Calgary Campus
Social workers are Alberta's most in demand profession. You'll be transformed with the skills and knowledge you'll need to make a difference in the world.
Where Are We?
The University of Calgary campus is located in NW Calgary, near University Station, (light rail transit). We respectfully acknowledge that we are privileged to be on Treaty 7 lands, and the home of the Métis Nation of Alberta (Districts 5 and 6).
Supportive Cohort
In Calgary you'll share your journey to becoming a social worker with a supportive community. Current and former students often say how much they valued the supportive learning environment and the lifelong friendships they made. Your classes will be taught in the new, state-of-the-art Hunter Student Commons.
Student Supports
Our Calgary campus students have full access to University of Calgary's student services, including the library system, amazing fitness facilities, the largest outdoor centre in Canada, student bus pass health and dental plans, and more.
Ahead of Tomorrow
Our re-imagined BSW is designed to prepare you for the challenges of modern social work practice. Your nationally accredited degree will also be respected across Canada and abroad. For over 50 years UCalgary has been recognized as a leader in social work education and research.
How Do I Apply?
High school? We currently don’t accept students from high school, however you can prepare for your degree by taking two years of relevant classes now. Find out more
University student? If you have two years of university education, or have a degree, you’ll apply as a University transfer student. Find out more
Alberta social work diploma? Our Blended BSW is not currently accepting Alberta Social Work diploma applications. This route is available through our Online BSW.
Social work diploma from outside Alberta? You'll apply as a University Transfer applicant. Find out more
Students relaxing in a Hunter Students Commons lounge
Riley Brandt
About the Program
All our BSW programs begin in September and you'll attend classes in Fall, Winter and Spring term.
Applications close March 1, 2025 Learn how to apply
SOWK 201: If you've never had any formal social work instruction, you're required to take this introduction to social work. You can take SOWK 201 any time before or during the application cycle, or after BSW admission. Find out more
Admission Requirements? Find out more
20 month program
You'll attend classes in Fall, Winter and Spring term, there are no Summer classes. You'll follow the UCalgary academic calendar and be given specific assignment deadlines.
On Campus & Online
In our Blended BSW you'll attend one day of classes per week at our Calgary campus. Online classes are taught live at scheduled times (MT time zone). You'll also complete other independent learning that can be done on your own schedule.
Applied Learning
Field education remains at the heart of our social work program and provides you with the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the real world. See your route specific practicum information below for more detail.
Internet
Since this program is partially delivered online, you'll require regular access to an internet connection, and a computer with a camera and microphone. High speed internet is recommended, but not required. Test your Internet Connection
Different Students, Different Learning
Your program will reflect your previous education
Our Calgary campus features both university transfer students and post diploma student programs. Your Bachelor of Social Work journey will be different depending on your entry route.
University transfer students will have more foundational social work education, while post diploma students may have more non-social work courses to meet the requirements for a Bachelor's degree.
What will I learn?
Alberta Social Work Diploma Students*
*Our Blended BSW is not currently accepting Alberta Social Work diploma applications. This route is available through our Online BSW.
Cover theory and practice in: an interconnected world, research, mental health, Indigenous peoples' histories, cultures, & healing practices, green social work & sustainability, and africentric social work practice.
You may study topics such as: addictions and recovery, human sexuality, gerontology, intimate partner violence, loss and grief, mental health and trauma, social work in health care or child welfare settings, and social work with immigrants and refugees.
May include general arts (e.g., psychology, sociology) or science (e.g. statistics) courses at the junior or senior level.
Your practicum experience comes in the final year of your program. This practicum is typically four days a week. You'll engage in practice and apply social work knowledge, skills and values. This practicum may be completed through different pathways, including:
- agency-hosted practicum,
- workplace practicum,
- research practicum, or,
- a supervised, self-directed practicum.
Practicum agencies may require hours to be completed in-person, during regular business hours, four days a week.
What will I learn?
University Transfer Students
Cover theory and practice in: an interconnected world, advocacy for social justice, communication and relationship building, professional ethics, research, mental health, Indigenous peoples' histories, cultures, and healing practices, green and sustainable social work, and afri-centric social work practice.
You may study topics such as: addictions and recovery, human sexuality, gerontology, intimate partner violence, loss and grief, mental health and trauma, social work in health care or child welfare settings, and social work with immigrants and refugees.
As a university transfer student, you'll complete two practicums.
Our new Community Engaged Practicum introduces you to the profession of social work, in the first year of your program. This 300 hour will help you to begin creating your professional social work identity. You'll also support community groups through special projects or social justice initiatives. Unique to UCalgary Social Work.
This practicum is taken alongside your fall and winter courses. In the fall semester you’ll build your knowledge and skill development for social work practice through online classes and peer connection. In the winter semester your student-centered journey will build on what you’ve learned to begin engaging in the community through a project, or social justice initiative.
Your second practicum experience comes in the final year of your program. This practicum is typically four day a week. You'll engage in practice and apply social work knowledge, skills and values. This practicum may be completed through different pathways, including:
- agency-hosted practicum,
- workplace practicum,
- research practicum, or,
- a supervised, self-directed practicum.
The final practicum is usually completed in-person, during regular business hours, four days a week.