List of Post-Degree BSW Programs in Canada
If you have read any of my blog posts, you might be getting the idea that my route to social work had some twists and turns. When I first attended university, I started out in the sciences, completing a degree in Kinesiology. After this, I explored a variety of paths, eventually finding my way to social work. If your journey has similarities to mine, this blog post will be helpful for you.
In this post, I will discuss Post-Degree Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs, which universities offer this program in Canada, and why these might be an interesting option to explore! Especially for those of us whose journey had a little bit more zig-zag in it ☺ As always, I hope this blog post is helpful for you on your journey towards a career in social work!
What Is A Post-Degree BSW Program?
Post-degree BSW programs (also called second degree or after degree programs) are for students who have already completed an undergraduate degree in an area outside of social work.
These programs build off the learning a student would have received in their first degree and have a focus on core social work courses. In these programs, universities omit some of the general undergraduate degree courses you have already taken. This allows students to streamline their way to a BSW degree.
Often, these programs are offered in an intensive format, which means you can complete your BSW in about 1–2 years instead of the typical 4 years!
What Universities Offer Post-Degree BSW Programs In Canada?
Although these programs are unique, more and more universities in Canada are offering this fast-tracked BSW option. These universities include:
After Degree BSW
20 to 24 months to complete
Available in Calgary, Edmonton, or online
Bachelor of Social Work (Post-Degree)
2 year program, part time options available
Honours Bachelor of Social Work - Second Degree
1 year program
Post- Degree BSW program
2 year program
BSW (Post-degree)
2 year program
Students enter year 3 of the traditional BSW program.
One Year HBSW
10-month post BSW program
Honours Bachelor of Social Work for University Graduates
2-year program
Applicants enter year 3 of the traditional BSW program
Post Degree BSW
10-month program
Bachelor of Social Work After Degree
2 year program
Flexible delivery options, including in-person, online, and remote classes.
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Social Work
Two Year Program
The program consists of 60 credits for those entering the program with a bachelor’s degree.
Toronto Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Social Work, Advanced Standing to Third Year
Applications considered for those who have a bachelors degree in another field and two years of work experience, as well as eligible diplomas from a Canadian public college
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Bachelor of Social Work (as a second degree)
Two year program
** this list is not exhaustive, and more and more frequently universities are offering the post-degree BSW option. If you are interested in a specific school, be sure to explore their program information page or reach out to one of the school’s academic advisors!
You will see that these programs range between 10 months to 2 years – which is quite a big difference! The 10-month programs are generally offered on a full-time, intensive schedule, where students are in school for the full 10 months. The 2-year programs offer a bit more flexibility, with part-time or full-time options and tend to be available both in person and remotely. Depending on your schedule and personal preference, these will be important aspects to consider when choosing the right program for you!
Eligibility and Requirements
Eligibility requirements will vary from school to school, so be sure to check each program’s specific requirements. Broadly speaking, schools require:
Completed Undergraduate Degree: Typically an undergraduate degree is required. However, some programs will accept students who have specific college diplomas.
GPA: GPA requirements vary by program, but most schools require a GPA that is between 70 - 73%, or above a 3.0.
Prerequisites: Some programs require completed courses in the social sciences, research methods, and statistics.
Experience: Post degree BSW programs often require applicants to have a certain amount of social service or volunteer experience. I would encourage you to spend some time thinking broadly about the experience you already have.
Keep in mind that most people applying to post-degree BSW programs are people who are making a career change. I often see applicants underestimate their experience because it didn’t take place in a stereotypical social work setting. However, social work-related experience can show up in many different environments – and your unique background and experiences can be incredibly valuable to the profession. ☺
Related resource:
Post-Degree BSW Programs Vs. Traditional MSW programs
If you already have a non-social work degree and are looking to pivot into the field of social work, you might be wondering, should I apply to a post-degree BSW program OR a foundational MSW program? Well let’s explore the difference between the two!
Competitiveness: the foundational MSW programs may be more competitive than the post-degree options.
Timeframe: some of the post-degree BSW programs can be completed slightly faster than the foundational MSW programs.
Goals: do you need a master’s degree right away for the work you want to do in the social work field? Depending on your answer, this might help you decide which program might be the right fit
University specialty: Depending on your area of interest, you might choose your program based on a university that has the same focus. You can explore different university focuses through our MSW Helper application guides here.
Why Choose a Post-Degree BSW Over a Foundational MSW?
MSW programs typically offer two pathways: advanced standing and foundational programs.
Advanced standing MSW programs are designed for applicants who already have a BSW and can often be completed in about one year. Foundational MSW programs are designed for applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in another field and typically take about two years to complete.
This is where a post-degree BSW can be a strategic option.
After completing a post-degree BSW, you may become eligible to apply to advanced standing MSW programs rather than being limited to foundational programs. Because advanced standing MSW programs are often less competitive than foundational programs, this pathway can give you access to a broader range of MSW options and may improve your chances of admission.
The overall timeline may also be more comparable than you would expect. A post-degree BSW typically takes about one to two years to complete, followed by approximately one year for an advanced standing MSW. Depending on the programs you choose, this can be similar to the time required to complete a two-year foundational MSW – while also earning a BSW along the way.
Can I Apply to Both Post-Degree BSW and MSW Programs?
Yes! If you already hold a bachelor’s degree outside of social work, you can apply to both post-degree BSW programs and foundational MSW programs at the same time.
Applying to both can be a good strategy, especially if you are applying to competitive MSW programs and want to keep your options open.
If you are admitted directly to an MSW program, you may decide that is the best route for you. If you are not admitted, completing a post-degree BSW can make you eligible for advanced standing MSW programs later.
Some schools offer both MSW programs and post-degree BSW programs, and the application process is often quite similar. Applying to different kinds of programs at the same university is a good way to diversify your applications without starting your application materials from scratch.
Just keep in mind that eligibility requirements vary by school, so you should review the admission requirements for each program before applying.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many different social work programs to choose from and each program differs slightly. I want to encourage you to look at the different program options - and remember – it’s okay if this process takes you a little bit of time! When I was exploring post-degree programs, I spent months looking at the different options and even declined my first offer of admission – choosing to go back to school a year later. This blog post aims to give you an overview of the different routes, but also aims to normalize the many factors going into this big decision! If you have made it this far, thank you so much for your time and reading along. It’s clear this journey means a lot to you, and I hope you found this blog post helpful!
Related Resources:
Applying to Social Work Programs?
Join MSW Helper’s free community to learn about which path might be best for you, or meet with one of our application advisors who can help you figure out which path is best for your career goals.
