Social Work

Why study Social Work at Dal?

Be a part of transformative learning

Dalhousie's School of Social Work believes that a commitment to social justice is the foundation of social work education and practice. Our program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. This means you'll be qualified to practice social work across Canada and around the world.

Degree overview

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Social Work, BSW
Faculty: Faculty of Health
Department: School of Social Work
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 3 to 4 years
Program Start: September

What will I learn?

Once you’ve completed at least one year of university courses (30 credit hours; note most applicants finish two years before applying) you can apply to Dalhousie’s BSW program.

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.

Our recently redesigned courses help you develop a broader range of skills, so you'll be prepared for a wider variety of career paths. You’ll graduate with a good understanding of topics such as the historical and modern manifestations of inequality, how social work both impedes and advances societal justice and how to engage and work with service users.

Sample courses:

Advancing Social Justice
Field Education for Beginning Practice
Cross-cultural Issues and Social Work Practice

Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.

Careers and future study

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. Graduates of Dalhousie’s BSW program have gone on to work in the following:

transition houses
child protection agencies
family service and support centres
community mental and physical health outreach programs
hospital and community clinics

After completing the BSW, you’ll be prepared to complete graduate level programs such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Health Sciences Administration, Master of Gender and Women’s Studies or a Juris Doctor (Bachelor of Laws).