Frequently asked questions

What is social work?
The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance wellbeing. Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.
(Definition of Social Work, The International Federation of Social Work, 2000, http://www.ifsw.org/en/p38000208.html)

How do you know if social work is the right profession for you?
Social workers require the following skills to be effective:
- excellent interpersonal communication skills;
- interest in people, maturity, patience and high energy;
- independent, resourceful, responsible, ethical;
- capacity to work well in small groups and collaborative environments;
- creative and innovative problem solving skills;
- ability to put aside personal bias and beliefs and to be sensitive to the beliefs of others;
- awareness of community, national, and international issues that effect how people live their lives; and the desire to make a difference

What will students learn in the diploma program?
Students in the social work diploma program will learn how to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of settings. Students will learn about the history and values of the profession and the responsibility for ethical and accountable practice. Social work education helps students to integrate theory and practice. Through classroom, online, and practicum experiences, students have the opportunity to develop and practice their social work skills, have contact with clients in supervised practicum placements, and develop a framework for practice as a social worker.

What career opportunities exist for social work Diploma graduates?
Mount Royal University social work diploma program graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in a number of settings with different types of clients. Currently graduates are employed by hospitals, school boards, social service agencies, child welfare organizations, immigrant serving agencies, correctional facilities, justice programs, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and Aboriginal Band Councils.

Is this program transferable to other Universities and colleges?
Mount Royal has an excellent transfer agreement with many universities offering Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs. The University of Calgary Faculty Of Social Work accepts diploma graduates into a two year post diploma program to earn their BSW. Graduates are also attending BSW programs at the University of British Columbia at Vancouver and Kelowna, Thompson Rivers University at Kamloops, University of Victoria, University of Regina and many others.

Can I become a registered social worker?
Students in the social work diploma program in the province of Alberta can apply for registration as students when they enter the program. Graduates can apply for provisional registration as members. Additional supervised hours are required for registration. Please check the Alberta College of Social Workers website for more information on the process of registration for students and graduates.

What if I already have taken post secondary courses or have a diploma?
Students accepted into the Social Work Diploma Program may receive credit for post secondary courses from accredited institutions. The Office of the Registrar at Mount Royal will determine which General Education courses will receive credit. The Social Work Advisor will work with the Chair to determine equivalencies for social work courses from other institutions. This typically occurs once students have been accepted into the program.

How do I apply?
Prospective students can apply on or after December 1 for admission for the following September. It is recommended that students apply early because of the number of applications received. Applications can be completed on-line at www.mtroyal.ca in person, or by mail. There is an application fee. Once you have applied, you can forward all official high school and post secondary transcripts to Mount Royal at:

Office of the Registrar
Mount Royal College
4825 Mount Royal Gate S.W.
Calgary, AB T3E 6K6
Complete applications are reviewed to ensure that you meet the academic criteria. Please refer to the current Mount Royal Calendar for admission criteria details. The Social Work Diploma Program accepts 100 new students every year.