At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120.00Total Credits
- 4 yearsProgram Length
- FallIntake
- Limited EnrolmentAdmission Type
- Over 3,800Projected Social Worker Jobs (next 9 years in BC)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program equips you with the skills to advocate for social justice, enhance community well-being, and assist individuals from diverse backgrounds in resolving life challenges. The final two years of the program include supervised practicums designed to prepare you for a career in social work. Graduates are prepared for roles supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities. The demand for social workers in British Columbia is significant, with projections indicating a strong job market for the next nine years. Social workers are employed in various sectors, including health, disability services, child and family services, schools, housing programs, Indigenous organizations, advocacy, and government and non-profit agencies. You can begin your path to a BSW by completing 30 university-transferable credits, with 24 of those credits available in subjects of your choice. The BSW program itself takes three years to complete after admission. This program is approved by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education. Upon graduation, students can apply for registration as Registered Social Workers, which involves passing an exam administered by the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW).
Curriculum
The program requires the successful completion of 120.00 credits. This includes 30.00 university-transferable credits for admission, with a minimum of 45.00 upper-level (3000-level or higher) credits required for graduation. A minimum program GPA of 2.00 is necessary. At least 40% (48.00 credits) of the coursework must be completed at Douglas College, with a minimum of 50% (60.00 credits) of new Douglas College coursework contributing to the credential. Students have a maximum of 10 years to complete the graduation requirements.
- Year II
- Introduction to Social Work PracticeSOWK 2100
- Introduction to Social WelfareSOWK 2200
- Counselling: Theory and Practice ISOWK 2122
- Family Systems Social WorkSOWK 2333
- Substance MisuseSOWK 2360
- Social Work with SeniorsSOWK 2362
- Social Work Practice: Mental HealthSOWK 2363
- Metropolitan Social Work PracticeSOWK 2400
- Social Work Practice with Groups and CommunitiesSOWK 2422
- English Elective (e.g., ENGL 1130)ENGL elective
- Year III
- Social Work Theories and Perspectives for Social Work PracticeSOWK 3100
- Counselling: Theory and Practice IISOWK 3122
- Practicum ISOWK 3140
- Child Welfare Social WorkSOWK 3233
- Social Work with Indigenous PeoplesSOWK 3250
- Practicum IISOWK 3240
- 3000 or 4000 level UT elective from outside of Social WorkUT Elective
- 3000 or 4000 level UT elective from outside of Social WorkUT Elective
- 3000 or 4000 level UT elective from outside of Social WorkUT Elective
- Year IV
- Macro Social WorkSOWK 4100
- Research Methods in Social WorkSOWK 4160
- Practicum IIISOWK 4140
- Global and Environmental Perspectives in Social WorkSOWK 4260
- Risk Assessment, Mitigation and PreventionSOWK 4133
- Social Work in Mandated SettingsSOWK 4233
- Practicum IVSOWK 4240
- 3000 or 4000 level UT elective from outside of Social WorkUT Elective
- 3000 or 4000 level UT elective from outside of Social WorkUT Elective
Careers
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program are well-prepared for various roles in social services. The field is experiencing high demand, particularly in British Columbia.
- Social Worker
- Roles supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work program?
- Applicants must have a minimum of 30 university-transferable credits, including PSYC 1130 (Lifespan Human Development) or equivalent, and a 3.00 credit university-transferable English or Communications course. 24 of these credits must be in non-Social Work subjects.
- How long does the Bachelor of Social Work program take to complete?
- The Bachelor of Social Work program takes three years to complete after admission, following the initial completion of 30 university-transferable credits. The overall program length is four years.
- What is the application process for the Social Work program?
- The application process involves meeting academic requirements, submitting an application through EducationPlannerBC for Fall intake, and potentially attending an interview. Required documents include a BSW intent form, BSW Volunteer/Work hours form (50 hours), and a BSW supervisor reference form.
- What career opportunities are available for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for various roles in social services, including Social Worker and positions supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities. The field is experiencing high demand in British Columbia, with over 3,800 projected jobs in the next nine years.
- Are there any practical experience components in the program?
- Yes, the final two years of the program include supervised practicums designed to provide hands-on experience and prepare students for a career in social work. These practicums are integral to the curriculum.
Entry requirements
University Transferable CreditsMinimum of 30.00 UT credits, including PSYC 1130 (Lifespan Human Development) or equivalent, and any 3.00 credit ENGL or CMNS University Transferable course. 24.00 credits must be in non-Social Work subjects.
Community Social Service Work Diploma or similarMay satisfy admission requirements.
For Fall 2026 admission, a UT Communications course can substitute for the UT English requirement. Additionally, a resume and a second reference will not be required. Suitability for the program is assessed based on your readiness for social work practice and practicum placements. This includes completing a BSW intent form, a BSW Volunteer/Work hours form (50 hours of experience helping people), a BSW reference form from a supervisor, an interview with program faculty, and a Criminal Record Check (provided after an offer of admission).
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the tuition and fee estimator for current rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the tuition and fee estimator for current rates.
LivingEstimated living costs can be found via the tuition and fee estimator.
Tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, and U-Pass costs are detailed in the tuition and fee estimator and tuition fee charts.
How to apply
1. Meet Admission RequirementsEnsure you have completed a minimum of 30.00 University Transferable (UT) credits, including specific courses in Lifespan Human Development and English/Communications. Gather your supporting documents, including your BSW intent form, volunteer/work hours documentation (50 hours), and supervisor reference.
2. Submit ApplicationApply through the EducationPlannerBC portal for the Fall intake.
3. Attend InterviewIf shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview with program faculty to assess your suitability.
4. Criminal Record CheckFollowing an offer of admission, you will receive instructions for completing a Criminal Record Check.
Accreditation
The Douglas College BSW program is approved by the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Bachelor of Social Work program?
+
Applicants must have a minimum of 30 university-transferable credits, including PSYC 1130 (Lifespan Human Development) or equivalent, and a 3.00 credit university-transferable English or Communications course. 24 of these credits must be in non-Social Work subjects.
How long does the Bachelor of Social Work program take to complete?
+
The Bachelor of Social Work program takes three years to complete after admission, following the initial completion of 30 university-transferable credits. The overall program length is four years.
What is the application process for the Social Work program?
+
The application process involves meeting academic requirements, submitting an application through EducationPlannerBC for Fall intake, and potentially attending an interview. Required documents include a BSW intent form, BSW Volunteer/Work hours form (50 hours), and a BSW supervisor reference form.
What career opportunities are available for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for various roles in social services, including Social Worker and positions supporting individuals, families, groups, and communities. The field is experiencing high demand in British Columbia, with over 3,800 projected jobs in the next nine years.
Are there any practical experience components in the program?
+
Yes, the final two years of the program include supervised practicums designed to provide hands-on experience and prepare students for a career in social work. These practicums are integral to the curriculum.