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 — not just one–on–one, but in communities and across entire systems.
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. You’ll graduate with two degrees in five years, gain real-world experience, and have the confidence to step into the rewarding career and future you’ve imagined.
We’ve designed this program to be flexible, supportive, and grounded in what matters most: community, purpose, and change.
Combine academic depth with professional clarity
What if your university experience didn’t just prepare you but launched you into a rewarding career? This is that kind of program.
You'll begin your studies by exploring courses in psychology, sociology, and social justice, while also learning applied social work, case management, and community practice. Then, in your final year, you’ll spend four days a week in a practicum engaging in social work practice.
The two degrees will prepare you with both theory and practice for a career in frontline social work, graduate studies, policy, and beyond.
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.
Practicum and experience
Everything you’ve learned comes to life in your final year. As part of the Bachelor of Social Work program, you’ll spend four days a week in a practicum where you'll work directly with clients, teams, and community organizations.
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.
Admissions
Apply to Honours Arts and select Social Development Studies as your Subject of Major Interest on your application. If you receive an offer of admission to Honours Arts, you'll work with your academic advisor during your first year to opt into the SDS and BSW Double Degree program.
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 for Honours Arts.