Social Work
Our Program
Algoma University’s four-year Bachelor of Social Work degree is a unique professional program, different from other university programs found across the province.
Our social work faculty are committed to a hands-on learning experience where students are able to establish a personal relationship with their professors. This fosters a very intimate and interactive learning environment.
Algoma University’s Bachelor of Social Work program prepares students for generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and societies. Given Algoma University’s location in Northern Ontario in Sault Ste. Marie, and our special mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between aboriginal communities and other communities, our social work program has a specific focus on multi-cultural social work in and with northern, rural, remote, Indigenous, and Franco-Ontarian communities. Graduates of our program will be prepared to practice anti-oppressive social work at the entry level with diverse populations in a Canadian context.
Study in Timmins
Students can earn their BSW at our Northern College location in Timmins, Ontario. No matter where you choose to study, you’ll study in a student-centred environment – the ideal learning environment. Learn more about what Algoma University at Timmins has to offer.
Our program is designed to help fulfill the need for social workers in Northern Ontario. In recent years, the demand for social workers in Canada has risen substantially, and is even greater in Northern Ontario communities. Employment prospects for social workers are even stronger for those who are interested in working in rural areas and for those who possess the cultural skills to work with First Nations’ communities. Our social work program was developed in consultation with various local employers in Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins, who have cited a growing need for employees.
Students enrolled in our program will examine a variety of topics and will understand how northern communities significantly differ from urban communities in regards to health services, family and child welfare, and the social welfare system. Our graduates will understand crisis intervention, and how to deal with victims of abuse, including those who were affected by the residential school system in Canada. Unlike any other Ontario university, Algoma University is situated on the Shingwauk Indian Residential School Site and offers special lectures and guest presentations from residential school Survivors. Many fellow classmates may in fact be Survivors. This provides our students with a unique learning experience, and the opportunity for students to better understand First Nations’ oppression, colonization, and self-determination.
In their fourth year of the social work program, students will participate in a field placement. Students will perform a social work role at an organization for a total of 700 hours. The field placement allows students the opportunity to put their lessons into practice, and to enhance and refine their social work skills.
Behaviour Policy
In professional programs, such as the Honours Bachelor of Social Work, academic standards pertain to both professional and scholastic performance. The Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) requires that all Schools of Social Work have policies to meet specific CASWE Accreditation Standards. To view Algoma University’s policy, please see the Social Work Behaviour Policy (PDF).
The Social Work Program at Algoma University is a member of the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE). The Bachelor of Social Work Program is accredited by CASWE.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities granted for the period from 02/24/2016 to 02/24/2021. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).