Program Information

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Work degree program at Vancouver Island University is competitive. Students apply to enter the program at the third year level. Students must complete a combination of required and elective courses prior to admission. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the program with an Advisor before pursuing application.

Admission Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to the third year, students must have completed at least 60 credits of post-secondary courses that include:
  • Degree English Requirements. A minimum grade of "C+" is required in each course.
  • 6 credits of SOCW 200A and SOCW 200B or equivalent. A minimum grade of "B-" is required for each course. 
    Note: For SOCW 200A and SOCW 200B online options, check the VIU Bachelor of Social Work website for further information.
  • 48 credits of post-secondary courses, of which, at least 24 credits must be Arts & Humanities and/or Social Science courses.  Social Services and Social Work courses may not be used to complete this requirement. In addition to the grade requirements noted above, a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.33 ("C+") is required on these 48 credits. Students who have graduated or are in the process of graduating from the VIU Social Services Diploma program in this current academic year will be required to complete 6 extra credits of Arts and Humanities and/or Social Science courses.
• Applicants must submit a Personal Profile including the applicant's reasons for pursuing a social work degree that includes personal suitability for the profession of Social Work as well as personal strengths and challenges;
• Applicants must submit a resume, which includes evidence of 100 hours work experience (paid and/or volunteer) in a community and/or clinical setting.
• Applicants must submit a Self-Assessment Form.
• Applicants must submit transcripts from all post-secondary institutions/programs attended.

Notes on Admission

• Criminal Record Check. Fieldwork and/or practica will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to placement. Criminal Record Checks are requested through Vancouver Island University. The Registration Centre at VIU will contact prospective students by mail regarding the requirements for a Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks are processed through the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General in conjunction with the Criminal Records Review Act. A check completed through a local police detachment is not sufficient to meet the requirements of the Act.
• Enrolment is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Practicum placement will be completed in consultation with the student and all efforts will be made to locate a placement based on student area of interest and geographic location.
• Students who wish to take individual courses in Social Work without being admitted to the program may do so when space is available and prerequisites have been met. Students who take Social Work courses without formally being admitted into the program are not guaranteed future entry into the program.
• As this is a competitive process, completion of and graduation from the VIU Social Services Diploma program does not guarantee a seat in the BSW program.

* Social Work electives must be chosen from the following: HHS 430, SOCW 310, SOCW 361, SOCW 362, SOCW 403, SOCW 404, or SOCW 460. Not all electives may be offered each year.

** Students who have completed HHS 276 will be exempted from SOCW 322 but must complete one additional social work elective from the list above. 

Child Welfare Specialization

* Social Work electives must be chosen from the following: HHS 430, SOCW 310, SOCW 361, SOCW 362, SOCW 403, SOCW 404, SOCW 410, or SOCW 460. Not all electives may be offered each year.

** Students who have completed HHS 276 will be exempt from SOCW 322 but must complete one additional social work elective from the list above.

*** Practicum placements for the Child Welfare Specialization must take place in a child protection program. 

Program Accreditation

Consistent with the program's interest in promoting excellence in contemporary professional social work practice through peer oversight that ensures high academic and practice standards, the Bachelor of Social Work program at Vancouver Island University is accredited through the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

Social workers obtain employment in social, educational and health organizations as well as private practice. Social workers assist individuals, families, groups and communities through their work in hospitals, community-based organizations, child welfare agencies, school districts, agencies serving Aboriginal people and human rights agencies that promote the interests of those experiencing inequality in our communities.

Domestic (Canadian)