Human Services Programs
Social Services
- 2-Year Diploma Program
- Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
- Apply for Admission
VIU also offers the Bachelor Arts, Child and Youth Care and Bachelor of Social Work degrees.
The Program
The program provides advanced-level training for working in the social services field and is available on a full-time or a part-time basis. The program includes the following components:
- courses in addictions and addiction treatment, conflict resolution, leadership and supervision, community development, interpersonal skills, and special topics;
- elective courses drawn from a wide-ranging selection of elective options in many different disciplines relevant to the human services field.
The program uses workplace-based projects and assignments to help students integrate and apply classroom learning in practice.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University diploma. Completion of the program also earns credit towards VIU's Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degrees.
Students may also complete courses towards the diploma at the Cowichan campus.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the diploma program will gain skills to prepare them for work in a broad range of social services positions, including supervisory/administrative roles and more specialized direct service roles with community agencies, private service providers, and some government services.
Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum "C" grade, or equivalent.
- Interview.
- Volunteer or paid employment in the human services field.
- Resume and two current letters of reference.
- Submit a Personal Profile.
Notes on Admission
- Students who have completed a Human Services Certificate (e.g., Community Support Worker or Special Education Assistant) at VIU, or elsewhere, or have completed one or more years of University-level courses, may apply for advanced standing on a course-by-course basis. For further information, please contact the program Chair.
- Individuals who have gained knowledge and skills, through considerable experience in the field and through non-formal learning, may wish to explore Prior Learning Assessment towards credit.
- Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through VIU. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the Ministry according to the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through the RCMP is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act. A criminal record may limit practicum possibilities and work opportunities in the human services field.
Start Date and Application Deadline
The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.
Program Outline
YEAR 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
CRIM 290 - (Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems) |
3 |
PSYC 121 - (Developmental Psychology I) or |
3 |
PSYC 122 - (Developmental Psychology II) or |
3 |
SOCW 200A - (Intro to Social Work Practice) or approved alternative |
3 |
SOCW 200B - (Intro to Social Welfare in Canada) or approved alternative |
3 |
SOCW 211 - (Family Studies) |
3 |
6 |
|
Two approved electives** |
6 |
Total Credits |
30 |
* ENGL 115 and ENGL 125 are recommended.
** Electives must be chosen in consultation with program faculty. Note: Students planning to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program must choose electives from the Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences faculties.
YEAR 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
SOCW 252 - (Interpersonal Communication Skills) |
3 |
SOCW 270 - (Social Work Practice in Mental Health and Addictions) |
3 |
SOCW 280 - (Methods in Social Work Practice) |
3 |
6 |
|
Four courses chosen from the following list: |
12 |
One approved elective* |
3 |
Total Credits |
30 |
* Electives must be chosen in consultation with program faculty. Note: Students planning to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program must choose electives from the Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences faculties.
Note: Not all courses are offered each year.
Additional Notes
- Students planning to apply to the third year of VIU's Bachelor of Social Work degree require the following:
- 6 credits of Degree English Requirements or equivalent. A minimum grade of "C+" is required in each course.
- 6 credits of SOCW 200A and SOCW 200B or equivalent. A minimum grade of "B-" is required for each course.
- 39 credits of Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences courses. Note: Students who completed LBST 111 and LBST 112 only require 33 credits of Arts & Humanities and/or Social Sciences courses.
- A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.33 (“C+”) calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed.
- Students planning to apply to the third year of VIU’s Bachelor Arts, Child and Youth Care degree program must choose CYC 111 and CYC 112 and should consult with the Child and Youth Care advisor.
- SOCW 281 and SOCW 282 (Practicum) are usually taken as a block between April and June (210 hours) and are assessed tuition fees the same as other courses in the program.
- complete all required courses, and maintain a minimum “C” grade average;
- complete all requirements for program completion within a 5-year period.
Program Completion Requirements
To earn the diploma, students must:
Updated: June 13, 2012