BSW

The Edmonton-based BSW and Learning Circles BSW are available to

• students with a social work diploma from an Alberta college with which we have a transfer agreement or,
• students with a minimum of two years (full-time) university transfer courses or,
• students with a previous undergraduate degree.

The Edmonton BSW - University Transfer Route

The Faculty of Social Work offers a University Transfer route designed for students who have completed a minimum of two years of university studies or an undergraduate degree in another discipline.

Students in the BSW University Transfer Route in Edmonton complete 20 half-course equivalents for their degree. Social Work core courses encompass topics such as social policy and social justice, anti-oppressive generalist practice, and practice with individuals, families, organizations and communities. Through option courses, students may study topics such as Grief and Loss, Social Work in Health Care Settings, Mental Health and Social Work with Aboriginal Peoples.

University transfer students take two practica in their second year, the first of 360 hours and the second of 400 hours. In practica, students integrate theory and practice under the supervision of qualified social workers. Through seminars that accompany practica, students discuss learning experiences and challenges.

Students with a previous undergraduate degree enter our University Transfer route to complete the BSW. The Edmonton-based MSW program also offers a program for students with a degree in a discipline other than social work. Please see the information provided in Prospective Students/MSW.

The Edmonton BSW Post Diploma Route

Students with a social work diploma from an Alberta college program that has an agreement with the Faculty of Social Work receive credit for two full years of a University degree. Post diploma students are admitted into the third year of our four-year program. Once admitted into the program, post diploma students take 20 half-course equivalencies. Of these, twelve are within the Faculty of Social Work and eight are senior general education courses taken outside the Faculty.

Post diploma students take one practicum of 400 hours. In practica, students integrate theory and practice under the supervision of qualified social workers. Through seminars that accompany the practicum, students discuss learning experiences and challenges.

An important objective of our post diploma route is to build on the social work knowledge and skills students have gained through their college programs. The series of courses is designed to enhance existing professional knowledge and skills while also developing the breadth and diversity of knowledge through courses in, for example, anthropology, history, women's studies, or sociology. Through option courses, students may study topics such as Grief and Loss, Social Work in Health Care Settings, Mental Health and Social Work with Aboriginal Peoples.

The Learning Circles BSW provides a geographically and culturally relevant curriculum for students intending to practice social work in rural, remote, First Nations and Métis communities. Learning Circles programs currently operate from Red Deer, Fort McMurray, and Grande Prairie.  Combining virtual education formats with on-site block and weekend programming, the Learning Circles program is accessible to students living in and outside of the host communities and to those maintaining employment while pursuing undergraduate education. Local practicum placements enhance students' abilities to stay in home communities and develop context-sensitive social work practice.

Core social work content for the Learning Circles is themed into four areas: Generalist Practice, Communication and Information, Diversity and Oppression, and Social Work Methods. Through portfolio courses, students apply their learning to their developing professional identity. Option courses allow students to study specialized topics such as Grief and Loss, Family Violence, and Child Welfare.

Learning Circles students complete practica during the summer following completion of the core social work curriculum. Post diploma students take one practicum (400 hours); university transfer students take two practica, the first of 360 hours and the second of 400 hours. Practica offer students opportunities to integrate theory and practice under the supervision of a qualified social worker. Through seminars that accompany practica, students discuss learning experiences and challenges

For more information, see our BSW Program Guide or e-mail us at fswcnar@ucalgary.ca