Prepare for a rewarding career providing social, physical and mental health support to vulnerable children. You will study the holistic, interdisciplinary, activist nature of social work, and its commitment to justice and community service.

Gain the knowledge and skills required to investigate, as you advocate for and protect the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.

You will examine complex issues that affect the safety and well-being of children such as poverty, mental health, violence and neglect.

Learn how to apply respectful, ethical and culturally sensitive principles as you collaborate with family members, community stakeholders and navigate the legal system to ensure a successful outcome for the child.

You can apply for entrance to the Social Work program after completing 60 credit hours (two years) of study in the humanities and sciences. Study contemporary child welfare theory and put it to work in a relevant field placement.

Applications are also accepted from those with a community college social service worker certificate.

The School of Social Work offers a schedule of studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).

The Bachelor of Social Work is designed to prepare students for beginning-level generalized social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. The program's orientation places emphasis on Social Work in northern and remote areas, Indigenous peoples, women and the human services, and community practice and research. Analyses of class, gender and race relations are considered central to the Social Work program. As mandated by its accrediting body, the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), and the relevant Social Work Codes of Ethics, Social Work at UNBC provides a professional program prepares graduates with the intellectual, analytical, practical and professional skills needed to advocate for justice and equality and to promote beneficial change.

The Child Welfare Specialization provides a program of studies that prepares students for practice in child welfare, while also satisfying the general practice criteria required for BSW accreditation and for designation as a Registered Social Worker (RSW).

Students must meet all prerequisites for entry into the UNBC BSW program, and must be accepted into the program. The fourth-year practicum takes place in a child welfare or an Indigenous child welfare agency.

Career Paths
School social worker
Community service agency manager
Health care social worker
School counsellor
Social policy analyst
This degree provides a strong foundation for further studies in disciplines such as education, medicine, law, or for pursuing your master's and PhD.