Social Work

A career in social work can be exciting and rewarding. This unique and interesting program has a special multi-cultural focus to help you support a wide range of clients. Are you ready to get started?

Credential:

Diploma

Program length

6 Terms

Area:

Community Studies

School:

School of Community Studies

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

Yes

No

About

The two-year Social Work Diploma program at Bow Valley College will provide students with comprehensive knowledge and preparation for a career in social work practice, and incorporates a unique multicultural focus enabling graduates to support a diverse clientele. This program is committed to the promotion of social justice, and prepares students to apply the basic fundamentals of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities. In addition to social work foundations, students develop intercultural values and knowledge, advocacy skills, and self-reflection. Social Work Diploma graduates work in non-profit and private agencies, including community-based organizations, schools, addiction services, residential settings, senior care facilities, and government organizations.

Mission: The mission of the Social Work Diploma program at Bow Valley College is to prepare students for generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, and communities through integration of theory to professional practice. The program promotes a commitment to social justice, ethical practice, and advocacy for diverse populations.

Regional students

Students living in Okotoks and the surrounding area can take the program starting in Fall (September) at the Okotoks campus. Practicum courses include on-site activity at an agency in the region.

If you are interested in applying for the program in Okotoks, please fill out our online form to register your interest. You will receive a response in 2-3 business days.

Admission requirements

  • Credit in English 30-1, or 65% in English 30-2, or equivalent

or

  • Successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test with a standard score of 520 in Language Arts: Reading and Writing

or

Pre-practicum requirement

A current Police Information Check (PIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) must be submitted prior to practicum placements. The existence of a criminal record may postpone or prevent clinical, practicum, or field work placements and, subsequently, successful completion of the program.

Transferability

Transfer opportunities are available to a variety of institutions. Transfer credits are reviewed and accepted on an individual basis by the institution to which you apply.

You need one of the following options:

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English Language Proficiency Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, please review English language proficiency requirements.

Academic upgrading

Enhance your previous education to meet the missing admissions requirements for one of the BVC programs.

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Available intakes

Starts in
Domestic
International

September 2, 2025

January 7, 2026

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuitions fees
Additional fees*
Total  fees*
Term 1
$2,949
$356
$3,305
Term 2
$2,964
$356
$3,320
Term 3
$1,600
$356
$1,956
Term 4
$2,808
$356
$3,164
Term 5
$2,973
$356
$3,329
Term 6
$1,600
$356
$1,956
Term
Additional fees*
Tuitions fees
Total fees
Term 1
$356
$8,112
$8,468
Term 2
$356
$7,669
$8,025
Term 3
$356
$4,186
$4,542
Term 4
$356
$7,619
$7,975
Term 5
$356
$8,065
$8,421
Term 6
$356
$4,186
$4,542
*Per term: Student Service Fee
To register in a course in Open Studies:

Courses

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Zero Textbook Cost

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Course is eligible for PLAR
CodeCourseCreditPDF
ENGL1201English: Composition 3

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HMSV1104Health Education for Human Services Professionals 3

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PSYC1101Introduction To Psychology

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3

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SOWR1997Social Work Practicum Prep I 2

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR1101Introduction to Social Work 3

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SOWR1102Foundations of Social Work Practice 3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
INDG1101Indigenous History, Identity and Culture

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3

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PSYC1201Human Growth And Development Across The Life Span

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3

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SOWR1998Social Work Practicum Prep II 2

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR1201Assessment and Interviewing 3

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SOWR1301Finding Resiliency in Anti-Oppressive Practice 3

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOCI1101Introduction to Sociology

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3

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SOCI1301Sociology of Aging

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3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR1999Social Work Practicum I 8

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
POSC1201Canadian Politics: Institutions and Issues 3

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PSYC2401Abnormal Psychology

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3

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR2301Social Work with Groups 3

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SOWR2302Social Work with Families 3

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SOWR2401Community Development 3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
WGST2101Introduction to Women and Gender Studies 3

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Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR2303Mental Health and Addiction in Social Work Practice 3

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SOWR2304Violence and Trauma 3

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SOWR2402Policy and Practice in Social Work 3

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SOWR2403Social Work in Organizations 3

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CodeCourseCreditPDF
SOWR2999Social Work Practicum II 8

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I am ready to apply

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Domestic Students

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International Students

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