The Alberta Social Work Diploma route is available in Calgary, Edmonton, Learning Circles and Virtual Learning Circles.
Note: Admission to the Alberta Social Work Diploma route in Lethbridge may be available subject to faculty permission.
Students who will have completed a Social Work Diploma at an Alberta Community College or University that has a transfer agreement with the Faculty of Social Work may apply for admission to the BSW Alberta Social Work Diploma route. Such applicants must also meet basic University admission requirements. Applicants not meeting University basic admission requirements cannot be admitted to the Faculty.
Applicants to the Alberta Social Work Diploma route will receive credit for 60 units (10.0 full-course equivalents) from their Diploma program. In order to be considered for admission, students must have completed a minimum of 24 units (4.0 full-course equivalent) university transfer non-Social Work courses (normally as part of the Social Work program).
Note: Students who have graduated with a Social Work Diploma from a College that does not have an agreement with the Faculty of Social Work, will normally receive credit for 30 unspecified units (5.0 full-course equivalents) which will include Social Work 201, from their Diploma program.
The Faculty of Social Work evaluates applications on the following criteria:
1. Grade Point Average. The cumulative grade point average achieved on the Social Work Diploma will be used. For students still working on their Diploma the cumulative GPA will be calculated on the most recently completed courses, starting with the Fall Term prior to the expected admission date.
2. Admission essay.
3. Relevant volunteer/work experience.
4. Two letters of reference. One of these should be from an academic source (e.g., previous instructor). The other should be from a professional (e.g., a former employer or supervisor) who is qualified to comment on the applicant's suitability for undergraduate studies in social work.