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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

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Ready to become a skilled advocate and collaborator? When people can access the services and resources they need to more fully participate in society, it is often because of the efforts of social workers. Graduates promote social justice and equity by supporting individuals to meet their fundamental needs and accomplish their goals. They have a deep understanding of how gender, race, ethnic-cultural origin, class, sexual diversity, age, and physical and mental capacities shape the experiences of those who require social services.  

Program at a Glance

Program Formats

  • Full-time, Four-year
  • Full-time, Advanced Standing: Direct Entry to Second Year
  • Part-time, Advanced Standing: Direct Entry to Third Year

Tuition Fees

Start Dates

September entry

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Professional Accreditation

Canadian Association for Social Work Education

Our graduates go on to become:

  • Child/family service workers
  • Intake workers
  • Addictions counsellors/therapists
  • Case managers
  • Client support workers
  • Court social workers
  • Family service workers
  • Medical/public health social workers
  • Community mental health social workers
  • Community organizers
  • Probation officers
  • Social researchers
  • Settlement workers
  • Youth program facilitators

They find rewarding opportunities for practice, research and policy development within child welfare agencies, community health centres, grassroots community groups, food banks, legal clinics, municipal governments, and not-for-profit and settlement organizations.

The School of Social Work is a leader in progressive education for critically-engaged social work practice. We integrate anti-oppression and social justice into our teaching, with attention to marginalized populations and communities.

We provide outstanding classroom and field learning opportunities to our students. Under the guidance of qualified field instructors, you spend a significant amount of your time with us — 700 hours — linking theory with practice in a variety of community-based, child welfare, social research, mental health and residential settings.

Our faculty members take a collaborative and passionate approach. They continually adapt their teaching to equip you with the knowledge and experiences to pursue a meaningful career and create positive change.

Plus — we support your success with:

  • Opportunities for leadership development
  • Undergraduate research assistant opportunities
  • Designated field placement officers
  • Undergraduate student lounge
  • Student union space

Are you a high school, college or university graduate? Take advantage of four pathways for completing a Bachelor of Social Work.

To determine the admission requirements for any of our program formats, visit Social Work (BSW). On this page, you'll also find important course and transfer credit information.

Full-time, Four Year Program (Entry Level):

  • Program length: Four years of full-time study.
  • Program entry: Year one.

Full-time, Advanced Standing Direct Entry to Second Year:

  • Program length: Three years of full-time study.
  • Program entry: Year two.

Part-time, Advanced Standing Direct Entry to Third Year:

  • Program length: Three years of part-time study.
  • Program entry: Year three.

The Bachelor of Social Work program will prepare you for critically-engaged social work practice.

Our focus on anti-oppression, empowerment and structural perspectives will position you to work effectively with marginalized individuals, families, groups and communities.

A blend of academic studies and professional education will challenge you to develop a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

In your field placements, you'll apply your knowledge to practice under the guidance of a qualified practitioner in a variety of community-based, child welfare, social research, mental health and residential settings.

Opportunities to explore other disciplines, whether by pursuing a minor or taking elective courses, support you to expand your horizons.

Social Work Undergraduate Calendar

Planning your Courses

 (PDF file)  Full-Time, Four-Year Program
 (PDF file)  Advanced Standing Direct Entry to Second Year
 (PDF file)  Part-time, Advanced Standing Direct Entry to Third Year

When you apply to the School of Social Work, you'll be required to meet a number of admission requirements.

You'll need to meet certain deadlines when submitting your application online and may be required to submit supporting documents.

The Part-Time Advanced Standing to Third Year program requires additional, non-academic requirements, including letters of reference and a resume.

More on Admissions