Skip to main content - Skip to contact information

Bachelor's Degree Programs

Bachelor of Social Work

VIU also offers a Social Services Diploma, Child and Youth Care Diploma and a Child and Youth Care Degree.

The Program

The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Vancouver Island University is to provide social work education that addresses local, national and global needs.

The goals of the program are to promote the capacity of individuals and communities; to address social issues emanating from the absence of equality; and to promote social justice by producing graduates who demonstrate capability in the areas of clinical intervention, research and community development. In addition, this Social Work program will link colleagues in the faculty and other disciplines within the broader Vancouver Island University community with local, national, and/or international organizations. Community study will focus on physical, historical, economics and social dimensions, and the diversity of cultural backgrounds of individual members; encourage critical analysis about the environmental, economics, and social conditions that contribute to community capacity building; incorporate a collaborative approach to community-based social work that includes the application of skills and knowledge and understanding through study within specific focus areas: Disabilities, Older Adults, and Child Welfare.

Program Delivery

The Bachelor of Social Work program at Vancouver Island University will accept students into Year 3 of the program and will be delivered through distance education. Students admitted to the program will be expected to:

  • Participate in an online orientation prior to program commencement in September.
  • Have access to high speed internet.
  • Participate in courses that have both asynchronous (online access to course materials) and synchronous (online access to course materials, audio and visual discussion, e.g. Skype) course delivery methods.

Note: The Bachelor of Social Work program charges enhanced tuition fees. Check the Description of Fees and Rates for further information.

Career Opportunities

Social workers obtain employment in social, educational and health organizations as well as private practice. Social workers assist individuals, families, groups and communities through their work in hospitals, community-based organizations, child welfare agencies, school districts, agencies serving Aboriginal people and human rights agencies that promote the interests of those experiencing inequality in our communities.

Admission Information

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Vancouver Island University is competitive. Students apply to enter the program at the third year level. Students must complete a combination of required and elective courses prior to admission. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the program with an Advisor before pursuing application.

Admission Requirements

  • To be eligible for admission to the third year, students must have completed at least 60 credits of post secondary courses that include:
  • In addition to the grade requirements noted above, a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.33 (“C+”) is required, calculated on the most recent 24 credits completed.
  • Applicants must submit a Personal Profile including the applicant's reasons for pursuing a social work degree that includes personal suitability for the profession of Social Work as well as personal strengths and challenges; evidence of 100 hours work experience (paid and/or volunteer) in a community and/or clinical setting.
  • Applicants must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions/programs attended.

Notes on Admission

  • Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement.
  • An interview may be scheduled following receipt of the above information (mid-April to the end of May).
  • Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
  • Practicum placement will be completed in consultation with the student and all efforts will be made to locate a placement based on student area of interest and geographic location.
  • Students who wish to take individual courses in Social Work without being admitted to the program may do so when space is available and prerequisites have been met. Student who take Social Work courses without formally being admitted into the program are not guaranteed future entry into the program.

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.

Graduation Requirements

  • Students must have completed at least 126 university-level credits and have completed all the required core and elective courses to be eligible for the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
  • A minimum "C+" average on all required courses with no grade lower than "C".
  • It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all requirements for the degree are met. Students are encouraged to consult the social work program Advisor for information and guidance.

Residency Requirement

Fifty percent of all credits used towards a VIU undergraduate degree must be completed with VIU courses and at least fifty percent of all upper–level credits used towards an undergraduate degree must be completed with VIU courses.

Prior Learning Assessment

Vancouver Island University acknowledges and recognizes how Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) expands the way in which students' experiences and informal education can be recognized formally. In the Bachelor of Social Work degree program, work experience, self study, volunteer activities, and other life experiences can be assessed and may be subsequently be awarded credit.

To apply for PLA, individuals will be required to develop a learning plan with the program Advisor regarding the course(s) they are proposing to PLA and, subsequently, develop a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning to address the course objectives and outcomes. This profile will contain a resume outlining relevant volunteer, work, and other life experience, as well as informal training and formal education. Acceptance as a PLA candidate is dependent on the student's ability to meet eligibility criteria. For more information about PLA contact the program Advisor.

Program Accreditation

As part of the BSW's ongoing development and recognition within the professional social work community, the Social Work Department will be applying for accreditation to the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

Program Outline

Year 3

Credits

SOCW 300A - (Community Social Work: Theory and Practice I)

3

SOCW 300B - (Community Social Work: Theory and Practice II)

3

SOCW 301 - (Social Work Practice Skills)

3

SOCW 322*** - (Human Development Across the Lifespan)

3

SOCW 350A - (Law and Social Services)

3

SOCW 352** - (Interpersonal Communication in Structural Social Work Practice)

3

SOCW 380 - (Practicum: Community Social Work Practice)

9

Six credits of Social Work Electives*

6

Total Credits

33

Year 4

Credits

SOCW 400A - (Advanced Community Practice with Diverse Populations)

3

SOCW 400B - (Advanced Seminar in Reflective Social Work Practice)

3

SOCW 401 - (Social Policy and Communities)

3

SOCW 402 - (Research Methods for Social Change in Community Social Work)

3

SOCW 421 - (Social Work Practice with First Nations Communities)

3

SOCW 440 - (Social Work and Mental Health)

3

SOCW 480 - (Practicum: Community Practice II)

9

Six credits of Social Work Electives*

6

Total Credits

33

* Social Work electives can be chosen from the following: HSD 369, SOCW 310, SOCW 361, SOCW 362, SOCW 403, SOCW 404, SOCW 410, or SOCW 460. Not all electives may be offered each year.

** Students who have satisfied the requirements for SOCW 352 - (Interpersonal Communication in Structural Social Work Practice) through Prior Learning Assessment and do not possess 48 credits of Liberal Arts and Humanities and/or Social Sciences will be required to take a Liberal Arts and Humanities or Social Sciences elective.

*** Students who have completed PSYC 121, PSYC 122 - (Developmental Psychology), or equivalent, will be exempted from this course requirement.

Updated: April 22, 2013