Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience
Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Science program in ...
Bachelor of Social Work
Brantford
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Wilfrid Laurier University provides students with comprehensive training in social work theory, practice, and research. The program prepares students for entry-level social work positions and graduate studies in the field. Through a combination of classroom instruction, field education placements, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program emphasizes social justice, diversity, cultural competence, and ethical practice, preparing students to address social problems, promote human rights, and advocate for social change in a variety of settings.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Social Work program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in social work theory, research, and practice. Core courses cover topics such as social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, social work practice methods, diversity and social justice, and research methods in social work. Students also choose elective courses in specialized areas such as child welfare, mental health, substance abuse, aging, or international social work, tailoring their studies to their interests and career goals. Field education placements, which take place in social service agencies, healthcare settings, schools, or community organizations, allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world practice under the supervision of experienced social workers.
Research Focus: Wilfrid Laurier University's Bachelor of Social Work program emphasizes research as a tool for understanding social issues, informing practice, and advocating for social change. Faculty members and students engage in research projects that explore a wide range of topics such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, child welfare, domestic violence, substance abuse, and social policy analysis. Research-focused courses provide students with opportunities to develop research skills, critically evaluate existing literature, design research studies, collect and analyze data, and disseminate findings through written reports, presentations, or community forums. Through research experiences, students develop analytical thinking skills, research literacy, and a deeper understanding of the complex social problems affecting individuals and communities.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Social Work program at Wilfrid Laurier University fosters industry engagement through field education placements, community partnerships, and professional development opportunities. Students have the opportunity to complete field placements in social service agencies, healthcare organizations, schools, or community-based organizations, gaining hands-on experience in various areas of social work practice. Field instructors, who are experienced social workers, provide supervision and mentorship to students, helping them develop practical skills, professional ethics, and cultural competence. The program also collaborates with community partners and social work agencies to provide guest lectures, workshops, and networking events that connect students with professionals in the field and expose them to diverse practice settings and career paths.
Global Perspective: Wilfrid Laurier University promotes a global perspective in its Bachelor of Social Work program, recognizing the interconnectedness of social problems and the importance of cultural competence in social work practice. Students explore global social issues such as poverty, migration, human rights, environmental justice, and global health disparities, learning how these issues intersect with local contexts and shaping their understanding of social work practice. The program may offer international field education placements, study abroad programs, or coursework that examines international social work perspectives, allowing students to gain insights into diverse cultures, systems, and social justice movements. By embracing a global perspective, students develop empathy, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice that prepares them to work effectively with diverse populations and address complex social problems in a globalized world.
Location
Brantford
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
CAD 32251
Application fee: CAD$ 80 + Applying through OUAC 105F Portal charges CAD$ 156 + International Charges CAD$ 10
Academic Requirements: International undergraduate applicants are typically required to have a minimum academic average of 70% or its equivalent in their secondary school studies.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: An overall band score of 6.5, with no individual band score less than 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 83 on the internet-based test (iBT).
- PTE: A minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English.
- DET: A minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test.
Wilfrid Laurier University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community involvement.
International Student Entrance Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University offers several entrance scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for both undergraduate and graduate students. The value of these scholarships varies, with some covering a significant portion of tuition fees.
President's Gold Scholarship of Distinction: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional incoming international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Recipients of this scholarship receive a renewable award that covers a significant portion of their tuition fees.
International Student Scholarship: The International Student Scholarship is awarded to international undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence and are entering their first year of study at Wilfrid Laurier University. The scholarship amount varies based on the student's academic achievements.
In-Course Scholarships: Wilfrid Laurier University also offers in-course scholarships for international students who have completed at least one year of study at the university. These scholarships are based on academic performance and may be awarded to students who have achieved a certain GPA or have excelled in specific areas of study.
Faculty-specific Scholarships: Some faculties and departments within Wilfrid Laurier University may offer scholarships and awards specific to their respective fields of study. These scholarships may be available to international students based on academic performance, leadership, or other criteria determined by the faculty or department.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: In addition to the university-specific scholarships, international students at Wilfrid Laurier University can also explore external scholarships and funding opportunities. The university has partnerships with various organizations and agencies that offer scholarships to international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
It is important to note that scholarship eligibility and application processes may vary, and some scholarships may have specific requirements or deadlines.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Wilfrid Laurier University opens up a wide array of career opportunities in the field of social work.
Clinical Social Worker: Clinical social workers provide counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and groups dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, and relationship problems. They work in settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices, and community agencies, helping clients overcome challenges, develop coping skills, and improve their overall well-being.
Child Welfare Social Worker: Child welfare social workers work with children and families involved with the child welfare system, including those facing abuse, neglect, or placement in foster care. They conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, coordinate services, and advocate for the safety and well-being of children. They may work for government child welfare agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups.
School Social Worker: School social workers support students' academic success by addressing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges that may interfere with learning. They provide counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services to students and families, collaborate with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments, and connect families with community resources. They work in public and private schools at all grade levels.
Community Outreach Worker: Community outreach workers engage with individuals and communities to provide support, resources, and services aimed at addressing social issues such as poverty, homelessness, addiction, and unemployment. They conduct outreach activities, assess needs, connect individuals with community resources, and advocate for policy changes to address systemic issues. They work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or social service organizations.
Medical Social Worker: Medical social workers provide support and counseling to patients and families facing health-related challenges, such as chronic illness, disability, or end-of-life care. They work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care facilities, collaborating with healthcare teams to address psychosocial needs, facilitate transitions of care, and coordinate community resources to support patients' well-being.
Policy Analyst: Social work policy analysts research and analyze social policies and programs to identify areas for improvement and advocate for social change. They work for government agencies, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or research institutes, conducting policy research, evaluating program effectiveness, and making recommendations to policymakers. They may focus on issues such as poverty, healthcare, housing, or social justice.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Substance abuse counselors provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction or substance abuse issues. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, facilitate support groups, and provide referrals to additional services. They work in settings such as substance abuse treatment centers, rehabilitation facilities, correctional institutions, or community-based organizations.
International Social Worker: International social workers work with communities and populations outside their home country, addressing global social issues such as poverty, human rights violations, refugee resettlement, or disaster relief. They may work for international development organizations, humanitarian agencies, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), providing direct services, capacity-building support, or policy advocacy in diverse cultural contexts.
