Bachelor of Social Work Degree

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program is now the minimum requirement for many jobs in public sector social services. The TRU degree offers an Interior B.C. perspective on social work careers, built on the base of a broad liberal arts education. The TRU BSW is accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE).

Program Description

The Bachelor of Social Work program prepares competent generalist practitioners to provide service and leadership within regional, national, and global contexts to achieve social justice, respect for diversity, and social change. We facilitate the development of knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work in collaborative and anti-oppressive ways. We deliver social work education that identifies and eradicates barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential. We are committed to social work education that integrates and incorporates Aboriginal perspectives.

Graduates of the program find employment in small and large urban centres, as well as rural and northern communities in British Columbia and across Canada. Employment opportunities exist in a wide variety of government and voluntary organizations such as family and children's services, child welfare, mental health services, hospitals, women's services, crisis services, corrections and Aboriginal social services.

Completion of the BSW degree requires that students successfully complete 120 academic credits of university coursework. Usually students complete 54 credits of general studies in humanities and social sciences and 66 credits of social work. Students attending full-time typically take 15 credits per academic term and complete the program in four terms over two years. TRU School of Social Work courses are offered on-campus only and are not presently available through distance education.

Two social work practica are required to complete the BSW degree and the program utilizes an extensive number of service agencies in Kamloops and outlying areas for practicum. Agencies are selected based on their potential to provide appropriate and relevant supervision, the specific match with student interests and needs, and the ability to provide practical social work experience. The development of a suitable practicum placement is a collaborative effort between the instructor, student and agency to maximize the student's learning potential. The Bachelor of Social Work program offers practicum placements in many different service areas including child and youth care, mental health, gerontology, clinical care, probation services, non-profit and profit agencies, contracted services, special projects, multicultural agencies, local Aboriginal organizations and government ministries. Students are strongly encouraged to consider completing practica in communities surrounding Kamloops such as Barriere, Clearwater, Williams Lake, Merritt, 100 Mile House and Salmon Arm. Fourth year students can complete practica at a distance from TRU, including locations across Canada and internationally.

Degree Planning for Admitted Students