Social Work

Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession that promotes social change to improve the lives of people. Alongside principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and the empowerment and liberation of people, social workers are regulated health professionals who strive to enhance individual, family, group, and community well-being while striving for a socially just society (excerpts from the International Federation of Social Work and the Canadian Association of Social Work).

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree preparing individuals for generalized professional practice in a variety of fields. Choosing a Bachelor of Social Work degree is for those wanting to make positive change in society. The program is designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills to integrate into professional social work practice. 

The University of Calgary’s BSW is nationally accredited and recognized across Canada and internationally. Graduates are eligible to start the registration process with the appropriate regulatory body of social work. 

BSW graduates are employed in many different areas, some of which include: health services, addictions and mental health, schools, child and family services, solicitor general (probation, parole, court services), social housing organizations, advocacy organizations, newcomer and immigrant service organizations, senior centers, and the military.

A Bachelor of Social Work degree can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies in social work for a more advanced and specialized focus. 

The University of Calgary offers two pathways to obtain your Bachelor of Social Work degree. 

• Blended 20-month program: This full-time program is available to University Transfer students with 57 units (of university transferable non-social work courses, or after degree students. You would attend one full day of classes on campus (in Calgary, Edmonton, or Lethbridge) while completing other courses on-line during the remainder of the week. 
• Online 24-month program: This full-time, year-round program is available to students who have completed an Alberta Social Work Diploma (with a transfer agreement) or to University Transfer students with 57 units of university transferable non-social work courses, or after degree students. Courses are entirely on-line at specific times with the exception of the practicum placements, completed in person in or near the student’s home community in Canada. 

• Current courses are designed to explore contemporary social issues. 
• Practicum experience - gain hands-on career-related experiences in a professional setting. 
• Learn to apply knowledge and research into professional practice. 
• Collaborative teamwork - Interact with your peers while learning to collaborate on projects. 
• Participate in short-term, competency-based learning opportunities that align with labour market or community needs 

You will take core courses in communication, leadership, and research alongside contemporary courses exploring the diverse knowledge systems, cultures and ways of being of different peoples. You will also take courses situated in the interconnected world of social work practice and sustainability. There is opportunity to choose specific option courses tailored to enhance social work practice in different areas.

You will complete 400 hours of practicum under the direct supervision of a professional registered social worker in an agency setting.  If you are a university or after degree student, you will complete an additional 300 hours of a community engaged practicum with flexible learning activities tailored to your individual interests.