Faculty of Social Work

Program Details

BSW Routes

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Note: The Faculty of Social Work encourages multi-disciplinary learning. A list of recommended senior non-Social Work courses is available in the Student Services Office.

Calgary University Transfer

Admission

Students who have completed a minimum of ten transferable half courses or equivalent (nine of which are non-Social Work courses) may apply to the second year of the BSW Calgary University Transfer Route in the Faculty of Social Work. Ten half courses (or equivalent) must have been completed by the end of the Winter Session preceding the Fall Session for which entry is sought. Spring and Summer Sessions courses taken in the sessions immediately preceding admission will not be used in the calculation of the GPA or to fulfill the ten half-course requirements.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on calculation of the GPA;

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. Three letters of reference (10%).

Note: Applicants with more than ten half-course equivalents and less than 20 half-course equivalents are admitted to the second year. Social Work 201, 367, two Social Work options and a research methods course are prerequisites to starting third year courses.

Note: Applicants wishing to take the complete BSW degree program at the University of Calgary may complete their ten specified half-course equivalents required for admission in a number of Faculties. The three most common choices are (in alphabetical order) Communication and Culture, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Note: Preference will not necessarily be given to students presenting more than 10 half-course equivalents.

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 201, 353, 367, 383, 385, 388, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 404, 405, 407, 408/409

One 300-level Social Work half-course equivalent option

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Sixteen non-Social Work half-course equivalents

Note: Students who have previously taken Social Work 201 will substitute a non-Social Work option.

Note: By the end of the 2nd year students must have completed Social Work 201, 353 or an acceptable research methods course and 367. A listing of acceptable research methods courses is available from the Student Services office. The research methods course must have been completed within five years prior to entry to the third year of the program.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Note: All students must be registered full time when they enroll in Social Work 408/409.

Calgary Post-Diploma

Admission

Students who will have completed a Social Work Diploma at an Alberta Community College that has an admission agreement with the Faculty of Social Work may apply for admission to the 3rd year of the Calgary BSW Post-Diploma route. Such applicants must also meet basic University admission requirements. Applicants not meeting University basic admission requirements cannot be admitted to the Faculty.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

  1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on calculation of the GPA.

2. One letter of reference from the field instructor of record (5%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. A recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended (15%);

5. Relevant volunteer/work experience (10%).

Note: For those students who graduated with an Alberta Social Work Diploma more than five years prior to applying to the University of Calgary, three letters of reference are required in place of the recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended and the field instructor of record.

In order to determine the most appropriate route, the Faculty will assess individually:

1. Those students who graduated with an Alberta Social Work Diploma more than five years prior to applying to the University; or

2. Those students who graduated with a Diploma from a college that does not have an agreement with the Faculty of Social Work.

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 351, 353, 357, 385, 389, 407, 408/409

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Eight senior non-Social Work half-course equivalents

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Note: All students must be registered full time when they enroll in Social Work 408/409.

Edmonton University Transfer

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Admission

The Edmonton University Transfer Route admits transfer students at the third year level. Therefore, by the end of the Summer Session preceding the Fall Session for which entry is sought, applicants will have completed either:

(a) 18 non-Social Work half-course equivalents including an acceptable research methods course (see below) plus Social Work 201 and 367 or equivalents; OR

(b) 17 non-Social Work half-course equivalents including an acceptable research methods course (see below) plus Social Work 201, 367 or equivalents and one 300-level half-course Social Work option.

Spring and Summer Sessions courses taken in the sessions immediately preceding admission will not be used in the calculation of the GPA for admission purposes.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on calculation of GPA.

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. Three letters of reference (10%).

Note: Applicants wishing to enter the Edmonton University Transfer route will have completed the required university transferable half-course equivalents at a variety of post-secondary institutions.

Note: Social Work 353 or an acceptable research methods course is required prior to admission. A listing of acceptable research methods courses is available from the Edmonton Division Office. The research methods course must have been completed within five years prior to admission.

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 201, 353, 367, 383, 385, 388, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 404, 405, 407, 408/409

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Seventeen non-Social Work half-course equivalents

Note: All non-Social Work half-course equivalents, Social Work 201, 367 and 353 must be completed prior to admission.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Note: All students must be registered full time when they enroll in Social Work 408/409.

Edmonton Post-Diploma

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Admission

Students who will have completed a Social Work Diploma at an Alberta Community College that has an admission agreement with the Faculty of Social Work may apply for admission to the 3rd year of the Edmonton BSW Post-Diploma route. Such applicants must also meet basic University admission requirements. Applicants not meeting University basic admission requirements cannot be admitted to the Faculty.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on calculation of the GPA.

2. One letter of reference from the field instructor of record (5%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. A recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended (15%);

5. Relevant volunteer/work experience (10%).

Note: For those students who graduated with an Alberta Social Work Diploma more than five years prior to applying to the University of Calgary, three letters of reference are required in place of the recommendation from the chair/director of the social work program that the student attended.

In order to determine the most appropriate route, the Faculty will assess individually:

1. Those students who graduated with an Alberta Social Work Diploma more than five years prior to applying to the University; or

2. Those students who graduated with a Diploma from a college that does not have an agreement with the Faculty of Social Work.

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 351, 353, 357, 385, 389, 407, 408/409

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Eight senior non-Social Work half-course equivalents

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Note: All students must be registered full time when they enroll in Social Work 408/409.

Note: Non-Social Work courses are normally taken at another institution. A Letter of Permission form must be submitted prior to registration in such courses.

Lethbridge University Transfer

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Admission

The Lethbridge University Transfer route only admits transfer students at the third year level. Therefore, by the end of the Summer Session preceding the Fall Session for which entry is sought, applicants will have completed either:

(a) 18 non-Social Work half-course equivalents including an acceptable research methods course (see below) plus Social Work 201 and 367 or equivalents; OR

(b) 17 non-Social Work half-course equivalents including an acceptable research methods course (see below) plus Social Work 201, 367 or equivalents and one 300-level Social Work option.

Spring and Summer Sessions courses taken in the sessions immediately preceding admission will not be used in the calculation of the GPA for admission purposes.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on the calculation of the GPA.

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. Three letters of reference (10%).

Note: Applicants wishing to enter the Lethbridge University Transfer route will have completed the required university transferable half-course equivalents at a variety of post-secondary institutions.

Note: Social Work 353 or an acceptable research methods course is required prior to admission. A listing of acceptable research methods courses is available from the Lethbridge Division Office. The research methods course must have been completed within five years prior to entry to the third year of the program.

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 201, 353, 367, 383, 385, 388, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 404, 405, 407, 408/409

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Seventeen non-Social Work half-course equivalents

Note: All non-Social Work half-course equivalents, Social Work 201, 367 and 353 must be completed prior to admission.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Note: All students must be registered full time when they enroll in Social Work 408/409.

Access Learning Circles Route

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Introduction

The BSW Learning Circles route (formerly Access route) provides opportunities for undergraduate social work education for Alberta students in rural, remote and Aboriginal communities. In order to register in the BSW Learning Circles route, students must be available to attend course offerings in selected rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities.

New applicants should refer to "Admission Requirements" in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar for regulations regarding University admission requirements.

The overall objective of the BSW program is to prepare students for entry-level general social work practice. The BSW program provides opportunities for students to acquire sufficient knowledge, values, and skills to enable them to maintain a professional standard of practice.

The BSW Learning Circles route promotes access to the BSW degree for students in rural, remote, and Aboriginal communities in Alberta. Specific site locations for any given session may be obtained by telephoning 1-877-282-0667. The BSW Learning Circles Virtual Site offers the curriculum through a blended learning approach integrating technology with some face-to-face opportunities. For more information on the BSW Learning Circles Virtual Site consult the Student Services Office or the web page: http://fsw.ucalgary.ca/learningcircles.

The BSW Learning Circles route provides an undergraduate curriculum that is culturally and geographically relevant to communities outside urban areas. Course content is innovative and aligned with traditional philosophies and knowledge systems. Community collaboration and adaptive delivery methods are key features of the Learning Circles route. The Learning Circles route offers an innovative variation of the BSW program. The final degree remains the accredited University of Calgary BSW degree.

Core content has been grouped into four theme areas: Generalist Practice in Context; Communication and Information; Diversity and Oppression; Social Work Methods. These form the basis for courses that are listed as Social Work 300-level courses (Social Work 300, 301; 302, 303; 304, 305; 306, 307). Courses related to local region practicum placements are listed as Social Work 400-level courses (Social Work 400, 402, 403). Social work option courses for Learning Circles students have the same 500-level designation as option courses for the students in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge.

Note: Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 400, 402 and 403 cannot be taken by students in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge.

One theme full course and one portfolio project half course are offered in each Fall and Winter Session. The same course set is offered in each site location in any given session. Students can complete four sessions of theme and portfolio project courses over two academic years. Normally the practicum and integration seminar courses will be taken after all social work theme and portfolio courses have been completed. The theme courses and related portfolio projects do not have to be taken in a particular sequence.

Social Work option courses may be taken at any time in the program. Option offerings in block format will be made available in Spring/Summer Sessions.

Access Learning Circles University Transfer Route

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Admission

The Learning Circles University Transfer route admits students at the third year level. Therefore, by the end of the Summer Session preceding the Fall Session for which entry is sought, applicants will have completed a minimum 18 (of the 20) non-Social Work half-course equivalents.

Spring and Summer Sessions courses taken in the session immediately preceding admission will not be used in the calculation of the GPA for admission purposes.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on the calculation of the GPA;

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. Three letters of reference, either academic or professional in nature (10%).

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 400, 402, 403

Three Social Work 500-level half-course equivalent options

Twenty non-Social Work half-course equivalents.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Access Learning Circles Post-Diploma

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Admission

Students who will have completed a Social Work Diploma at an Alberta Community College may apply for admission to the Learning Circles Post-Diploma route. Such applicants must also meet basic University admission requirements. Applicants not meeting University basic admission requirements cannot be admitted to the Faculty.

Applicants to the Learning Circles Post-Diploma route will receive credit for ten Social Work half-course equivalents from their Diploma program. In order to be considered for admission, students must also have completed eight university transfer, non-Social Work half-course equivalents.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Grade Point Average (60%). The grade point average is calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents completed. Refer to the general admissions section for detailed information on the calculation of the GPA;

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%);

4. Three letters of reference, either academic or professional in nature (10%).

Requirements

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 402, 403

Two Social Work 500-level half-course equivalent options

Thirteen non-Social Work half course equivalents.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

After Degree Students

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Admission - Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge

Students who have completed an acceptable undergraduate degree may apply to the third year of the BSW University Transfer routes in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. However, these students are encouraged to apply to the MSW program.

Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. (a) Completion of an acceptable undergraduate degree at an accredited institution with a competitive GPA as calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents under basic admission requirements;

(b) Completion of Social Work 201 and 367 or equivalents prior to admission;

(c) Completion of Social Work 353 or an acceptable research methods course completed within 5 years of admission. (60%)

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%); and

4. Three letters of reference (10%).

Note: Holders of an acceptable degree are not admissible to the second year of the University transfer route since they already possess all required non-Social Work courses.

Note: Social Work 201, 353 and 367 (or equivalent research methods course) must be completed prior to admission since they are prerequisites for third year courses. Social Work 201 and 367 may be available during Spring/Summer Sessions preceding admission to the Fall Session.

Note: A listing of acceptable research methods courses is available from the Faculty of Social Work Student Services Office. Please note timeline for completion.

Requirements - Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge

In order to graduate students must have completed:

Social Work 383, 385, 388, 389, 391, 393, 395, 397, 399, 404, 405, 407, 408/409

Three 500-level Social Work half-course equivalent options

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Admission - Access Learning Circles

Students who have completed an acceptable undergraduate degree may apply to the Learning Circles route. Applicants to the Learning Circles route are evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Completion of an acceptable undergraduate degree at an accredited institution with a competitive GPA as calculated on the last ten half-course equivalents under basic admission requirements (60%);

2. Relevant work/volunteer experience (20%);

3. Admission essay (10%); and

4. Three letters of reference (10%).

Requirements - Access Learning Circles

Social Work 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 400, 402, 403

Three Social Work 500-level half course equivalent options

Note: All 300-level required courses must be completed before students register in Social Work 400 or 402.

Note: All 300-level Social Work courses must be completed prior to registering in Practicum courses.

Part-Time Students

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Admission

Admission requirements for part-time students are the same as those listed for the routes described above.

Program Requirements

Degree requirements for all students must be completed within five consecutive 12-month periods from the date of initial registration in the Faculty of Social Work. Full-time attendance is required in Social Work 408/409. Please see an academic advisor to confirm a program of study.

Affiliated Agencies

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The Faculty of Social Work partners with numerous agencies from across the province to provide field education. Please refer to our web site for the list of affiliated agencies: http://fsw.ucalgary.ca/.