Carleton University campus

Health Sciences

BSW Social Work (Honours) at Carleton University

Carleton University, Canada

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Social Work prepares students for generalist social work practice and critical analysis of social policies and programs, with a commitment to social justice and a structural approach to social work. A field placement is required, and graduates are eligible to apply for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Faculty: Faculty of Public and Global Affairs  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Principles and theories for direct intervention with individuals, families and groups; practice with diverse communities including Indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, newcomers and racialized and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; social policy, the labour market, research methods, and administration of social services. Sample courses include SOWK 1002 Introduction to Social Work and SOWK 2202 Introduction to Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families.

Career pathways

Advocacy, child welfare, community service, correctional services, counselling, family services, government, health, housing and supportive living, humanitarian aid, immigration and refugee services, Indigenous health, mental health work, rehabilitation, senior services, victim services, women's shelters, youth services. Graduates will be required to take an entry-to-practice examination (starting in 2027) to become Registered Social Workers in Ontario.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Ontario high school: OSSD or equivalent including a minimum of six 4U or M courses. Although it is not an admission requirement, a 4U course in English is strongly recommended. Preference will be given to applicants with human service work experience, which may be met by employment and/or volunteer experience. Applicants will be asked to complete a supplementary application that will assist in the evaluation of their suitability for the program. Detailed information about the supplementary application can be found at admissions.carleton.ca . An overall average of at least 70% is normally required to be considered for admission; the cut-off average is set each year program by program and may be considerably higher than the minimum.

Main intake: Fall (September). January 2027 term is also open for applications.

Applications go through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which opens in September 2026; international applicants may also apply directly through Carleton360. January 2027 term: apply by 15 October 2026 (transcripts from outside Canada/US) or 15 November 2026 (transcripts from Canada/US). Fall 2027: 15 January 2027 deadline for Ontario secondary school students applying via OUAC; 1 April 2027 main deadline for international applicants (transcripts from outside Canada/US); 1 June 2027 general deadline for applicants with Canada/US transcripts. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (1 March 2027 for programme-specific deadlines).

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.carleton.ca/apply/

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