The School of Social Work seeks to reflect a diverse student population and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of all ages, gender identities, cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities.
Admission requirements
Full-time and Part-time studies, to the BSW program are as follows:
Academics
The successful completion of either a three-year or four-year undergraduate university degree (Bachelor of Arts or equivalent) from an accredited university, with a 70% average and at least 6.0 academic units (12 one-semester courses) in the social sciences, INCLUDING the required 7 pre-requisite courses listed below or their equivalents.
Required prerequisite courses
- SOCWK 120R Introduction to Social Work
- SOCWK 220R Social Work with Individuals - Theory and Practice 1
- SDS 251R (formerly ISS 251R) Social Research
- SOC 224R Poverty in Canada and its Social Consequences OR SDS 312R (formerly ISS 312R) Homelessness & Public Policy OR SDS 331R Social Inequality, Social Justice, and Social Action
- SOCWK 300R Canadian Social Welfare Policy
- SOCWK 301R Understanding Diversity in Canada OR SDS 311R Indigenous Peoples and Canadian Public Policy
- SOCWK 321R Social Work with Families
Conditional admission
Applicants with a completed Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) and who have completed or (or are currently registered in) four or more of the BSW prerequisite courses are eligible to apply for admission into the next available entry point to the Bachelor of Social Work program and may receive a conditional offer. The conditional admission is based on successful completion of all academic requirements, including an overall of 75% in all set prerequisite courses. Please see above required pre-requisite courses for further details.
Applicants considering applying to the BSW should first contact the BSW Admission Coordinator for consultation and evaluation. This will help ensure that applicants have the correct degree and GPA, before completing pre-requisites and applying to the BSW. Please contact BSW admissions.
*Applicants can continue working on outstanding prerequisite (and degree) courses during the application process by applying for admission as post-degree students. For a pre-requisite evaluation and to discuss applying as a post-degree student, please contact: BSW admissions
For more information about the BSW program contact: Keri Raif Sura, Administration and Student Services Manager: kraif@uwaterloo.ca
Mature Student Admissions
Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree (or equivalent) four or more years prior to applying and who do not meet the minimum required 70% overall average may be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Social Work Program upon completion of the prerequisite courses with a cumulative overall average in the courses of at least 75%. Please contact Keri Raif Sura for further information: kraif@uwaterloo.ca
Assessment of prerequisite courses
Applicants who wish to have courses evaluated for equivalency for the seven prerequisite courses should contact BSW Admission for information. It is recommended that prospective applicants start this inquiry prior to submitting their application.
To request an evaluation, please email a copy of your unofficial transcripts to admissions registrar. If there are courses we have not previously evaluated, you may be asked to provide course outlines for review.
It is strongly advised that prospective applicants have their post-secondary transcripts evaluated for equivalency to the seven BSW prerequisite courses. It is recommended that this occur prior to applying online. To request an evaluation, please email a copy of your unofficial transcripts to admissions registrar. If there are courses we have not previously evaluated, you may be asked to provide official course outlines for review.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
References, Resume and Personal Statement
(Supplemental Information Form)
Apart from your academics, and the English language requirement, as discussed above, you will also be uploading the following information into your application:
Resume
The School of Social Work is interested in the experiences of applicants in any or all of the following areas: educational qualifications, employment experience, volunteer experience, membership in volunteer associations, membership in professional associations; and additional skills, attributes or other information.
Contact details for Three Referees
(1 academic, 2 professional)
The academic reference must be from an instructor who has taught you in one or more courses. Professional references can be sought from any of the following: an employment supervisor; a volunteer supervisor; a helping professional (e.g., social worker, religious leader, doctor, psychiatrist or similar community-based professional).
Once you apply via OUAC, you will receive an acknowledgement email and instructions to set up your Waterloo Quest account. Here, you will complete the Social Work Admission Information Form (AIF) and provide us with contact information for your three referees. Your referees will then be sent a fillable form which will be submitted via email. References are due by January 20th, 2025, however it is highly encouraged that referees submit the references within 2 weeks of receiving the reference email (triggered by the full submission of your AIF).
Personal statement
Complete and submit a (PDF) personal statement of approximately 1000-1500 words prepared according to this outline:
Social work practice is guided by seven values found in the Guidelines for Ethical Practice and Code of Ethics. We encourage you to review these documents prior to completing the questions below.
Central to social work practice is the pursuit of social justice for individuals, families, groups, and communities. Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distribution of resources, and act to reduce barriers and expand choice for all persons, with special regard for those who are marginalized, disadvantaged, or vulnerable. Social workers oppose prejudice and discrimination against any person or group of persons, on any grounds, and specifically challenge views and actions that stereotype particular persons or groups (CASW, 2015).
- Tell us how your own strengths and skills will impact your Social Work learning and practice? (approximately 250 words)
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What are some of the systemic obstacles that you have faced? What are some of the ways you have you overcome these obstacles? (approximately 250 words)
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How have you been a leader? What did you learn from this experience? (approximately 250 words)
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Who is/are your community/ies? How do you give and receive support in this/these community/ies? (approximately 250 words)
You will receive instructions on how to upload this information into your application, after you've applied.
For information and help with how to upload documents visit the Quest information page
For enquiries regarding admissions to the BSW program, please contact:
Keri Raif Sura
Administrator & Student Service Manager
519-884-4404 ext. 28698