program is taught from the perspective of a Christian university preparing graduates for work in religious as well as secular environments. Offering a flexible curriculum and asynchronous classes, students can pursue specialization. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. |
What will I Learn?
Graduates of Baylor are prepared to influence the social welfare of individuals, families, and communities worldwide. The curriculum prepares them to lead healthy organizations focused on improving lives and promoting social justice. Graduates are equipped to practice culturally responsive social work through service to others. Through training in research and policy work, graduates approach social issues and provide solutions from a strengths-based perspective.
Required courses begin with Introduction to the Profession. Students learn key professional skills in Professional Practice With Individuals and Families, Professional Practice with Groups, and Professional Practice with Communities and Organizations. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute to research and policy after taking required courses in Social Policy for Social Work Practice, Research for Social Work Practice, and Diversity and Leadership. The required practicum experience is accompanied by Internship courses.
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Clinical practice; Community practice.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 16-36 months and pay $1415 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or $84,900.
How does the program fit into my life?
All classes are asynchronous , meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week, including watching pre-recorded lectures and participating in online discussion. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 16-36 months. Students can enter the program in January, May, or August.
Summary
In addition to traditional social work settings, like schools and hospitals, the Baylor curriculum prepares students to serve in religiously affiliated organizations and environments, and teaches students to understand and respect the diversity of human spirituality. The program has fewer course requirements than some similar programs, allowing for greater specialization. The program is higher cost than many comparable programs. Additional funding may be available from this private university.
