Edmonton Campus
Social workers are Alberta's most in demand profession. At our downtown Edmonton campus you'll be transformed with the skills and knowledge you'll need to make a difference in the world.
Where Are We?
Our downtown campus is conveniently located in Enterprise Square (10230 Jasper Avenue) at the Bay/Enterprise Square LRT station. We respectfully acknowledge that we are privileged to be on Treaty Six Territory traditional lands, and Métis’ homeland Districts 9 and 10.
Small Cohort
In Edmonton you'll share your journey to becoming a social worker with a small, supportive group of peers. Current and former students often say how much they valued the intimate, and supportive learning environment they found in their Edmonton cohort and the lifelong friendships they made.
Student Supports
As a UCalgary student studying at our Edmonton campus, you'll not only have access to UCalgary student service supports, you'll also have access to UAlberta student services, including the library system, recreation and fitness facilities, and student bus pass etc. (Photo courtesy University of Alberta).
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? If you have a social work diploma from an Alberta school, with an agreement with UCalgary, you'll apply as an Alberta Social Work diploma applicant. Find out more.
Social work diploma from outside Alberta? You'll apply as a University Transfer applicant. Find out more
Two former students in our modern Enterprise Square campus
Dale MacMillan
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, 2024 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 Edmonton campus. Online classes are taught live at scheduled times. 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 Edmonton campus features both university transfer and post diploma students. 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
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 topics such as 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.