Social workers advocate for social justice and work with people to resolve problems in their day-to-day lives. They work one on one with vulnerable children and adults, families in need of assistance, seniors, people with disabilities, people who struggle with substance misuseÌýor mental health problems, refugees and other clients to identify and achieve goals for aÌýbetter quality of life.
If this sounds like you, the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÐ±¦µä¿ª½±½á¹û Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program will give you the social-work skills and knowledge to take on roles at non-profit community organizations, child welfare agencies, residential and health-care programs and more, where you will work with children, individuals, families and community groups.
In-Demand Skills
Bachelor of social work grads are in high demand throughout the province. B.C.’s 2025 Labour Market Outlook lists social work as one of the province’s top occupations in terms of job opportunities.
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Program at a Glance
Our BSW program takes three years to complete; all you need is 30 university-transferable credits to be admitted. With our degree, the prerequisites are built into the first year of the program, so even if you have taken general university-transferable courses, you’ll still be eligible to apply.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÐ±¦µä¿ª½±½á¹û BSW graduates are eligible to write the licensure exam, administered by the BC College of Social Workers, to become registered social workers in BC.
Student Success Story
Josh Rasalan realized he wanted to study social work. And then Douglas made it possible.
Recent Developments
Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic the BSW remains a very popular and viable choice for many students wishing to pursue a career in social work.Ìý Current students, together with faculty, have persevered through the remote delivery of most courses during the last academic year which has been a learning experience for everyone.ÌýCourses have been fine tuned over time to make the delivery of curriculum as relevant and meaningful as possible and credit must be given to the students and their willingness to adapt to a radical change in the method of instruction.ÌýWe are hoping for a return to face-to-face teaching as early as possible, with the necessary safeguards, but whatever the mode of delivery the degree remains popular in terms of the number of students being accepted every year.Ìý
Studies within the BSW are designed intentionally to reflect both the conceptual and practical aspects of social work which the students approach with genuine enthusiasm and initiative.Ìý They have made a conscious choice to enter a challenging, but rewarding profession, with a keen interest to help people who are typically disenfranchised and lacking access to resources in society.Ìý
Our classes are composed of students from a diversity of backgrounds and prior learning experiences which are incorporated to add richness and meaning to class discussions.ÌýThe input of students brings the application of theories to life and without this the teaching experience would not be nearly as rewarding for all concerned.ÌýAs a closed cohort the students develop close connections, to support one another, and to navigate the policies and expectations within the program.ÌýThe group has formed a BSW Student Association which provides opportunities to advocate, support, and share ideas and suggestions.Ìý
Many of the students have secured paid positions or enhanced their employment following graduation across a range of career paths.ÌýThis listing is not exhaustive but some examples of these are the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Corrections, Indigenous Service Agencies, Immigration, Substance Misuse Services, Mental Health, and Senior Services.ÌýOthers have pursued graduate level studies in Social Work and related disciplines while some will be taking a well deserved break over the summer before deciding on next steps.Ìý A recent success of the BSW is the selection of a student as the Valedictorian for the entire FACS graduating class in summer 2021.Ìý
We wish all students good luck in their future pursuits with the hope that they will keep in touch with the instructors and support staff as their careers progress.Ìý
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Accreditation
The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÐ±¦µä¿ª½±½á¹û Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program was approved by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education in Spring 2016, and has been developed to meet all the accreditation standards of the Canadian Association of Social Work Educators (CASWE). Please note, however, that the BSW program is not currently accredited by CASWE.
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