General Information

Social Work is a two year program which combines knowledge and skills in social work, humanities, and behavioural sciences. The program prepares students for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities. Graduates are employed in a broad range of government (public), non-profit and private agencies. Social Work diploma graduates are eligible to apply to become Registered Social Workers in Alberta.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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 but is not limited to the following examples of unsuccessful registration:
   • Students who do not achieve the minimum required grade (as defined by 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.
3. 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 Student Handbook

Practicum Requirements

All students will be selected for 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 a police information or other background check. 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.

International Practicum

Qualified students may have an opportunity to complete a second year practicum in an International setting during the Spring session.

Note: In addition to the courses required for graduation, all students will have their progress reviewed each semester by a committee comprised of faculty members of the Social Work program. Students found to be in academic difficulty or whose professional suitability is of concern may be referred for remedial assistance, or in extreme cases, asked to withdraw from the program. The Code of Ethics of the Alberta College of Social Workers will be used as a measure of professional behaviour and suitability. An appeal process is available, see Student Handbook.

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 Social Work Diploma program:

• English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%

Although Conditional Admission may be granted in advance of receipt of final/official transcripts, confirmation of the achievement of specified minimum grades will take place after all final/official transcripts have been received by the University. Applicants who do not meet these minimum grade requirements will be denied admission.

Aboriginal Student Admission

Each year 15% of the seats in the Social Work Diploma program will be reserved for Aboriginal applicants through an Aboriginal admission target. To be considered for admission under the Aboriginal admission target, the applicant must:

1. self-identify as an Aboriginal applicant on the Application for Admission
2. meet the definition of an Aboriginal Applicant
3. 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 Aboriginal applicants on a competitive basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply during Early Admission. Any unfilled designated seats will be released on June 1 to students applying under the general admission requirements.