About our Bachelor of Social Work Program

Our program offers:

• A full-time program completed in three terms; ten months in total duration. Courses are offered on-campus, only.
• A flexible part-time program, allowing students to earn their degree within 2 years. 
• Winter 2024, the part-time BSW will be moving to a blended learning environment. Blended learning courses are primarily online but will have one or two in-person elements each semester. For more information, please contact renison.bswadmissions@uwaterloo.ca 
• Conditional Admission for applicants who have a BA (or equivalent), from an accredited university, but who lack the required pre-requisite courses
• Social Service Worker pathway: Applicants to the University of Waterloo who hold a Social Service Worker diploma and who are applying to the SDS/BSW pathway at Renison University College are eligible for conditional admission consideration to the BSW Program.
• Small classes with opportunities for interaction with classmates and teachers
• Field practicum opportunities which are supported by a large network of social service agencies and organizations.  Full-time students are in their practicum settings three days per week throughout the program. Part-time students practicum requirements will entail a minimum of two 7-hour days per week during business hours, during the practicum period.
• Opportunities to grow and maximize your potential

BSW graduates are eligible to apply for Master of Social Work (MSW) programs at Canadian universities and for MSW programs in the United States.

Program​ structure  

The professional Social Work program is offered in two ways:

1. Full-time studies are completed in three terms (10 months) of university study. Students are in academic courses on campus two days a week (Thursday and Friday) and are in their field practicum three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday).
2. Part-time studies may be completed within 2 years of university study. Two courses are offered in each semester. Field practicum requirements will entail a minimum of two consecutive 7-hour days per week in practicum. NOTE:  this is NOT an online program. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Winter 2024, the part-time BSW will be moving to a blended learning environment. Blended learning courses are primarily online but will have one or two in-person elements each semester. For more information, please contact renison.bswadmissions@uwaterloo.ca 

Graduation

The degree of Honours Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is awarded by the University of Waterloo upon successful completion of the requirements of the program. No degree will be granted to a student who does not complete the program requirements, including the cumulative overall average of 75%. Convocation for all BSW students takes place at the Fall convocations of the University of Waterloo and Renison. Part-time students, who complete their degree on or before the end of the winter term, may also convocate at the Spring convocations.

  See also the Renison Registrar's Office Convocation Information.

Accreditation

Accreditation of professional social work education programs in Canada is a function of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), a national association of university and college faculties, schools, departments, modules, and individuals offering professional education in social work at the undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate levels.

CASWE accredits professional social work education Programs in Canada at bachelor and master levels. Accreditation is focussed on a Program of study as opposed to an institution, such as school, faculty, or department. The Bachelor of Social Work in the School of Social Work is an accredited Program.