Program Overview
Social workers are trained to "help people to help themselves." Our Social Work Program looks at how to help people meet the demands of daily life. It looks at how social work seeks to improve people's problem-solving and coping skills, and links them with systems that offer resources, services, and opportunities. It emphasizes the development of generalist knowledge, values, and skills to practice with individuals, families, communities, and organizations.
Themes in this two-year program include competency working in different cultures, recognizing and dealing with oppression, practice in northern and rural communities, and a focus on holistic practice. In a supportive atmosphere, students are encouraged to develop personal insights and approaches to social work practice.
This program includes a blend of core social work theory and practice courses, along with university level courses which include the following: English, psychology, health education, sociology, political science, and one other arts and science elective. Students have the choice of completing the required university transfer courses before starting the program, during the program, or upon completion of the core social work courses.
Graduates are prepared for entry level practice positions or to continue their education in a degree program. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Program Locations
Sep 05, 2023 - Jun 25, 2025 - NLC Anytime, Anywhere - Available AnywhereStudents must be at least 18 years of age at the time of practicum.
Reliable high speed internet connection are required.
Note: Information regarding any criminal record is required to facilitate field placements. Field placement agencies may require a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check. The inability to present clear checks may prevent a student from completing the program requirements. Contact the Program Coordinator for further information.
Note: Because of the nature of the program, students must not be abusing alcohol or drugs for at least 1 year prior to applying. In addition, students must not be abusing drugs or alcohol for the duration of the program.
Fluency in English. 60% in English 30-1 or 70% in English 30-2 or 60% in ENGL0190 or an assessed English equivalency.
All post-secondary transcripts must accompany the application.
A block transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary exists where students may be able to transfer up to two years of coursework into the third year of the BSW program.
Athabasca University offers a transfer of 60 credits toward the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Services.
An Articulation Agreement with Thompson Rivers University allows for a transfer of a maximum of 60 credits into the Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of General Studies.
University credits (course by course) are transferable to a number of degree programs. The most current transfer information is available on-line at Transfer Alberta: https://transferalberta.alberta.ca/.