Baylor University Collaborates with edX to Provide Affordable Pathway to Master of Social Work Degree

New MicroMasters® Program is the first in social work content offered on edX

WACO, Texas and LANHAM, Md., Dec. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Baylor University, a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution, is pleased to announce a collaboration with edX, a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), to launch a MicroMasters® program in Social Work. The MicroMasters course content gives prospective students a stackable credential applicable to the Social Work field and insight into degree-earning course work. With transferable credits to the Baylor Online Master in Social Work (MSW), students have an accessible pathway to receiving a full master's degree. The Online MSW is one of more than 20 online programs offered by Baylor University Professional Education.

"Bringing Baylor online has allowed students nationwide to become part of the Baylor Family," said Gary Carini, Ph.D., Vice Provost for Institutional Research & Professional Education and Professor of Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation. "Baylor Professional Education programs prepare students to advance their careers, enhance their earning potential, and become institutional leaders. By collaborating with edX to develop this MicroMasters program, we are able to provide students affordable access to Baylor's world-class education, which is grounded in faith and committed to service."

edX MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate level courses from top universities designed to advance careers. They provide deep learning in a specific career field and are recognized by employers for their real job relevance. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that social work will grow by 12 percent between 2020 and 2030. That means an average of 78,300 job openings each year as workers retire or change careers.

"This is a monumental moment for edX as we work with Baylor to launch the first MicroMasters program in social work available on edX.org," said Andrew Hermalyn, president of partnerships at edX. "Baylor joins a growing community of mission-driven edX partners offering rigorous, stackable pathways that make it easier for students to achieve their academic and career goals. Credit-bearing MicroMasters programs are an accessible and affordable way for learners to gain the skills they need to grow their careers now, while paving the way to graduate degree achievement in the future."

Baylor's Online MSW was developed in collaboration with Baylor's Graduate Professional Education department and the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Students in the Online MSW program at Baylor receive a well-rounded education focused on social justice and the ethical intersection of faith and practice. Students who apply the Baylor MSW MicroMasters credits to the full Baylor MSW, will study in a research-based program taught by expert faculty with hands-on experience in the field.

"Baylor MSW curriculum prepares professional social workers who are passionate about inspiring meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities," said Jon Singletary, Ph.D. Dean, The Diana R. Garland Endowed Chair of Child and Family Studies, Professor. "Both Baylor's Online MSW and the MicroMasters program create an on-ramp for the social work profession and the skills to become a culturally responsive and compassionate social worker."

The Online MSW is one of more than 20 online programs offered by Baylor University Professional Education. For more information about Baylor's online portfolio visit Baylor Professional Education.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT edX
edX is the global online learning platform that exists to help learners everywhere unlock their potential. edX was founded by Harvard and MIT in 2012 to make the world's best education available to everyone. Today, as a 2U, Inc. company (Nasdaq: TWOU), edX connects over 46 million ambitious learners with the skills, knowledge and support to achieve their goals. Together with the world's leading universities and companies, edX offers thousands of free and open courses, professional certificates, boot camps, credit-bearing micro credentials, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. Discover purpose-built online programs in technology, business, healthcare, science, education, social work, sustainability, and more at edX.org.

MicroMasters is a registered trademark of The Center for Reimagining Learning. All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT BAYLOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Baylor University's online programs offer the academically rigorous, Christian education students need to get ahead in today's competitive market. Baylor programs provide flexible education opportunities that are backed by over 175 years of experience. Requiring both field and project work, as well as strategically scheduled immersions, the online programs are comprised of high-quality students and led by gifted faculty.

ABOUT THE DIANA R. GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University's Diana R. Garland School of Social Work is home to one of the leading graduate social work programs in the nation with a research agenda that explores humanity, engages spirituality and promotes equality. Upholding its mission of preparing social workers in a Christian context for worldwide service and leadership, the School offers a baccalaureate degree (BSW); a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree available in Waco or online; three joint-degree options, MSW/MBA, MSW/MDiv and MSW/MTS, through a partnership with Baylor's Hankamer School of Business and George W. Truett Theological Seminary; and an online Ph.D. program. Visit socialwork.web.baylor.edu to learn more.

Media Contacts:
Kate Blom-Lowery
Baylor University
Professional Education
Director of Marketing and Communication
[email protected]

Caitlin Kanaly,
2U/edX
[email protected]

SOURCE 2U, Inc.; Baylor University