Programs

A focus in social sciences and social work provides opportunities for Renison students to make an impact in their local communities, and our diverse selection of language, culture, and humanities classes helps prepare them to become citizens of a global community.

As a Renison student, you'll have all the benefits of graduating with a University of Waterloo degree combined with the advantages of learning in a smaller, more intimate environment.

Degree Programs

Renison houses distinct degrees in Social Development Studies (major, Bachelor of Arts) and Social Work (Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work). Other courses and subplans (e.g. minors) can be optionally woven into undergraduate academic plan elsewhere to enhance your degree and make you stand out.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Social Development Studies (SDS) is a multi-faceted Bachelor of Arts program that gives you a well-rounded background in psychology, sociology, social work, and a set of unique SDS courses. You'll learn how physical and mental health, socioeconomic realities, education, and emotional support affect the well-being of individuals and communities - locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Bachelor of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a professional program that prepares students for a generalist social work practice in a learning environment that is inclusive and engaging. Consistent with the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, the BSW program is informed by values of social justice, respect for the dignity and worth of all individuals, integrity, confidentiality, and competence in professional practice. The BSW program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE). 

The program currently can be completed full-time (10-months) or part-time (within 2 years), includes a field practicum, and is only available for those who have already earned a Bachelor degree (among other admission requirements). Program structure and admission requirements are subject to change as field accreditation requirements evolve.

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is the first social work program in Canada specializing in health that is available online. It is offered in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. The MSW program views health holistically which means that students are challenged to consider how social, cultural, personal, physiological, structural, and political implications shape individual, community, and global health experiences. Students are challenged to explore interventions that take multiple forms to address health inequities including individual, organizational, community, and policy levels.

A benefit of the online program is that students are exposed to the most current of online technologies that will enhance learning and future practice. You can complete the MSW program full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months); both the full-time and part-time MSW programs begin and end with on-campus intensive weeks in August. All MSW students will have a field practicum as part of their learning requirements.

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is a requirement for anyone applying to the MSW program.

Enhance your degree

Renison offers classes for undergraduate students who choose to minor in East Asian Studies or Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures. We also teach have courses which may count towards a major or minor in Religious Studies or English. 

East Asian Studies

Are you interested in exploring East Asian cultures? Does studying abroad sound like a fantastic learning experience? You can earn a minor in East Asian Studies (EAS), which offers you the opportunity to take part in engaging, interactive, and challenging courses while enhancing your understanding of East Asian cultures and languages (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean). Build your skills in critical thinking, problem solving, interpersonal relations, and leadership by examining real-world issues. 

Religious Studies

Renison courses in Religious Studies (RS) can be counted toward a major or minor in RS. Some knowledge of world religion(s) is essential for professionals who work within the Canadian multicultural complex, and for anyone who wishes to participate in the global economy. The study of religion(s) helps us to understand cultural values and respond to the diversity that is found in our communities, Canadian public life, and international relations. 

Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures

Studies in Islamic and Arab Cultures is an interdisciplinary academic minor that introduces students to the diversity of Islam and Muslims through courses on contemporary issues, Arabic language, Islamic civilization and culture, art, history, and much more. It introduces students to a culture shared by more than 1.6 billion people worldwide. The goal of this program is to help you discover the Golden Age of Islam, during with much of our common heritage was developed in art, science, technology, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. 

Languages make you stand out

Take the time to master another language! Renison provides introductory courses in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, along with more advanced courses in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

(note: Mohawk (Kanien’kéha) may be offered more frequently at our neighbours United College)

In a global community that continues to get smaller, communication across many cultures is becoming increasingly important. Adding a language component to your degree will not only help you connect, but will also make you stand out.

American Sign Language

Historians believe early humans used signs to communicate long before spoken language was created. You may have also communicated this way in various situations—waving hello, pointing to an item on a menu, or hailing a cab, are all examples of sign language in its most elemental form.

American Sign Language (ASL) has evolved to be more complex— the language uses eyes, hands, face, and the body to communicate. Learning ASL helps you to develop an awareness and sensitivity to the Deaf community. In addition to being bilingual, ASL offers the benefits of bimodality.

Arabic

Arabic is one of the six most populous languages of the world, native tongue of over 300 million people, and used as a second or foreign language by over 1.6 billion people. Our Arabic language program offers a variety of options for non-native speakers interested in learning a new language for personal, professional, or academic reasons. 

Chinese

Classes focus on Chinese language, plus lectures on topics including Chinese history, literature, religion, political and economical systems, and comparisons between Chinese and Western cultures. With a fully immersive teaching environment and small class sizes that don't exceed 30, our Chinese courses will help anyone build a solid language base. 

Japanese

Even if you've never spoken a word of Japanese, you can build a solid language base in our interactive lectures. The small tutorial classes will help to develop your communication skills with various in-class activities. Group projects with other students will provide opportunities to integrate each of the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). 

Korean

Students learn the language from the bottom-up, starting with the Korean alphabet and continuing on until you're able to listen, speak, read, and write. Our courses utilize curriculum that we have specifically created for beginners in a university setting, and all the materials used in class are based on the philosophy that learning Korean should be "easy to understand and easy to acquire". 

Non-credit learning opportunities

Renison offers a variety of non-credit programs for those looking to take professionally taught, academic courses in a university setting without the requirement of being enrolled at the university. Visit Renison Continuing Education for more details on courses available right now.