Social Work
Social Work is a versatile and influential profession that facilitates positive change whether its working to develop social policy, assisting marginalized groups, providing counselling to individuals and families, or promoting social change.
Lakehead University's School of Social Work delivers a generalist undergraduate degree with a northern focus, based on an holistic view of social work practice.
Our courses blend in-class learning with field placements, in settings including correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, schools, or child welfare agencies, designed to develop critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary skills.
As a student at our Thunder Bay campus, Concentrations in Gerontology, Indigenous Learning, and Women's Studies are available to broaden your expertise within the field.
Our program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education and will provide you with a challenging and meaningful experience, applicable to a range of professional practice settings.
Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.
Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:
To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:
Ontario High School Students |
General Admission Requirements:
*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces. |
Other Canadian High School Students |
General Admission Requirements:
*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces. |
International HS/ College or University |
General Admission Requirements:
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Canadian College |
General Admission Requirements: College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:
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Canadian University |
General Admission Requirements:
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Canadian Bible College |
General Admission Requirements:
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Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:
To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:
Program Specific Requirements
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Social WorkDegree:Social WorkAlberta/NWT/Nunavut:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for International Students:EnglishProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:English (Grade 12 U English or equivalent)Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:English 120, 121, or 122; and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 120, 121, or 122Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 LevelProgram Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
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Social Work with a Concentration in Women's StudiesDegree:Social WorkAlberta/NWT/Nunavut:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for International Students:EnglishProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:English (Grade 12 U English or equivalent)Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:English 120, 121, or 122; and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 120, 121, or 122Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 LevelProgram Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
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Social Work with Major Concentration in GerontologyDegree:Social WorkAlberta/NWT/Nunavut:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for International Students:EnglishProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:English (Grade 12 U English or equivalent)Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:English 120, 121, or 122; and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 120, 121, or 122Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 LevelProgram Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
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Social Work with Major Concentration in Indigenous LearningDegree:Social WorkAlberta/NWT/Nunavut:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for International Students:EnglishProgram Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:English (Grade 12 U English or equivalent)Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:English 120, 121, or 122; and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 120, 121, or 122Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 LevelProgram Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester CoursesProgram Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M CreditsProgram Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
The only required Social Work course in first year is Social Work 1100 – Introduction to Social Welfare. The remaining courses will be electives of your choice, with a wide array of options to choose from.
If you decide to combine your Social Work degree with a degree in another discipline, such as Gerontology, Indigenous Studies, or Women's Studies, your additional courses must reflect the requirements of your chosen second degree.
Once you have completed the necessary Social Work prerequisites in first and second year, you must apply for admission into the professional years in Year Three. The professional years provide specialized courses in the Social Work profession, including field placements in Year 3 and 4.
For requirements for our one-year program visit our One-Year Program Information page.
Field Placements
Put your newly developed skills and knowledge to practical application in supervised learning environments. Our Field Education Coordinators will work with you to facilitate meaningful field placement experiences that will prepare you for employment.
You will participate in two field placements, under the direction of a qualified social work supervisor, completing 110 days of on-the-job training in a social service agency or community organization.
Concentrations
As a Social Work student at the Thunder Bay, you have the ability to combine your HBSW with studies in Gerontology, Indigenous Studies, and Women's Studies. This double degree option provides you with the unique opportunity to focus your Social Work knowledge on a particular topic and/or population beginning in your first year.
Undergraduate Research
Gain exceptional hands-on experience in undergraduate research at Lakehead University. As Canada’s #1 Undergraduate Research University, we make research in your undergraduate years a reality.
High Employment Rate
Our graduates are extremely successful in securing employment within one year of graduation. We attribute this to our balance of professional and practical courses, as well as the field placement opportunities that integrate social work theory and knowledge.
More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information
Arts (Includes, but is not limited to: Social Work, HBMus, HBFA, Palliative Care, Dementia Studies, NLIP)
Thunder Bay
Year | Tuition | Field Trip | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $6,649.45 | $0.00 | $1,002.74 | $7,652.19 | $4,327.47 | $3,324.72 | $1,329.89 | $1,434.84 | $664.95 | $717.42 |
2 | $6,617.62 | $0.00 | $982.74 | $7,600.36 | $4,291.55 | $3,308.81 | $1,323.52 | $1,428.47 | $661.76 | $714.24 |
3 | $6,572.55 | $0.00 | $982.74 | $7,555.29 | $4,269.02 | $3,286.27 | $1,314.51 | $1,419.46 | $657.26 | $709.73 |
4 | $5,998.10 | $0.00 | $982.74 | $6,980.84 | $3,981.79 | $2,999.05 | $1,199.62 | $1,304.57 | $599.81 | $652.29 |
Year | Tuition | Field Trip | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $22,601.25 | $0.00 | $1,002.74 | $23,603.99 | $12,303.37 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,625.20 | $2,260.13 | $2,312.60 |
2-4 | $22,601.25 | $0.00 | $982.74 | $23,583.99 | $12,283.37 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,625.20 | $2,260.13 | $2,312.60 |
Social Work
Orillia
Year | Tuition | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $6,649.45 | $837.22 | $7,486.67 | $4,161.95 | $3,324.72 | $1,329.89 | $1,405.23 | $664.95 | $702.62 |
2 | $6,617.62 | $817.22 | $7,434.84 | $4,126.03 | $3,308.81 | $1,323.52 | $1,398.86 | $661.76 | $699.43 |
3 | $6,572.55 | $817.22 | $7,389.77 | $4,103.50 | $3,286.27 | $1,314.51 | $1,389.85 | $657.26 | $694.93 |
4 | $5,998.10 | $817.22 | $6,815.32 | $3,816.27 | $2,999.05 | $1,199.62 | $1,274.96 | $599.81 | $637.48 |
Year | Tuition | Field Trip | Ancillary Fees | Total | 1st Installment | 2nd Installment | 1.0 FCE Tuition | 1.0 FCE Total | 0.5 FCE Tuition | 0.5 FCE Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | $22,601.25 | $0.00 | $837.22 | $23,438.47 | $12,137.85 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,595.59 | $2,260.13 | $2,297.80 |
2-4 | $22,601.25 | $0.00 | $817.22 | $23,418.47 | $12,117.85 | $11,300.62 | $4,520.25 | $4,595.59 | $2,260.13 | $2,297.80 |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
Athletic Building Fund | SABFF | 70.00 |
Student Athletic Society | SATHF | 115.18 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 25.00 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 60.57 |
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 30.00 |
LU Services Subtotal | 300.75 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fee | ||
LUSU Fee | 128.00 | |
Referenda | 17.00 | |
Nanabijou | 5.00 | |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fees | 16.74 | |
LUSU Fee Subtotal | SLUSF | 166.74 |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Services Fees | ||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 47.25 |
LU Radio | SRADF | 10.00 |
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance* | SMEDF | 325.00 |
LUSU Bus Pass Fee** | SLBUS | 133.00 |
LUSU Services Subtotal | 515.25 | |
Total | 982.74 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance cost is $325.00. The policy is effective September 1, 2018 for the 12 months ending August 31, 2019. All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
- Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions.
- For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259
** The LUSU Bus Pass (U-Pass) Fee - All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
* Co-op students and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for 1st Year Full-Time Students (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount |
1st Year Students Orientation Fee | SORIE | 20.00 |
LUSU and LU Services Total | 982.74 | |
Total | 1002.74 |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
Athletic Building Fund | SABFF | 14.00 | 7.00 |
Student Athletic Society | SATHF | 23.04 | 11.52 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMF | 5.00 | 2.50 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAF | 12.11 | 6.06 |
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders Building | SCISF | 6.00 | 3.00 |
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDF | 9.45 | 4.73 |
LU Radio | SRADF | 2.00 | 1.00 |
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below) | SLUSF | 33.35 | 16.67 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | 3.35 | 1.67 | |
Referenda | 4.40 | 2.20 | |
Total | 104.95 | 52.47 | |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Thunder Bay) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & Referenda | SLUSF | 33.35 | 16.67 |
Total | 33.29 | 16.65 |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
Lakehead University Services Fees | ||
Student Athletic Society | SATHO | 92.16 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 25.00 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 60.57 |
LU Services Subtotal | 177.73 | |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fee | ||
LUSU Fee | 128.00 | |
Canadian Federation of Students Fee | 16.74 | |
Referenda | 7.00 | |
LUSU Fee Subtotal | SLUSO | 151.74 |
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Services Fees | ||
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 47.25 |
LUSU U-Pass Fee | SLBUO | 115.50 |
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance** | SMEDF | 325.00 |
LUSU Services Subtotal | 487.75 | |
Total | 817.22 |
* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance cost is $325.00. The policy is effective September 1, 2018 for the 12 months ending August 31, 2019. All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
- Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions.
- For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259
** The LUSU Bus Pass (U-Pass) Fee - All full-time undergraduate students* who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs for 2018FW by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.
* Co-op students and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for 1st Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount |
1st Year Students Orientation Fee | SORIO | 20.00 |
LUSU and LU Services Total | 817.22 | |
Total | 837.22 |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
Student Athletic Society | SATHO | 18.43 | 9.22 |
Computer Enhancement (Technology) Fee | SCOMO | 5.00 | 2.50 |
Health Services Support Fee | SHEAO | 12.11 | 6.06 |
LUSU Capital Fund | SBLDO | 9.45 | 4.73 |
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below) | SLUSO | 30.35 | 15.17 |
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee | 3.35 | 1.67 | |
Referenda | 1.40 | 0.70 | |
Total | 75.34 | 37.67 | |
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Orillia) | Code | Amount (1.0FCE) | Amount (0.5FCE) |
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & Referenda | SLUSO | 30.35 | 15.17 |
Total | 30.35 | 15.17 |