If you have a passion for social justice and a desire to help those who are most vulnerable, social work is the perfect career for you.
UFV's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares you to address barriers — such as poverty, addiction, abuse, or disabilities — to help people reach their full potential. Rooted in principles of social justice, equality, empowerment, and respect for diversity, the program equips you for practice in a wide range of social settings. The School of Social Work and Human Services welcomes a diverse population of social work students.
After you complete 60 lower-level university credits, you can enroll in the UFV Bachelor of Social Work, and choose either a generalist or child welfare specialization option. Both options integrate Indigenous worldviews to help you understand the social issues at play in local Indigenous communities.
Under the guidance of supportive faculty, you learn in small classes, which allow for discussion and critical reflection with a close-knit group of peers. Two supervised field placements with community agencies provide you with the opportunity to apply what you learn and gain work experience.
When you graduate from UFV’s BSW degree, you are ready to collaborate with individuals, families, groups, and communities in diverse and cross-cultural environments to help them access economic and social resources, enhance their lives, and move toward self-determination.
UFV's BSW program has full accreditation with the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Upon graduation, you meet the requirements to apply to register with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW). You can also opt to pursue further studies and complete a Master of Social Work degree at UFV or elsewhere.
The British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook identifies social work as a high opportunity occupation with excellent projected employment rate.
Trained social workers may seek employment in a variety of settings, including children and family services, health and mental health services, substance abuse services, schools, correctional institutions, immigration and settlement services, community organizations, welfare administration agencies, government agencies, and services for women, people with disabilities, and seniors.
The aging of the population creates both a large number of retirees in the profession and a growing demand for social services that serve seniors.