General Information
The Bachelor of Social Work is a direct entry, a four-year degree that offers a unique focus on child intervention competencies and Indigenous ways of knowing. Courses in social work practice, theory, policy, and research are grounded within contemporary theoretical frameworks, including decolonization, Indigenous ways of knowing, anti-oppressive practice, and strengths perspectives. This course of study prepares students for practise with individuals, children and families, groups, and communities in complex social settings. Advanced study and practice within a Child Intervention concentration provide specialized training for Social Work students who plan to work in child intervention settings.
General Admission Requirements
All students must meet the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Additional Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements indicated in the Admission section of this calendar, applicants must also satisfy the following criteria:
Academic Course Requirements
The following specific courses (or equivalencies) with the specified minimum grades are required for admission into the Bachelor of Social Work:
- English Language Arts 30-1-65%
- Social Studies 30-1 or Aboriginal Studies 30-60%
Although Conditional Admission may be granted in advance of receipt of final and official transcripts, confirmation of the achievement of specified minimum grades will take place after all final and official transcripts have been received by the University. Applicants who do not meet these minimum grade requirements will be denied admission.
Bachelor of Social Work Post-Diploma Entrance Option
Students possessing a completed Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal University or from an accredited post-secondary institution within Alberta may apply through the Post-Diploma entrance option and will be considered through a competitive admission process for the Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Indigenous Student Admission
Each year 15% of the seats in the Bachelor of Social Work will be reserved for Indigenous applicants through an Indigenous admission target. To be considered for admission under the Indigenous admission target, the applicant must:
- self-identify as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission
- meet the definition of an Indigenous Applicant
- meet the minimum admission requirements as indicated in the general admission requirements for Mount Royal University as well as any program level admission requirements
Designated seats for this special consideration target will be filled by Indigenous applicants on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during Early Admission. Any unfilled designated seats will be released on July 15 to students applying under the general admission requirements.
Academic Performance Requirements
In matters of progression and continuance, there are instances when institutional processes do not fully address concerns related to student continuance in a program. This applies in the following circumstances:
- Violations of a professional code of ethics and/or standards of practice (i.e. Canadian Association of Social Work Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice, and the Alberta College of Social Work Standards of Practice). A committee established by the program will assess violations of relevant codes and standards and whether the student will be required to withdraw from the program based on the seriousness of the violation.
- Students who are unsuccessful after two registrations in the same core course (as defined by the program) will be required to withdraw from the program. This includes the following examples of unsuccessful registration:
- Students who do not achieve the minimum required grade (as defined by the program) in one or both registrations;
- Students who earn a grade of “F” in one or both registrations; and
- Students who withdraw from the course with a “W” in one or both registrations.
- Students who are denied a practicum placement by an external stakeholder because of an assessed detrimental impact on the client, client group, or community being served. Students who are unable to meet clinical or field course requirements on this basis will be required to withdraw from the program. An appeal process is available, see the Bachelor of Social Work Handbook and the Practicum Manual.
Police Information Check
All students will be selected for a practicum on the basis of academic performance, professional suitability, volunteer community service and availability of practicum sites. At the time of practicum, students will be required, at their own expense, to obtain a Police Information Check. It is each practicum agency’s decision to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based upon the results of police information or other background checks. Since both completion of course requirements and eventual employment in a field of study may be dependent upon the results of such checks, students who have concerns should discuss the matter with the department chair or designate prior to applying for admission.
Field School Opportunities
Qualified students may have an opportunity to complete a field school, normally during the Spring semester.