Social Services — diploma (First Nations option)

FEATURES:

• Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
• Program eligible for financial aid

UFV's two-year Social Services diploma provides you with a strong foundation for a career at the para-professional level in the human services field.

Aboriginal students or those with strong ties to aboriginal communities may select the program's First Nations option to gain an in-depth understanding of specific social issues pertaining to indigenous people and work with Indigenous communities, both on and off reserves.

In addition to developing your writing, counselling, and interpersonal communications skills, you will also focus on learning about:

• Contemporary Indigenous issues
• Cultures of First Nations in British Columbia
• Culture and history the Stó:lō people
• Stó:lō traditional ways of healing and helping

View program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

To integrate and apply classroom learning in practice, you also get to participate in two supervised practica with local Indigenous agencies, which provide you with work experience and connections in Indigenous communities.

When you graduate you are ready to enter the workplace in the human services field at the para-professional level. Or you may choose to continue your studies and transfer your credits towards earning a Bachelor of Social Work at UFV.

The British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook identifies social work as a high opportunity occupation with excellent projected employment rate.

Upon completion of your Social Services diploma, you can choose from a wide range of careers at the para-professional level, including addictions, child welfare, community services, corrections, family and home support services, immigration and refugee services, Indigenous services, mental health, residential care, schools, and social assistance.  

View entrance requirements in the UFV Academic Calendar

Students who do not meet the entrance requirements can upgrade in order to meet prerequisites for university classes.

Make an appointment with an Upgrading and University Preparation advisor to discuss your upgrading needs. 

Phone: 604-504-7441 ext. 4279
Toll free: 1-888-504-7441 ext. 4279
Email: schoolofswhs@ufv.ca