Social Work

Bachelor of Social Work

Introduction

Your academic journey in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program will provide you with opportunities, skills, and knowledge needed to excel as a registered social worker in the field of human services.

Your program will allow you to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge, extensive practical experience, and a reflective understanding of various social issues. Our internationally known educators and researchers will help you develop the qualities and skills necessary to become a social worker. To find out more about the social work profession, click here.

There is no direct entry from high school to the BSW program. You can complete the first two years of your university studies in one of the Faculties at UCalgary. You will need to complete 57 units of non-social work university courses prior to applying to the BSW program as a University Transfer student.

In your first two years at UCalgary, you should try a variety of disciplines to broaden your knowledge base, which may help you decide if social work is right for you. You are also strongly encouraged to complete Social Work (SOWK) 201. This introductory course to social work provides an overview of the history, philosophical foundation, codes of ethics, practice standards, theoretical perspectives and introduces you to the diverse fields of practice related to social work. You'll learn in a variety of ways, including: inquiry-based learning, readings, learning from guest speakers and discussions. Although this course is a program requirement in the BSW program, it can be completed prior to, during the admission cycle, or upon admission to the program. We also recommend that you look for work or volunteer experience with human services organizations or community groups prior to your application to the program. This will allow you to be more thorough in your answers to the program specific questions you are asked as a part of the application process. It is not required however, only recommended. 

You must ensure that the courses you choose in your first and second year of your post-secondary education, satisfy the requirements of the degree program in which you are registered.

Courses recommended in your first year

General courses in English, Academic Writing, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, Human Development, Communication and Culture, Ethics, Research Methods, Health and Society, History, Social Welfare and Social Policy, Public Administration and Policy, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Anthropology, Community Rehabilitation can help prepare you for success in the social work program.

Tip:
Remember to register for both fall and winter semesters at the same time.

Students are officially admitted to the third year of BSW program and are required to complete 60 units. SOWK 201 is a program requirement and a prerequisite for other social work courses. Completion of SOWK 201 by the end of the fall term is strongly recommended. Information about program requirements can be found in the University Calendar in section 4. Program Details. 

Choose our Calgary, Edmonton or Lethbridge Blended BSW if you are looking for more of an on-campus student life experience and value face-to-face connection with colleagues and professors for mentoring, motivation and networking. Our fully Online BSW allows you to connect with your community while completing your classes.

You are welcome to contact a Social Work advisor for assistance with your program planning, registration, and degree requirements, or any other aspect of your program and student life. The easiest way to connect with us is to email fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca.

https://socialwork.ucalgary.ca/

Calgary campus
MacKimmie Tower (MT) 301

Edmonton campus
3-250, 10230 Jasper Avenue

Lethbridge campus
E526, University Hall
4401 University Drive

Study Abroad: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of social issues and social work practice in other countries, travel around the globe all while earning credit towards your degree.

Social Work Student Association (SWSA): Join SWSA and participate in events aimed at developing and improving the professional, academic, and social lives of BSW, MSW and PhD students in the Faculty of Social Work.

Micro-Credentials: Participate in short-term, competency-based learning opportunities that align with labour market or community needs, such as mental health first aid, crisis intervention, suicide awareness, trauma-informed perspectives, social activism, etc.