Program Overview

Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree

Overview

The Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies (SDS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Double Degree is a five-year program delivered through Renison University College, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges. This program is designed to be flexible, supportive, and grounded in what matters most: community, purpose, and change.

Combine Academic Depth with Professional Clarity

This program prepares students for a career in frontline social work, graduate studies, policy, and beyond. Students will explore courses in psychology, sociology, and social justice, while also learning applied social work, case management, and community practice. In the final year, students will spend four days a week in a practicum engaging in social work practice.

First-Year Courses

As a student in the Faculty of Arts, students will work with their academic advisor to opt-in to the Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree during their first year. The first-year courses include:

• PSYCH 101R – Introductory Psychology
• SOC 101R – Introduction to Sociology
• SOCWK 120R – Introduction to Social Work
• SWREN 111R – Foundations of Critical Social Work: Social Justice and Helping
• Elective

September to December

• PSYCH 101R – Introductory Psychology
• SOC 101R – Introduction to Sociology
• SOCWK 120R – Introduction to Social Work
• SWREN 111R – Foundations of Critical Social Work: Social Justice and Helping
• Elective

January to April

• SDS 131R – Political Ideologies and Social Development
• SDS 150R – Lifespan Processes
• PSYCH 253R – Social Psychology
• ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
• Elective

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• SWREN 301R – Understanding Diversity in Canada
• SWREN 331R – Social Inequality, Social Justice, and Social Action
• SWREN 470R – Mental Health and Addiction Issues
• SWREN 311R – Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Public Policy

Customize Your Degree

This program is structured and intentional, but there’s room to personalize what matters to you. Students can:

• Choose a specialization to deepen their focus:
  • Diversity and Equity
  • Education
  • Individual Well-being and Development
  • Social Policy and Social Action
• Add a minor from within the Faculty of Arts
• Explore international opportunities to study abroad
• Position themselves for graduate studies (Master’s in Social Work, counselling, education, public health, law, policy studies) and roles across the helping professions

Practicum and Experience

In the final year, students will spend four days a week in a practicum where they'll work directly with clients, teams, and community organizations. They'll apply their skills in real contexts such as:

• Mental health clinics
• Schools and school boards
• Housing organizations
• Legal and justice settings
• City planning and policy making in government agencies
• Youth and community services

Career Opportunities

With these degrees, students can pursue a career in a number of rewarding areas, including:

• Becoming a registered social worker in schools, hospitals, and community agencies
• Leading initiatives in mental health, youth justice, and housing access
• Pursuing graduate studies in social work (MSW), psychology, sociology, public health, law, or education
• Influencing policy, research, and systemic change

Admissions

To apply, students should select Social Development Studies as their Subject of Major Interest on their application. If they receive an offer of admission to Honours Arts, they'll work with their academic advisor during their first year to opt into the SDS and BSW Double Degree program. Ontario students require six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%). The admissions average is in the low 80s.

Program Details

• Offered by: Faculty of Arts and Renison University College
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work
• Available as a co-op program: No
• Available as a regular program: Regular only
• Available as a minor: No
• Graduate with two honours degrees in five years from one of the top 100 universities in the world (Times Higher Education’s World Reputation Rankings for 2025)
• Graduate with over 700 hours of practical experience and a direct pathway to professional certification

Related Programs

• Psychology
• Social Development Studies
• Sociology