Social Work Diploma

Academic Requirements:

1. High School Diploma with no mark below 50% in:

1. ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
2. Social Studies 30-1

OR

2. Mature Student: You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum mark of 50% in ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2

OR

A minimum score of 250 on the Reading component, 250 on the Writing component and 5 on the WritePlacer Test.

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Non-academic Requirements

Once it has been determined that you have met the academic requirements above, a package of materials will be available to you online which includes: 

1. Details for a personal essay.
2. Documentation of a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer work OR 3 months full-time employment experience. The purpose of the volunteer OR employment experience is exposure to the human services field. The volunteer hours should be completed with one organization.  Your main function must involve contact with the population the organization serves, and one reference letter needs to be completed by the employment or volunteer supervisor. For further information, view this program's Application Volunteer Requirements.
3. Details concerning three required reference letters (one of which must come from the supervisor of the volunteer work or employment context noted above).
4. Information regarding an interview with a Social Work faculty member; this interview is required as part of admission.  

Please complete and submit the personal essay, reference letters and documentation of volunteer/work experience hours to the Office of the Registrar.   

Scheduling of interviews for all completed application packages received by February 14th will begin February 17th. Completed applications will continue to be accepted after February 14th until all seats are filled.  

For more information on the Application Process, click here.

Note: While not an admission requirement for the program, applicants are advised that they will be required to provide a Police Information Check or Vulnerable Sector Check to most agencies where they will be placed for practicum experiences. The existence of a criminal record may prevent practicum placement, program completion, professional licensure and therefore affect future employment prospects. It is the decision of each agency or institution to accept or reject a student for placement or observation experience based on the results of the criminal record check. Students should be prepared for approximately $50 to $75 in extra expense to acquire these documents.

Note: Students with Study Permits that are admitted to a program that has a practicum or clinical placement in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching or health service field occupations must complete their Medical Authorization as required by Citizenship and Immigration Canada one month prior to the start of classes.

Note: Increasingly, social work practice in many social services agencies requires workers to work extended hours of operation. Many agencies now provide a variety of programs associated with their services that operate on evenings or weekends. Students need to be prepared to work during non traditional business hours if placed in these agencies.

Note regarding university transfer: While students may enter the SOWK Diploma program without English 30 or ELA 30-1, those intending to transfer to a university program are advised to complete English 30 or ELA 30-1 before entering the program. This will enable you to take university transferable English courses in your first year. Students who enter the program without English 30 or ELA 30-1 may take English 30 (or equivalent) upon admission to Social Work but may not complete the Diploma within four terms. English 30 or ELA 30-1 is not credited toward Diploma requirements.

You must pass all course requirements and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

• Social Worker
• Upon completion of the Social Work Diploma Program, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers.

Career and Life Skills

• Communication
• Ethical standards 
• Ethical practice
• Cultural Empathy
• Working with, and helping serve, diverse populations
• Project Management/Organization
• Interpersonal and Teamwork Skills 
• Leadership
• Advocacy
•  Conflict Resolution