Social Work Dalhousie University

Overview

Gain knowledge and experience in how to help individuals, families and communities, and promote policy to provide a better environment in which to live. Dalhousie University ’s Social Work programme teaches the importance of building a socially just society, defined as one that upholds and validates the values of quality, diversity, inclusiveness, democracy and concern for human welfare. Learn to advocate 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.

Please note, this is applicants cannot apply directly from high school, a minimum of 30 university credit hours (first year) must be completed before applying to the BSW degree. Please be advised that most applicants have at least two years of university at the time of application.

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.

• 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 programme.
• 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 programme 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 programmes 

• hospital and community clinics 

Accreditation

• 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.