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 and graduates are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
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.
CURRICULUM INFORMATION
Course Identification
Part-time courses are administered by either the program department or The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education. The mode of delivery is not reflected in this calendar. These courses are identified in your course selection enrolment package with a 'C' prefix. These identifiers are for internal use only and do not affect the equivalency.
GENERAL ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Field Practicum
Students admitted with Advanced Standing into the part-time program holding a Social Service Worker Diploma or a Human Service Counselor Diploma or equivalent from a public Ontario College will receive transfer credits for the third year field practicum courses based on their prior experiences, but are required to complete a field practicum in the fourth year of the program. Students admitted with Advanced Standing into the part-time program holding a Bachelor Degree are required to complete a field practicum in both the third and fourth year of the program.
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 - Advanced Standing Admission - Two-year Program
Students must take two semesters of upper level liberal studies courses to graduate. If an upper level liberal studies course requires a prerequisite, students MUST apply for a transfer credit for that prerequisite. This will only serve as proof of prerequisite and will not apply towards the degree.
Academic Standing Variation
Graduation Requirement Variation
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.
FULL-TIME DEGREE PROGRAM
The School of Social Work also offers its curriculum on a full-time basis.
