Program Overview

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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is designed for individuals who are passionate about social justice and creating positive change in their communities. This 10-month program provides students with the foundation for generalist practice in a range of social service, health, and community settings.

Overview

The BSW program is offered by Renison University College, located on the University of Waterloo campus. The program is available in both full-time and part-time formats, allowing students to choose the option that best suits their lifestyle.

Program Details

• Duration: 10 months (full-time), 3 years (part-time)
• Format: Full-time (in-person, on-campus), part-time (blended learning with online courses and in-person classes)
• Courses:
  • Seven core courses
  • One elective course
  • Three practicum courses
• Field Placement: 720 hours of field placement work to prepare students for a professional designation with the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE)

What Will You Learn in Social Work?

The BSW program provides students with a strong foundation for social work practice, exploring topics such as:

• Building a Foundation: BSW courses cover the intersection of social work with diversity, Indigenous perspectives, mental health and addictions, and social determinants of health.
• Experiential Learning: Students participate in seminars that complement their practicum placement, bringing classroom learning to the field and vice versa.
• Deepening Your Understanding: Elective courses allow students to explore specific areas of interest, such as working with older adults, international populations, or expanding their knowledge of social work fields of practice.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Study

Students can choose between full-time and part-time study options:

• Full-Time Studies:
  • Completed in as little as 10 months
  • In-class two days per week
  • Three days of field placement per week
  • Guaranteed field placement to complete required 720 hours
• Part-Time Studies:
  • Completed within three years, flexible to suit a busy lifestyle
  • A maximum of two courses per term + one field placement
  • Two days of field placement per week after completion of at least one 400-level SWREN course
  • Guaranteed field placement to complete required 720 hours

Your Future with a Degree in Social Work

A BSW degree is a professional degree required for many social work careers and related professions. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as:

• Child welfare
• Community mental health and addiction
• Housing support
• Settlement services
• Youth services
• 2SLGBTQIA+ services
• Black, Indigenous, and people of colour services
• Services for persons with disabilities

Graduates may also pursue Master of Social Work degrees or further education in related areas, such as public health or law.

Common Questions about the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program

• What if I have not yet completed my bachelor's degree? Applicants must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent to be eligible to begin the program. Students can consider pursuing a Social Development Studies (SDS) degree to complete prerequisite courses.
• Do I have to do Social Development Studies at Waterloo first? No, applicants can complete prerequisite courses at another institution.
• What if I have a degree but I'm missing prerequisites? Students can complete missing prerequisites during the application process.
• What are the prerequisites for BSW? Prerequisites are listed on the Social Work website.

Prerequisites for BSW

Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent, with specific prerequisite courses. The prerequisites are listed on the Social Work website.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the BSW program are available on the Social Work website. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent, with specific prerequisite courses. Conditional offers of admission may be made to students who are completing their degree at the time of application.