Social Work — bachelor's degree

QUICK FACTS

Apply online

Credential:
Bachelor's degree

Duration:
4 Years

Options:
Child Welfare Specialization

How to apply

Start date:
September

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
(Details)

FEATURES:

Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
Accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (to January 31, 2031)
BSW graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW).
Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Do you have a passion for social justice? Have you always been interested in social issues?

UFV's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree prepares you to collaborate with individuals, families, groups and communities in diverse environments and cultural settings. Upon graduation you can apply to register with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW). Or, opt to pursue further studies and complete a Master of Social Work degree at UFV.

You enter the BSW when you are in third year after you've completed 60 university level credits. Once admitted to the BSW program, you will complete two practicums with one of UFV's community partners.

View the Bachelor of Social Work's program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

Note 1: SOWK 430/431 are not open to PLAR or challenge, as well the two practicums (SOWK 330 and SOWK 430/431) can not be completed back to back.

Note 2: Students can take a maximum of 3 BSW courses (upper level 300 and 400) before they are accepted into the BSW program.

Note 3: Waiver requests for core BSW courses (SOWK 404, SOWK 410 and SOWK 483) will not be approved if the student has not successfully completed the practicum SOWK 330.

Child Welfare specialization

Choose to specialize your Bachelor of Social Work in the area of child welfare where you may complete a practicum with the Ministry of Children and Family Development or a Delegated Aboriginal Agency.

View the program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

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.