Social Work
The social work degree program at the University of Regina gives you a quality generalist social work education that prepares you for a variety of human service career options. The U of R delivers the only Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work program in Saskatchewan.
If you want to identify the needs of and support individuals, families and communities to realize their full potential — in Canada and internationally – then the University of Regina's Bachelor of Social Work degree matches your goals.
Our Social Work program is offered in multiple locations across Saskatchewan, making it more accessible to students in rural and remote communities. You can study at the University of Regina’s main campus, the Saskatoon campus, or at one of several regional colleges throughout the province.
What is a Social Worker?
Social workers address a variety of issues. They create programs rooted in social justice and social advocacy to address oppression and racism using Indigenous and decolonizing frameworks, diverse perspectives on gender and sexualities and sustainability. Social work bachelor graduates find careers in mental health, child welfare, health care, criminal justice and education.
How to Become a Social Worker
-
Apply to Pre-Social Work.
-
Complete the required courses (usually over one year).
-
Apply to the competitive Bachelor of Social Work program.
Admission isn’t guaranteed, but completing Pre-Social Work is a required first step. -
If accepted, you’ll carry your 30 credits into the 120-credit BSW program — leaving 90 credits to finish your degree.
Start with Pre-Social Work
To begin your path toward a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), you will first complete the Pre-Social Work program. This is a 30-credit hour, one-year program that prepares you with the academic foundation needed to apply to the BSW.
If you’ve already completed equivalent coursework to the Pre-Social program, you may be able to apply directly the BSW. You can find a full list of required courses in the undergraduate calendar.
Admission to the BSW is competitive, so completing Pre-Social Work doesn’t guarantee entry—but it’s a key step toward your social work degree. If you’re accepted after your first year, you’ll already have 30 credits toward the 120-credit BSW, leaving just 90 credits to complete your degree.
What You’ll Learn in the Bachelor of Social Work Program
Small class sizes for in-person, upper-level social work classes mean that you gain practical experience through close instruction and mentoring by our faculty members. We emphasize diversity and inclusion within our mission and core values.
U of R's social work program teaches you to:
- Analyze social programs and policy
- Develop and administer human service programs
- Empower individuals, families and community groups
- Advocate health and wellness
- Conduct research and program evaluation
- Confront complex issues and use social work strategies to solve problems
You attain these skills through practical social work experience. In University of Regina's Bachelor of Social Work degree program, you complete 700 hours of hands-on experience through two terms of supervised, practical social work skill development — typically completed in your final year of study.
Social Work Meet Your Faculty
Quick Facts
Why Study Social Work at the University of Regina?
Studying social work at the University of Regina means earning your degree at an institution that values environmental sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusion. It's the perfect place to earn your social work degree because our faculty members bring rich backgrounds in theoretical social work perspectives, practice experience and research. The U of R social work program focuses on the Saskatchewan region and population.
When you complete your social work degree, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW) and use the title Social Worker.Accreditation
The University of Regina offers the only Bachelor of Social Work program in Saskatchewan accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). The CASWE sets standards for student learning such as adhering to social work values and ethics, and promoting human rights and social justice.Work experience
Through two practica totalling 700 hours, you complete supervised practical social work experience over two terms.Social Worker title
Social work bachelor graduates can register with Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers and use the Social Worker title.Small class sizes
Enjoy discussion and debate in your classroom. Course enrolment is limited to 20-40 students for in-person, upper-level social work classes.Research areas
The Faculty of Social Work research areas include homelessness and poverty, disability, family resilience, immigrant and settlement issues, social work alongside Indigenous populations, child welfare, mental health and addictions, LGBTQ2S+, animal assisted interventions, rural and remote social work, aging and older adults.Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Social Work is a 30-credit hour program that provides the academic foundation needed to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work. It’s typically completed in one year and includes courses required for admission to the BSW program.
The BSW is a 120-credit hour degree program that you can apply to after completing Pre-Social Work or equivalent coursework. Admission to the BSW is competitive and not guaranteed by completing Pre-Social Work, but if you're accepted, those 30 credits count toward your degree—leaving 90 credits remaining.
- University of Regina Students’ Union
- Social Work Student Societies (Regina/Saskatoon campuses)
Tuition fees vary depending on whether you are a domestic or international student. To see the cost per credit hour for the Faculty of Social work visit the Tuition and Fee Schedule.
This degree program requires 120 credit hours (40 courses).
You can also use the Undergraduate Budget Calculator to estimate your annual university expenses.
You may be eligible for scholarships, financial aid, or other funding opportunities.
Scholarships:
- You are encouraged to explore available scholarships and funding options.
Financial aid:
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and designated protected persons may qualify for Canada Student Financial Aid, which provides loans and grants to help cover education costs.
- International students on a study permit should explore financial aid options available in their home country or consider loan opportunities through local banks.
Your admission requirements are based on the type of student you are (current high school student, high school graduate or current adult 12 student/adult 12 graduate, post secondary student, etc.). Learn about admission requirements in our Application Guide.
Ready to apply? Learn how to submit your application and what documents you'll need.
If you aren’t accepted into the BSW program right away, you can continue taking courses that count toward the degree. Many students complete additional coursework—up to two years’ worth—while remaining in Pre-Social Work. This includes both general university courses and select social work classes that align with BSW requirements.
It’s strongly recommended that new Pre-Social Work students attend group advising early on to better understand course planning and admission timelines.
Social Work Bachelor’s Degree Concepts and Goals
When you graduate from U of R's social work degree program, you'll learn to adhere to professional social work values and ethics, engage in research and participate in policy development — all with an emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion. You'll bring relevant social work skills to the Saskatchewan community and beyond.Learn
In small classes, learn from social work professors with rich backgrounds in anti-oppressive, anti-racist and strengths-based perspectives and content.Practice
Through two practica totaling 700 hours of experience, you gain direct social work skills needed to make a difference in the lives of the individuals and communities you serve.Succeed
Get a rewarding social work career, enhance the lives of individuals, families, communities, and contribute to the betterment of society.What Can You Do With a Social Work Degree?
A social work degree opens up a wide variety of career paths.
- Affordable Housing & Homelessness Advocate
- Indigenous Housing Advocate
- Substance Abuse Social Worker
- Adoption Services Worker
- Child Protection Worker
- Clinical Social Worker
- Community Care Coordinator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Community Service Agency Worker
- Correctional Social Worker
- Crisis Hotline Coordinator
- Crisis Intervention Specialist
- Developmental Care Worker
- Director of Youth Development
- Intimate Partner Violence Survivor’s Advocate
- Family Social Worker
- Family Preservation Case Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Foster Care Worker
- Group Home Worker
- Human Rights Activist
- LGBTQ2S+ Services Coordinator
- Medical Social Worker
- Mental Health Community Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Military Officer
- Newcomer Resettlement Worker
- Older Adult Care Worker
- Probation & Parole Officer
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Relief Shelter Worker
- Sexual Violence Counsellor
- Sexual Violence Educator
- Social Services Coordinator
- Street Outreach Worker
- Transition House Worker
- Wellness Coordinator
- Women’s Shelter Staff
- Youth Advocate
- Youth Counsellor
- Youth Care Worker
- Many more
