Social Work (BSW)
Help people overcome challenges to reach their full potential. Study social work through an anti-oppressive lens on campus or online, and complete 700 hours of field practice before you graduate.
Why choose this program?
Social workers help people overcome challenges and build a more socially just society. Our accredited program builds your skills through critical, anti-oppressive learning and a 700-hour field practicum with community agencies.
Apply after your first year of university and finish in about three years, or in about two if you already hold a degree. Choose to study on campus in Halifax or online from your home community, full-time or part-time. The Canadian Association for Social Work Education accredits our program. Your courses explore topics such as Africentric perspectives, Indigenizing and decolonizing social work, 2SLGBQTIA+ communities, (dis)ability justice and mental health, and you apply what you learn in a 700-hour field practicum.
Careers
Upon graduation you will be equipped to practice social work professionally and advance social justice across a wide range of fields. How you end up making the world a better place is really up to you.
Hourly wages in Nova Scotia range from $24.00 to $47.18, with a median of $36.26.
What you will learn
Dalhousie's School of Social Work believes that a commitment to social justice is the foundation of social work education and practice. Here, you’ll be exposed to courses that embrace a critical and anti-oppressive approach to social policy, professional values, theoretical perspectives, and practice methods.
You explore social justice, social policy, research and practice methods through a critical, anti-oppressive lens. You graduate with the knowledge, values, and skills to support individuals, families, and communities.
Work Integrated Learning: Required
As part of your degree, you’ll complete 700 hours of fieldwork practice. You’ll have the opportunity to work with outstanding social service agencies, practitioners, and clients in real world settings, developing the skills to prepare for your career after graduation. Graduates consistently report that their fieldwork experience was a highlight of their program.
Customize your degree
Choose two social work electives that match your interests, such as trauma-informed social work, social work with youth, crisis interventions or social work in carceral settings. Study on campus or online, full-time or part-time. Some electives are not offered every year.
Required: a 700-hour field practicum and seminar with a community agency.
Graduate with the knowledge, values and skills to practise social work with a commitment to social justice, and be ready to seek registration with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average:
Academic English 12
Academic Math 12
Three additional academic subjects
