Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work Double Degree

Your pathway to professional impact in social work and beyond

You care about people, equity, and social justice. You’re passionate about making a difference for individuals, but also for communities and across entire systems.

Join a program that's responsive, supportive, and grounded in what matters most: community, purpose, and change. You’ll graduate with two degrees in five years (or as little as four years for some students) while gaining the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence to launch your career.

Combine academic depth with professional clarity

Begin your studies by exploring courses in psychology, sociology, and social justice, while also learning applied social work, case management, and community practice. As your degree progresses, you’ll deepen your learning through specialized courses while building the professional knowledge and skills needed for effective social work practice.

In the final stages of the program, advanced seminars and a comprehensive practicum bring your learning together. During the practicum, you'll spend four days a week in a field placement, putting your knowledge into practice and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.

Gain the advantage of two degrees that combine theory and practice, helping you stand out in a competitive job market and prepare for meaningful work in frontline social work. Whether you choose to begin your career after graduation or continue on to graduate studies, you'll be well-positioned for opportunities in research, policy, and specialized fields of practice.

The Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies (SDS) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Double Degree is delivered through Renison University College, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges.

What courses will you take?

First-year courses

In first year, you’ll take a set of required courses which will start fulfilling the requirements for your degree.

September to December

January to April

SWREN 111R – Foundations of Critical Social Work: Social Justice and Helping and SOCWK 120R – Introduction to Social Work can be taken in fall or winter.

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

Sample upper-year courses

  • SOCWK 301R – Understanding Diversity in Canada
  • SDS 331R – Social Inequality, Social Justice, and Social Action
  • SWREN 417R – Environmental Justice and Community Action
  • SWREN 422R – Macro Practice: Critical Considerations of Community Organization

Customize your degree

Customize your degree

This program is structured and intentional, but there’s room to personalize what matters to you.

Every choice keeps you on track to graduate with two degrees.

Offered by:
Faculty of Arts and Renison University College

Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work

Available as a co-op program?
No

Available as a regular program?
Regular only

Available as a minor?
No

Graduate with two honours degrees in five years from one of the top 100 universities in the world (Times Higher Education’s World Reputation Rankings for 2025)

Graduate with over 700 hours of practical experience and a direct pathway to professional certification.

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Practicum and experience

Everything you’ve learned comes to life in your final practicum experience. As part of the Bachelor of Social Work program, you’ll spend four days a week immersed in professional practice, working directly with clients, interdisciplinary teams, and community organizations, while receiving one-on-one guidance from experienced social work professionals.

With dedicated mentorship and supervision every step of the way, you’ll develop the skills, confidence, and professional connections that can help launch your career.

You’ll apply your skills in real contexts such as

  • mental health clinics,
  • schools and school boards,
  • housing organizations,
  • legal and justice settings,
  • city planning and policy making in government agencies, and
  • youth and community services.

You won’t just graduate with knowledge. You’ll graduate with confidence.

What are the career opportunities with these degrees?

You won’t just graduate with two degrees, you’ll graduate with clarity about who you are, what you care about, and where you can make change. Based on your interests and goals, you can pursue a career in a number of rewarding areas. 

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you'll graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that's right for you!

Social worker

You would work directly with individuals, families, or groups to support their well‑being during challenging times. This can include counselling, advocacy, and connecting people to essential services in healthcare, schools, or community agencies.

Child welfare and family services

In this role you work for a local child protection agency, such as Family & Children's Services or the provincial ministry to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. This can include managing caseloads, conducting home visits, assessing child safety, court work, and facilitating safety planning for children with the family and the community around them.

Community development coordinator

You would work with communities to design programs that address local needs such as food security, youth engagement, or community safety. This job combines relationship‑building with planning and leadership.

Mental health or wellness support specialist

You’d support individuals experiencing mental health challenges through programs, group work, or one‑on‑one support. Social Work training helps you respond with empathy and structure.

Healthcare social worker

You would work in hospitals or clinics to help patients and families cope with illness, treatment decisions, or life changes. This role bridges medical care and emotional support.

School social worker

You would work in schools to bridge a student’s home, school, and community to support their mental well-being and academic success. In this role you would clinical counseling, crisis intervention, and case management, and you would advocate for and help students to access and navigate the social, education, and health services they need.

Nonprofit program coordinator

You would help design, manage, and evaluate programs that serve communities. Understanding social development helps you build services that are equitable and effective.

Policy or social research analyst

In this career, you’d study social issues like poverty, housing, or child welfare to inform better policies. You’d use research and data to support systems‑level change.

Settlement or immigration services facilitator

You would help newcomers adjust to life in a new country by connecting them to resources and support. Cultural awareness and advocacy are central to this role.

Crisis intervention practitioner

You’d provide immediate support to people experiencing emergencies such as domestic violence or homelessness. This role requires calm decision‑making and strong support skills.

Addictions support specialist

You would support individuals and families affected by substance use challenges. Social Work training helps you approach recovery with compassion and structure.

If you’re passionate about helping people, strengthening communities, and creating social change, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies and Bachelor of Social Work offers a clear pathway into meaningful, hands‑on careers that make a real difference.

Admission requirements

Ontario students

Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including 

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admissions average: low 80s

Not studying in Ontario? 

Search our admission requirements.

How to apply

Apply directly to this program on your application.

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Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please email the SDS and BSW team at Renison University College who can answer any questions you have.