Two University of Calgary Bachelor of Social Work students chatting at our Edmonton campus

Bachelor of Social Work

Join one of the world's fastest growing professions

Best of both worlds - our "blended" Bachelor of Social Work

Some students want the flexibility of online learning - but miss having an on-campus experience. Our "blended" Bachelor of Social Work provides you with the best of both worlds. Every week you'll attend one day of classes at our Edmonton, Lethbridge or Calgary campuses, along with your scheduled online classes. You'll have the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with fellow students and instructors, and get that personal connection that some students miss in an entirely online degree.

 

Our University of calgary faculty of social work Edmonton campus

Edmonton Campus

Our downtown campus is conveniently located in Enterprise Square (10230 Jasper Avenue) at the Bay/Enterprise Square LRT station. 

Our University of calgary faculty of social work Lethbridge campus location at the University of Lethbridge

Lethbridge Campus

Our campus is conveniently located in the University Hall Building (E526) on the University of Lethbridge Campus.

Our University of calgary faculty of social work calgary campus

Calgary Campus

The University of Calgary campus is located in NW Calgary, near University Station, (light rail transit). We are in Mackimmie Tower and Hunter Student Commons buildings.


"It's just amazing how we came together online."

Our cohort system is one of the quality differences that sets our BSW program apart.

Ayana Woodward

I feel like I'm so much closer with my online cohort compared to my previous degree at McGill which was in person, every day. It's strange, but it's such an amazing feeling. It's on a different level. I don't even know how to explain why I feel like we built such relationships with each other. Relationships that I think we'll carry on forever.

Ayana Woodward

BSW '20

The Fully Online Bachelor of Social Work

If you live in a rural or remote location, or have family or work commitments, our online BSW allows you to pursue your education from anywhere in Alberta or Canada, as long as you have reliable internet. This portable degree program does not require any on-campus classes. Online courses are scheduled real time classes (Mon. & Wed. evenings | Sat. mornings) with some independent learning you can do on your own time. 

Blended or Fully Online? Which program is right for you? Compare our programs

The UCalgary Social Work quality difference

A big quality difference between UCalgary and many other online social work programs is our commitment to "live" instead of "canned" learning. Rather than watching a series of recorded generic lectures, you're required to log-in to participate in a live classes on Mon. & Wed. evenings, and Sat. mornings. Our highly interactive approach requires your thoughtful contributions to class and group discussions. You'll also have some asynchronous learning that you do on your own time (participating in discussion boards, etc.) with no live video component required. 

The "Portable" BSW

David Hohol

How do I get in?

Admission requirements vary depending on your education, which also shapes your curriculum if you're accepted:

  • All applicants need to have completed English Language Arts 30-1 or equivalent in high school, or a transferable post-secondary English course(s).
  • If you haven't completed any formal social work education – through a recognized diploma program – you'll also need to complete Social Work 201 (or equivalent) which is an introduction to the profession and discipline.