Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary’s main campus is a full-time program designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive education in the field. In the first two years, students focus on building a strong academic foundation through on-campus coursework, with most classes taken outside of social work to support broad, interdisciplinary understanding. Beginning in the latter half of the program, students transition into social work–focused courses delivered in a blended format that combines in-person and flexible learning approaches.

In the final two years, the program emphasizes applied learning and professional development through both coursework and field education. Students complete practicum placements in each of these years, gaining supervised, hands-on experience in real-world settings. The curriculum covers key areas such as theory and practice in an interconnected world, social justice advocacy, communication and relationship building, professional ethics, research, mental health, Indigenous histories and healing practices, and sustainable and Africentric approaches to social work. Experiential learning begins as early as the first semester with 300 hours of community service and social justice initiatives, culminating in a 400-hour in-person practicum in the final year, typically scheduled during weekdays. Supported by a dedicated field education team, students can also explore specialized topics through elective courses, including addictions and recovery, human sexuality, gerontology, intimate partner violence, grief and loss, trauma, and social work practice in healthcare, child welfare, and immigrant and refugee contexts.

Admission Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

What You’ll Learn

• Build a strong academic foundation across disciplines before specializing in social work.
• Apply social work theory to practice, including ethics, communication, and advocacy.
• Gain hands-on experience through community service and supervised practicums.
• Explore specialized topics like mental health, trauma, addictions, and work with diverse populations.