Social Work Diploma
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
School of Social Work
MacEwan.ca/SocialWork
At MacEwan University, social work students learn how to create meaningful change. You are the catalyst in the lives of others that helps them move forward in a positive manner. In this constantly evolving field, MacEwan University prepares students with the competency and professional skills to practice in a social work setting.
For more than 45 years, the university has earned a reputation for graduating skilled, compassionate, and professional social workers. Social workers assess and respond to human problems at both an individual and a societal level.
MacEwan University combines a strong academic approach to social work with direct practice field placements and university-level electives. Diversity and working with different cultures is integrated into all aspects of the program.
As professionals in a country that upholds respect for diversity, and in keeping with democratic rights and freedoms, social workers respect the distinct systems of beliefs and lifestyles of individuals, families, groups, communities, and nations without prejudice (United Nations Centre for Human Rights, 1992). Specifically, social workers do not tolerate discrimination based on age, abilities, ethnic background, gender, language, marital status, national ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status (CASW Code of Ethics, 2005).
Career Potential
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to the Alberta College of Social Workers to become registered social workers (RSW). Graduates can enter the workforce immediately upon graduation or, if eligible, apply to continue their studies in the MacEwan Bachelor of Social Work. Graduates may choose to work in a broad range of social work-related areas, including:
- services to families, children, and youth
- addiction and mental health
- community health and social service agencies
- correctional services agencies
- employment assistance programs
- family counselling agencies
- health and long-term care organizations
- immigration and settlement services
- preventive social services
- non-profit community agencies
- school boards
- services to seniors
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5229
E: socialwork@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-505, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5154
For information on the Bachelor of Social Work go to MacEwan.ca/BSW
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| ENGL 102 | Analysis and Argument | 3 |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| SOCI 100 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |
| SOWK 101 | Social Work Philosophy and Ethics 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 102 | Introduction to Social Work Practice and Relationships with Indigenous Peoples 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 105 | Field Placement 2 | 4 |
| SOWK 110 | Social Work Practice Methods I 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 111 | Social Work With Families | 3 |
| SOWK 112 | Social Work With Children and Adolescents | 3 |
| SOWK 115 | Field Placement 2 | 4 |
| Arts and Science elective | 3 | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media | ||
| Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture | ||
| Year 2 | ||
| POLS 101 | Introduction to Politics | 3 |
| SOWK 201 | Group Work 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 202 | Social Work Practice Methods II 1 | 3 |
| SOWK 203 | Mental Health, Trauma and Addictions | 3 |
| SOWK 204 | Social Policy and Anti-Oppressive Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 205 | Field Placement 2 | 4 |
| SOWK 210 | Community Practice Methods III | 3 |
| SOWK 211 | Social Work Methods IV | 3 |
| SOWK 215 | Field Placement 2 | 4 |
| Arts and Science electives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 76 | |
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a C-.
- 2
The minimum grade required for this course is CR.
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program. The student plan may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| ENGL 102 | 3 | SOWK 1101 | 3 |
| PSYC 104 | 3 | SOWK 111 | 3 |
| SOCI 100 | 3 | SOWK 112 | 3 |
| SOWK 1011 | 3 | SOWK 1152 | 4 |
| SOWK 1021 | 3 | Arts and Science elective | 3 |
| SOWK 1052 | 4 | One of the following: | 3 |
| 19 | 19 | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| POLS 101 | 3 | SOWK 203 | 3 |
| SOWK 2011 | 3 | SOWK 210 | 3 |
| SOWK 2021 | 3 | SOWK 211 | 3 |
| SOWK 204 | 3 | SOWK 2152 | 4 |
| SOWK 2052 | 4 | Arts and Science electives | 6 |
| Arts and Science elective | 3 | ||
| 19 | 19 | ||
| Total Credits 76 | |||
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a C-.
- 2
The grade required for this course is CR.
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by December 31 of the year they enter the program, and must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Social Studies 30-1
- Three Group A, B, C or D courses
Notes:
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
- A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
- A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).
Applicants with nine to 23 post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more post-secondary level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Mature Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1
- Social Studies 30-1
Applicants with nine to 23 post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with 24 or more post-secondary level credits will be considered under Previous Post-Secondary Work.
Previous Post-Secondary Work
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.
Applicants must have successfully completed the following from a recognized institution:
- A minimum of 24 post-secondary credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission are required to submit the following:
- A clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency) that includes a Vulnerable Sector Search. The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
- An Alberta Intervention Record Check (or equivalent from another province/territory). The Intervention Record Check must be submitted by the published document deadline.
Equity Admission
The School of Social Work at MacEwan University is committed to principles of equity and diversity. The School supports equitable representation of groups underrepresented in the social work profession and has reserved up to 15 per cent of admission spaces as equity admission spaces for applicants who self-identify as Indigenous. MacEwan University defines Indigenous as First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in Canada.
In order to be considered for admission under the Equity Admission criteria, candidates must still meet the minimum admission criteria for the program.
Program Regulations
Regulations Governing Field Practicum (Work Integrated Learning)
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all field placement courses in accordance with the course learning outcomes and grading criteria. Field placement hours may include days, evenings and weekends. Students are required to arrange their own transportation for required field placement activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel, parking and accommodation are the student's responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any practice experience not accessible through public transportation. Required field placements will generally be within a 150 km radius of the MacEwan University site.
Students cannot attend field placement agencies as a MacEwan University student except at times and locations authorized by the field placement course instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding field placements. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency specific requirements (i.e. which could include vaccinations and supporting documents) prior to the start of any field placement course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the University reserves the right, at any point during a field placement, to remove a student from the placement for serious performance issues (i.e. engaging in behaviours that place a client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases the Chair, through consultation with the Dean, will assign a grade of NCR (or F) in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, field placement, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student's performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student's program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Agency-Specific Requirements
Students must be able to meet requirements for immunizations prior to the start of all field practicum courses if required by their field placement agency.
Failure to meet specified immunization requirements may result in a student being denied a field practicum and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Students may be required to complete additional agency-specific certifications as a prerequiste for practicum. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Police Information Check
A student must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) requirements including Vulnerable Sector, and an Intervention Record Check as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Students are responsible for obtaining a PIC at intervals specified by field practicum agencies or the program and making these available, upon request, to their practicum agency representative. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student's ability to complete the program and/or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Apply the value base of social work in their work with individuals, families, and communities.
- Practice ethically and professionally in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the Alberta College of Social Workers.
- Communicate with others using effective written, verbal, and visual forms of communication.
- Describe and interpret the origins and purpose of the social work profession.
- Utilize social work practice theory and models, including an ecosystems and strength-based approach, to assess individual, family, and group behavior across the lifespan.
- Utilize social work practice theory and methods to implement effective change strategies with individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Practice without discrimination and with respect, regardless of peoples’ age, culture, economic circumstances, health, disability, race, ethnicity, gender, marital status, religious or spiritual beliefs, or sexual orientation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the impact colonization and oppression has had on Indigenous peoples.
- Identify current social policy and relevant legislation that impacts the social service delivery system.
- Advocate for their clients and apply strategies of social change including structural and anti-oppressive practice that advocates social and economic justice.
- Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems.
- Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practices.
- Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self-care, improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships.
- Demonstrate the academic skills to successfully pursue further post-diploma education, including Bachelor of Social Work studies or other degree programs.