Four-Year BSW
Fall 2026 year of admission
Calgary
Social Work is a profession informed by knowledge from a variety of academic disciplines. We recommend completing your non-social work courses in areas such as English, Academic Writing, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, Human Development, Communication and Culture, Ethics, Research Methods, Health and Society, History, Social Welfare and Social Policy, Public Administration and Policy, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Anthropology, Community Rehabilitation. In Year 1, your non-social work option courses must be at the 200-level. Learn more about the first-year options available to you.
Year 1
Fall
Foundations of Social Work Practice
Learners explore the history, philosophical foundation, codes of ethics, practice standards, theoretical perspectives, practice models, and diverse fields of practice related to Social Work.
Did you know? All class times are scheduled in mountain time (MT)
Year 2
Fall
Critical Analysis of Social Work Theories and Practice
Learners critically examine diverse theories and perspectives and integrate theory and practice.
Communication and Relationship Building Skills
Learners practice and apply foundational Social Work communication, engagement, and relational skills and processes to practice across contexts with diverse individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
Winter
Social Work Practice Skills, Processes, and Strategies
Learners develop and practice skills and approaches in working with diverse individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Learners critically evaluate and apply anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and anti-colonial models of practice.
Developing Identities in Social Work Practice
Learners examine social identities in Social Work practice, develop their Social Work practice framework, and apply professional ethics in working with diverse populations.
3 Year
Fall
Indigenous Peoples’ Histories, Cultures, and Healing Practices
From an Indigenous worldview, learners gain an appreciation of the diverse Indigenous healing practices that are rooted in natural laws, languages, and spirit. Learners are invited to engage in learning that honours the resistance and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of colonial violence, genocide, and complex intergenerational traumas.
Africentric Social Work Practice
Learners critically examine African-centred worldviews, philosophies, values, and principles in historical and contemporary contexts, which inform the application and an exploration of the interconnections with anti-racist and anti-colonial Social Work.
Social Work Research
Learners develop foundational knowledge of research, research process and methodologies. Learners critically apply research skills in diverse contexts.
Community-Engaged Practicum and Preparation
Learners prepare and participate in field experiences and integrative seminar. This is supported through social work supervision to develop their professional Social Work identity and engage in peer learning.
Winter
Community-Engaged Practicum and Integration
Learners engage in experiential, inquiry-based learning through community service and social justice initiatives. Social Work supervision and an integrative seminar scaffold, support, build Social Work competence, and engage in peer learning while developing their professional Social Work identity.
Multiple Dimensions of Mental Health
Learners develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address a continuum of mental well-being to mental illness, classification of mental disorders, and addictions within diverse local and international contexts.
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.
Consult the timetable for course offerings.
Spring
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.
Consult the timetable for course offerings.
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.
Consult the timetable for course offerings.
Year 4
Fall
Leadership and Advocacy Skills for Social Justice
Learners apply leadership and advocacy models and skills in working with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations across diverse contexts. Learners critically reflect on their professional identities as leaders and change makers.
Green Social Work and Sustainability
Learners examine the role of Social Work in addressing the environmental crisis across individual, community, organizational, and professional contexts. Learners critically assess and apply approaches and innovations to integrate environmental justice and sustainability in Social Work practice.
Social Work Practice in an Interconnected World
Learners engage in critical examination of the interconnections among local, international, and global opportunities and challenges. Learners explore and apply Social Work skills to promote social action, social change, resilience, and wellness.
Winter
Final Practicum
Learners engage in 400 hours of supervised Social Work practice. Learners build Social Work competence in various settings including research, human service organizations or through the self-directed practicum model.
Final Integrative Seminar
Learners integrate academic knowledge with practice experience, engage in critically reflective practice, and demonstrate the values and ethics guiding Social Work practice. Learners evolve their personal practice frameworks in preparation for graduation as professional Social Workers.
