School of Social Work

Mission:

Within the context of a Christian, liberal arts institution for higher learning, and grounded in core professional values, the School of Social Work seeks to develop ethical, competent, and effective advanced social work practitioners who integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of social work to promote positive social change, to challenge injustice, and to provide services to enhance and strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities locally and globally.

What sets the MSW program at Missouri Baptist University apart is not simply curriculum structure or delivery format, but formation. The program intentionally integrates professional social work competencies with a Christ-centered worldview, shaping practitioners who see their work not only as a career, but as a calling. The program emphasizes sustainability, ethical leadership, and resilience, recognizing that preparing social workers is not just about launching careers, but about sustaining long-term service in emotionally demanding environments. MBU’s MSW program does not simply produce graduates; it cultivates servant leaders prepared to serve with competence, conviction, and compassion.

Fundraising Priorities:

Supporting the Self-Care & Sustainability Initiative, designed to care for the caregivers and help social work students develop healthy practices for long-term service in helping professions.

Funds will help provide:

• Wellness resources for practicum students

• Stress-management and resilience tools

• Quiet space materials for reflection and decompression

• Mindfulness and faith-integrated sustainability resources