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Bachelor of Social Work – University of Calgary – Calgary, AB
The University of Calgary’s new four-year Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students to make a real difference in their communities. Built around the values of social justice, equity, and inclusion, this program equips future social workers with the academic foundation, practical experience, and cultural understanding needed.
In students’ first semester, they’ll begin developing the skills and knowledge required for social work in a variety of contexts. The program emphasizes critical self-reflection, social justice, and working with diverse populations, including learning through Indigenous ways of knowing. Students will also explore professional ethics, communication, advocacy, and research, building the competencies needed to support individuals, families, and communities.
The BSW begins with two years of on-campus study, where students will build a strong academic foundation through courses across multiple disciplines, including areas such as English, Academic Writing, Sociology, Indigenous Studies, Human Development, Communication and Culture, Social Welfare and Social Policy, Public Administration and Policy, and Gender and Sexuality Studies. In students’ final two years, they’ll focus on social work-specific courses delivered in a blended format, combining online learning with in-person instruction and practice. This program also included many opportunities for field education: students complete a 300-hour community service learning experience and a 400-hour placement in their final year. These placements allow students to apply theory to real-world situations and gain hands-on, supervised experiences in professional settings.
Throughout the programs, students will explore contemporary social issues such as mental health, trauma, Indigenous healing practices, sustainable social work, and social justice advocacy, while developing job-ready skills aligned with community needs. Through social work option courses, students may also study topics such as addictions and recovery, human sexuality, gerontology, intimate partner violence, loss and grief, mental health and trauma, social work in health care or child welfare settings, and social work with immigrants and refugees. Academic and field education teams at UCalgary provide ongoing support to ensure students’ success both in the classroom and in practice.
Graduates of the BSW program emerge ready to pursue careers in social work or continue into advanced studies. Whether your goal is to support individuals directly, influence policy, or lead community initiatives, UCalgary’s new BSW will help you turn your passion for helping others into a professional path. For more information, visit the University of Calgary’s Bachelor of Social Work program page.
We’d love to help you dive into social work. Our expert educational consultants are here to help you navigate the wide range of social work programs emerging across the country. Whether you’re interested in education, counselling, or social work, we can guide you to the right path. Book an appointment today to discuss how we can help you find the program that aligns with your passions and career goals.
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