About
Overview
Dalhousie University School of Social Work’s faculty, students, and alumni share a common objective: to embrace a critical and anti-oppressive approach to social work practice that includes an emphasis on social policy, professional values, theoretical perspectives, and practice methods.
Historic excellence
The School of Social Work was founded in 1941 as an independent school serving the needs of the Maritime region for professionally educated social workers. The political, social, cultural and economic conditions of the region have continued to give direction to the school's teaching programs since its amalgamation with Dalhousie University in 1969. The school is now one of eight schools and a college grouped within the university's Faculty of Health Professions.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program was added in the early 1980s and the MSW program was reorganized into a one-year program for BSW graduates. With the advent of the BSW program, special efforts were made to have the program available not only in Halifax but also in sites such as Sydney, Saint John, and Charlottetown.
Degree and certificate programs were also designed to meet the needs of the region's Mi'kmaq population, especially those human service staff working on reserves. The school has also had an affirmative action admissions program in place since the mid-1970s and makes special efforts to accommodate the diversity of its student population. In September 2005, we welcomed a cohort of 30 Mi'kmaq and Maliseet social work students in a joint initiative with St. Thomas University's School of Social Work.
Ready to study with us?
The School of Social Work offers both Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs delivered locally on campus at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and by distance delivery to students across Canada via the Internet. Launched in 2001, our distance delivery option for both programs attract students from coast to coast to coast.
The school also has a vibrant Continuing Education program for practicing professionals. Programs offered include workshops and certificate courses on issues current in the practice of social work.