Social Work (BSW)
Help people overcome challenges to reach their full potential.
Why choose this program?
Social workers help people overcome challenges to reach their full potential, while advocating for social justice, human rights, and fair access to health and social services. Choosing a career in social work will allow you to practice in a variety of settings with people of all ages from all backgrounds.
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.
Admission requirements
Program-specific admission requirements
Once you’ve completed at least one year of university courses (30 credit hours; but most applicants finish two years before applying) you can apply to Dalhousie’s BSW program.
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
You can choose to apply to either an on-campus or online distance option for the Bachelor of Social Work. Students who choose the online option often do so because it allows them to study from home with the flexibility to work and participate in family and community life. Whether you choose to study online or on-campus, you have the option of completing your degree on a full-time or part-time basis.
The following Social Work program option is offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Health. Please refer to the School of Social Work after you start your studies to explore options.
- Bachelor of Social Work
Note: international students may apply for on-campus only.
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’ll graduate with an understanding of social work and social justice theory, and how to apply what you’ve learned to your work with clients, colleagues, and the community.
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. Graduates of Dalhousie’s BSW program have gone on to work in the following settings:
- 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 take on graduate level programs such as social work, health administration, gender and women’s studies, and law.
