Students working online - page promotes UCalgary Graduate Certificates in Clinical Social Work Practice

Graduate Certificates

Graduate education for professional social workers

More about certificates

Focused graduate education in subjects most requested by the social work community.


Formal Credentials

If you want recognized expertise in a particular area – but don't necessarily want to pursue an MSW – then certificates might be a good solution for you. 

Balancing Act

Certificates provide flexibility in how you pay for your education as well as when you take courses. Certificates are offered online, over eight months. If this year looks to be very busy with life and work events, then look to take a certificate another year. This approach also allows you more time to pay for your education.

Don't forget the residencies!

Even though certificates are offered online, most require up to two, in-person, residencies at one of our Alberta campus locations. These residencies provide opportunities to build and practice your skills and apply the theory you've learned.

Flexible path to an MSW

Certificates also provide a flexible way to ladder into a Master of Social Work degree. To do this, you'll have to complete two certificates - one in Advanced Social Work Practice and a second in Clinical Social Work Practice, International & Community Development, or Leadership in the Human Services. This means that you'll have to make three applications. You apply for each certificate, then you apply to enter the MSW program. It's important to note that applying to the MSW is competitive and each applicant is evaluated independently. Completing two certificates doesn't guarantee entry. So if an MSW is your primary goal you might want to consider applying directly to the program.

 

On Campus & Online

Certificates are offered mostly online. You'll be required to attend two on campus residencies at our Calgary or Edmonton campus depending on the specialization you choose.

Online courses consist of a mix of real time classes at set times and learning that can be done on your own schedule.

Internet access

You'll require regular access to an internet connection, and you'll need a camera and microphone.

A high speed internet connection is recommended, but not required.

Test your Internet Connection

8 months

You'll begin your Certificate studies in the fall semester (September), and the total completion time is eight months.

You'll follow the UCalgary academic calendar and be given specific assignment deadlines.

Fall 2024 Graduate Certificate Offerings

Admission Requirements

  1. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited/recognized institution.
  2. A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
  3. The equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field by the application deadline.
    What is relevant social work and human service experience? 
  4. English Language Proficiency

    Offers of admission are valid for the term to which you apply.

 

Degree Award

Your degree must be awarded prior to the start of the program. We cannot accept a letter of completion as a replacement for degree award. Your final transcript noting your degree must be received by June 30.

How to apply?

Applications open: Jan. 15, 2024
Deadline: April 15, 2024

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Test scores, if applicable

Follow our step-by-step instructions

Information Session

  • March 28, 2024 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. MT

Register today!

Earned your BSW abroad?

If you completed an undergraduate degree in Social Work or equivalent in another country (outside Canada/USA), you must have your degree assessed by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) as equivalent to a Canadian BSW, prior to applying to the MSW program.

Learn more