Social Work and Human Services

Social Services diploma — First Nations option

This 62-credit program is designed to prepare Indigenous students or those with strong ties to Indigenous communities to enhance the self-reliance of Indigenous peoples and communities, both on and off reserves. Working from a Stó:lõ perspective, graduates of the First Nations option will work with individuals and groups on issues of concern to Indigenous communities, including child abuse, substance misuse, family violence, wellness, and economic development. As Indigenous peoples assert their right to self-determination, particularly in the areas of child welfare, healthcare, and education services, the demand will continue to grow for Indigenous social service workers who can provide dynamic services to Indigenous communities.

This program will provide students with direct employment-related skills while at the same time allowing them to earn up to one and a half years of credits towards a BSW at UFV. Thus, students who are interested in becoming a social worker will be able to develop skills and seek employment as an Indigenous social service worker before going on to complete a professional degree.

Emphasis in the program will be on providing specific skills and knowledge required to work with Indigenous communities on issues of concern to Indigenous peoples. At the same time, students will develop an understanding of the social, political, and cultural context of Indigenous communities.

Assessment of Prior Learning is available for qualified students.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent (ABE Provincial, Advanced, or GED), or satisfactory demonstration in terms of undertaking university-level work.
2. Be physically and emotionally prepared to undertake a program of studies.
3. Prerequisites for CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
4. Complete and include all documentation (see How to apply below).

Note: Please see the Practicum regulations section of the Social Services diploma.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall semester only. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent. Students 19 or older who have completed at least three university-level credits that apply to the program at the time of application do not require a secondary school transcript.
   • Evidence of having met the prerequisites for CMNS 125 or ENGL 105.
   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended showing grade/course achievement. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
   • An additional application information form detailing all past work and volunteer experience and education (include social services related and other).
   • A personal statement indicating why applicants want to enter the program and what has brought them to this career choice. Please refer to the kinds of experiences had in this field, either paid or voluntary. This statement must be at least 250 words and no more than 500 words.
   • Two recent satisfactory letters of reference from past employers, teachers, or volunteer supervisors who can comment on suitability to work with people in the social services field. These must be on reference forms available from the SWHS department either online or in person at UFV.
2. Upon admission to the program applicants will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

1. All complete applications received by January 31 will be reviewed. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if space permits.
2. Personal suitability of applicants will be assessed using a point rating system. Points are awarded for past academic performance, all work or volunteer experience (social services or other), demonstrated writing ability, reference letters, and a personal statement. Admission will be granted on a first-qualified, first-served basis to those who score above the required threshold.
3. Only those who submit complete applications and score above the required threshold will be considered.

If the program is full, qualified applicants will be placed on a temporary waitlist. If a space becomes available before September 1, students will be contacted. After September 1, the waitlist is void.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. In addition to tuition and required textbooks, there will be other expenses as well, including criminal record checks and travel to and from practicum sites.

Program duration

Students may elect to take this program on either a full- or part-time basis. Part-time Social Services diploma students may enrol in any available social services course provided they meet the stated prerequisite and there is space. Part-time students may not be able to access all courses in sequence. Qualifying Studies students and students in other programs may be able to enrol in some social service courses if they meet the stated prerequisite and there is space.

Program outline

The following courses are required, although the order and timing may vary.

Semester I

Semester II

Semester III

Semester IV

Semester V (Summer)

Semester VI

Semester VII

Elective courses

Please see this section of the Social Services diploma for lists of eligible elective courses.

Program requirements

Please refer to the Social Services diploma for all program requirements.

Undergraduate continuance

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV's Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Certificate in Extended Studies in Social Services — First Nations option

The certificate is designed for students who:

1. Have previously graduated with a diploma in Social Services, Substance Abuse, or Criminal Justice, or a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Adult Education, Integrated Studies, or equivalent; and
2. Wish to complete the equivalent of the First Nations option of the Social Services diploma.

For details about entrance and program requirements, please contact the School of Social Work and Human Services.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.