degree program

Honours Bachelor of Social Work

This new program is specially designed for graduates of Social Service Worker (SSW), Social Service Worker—Indigenous Specialization (SSW-IS), and Indigenous Wellness and Addictions Prevention (IWAP) diploma programs to continue their learning by joining a BSW program mid-way through by earning transfer credits from your SSW/SSW-IS/IWAP towards HBSW in partnership with Algoma University.

How to apply

Your Career Path

An Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree prepares you for a career in the social work profession. Graduates could be employed in variety of settings like private, governmental and Indigenous organizations in areas such as mental health, education, social and community planning, addictions, counseling, outreach, cultural programs, family services and social welfare.

In partnership with Algoma University, Oshki-Wenjack’s uniquely blended delivery method allows you to stay in your home community for the majority of the program while earning an accelerated Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree. This program enables students who already hold a college diploma to join this shorter delivery model to more quickly enter a profession that can facilitate positive change. Students will be equipped with the intellectual, practical and professional skills needed to promote the personal and collective well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities. You will take courses through on-line and independent study at home and attend classes in Thunder Bay twice per semester.

Program Information

Program Length: 7 Semesters
Start Date: May 2025^*
Tuition Fees: More details coming soon.

*start dates are subject to change

Documentation Requirements

Vulnerable sector criminal reference check.

Admission Requirements

Must be a graduate of an accredited college diploma program.

Must have an overall average of 70% (G.P.A. of 3.00) in order to receive full transfer credits from their college diploma. Students will be assessed on an individual basis in order to grant full transfer credits.

Note: Low enrollment may result in cancellation of this program

Curriculum

First Semester

SWRK 1006 Introduction to Social Welfare in the North*
SWRK 2106 Political Economy of Social Welfare
SWRK 2107 Human Services Organizations

Total Credits: 9

Second Semester

SWRK 2127 Introduction to Social Work Research
SWRK 2406 Human Behaviour in the Social Environment
SWRK 3006 Anti-Racism in Social Work

Total Credits: 9

Third Semester

SWRK 3206 Critical Social Work Practice: Anishinaabe, Structural and Feminist Perspectives
SWRK 3207 Critical Social Policy in the North
SWRK 3817 Contemporary Issues in Aging

Total Credits: 9

Fourth Semester

SWRK 3456 Social Work Research and Program Evaluation
SWRK 3596 Social Work Philosophy and Ethics
SWRK 4006 Critical Mental Health and Madness
OJIB 1016 Introductory Anishnaabemowin I

Total Credits: 12

Fifth Semester

SOCI 1016 Understanding Society I: Principles and Processes
SOCI 2636 The Sociology of Gender
SOCI 3806 Social Theories of Illness and Addictions
ANII 3456 Anishinaabe Culture in Practice I

Total Credits: 12

Sixth Semester

SWRK 4207 Mino-Wiichiitiwin: Social Work Practice With Individuals, Families, and Groups
SOCI 3636 The Social Making of Sexuality
ANII 3906 Special Topics in Anishinaabe
SWRK Elective TBD

Total Credits: 12