Social Work

Make a real difference with a rewarding career in just two years—this dynamic program prepares you to support diverse communities. Ready to get started?

Credential:

Diploma

Program length:

6 Terms

Area:

Community Studies

School:

School of Community Studies

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. This program equips students with the skills to support individuals, families, and communities while championing social justice and advocacy. In addition to learning the foundations of Social Work, students will develop critical thinking skills, empower change through advocacy, and learn self-reflection. Social Work Diploma graduates work in non-profit and private agencies including diverse community-based organizations, schools, addiction services, residential settings, senior care facilities, health care settings, and government organizations.

The Social Work Diploma program is accredited and approved by the Alberta College of Social Workers. Students who graduate from the program are eligible to apply to be a Registered Social Worker (RSW).

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:

No items found.
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.

Available intakes

Starts in
Registration opens in
Domestic
International
January 2026
September 2026
Starts in
Registration opens in
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.
March for May course start dates
July for September course start dates
November for January course start dates
To register in an Open Studies course, find the course in the list below and click on the course code. Select the offering of the course that you would like to take, add it to the cart, proceed to checkout, and pay with a credit card.

Tuition and fees

Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$3,122
$605
$3,727
Term 2
$3,122
$564
$3,686
Term 3
$1,692
$564
$2,256
Term 4
$2,922
$605
$3,527
Term 5
$3,060
$564
$3,624
Term 6
$1,692
$564
$2,256

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
Term
Tuition fees
Additional fees
Total fees*
Term 1
$8,255
$605
$8,860
Term 2
$8,016
$564
$8,621
Term 3
$4,248
$564
$4,812
Term 4
$7,619
$605
$8,224
Term 5
$8,065
$564
$8,489
Term 6
$4,248
$564
$4,812

Estimated total tuition:

total cost
*All tuition and fees are subject to change. Program tuitions are estimates only.  Your actual tuition and fees are calculated on actual course registrations and can be viewed under "Statement of Account" in MyBVC or by requesting a Statement of Account from Registrar Services.

Courses

Legend:

hide_source

Zero Textbook Cost

move_down

Course is eligible for PLAR

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
ENGL1201English Composition3

picture_as_pdf

HMSV1104Health Education for Human Services Professionals3
PSYC1101Introduction To Psychology3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR1997Social Work Practicum Prep I2

picture_as_pdf

Earn a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR1101Introduction to Social Work3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR1102Foundations of Social Work Practice3

picture_as_pdf

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
INDG1101Introduction to Indigenous Studies3

picture_as_pdf

PSYC1201Human Growth And Development Across The Life Span3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR1998Social Work Practicum Prep II2

picture_as_pdf

Earn a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR1201Assessment and Interviewing3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR1301Finding Resiliency in Anti-Oppressive Practice3

picture_as_pdf

Earn at least 3 credits from the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOCI1101Introduction to Sociology3

picture_as_pdf

SOCI1301Sociology of Aging3

picture_as_pdf

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR1999Social Work Practicum I8

picture_as_pdf

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
POSC1201Canadian Politics: Institutions and Issues3

picture_as_pdf

PSYC2401Psychopathology3

picture_as_pdf

Earn a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR2301Social Work with Groups3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR2302Social Work with Families3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR2401Community Development3

picture_as_pdf

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
WGST2101Introduction to Women and Gender Studies3

picture_as_pdf

Earn a minimum grade of C- in each of the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR2303Mental Health and Addiction in Social Work Practice3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR2304Violence and Trauma3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR2402Policy and Practice in Social Work3

picture_as_pdf

SOWR2403Social Work in Organizations3

picture_as_pdf

Complete the following courses:

CodeCourseCreditsPDF
SOWR2999Social Work Practicum II8

picture_as_pdf

Frequently asked questions

I am ready to apply

Need help?

Domestic Students

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

International Students

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.