King's University College, "Bessie" Labatt Hall, King's University College, Tel: (519) 433-3491

Social Work is a dynamic and evolving profession. Social work activities range from individual, family and group counselling to administering and implementing social policies and programs. Preparation for professional practice in these areas begins with the Bachelor of Social Work (Honors).

The Social Work Program provides a learning environment characterized by excellence in social work education directed towards developing and fostering principled and competent professional practitioners who recognize the interrelatedness of human needs, social structures and oppressive conditions in their work with diverse populations. Specific objectives of the program include education for social work practice with individuals, families, groups and communities, emphasizing the social and organizational contexts of practice. The opportunity to develop social work practice skills is provided through direct experience in a variety of social service and health organizations under professional supervision.

King's Social Work graduates are employed in a wide variety of practice fields and settings. Some will choose to pursue a Master's Degree, either upon completion of their BSW (Honors) or following experience in professional practice.

The Bachelor of Social Work (Honors) Program at King's University College is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. Students in the third and fourth years of the program are eligible for student membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) which is a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). These associations are part of the international community of social work practitioners.

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is responsible for regulating the practice of Social Work and protecting the public interest under terms of the Social Work and Social Service Work Act. Social work practice is also regulated in all other provinces. College membership requires completion of a degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. King's social work degrees are also recognized by equivalent bodies in the United States and other countries.

Applicants are required to complete a minimum of ten full-course equivalents to be eligible to apply to the professional Social Work program. Students apply to the School of Social Work by February 1 for admission to the professional program the following September. The professional Social Work program is mainly offered on a full-time basis; however, there are a limited number of spaces for Extended Study students (part-time). Please consult the School for details.

While in the Social Work program, students are expected to behave in accord with the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers, both in the academic environment and field setting. Due to the nature of the professional social work program, the School has an attendance policy in place.

The School has developed international opportunities for students registered in the professional program.