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Baylor University Master of Social Work (MSW) online

Lead lasting change in communities locally and globally as a culturally responsive and compassionate social worker.

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About the program

  • Program Options: We offer advanced standing and standard MSW program tracks, with specializations in Clinical Practice or Community Practice — complete our program in as few as 12 to 20 months.
  • CSWE-Accredited: The online MSW from Baylor is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • New Tuition Reduction: Save as much as $18,900 with our new lowered tuition — offering the same Baylor quality you expect, at an unexpectedly affordable price.

About Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Baylor University is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, and a pioneering force for interdisciplinary research and education. For more than half a century, Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work has been equipping aspiring social workers with the skills to lead lasting change and improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.

Curriculum

The MSW@Baylor curriculum incorporates the ethical integration of faith and social work practice, and prepares social workers who are passionate about driving meaningful change and building a mission-driven career of value. Learners choose MSW@Baylor for many reasons, such as:

  • Diverse career opportunities: Learn to serve as a social work clinician, counselor, community developer, or other community worker, across both the public and private sectors.
  • Two program tracks: Study toward your degree as either a standard or advanced standing MSW learner (based on your undergraduate specialization).
  • Open to all: Focus all your time on your passion for social justice and community-based action — MSW@Baylor does not ask GRE scores of any applicant; an undergraduate degree will suffice.
  • A personalized approach: Build a broad generalist foundation or specialize your studies in clinical or community practice.
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Admissions

Prospective learners applying for the standard MSW track must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized college or university. Those applying into the advanced standing MSW must hold a Bachelor of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited program, earned within the last five years. No GRE scores are required. 

To complete an application, you will need to submit: 

  •  Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended 

  • Three recommendation forms from academic and professional references

  • Essay responses to four key topics of no more than 500 words each

  • Three field experience essays (for advanced standing MSW applicants) 

  • A final field evaluation (for advanced standing MSW applicants)


Field placements

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Field placement opportunities provide MSW learners with the practical experience and tools they need to think and act like real-world social workers. MSW@Baylor’s placement team will give you complete and personalized support for locating field placement partners and sites. Placement sites range from public and private agencies to religious organizations to generalist and advanced practice settings.

As an MSW@Baylor graduate, you will emerge as a competent, evidence-based practitioner, equipped to excel in any area of social work. You will also be ready to apply for licensure (requirements vary by state). Your license will in turn confirm that you are legally qualified to administer care and counsel to vulnerable populations in need in your community.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on which track you’re taking. Standard MSW learners with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any discipline must complete 60 credits to graduate. Advanced standing MSW learners with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited college or university attained within the last five years must complete 32 credits.

Standard MSW learners can take the program part time and complete it in 32 months; or full time for completion within 24 months, or an accelerated option which can take as few as 16 months. Advanced standing MSW learners need 20 months to complete the program part time, or as few as 12 months full time.

Graduates earn a Master of Social Work (MSW), accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

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