Honours Bachelor of Social Work

Honours Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and societies. The program has a particular focus on multi-cultural social work in and with Northern, rural, remote, Indigenous, and Franco-Ontarian communities. Graduates of the program will be prepared to practice anti-oppressive social work at the entry level with diverse populations in a Canadian context.

The rich and innovative curriculum reflects a sound generalist program, while maintaining a focus on newer directions in social work. Students will use structural, Anishinaabe, and feminist approaches to critically analyze the ways that social contexts shape personal and social problems. Graduates will have a deep awareness of how their personal experiences are embedded in social structures. The program includes a 700-hour field placement that will link social work concepts, values, and theory to practice.

The program was designed in partnership with Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie and Northern College in Timmins. College transfer students will enjoy seamless pathways to the HBSW that build on prior learning at the diploma level, and will be able to complete their degree in either Sault Ste. Marie or in Timmins. Classes in Timmins will be offered on the Northern College campus using a “blended learning” model – a mix of in-person and videoconference-based learning. College graduates in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins are now able to “degree-ladder” without leaving their home communities.

Algoma’s HBSW has candidacy status with the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) and will pursue full accreditation in the coming years.

For more information on the BSW at Algoma University, contact socialwork@algomau.ca.