Social Work (BSW)

Join a respected, regulated profession focused on eliminating inequality, inequity, and other conditions that disadvantage people within local and global contexts. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is an accredited, direct-entry program – meaning you start your social work studies in the first year! 

Offered exclusively at Laurier Brantford, social work students receive specialized training and education in the assessment, treatment and support of individuals, families and communities. As a social worker, you’ll respond to social issues like racism, poverty, displacement and violence while advocating for social justice, human rights, and fair access to health and social services. 

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Program Details

Degree Highlights

Your future professors work hard to make sure your academic experience is current, complete and designed to open doors in your career. Here are a few things you can count on:

  • Practice-Based Curriculum
    Courses combine theoretical frameworks with hands-on practical experiences, allowing you to develop essential skills. Participate in simulated experiences and role play in core courses.
  • Field Placement
    Get career-ready with hands-on field experience – typically 2 placements totaling 360 hours each.
  • Pathway to MSW
    We provide the skills and groundwork for students to continue their studies in a 1-year Masters of Social Work (MSW), Masters of Social Justice and Community Engagement (MA), Masters of Education (MEd), or Masters of Counseling (MA).
  • Social Service Worker Pathway Perks
    Already have your social service worker (SSW) diploma? Finish your degree two years earlier with our 2-year SSW pathway.

Top Experiences

Here are just a few of our students’ favourite ways to apply their learning in the real world throughout their degree (check out the Experience Guide for even more!):

  • Research Opportunities
    Engage in the Academic, Creative, and Engaged Research Showcase (ACERS) to use projects completed in class to win prizes and highlight the importance of undergraduate research.
  • Study Abroad
    Take a semester abroad in Year 4 to gain perspective on the social work field and enjoy learning in another culture and environment.
  • Student Association
    Join the BSW Student Association and have your say in student activities on campus.
  • Residence Community
    If you plan to live in residence, join the Social Work Learning Cluster to participate in social and academic activities.

Field Education

As part of the Social Work program, you will complete two field education placements which brings what you are learning in the classroom to the workplace and develops your professional identity as a social worker.

The field education placements are conceptualized as an educational course rather than a work term. That is, courses are graded (pass/fail) by an agency-based qualified field instructor assigned to teach each student, and a field advisor is assigned to support each student and instructor. The workload of field education is controlled to facilitate an emphasis on learning.

You will complete two field placements as part of SK399: Field 1 (360 hours in 12 weeks) and SK499: Field 2 (360 hours in 12 weeks) for a total of 720 hours of field work. You must pass both field experiences in order to graduate from the Social Work program.

Courses, Options and Pathways

Courses

Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.

Program Options

Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.

Admissions

  • Format: full time
  • Duration: four years
  • Start: September (fall term)

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • caseworker
  • child protection worker
  • group worker
  • medical social worker
  • policy analyst/advisor
  • rehabilitation counsellor
  • respite worker
  • social worker
  • support group facilitator

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

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Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

 

Laurier is among the top 6 percent in the Center for World University Rankings

 

Laurier students engaged in hands-on learning in 2024

 

Laurier graduates employed or in post-graduate studies in 2024

Brantford Campus

The Brantford campus is woven into the downtown core of the City of Brantford and is home to more than 3,000 students. Close to great walking and biking trails, you get the best of both worlds.

There are many ways to tour our Brantford campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

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Delivered In Person

Join us on campus and experience university life firsthand.

Attend all your classes in a physical classroom on scheduled days and times, which you will see and choose from when you register for courses.

Connect face-to-face with your professors, learn alongside your classmates and be part of the campus community from day one.  

Hear From Current Students

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Laurier Golden Hawk? Student Life at Laurier is your social media source to get unfiltered content, first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.

Connect with Us

Questions? Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.


You Belong Here

Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?