Social Work
Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Social Work
Recognized as one of the most progressive and socially responsive social work programs in Canada, our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) combines practical experience with in-class studies in professional techniques and methods.
Social work is concerned with social justice and the impacts of structural inequalities such as poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and oppression. It aims to work with individuals, families, and communities, and to address policies in order to increase their capacity to bring positive social change, social development, and social cohesion. Social justice work can happen in different employment contexts including family service agencies, children’s aid agencies, general and psychiatric hospitals, school boards, correctional institutions, welfare administration agencies, and federal and provincial departments.
Social workers also work in local and international community-based agencies and grassroots organizations to engage in various community organizing and development work to challenge social inequalities and oppression.
The School of Social Work fosters intellectual curiosity and a spirit of inquiry through its emphasis on critical perspectives in social work. In light of its belief in social work as social justice work, the School consistently teaches applied practice skills throughout the curriculum. This curriculum is designed in collaboration with professors, students, field instructors and community representatives to ensure our program responds to the needs of people in their social environments.
You can enter York’s Social Work program two ways:
- The direct entry program accepts students in their first year of university. You don't need a degree to apply to this program. This is a full-time program with courses offered during the day and evening, and takes four years to complete. In the first year, you will concentrate on social sciences, humanities, and natural science courses. In the final year, you are required to complete a field placement – giving you vital hands-on experience – in a social service setting.
- The post-degree program requires you to have a university degree to be admitted. This program offers courses in the day and evening, and could take a minimum of two years to complete. The post-degree program was developed for university graduates who are social work practitioners or who want to pursue a career in social work. You will be exposed to contemporary and socially relevant issues that address the many techniques and approaches used by social work professions as well as partake in a practicum experience that places you in real social work environments.
You will receive a professional social work education that is characterized by a commitment to human rights and social justice. Dedicated instructors, who draw from a strong contemporary curriculum and their own practical experience, give you the opportunity to develop your own social work philosophies and teach applied practice skills throughout the curriculum. You will graduate equipped for professional practice in a wide variety of social work arenas, from work with individuals and families to practice with community, policy, research and international settings.
Questions?
Contact us at goyork@yorku.ca
Program Details
Offered By
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Degrees Offered
BSW
Fall Entry
Yes
Winter Entry
No
Summer Entry
No
Ways to Study
Full-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Introduction to Critical Social Work
- General Education courses
Possible Career Paths
- Social service agency worker
- Child welfare worker
- Community worker
- Mental health worker
- Social worker in a long-term care facility
Viewbooks
LA&PS
View Viewbook (PDF)
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsLiberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
To gain admission to this program, minimum 70 average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70 average in XII.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
OUAC code YFS
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- BSW-Admissions-Process-Requirements (doc)
- BSW Undergraduate Program (External) Admissions Information (doc)
- Note: The Supplementary Admission Information Form including the Social Justice Statement must be completed just above item #3-the Academic Statement in the Supplemental Application (Important: the Social Justice Statement and the supplemental Application is one document-not two) and must be uploaded with your other required documents through your MyFile account.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
To be considered a mature student, you must:
Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
- BSW-Admissions-Process-Requirements (doc)
- BSW Undergraduate Program (External) Admissions Information (doc)
- Note: The Supplementary Admission Information Form including the Social Justice Statement must be completed just above item #3-the Academic Statement in the Supplemental Application (Important: the Social Justice Statement and the supplemental Application is one document-not two) and must be uploaded with your other required documents through your MyFile account.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- BSW-Admissions-Process-Requirements (doc)
- BSW Undergraduate Program (External) Admissions Information (doc)
- Note: The Supplementary Admission Information Form including the Social Justice Statement must be completed just above item #3-the Academic Statement in the Supplemental Application (Important: the Social Justice Statement and the supplemental Application is one document-not two) and must be uploaded with your other required documents through your MyFile account.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
United States High School (including AP exams)
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT optional to be eligible for admission for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
BSW
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.