Male social worker talking to two people who look a bit upset.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

4 years

Learn how to apply

Program highlights

Practicum


Gain practical experience — participate in a foundational hands-on practicum experience working with diverse populations, including individuals and families, living in complex social settings.

Discover your social work professional pathway.

Get registeredapply to become a registered social worker after graduation.

Further your education — be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in social work (Master of Social Work and PhD).

Gain foundational knowledge in decolonization, Indigenous ways of knowing, anti-oppressive practice and strengths perspectives through courses on social work practice, theory, policy and research. Choose from a generalist approach to social work practice or pursue a child intervention concentration. The unique characteristics of this degree prepare graduates to work with individuals, children and families, groups, and communities in complex social settings.

The Bachelor of Social Work is designed to meet the standards for excellence in social work practice and graduates are eligible for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW).

Practicum is a valuable experiential opportunity to put your academic learning into practice. Required for the Bachelor of Social Work, you will gain program-related field experience while under supervision that will help connect theory to real-world application and prepare you for employment upon graduation.

MRU's BSW program has received Pre-Accreditation status from the Canadian Association of Social Work Educators from Feb. 1, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2025. Learn the benefits of pre-accreditation for students and grads.

Career possibilities

The BSW gives you a series of professional choices, without precluding you from any career. The degree is a bridge to fullness in the social work profession. As a social worker, you can work with the following populations or sectors:

  • Child intervention/welfare/child protection
  • Family and sexual violence
  • Primary health care
  • Mental health and addictions
  • Homelessness and housing
  • Schools
  • Long-term care
  • Corrections
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Disability/Rehabilitation

Admission requirements and costs

Curriculum and courses

Questions?

Information about program offerings, admission requirements and the application process can be answered by an admissions and recruitment specialist.

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Be bold.

Be inquisitive.

Be transformed.

Discover everything you need to know about becoming an MRU student.

Study at MRU

 

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A program that provides more than education

Student shares how studying at MRU led to greater self-understanding.

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Creating positive impact in the Calgary community

MRU alumni shares her passion for social work.

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MRU unveils Bachelor of Social Work degree

Unique program designed to address community needs.

Take the next steps to become a Mount Royal student

Application process Sign up for an info session
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Faculty of Healthy, Community and Education

Mount Royal offers six bachelor's degrees and one diploma in the Faculty of Health, Community and Education: the Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Child Studies, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing and Social Work diploma.

Learn more

Virtual Information Sessions

Select a session that suits you. Choose from general information, specific by program, drop in Q&A, or attend an Indigenous or international student session.