BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW) Program Description

The great complexity of life in our time has made it difficult for many people, families, and population groups to achieve self-realization without professional assistance. It has also created the need for services that help social institutions respond to these personal needs. The focus of social work is on the well being of people and the forces and conditions that undermine their dignity. In its professional practice, social work is involved in psychosocial treatment and social change.

The undergraduate program leads to a B.S.W. degree and provides basic professional preparation for practice. The degree is accepted as such by the Canadian Association of Social Workers and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. The Bachelor of Social Work program combines a liberal and professional education. The faculty offers the undergraduate program at three locations: Fort Garry Campus, The William Norrie Centre, and Northern program based in Thompson. Students from the three campuses graduate with a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree from the University of Manitoba. The Bachelor of Social Work Program by Distance is available for people living and working outside Winnipeg.

The faculty is a charter member of the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. Both the B.S.W. and the graduate degree, Master of Social Work, are accredited by the association, which is also recognized by the Council on Post Secondary Education in the U.S.

The program normally requires four years of study, University 1 plus three years in Social Work, or two years if the concentrated study program is chosen following 51 credit hours of prior university study. The concentrated program is only available to those students studying on the Fort Garry Campus.

2011-2012 Undergraduate Calendar

2010-2011 BSW Student Handbook