The Ryerson School of Social Work has been offering social work education since 1964 and a baccalaureate degree program since 1973.

The School’s mission is to prepare graduates for critically engaged social work practice with marginalized populations and communities; and to develop leadership and innovation in social work education, at the undergraduate and graduate level, through teaching, scholarship, research and community service.

The program offers a combination of academic studies in social work, professionally-related courses, liberal studies and field practicum experiences.

The curriculum focuses on anti-oppression, empowerment and structural perspectives on social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.

Students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers and graduates are eligible for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Ryerson University’s School of Social Work offers two admission pathways into the full-time program.  See Admissions page for further details.

Upon admission to the program, students are advised that their conduct is governed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Violation of the Code may lead to suspension from the program on grounds of professional unsuitability.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for advanced standing in graduate programs in social work.

Field Practicum

Students admitted into the first year of the full-time BSW program are required to complete a practicum in both the third and fourth years of the program.

Holders of a Social Service Worker or Human Services Counselor diploma or equivalent from a public Ontario College, who are admitted into the second year of the full-time BSW program will receive transfer credits for the third year field practicum courses.

These experiences are designed to enable students to integrate theoretical knowledge and practice skills under the field instruction of a qualified practitioner in the community. Settings and field instructors are selected by the School in accordance with the curriculum and the standards set out by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. Practica are available in a wide range of fields of practice including: child welfare, mental health, active treatment hospitals, rehabilitation, community centres, nursing homes, multi-cultural services, social planning settings and many more. Availability of a given setting may vary from year to year. The practicum is unpaid and students are responsible for related costs such as travel to and from the practicum setting, a criminal record check, required vaccinations, or health examination. A valid driver’s license will enhance the student’s ability to secure a practicum.

Liberal Studies

Students must take (or receive transfer credit for) two lower level liberal studies courses and four upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.

Academic Standing Variation

An Academic Standing Variation exists for this program. See Academic Standing Variation for details.

Graduation Requirement Variation

A Graduation Requirement Variation exists for this program. See Graduation Requirement Variation for details.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson with exceptions. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible restrictions. Please refer to the Curriculum Advising website at www.ryerson.ca/curriculumadvising for complete details.

ADVANCED STANDING PART-TIME PROGRAM

The School of Social Work also offers its curriculum on a part-time basis.