Social Work - Bachelor of Social Work
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
School of Social Work
MacEwan.ca/BSW
The Bachelor of Social Work program provides 3rd and 4th year undergraduate degree studies and will be of interest to Alberta Social Work diploma graduates and other students who have completed 60 university-level Arts and Science credits. The School of Social Work offers transformative, collaborative, and supportive education to prepare students for leadership roles in meeting the social justice mandate of the profession of social work. 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).
Unique to this degree is the focus on sustainability — how social, environmental, and economic issues interrelate, and how we fit into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to focus their studies around a number of themes, including working with children and families, working with Indigenous people, health and mental health, and community social work practice. Students learn from faculty who are engaged in research, blended learning, and all areas of social work practice.
Career Potential
Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to the Alberta College of Social Workers to become registered social workers (RSW). Graduates will have strong critical thinking skills and be prepared to work in a wide and diverse range of settings, making valuable contributions to the health and safety of children and families, supporting the development of a vibrant and healthy workforce, and providing leadership in the area of social and environmental sustainability. 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: bsw@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-505, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-5154
Program Requirements
Majors in this program have distinct programs of study.
Social Work Post-Diploma 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 3 | ||
| SOWK 302 | Indigenous Knowledge: Contributions to Sustainable Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 303 | Social Work and Sustainability | 3 |
| SOWK 310 | Social Work and Intercultural Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 311 | Critical Thinking and Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| 300-level SOWK option | 3 | |
| Arts and Science electives | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| SOWK 403 | Leadership in Human Service Organizations | 3 |
| SOWK 450 | Field Practicum 1 | 8 |
| SOWK 451 | Field Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| 400-level SOWK options | 9 | |
| Arts and Science electives | 6 | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Families | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Indigenous Peoples | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities | ||
| Advanced Practice in Health and Mental Health Settings | ||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
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.
- 1
The minimum grade required for this course is a CR.
University Credit Transfer 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 3 | ||
| SOWK 301 | Introduction to Social Work Ideology and Ethics | 3 |
| SOWK 302 | Indigenous Knowledge: Contributions to Sustainable Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 303 | Social Work and Sustainability | 3 |
| SOWK 304 | Human Development and the Environment | 3 |
| SOWK 305 | Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOWK 310 | Social Work and Intercultural Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 311 | Critical Thinking and Social Work Research Methods | 3 |
| SOWK 312 | Social Policy | 3 |
| SOWK 350 | Field Practicum 1 | 5 |
| SOWK 351 | Field Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| Year 4 | ||
| SOWK 401 | Introduction to Social Work with Communities | 3 |
| SOWK 402 | Social Work with Groups | 3 |
| SOWK 403 | Leadership in Human Service Organizations | 3 |
| SOWK 450 | Field Practicum 1 | 8 |
| SOWK 451 | Field Practicum Seminar | 1 |
| 400-level SOWK options | 9 | |
| One of the following: | 3 | |
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Families | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Indigenous Peoples | ||
| Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities | ||
| Advanced Practice in Health and Mental Health Settings | ||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
- 1
The grade required for this course is a CR.
Student Plans
Students must follow the Student Plans (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plans. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plans, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program. The student plan may be subject to change.
Post-Diploma
| Year 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| SOWK 302 | 3 | SOWK 310 | 3 |
| SOWK 303 | 3 | SOWK 311 | 3 |
| Arts and Science electives | 9 | 300-level SOWK option1 | 3 |
| Arts and Science electives | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
| Year 4 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| SOWK 403 | 3 | SOWK 4502 | 8 |
| 400-level SOWK options1 | 6 | SOWK 451 | 1 |
| Arts and Science electives | 6 | 400-level SOWK option1 | 3 |
| One of the following: | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
University Credit Transfer
| Year 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| SOWK 301 | 3 | SOWK 310 | 3 |
| SOWK 302 | 3 | SOWK 311 | 3 |
| SOWK 303 | 3 | SOWK 312 | 3 |
| SOWK 304 | 3 | SOWK 3502 | 5 |
| SOWK 305 | 3 | SOWK 351 | 1 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| SOWK 401 | 3 | SOWK 4502 | 8 |
| SOWK 402 | 3 | SOWK 451 | 1 |
| SOWK 403 | 3 | 400-level SOWK option1 | 3 |
| 400-level SOWK options1 | 6 | One of the following: | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 60 | |||
- 1
All course offerings are subject to change without prior notification. Please contact the program office for updates and/or cancellations to the published course rotation.
- 2
The minimum grade required for this course is a 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
Social Work Post-Diploma
1. Applicants must have completed an Alberta accredited Social Work Diploma with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
University Credit Transfer
2. Applicants must have completed the following from a recognized institution:
a) 57 non-social work university-level credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and must include the following courses:
· Three credits of English
· Six credits of anthropology, political science, psychology or sociology
b) SOWK 240: Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C-
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 www.macewan.ca/elp.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to all admission categories
Applicants are required to submit the following to be assessed by faculty from the School of Social Work:
- An essay describing interest in and understanding of the social work profession.
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% 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
Program Time Limit - Exemption
A student in the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) has six years from the first day of term of acceptance to complete all requirements to be eligible for a credential (Program Time Limits Policy).
Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a faculty advisor about program planning for completing degree requirements at MacEwan University.
Progression of Studies
Course registration is required for attendance in all program courses. Students who have had a break in the continuity of their program may have additional course requirements to establish course currency.
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. Students may be required to complete additional agency-specific certifications as a prerequisite for practicum experiences. Failure to meet specified immunization requirements and/or other agency-specific requirements may result in a student being denied a field practicum and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
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 be in attendance at 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 and with the concurrence of the Dean, the student will be assigned 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.
Police Information Check
A student must meet the specific Police Information Check requirements (PIC) including a 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 must be able to satisfy agency requirements prior to the start of each field placement.
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 requirements as they may be denied required field practicums and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the capacity to engage in self-reflective practice in a manner that recognizes diversity and empowers others.
- Practice in accordance with the values of the social work profession, the CASW Code of Ethics, and the ACSW Standards of Practice.
- Identify with the role the social work profession has in promoting social justice and human rights in local, national, and international settings.
- Describe the impact that discrimination, oppression, poverty, exclusion, exploitation, and marginalization have on the well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities, and general populations.
- Describe the impact colonization and continuous colonization has on Indigenous people.
- Articulate the characteristics of a sustainable society and the ethical basis from which sustainability originates.
- Demonstrate the knowledge of generalist social work practice for engaging, assessing, planning, facilitating, and evaluating change across systems, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
- Practice in an anti-oppressive manner that recognizes human rights, respects human dignity, and empowers individuals, families, groups, and communities.
- Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities to work with diverse client groups and demonstrate respect for cultural differences (modified from the Australia Social Work BSW accreditation core competencies).
- Apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social, environmental, and economic justice.
- Analyze, formulate, and influence social policy that promotes justice, equality, and sustainability.
- Engage in critical inquiry and apply research, knowledge, and skills that inform practice and enhance the knowledge base of the profession.
- Work collaboratively with other professionals, community groups, and organizations.
- Use supervision and consultation appropriate for social work practice and understand the importance of ongoing professional development.
Social Work options allow you to explore topics that reflect your interests or field of practice.
Both the Post Diploma Route and University Transfer Route require students to take three 400-level social work options and one advanced practice option.
A limited number of social work options are offered each year from the list below. Please check the Bachelor of Social Work Options Schedule (2024-2027) to determine which options courses will be offered during each term.
Note: All course offerings are subject to change without prior notification. Please contact the program office for updates and/or cancellations.