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:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*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:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

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:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

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

Please Select Your Applicant Type

  • Social Work
    Degree:
    Social Work
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level Courses
    Program 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 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 Level
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
  • Social Work with a Concentration in Women's Studies
    Degree:
    Social Work
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level Courses
    Program 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 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 Level
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
  • Social Work with Major Concentration in Gerontology
    Degree:
    Social Work
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level Courses
    Program 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 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 Level
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
  • Social Work with Major Concentration in Indigenous Learning
    Degree:
    Social Work
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 First Peoples, and 3 Additional Academic Grade 12 Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English 40S, and 4 Additional Academic 40S Level Courses
    Program 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 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201, and 9 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits at the 3000 Level
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage, and 4 Additional Grade 12 Academic or Advanced Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621, and 4 Additional Academic Grade 12 Credits Numbered 611 or 621
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 Semester Courses in English (603 series), and 10 Additional Academic Semester Courses
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    Grade 12 U English, and 5 Additional Grade 12 U or M Credits
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English A30 and B30, and 4 Additional Academic 30 Level Courses


The program-specific prerequisite requirements do not apply to college transfer pathways. Refer to the agreements found here for more information on the admission requirements.

If you do not meet the program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program of choice, please contact Enrolment Services – Undergraduate Admissions to schedule an appointment with an Admissions Officer. An Admissions Officer can provide you with more information on how to enrol in the required prerequisite courses for your program of choice.

Step 3 – Apply Today!

Now that you have determined your admission requirements, your next step is to submit an application.

If you are interested in full-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). The full-time applications can be found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

If you are interested in part-time studies, you can apply to Lakehead University using the Undergraduate Application form found here. Before submitting your application, be sure to read the application instructions to ensure that you are using the correct application.

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
YearTuitionField TripAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
YearTuitionField TripAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

Schedule of Miscellaneous, Co-op and Course Related Fees

Social Work
Orillia
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
YearTuitionField TripAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 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
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

Schedule of Miscellaneous, Co-op and Course Related Fees


2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building FundSABFF70.00
Student Athletic SocietySATHF115.18
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF60.57
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
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 SLUSF166.74
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** SLBUS133.00
 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)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Athletic Building FundSABFF14.007.00
Student Athletic SocietySATHF23.0411.52
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF12.116.06
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF9.454.73
LU RadioSRADF2.001.00
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below)SLUSF33.3516.67
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee 3.351.67
Referenda 4.402.20
 Total 104.9552.47
    
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & ReferendaSLUSF33.3516.67
Total 33.2916.65
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Athletic SocietySATHO92.16
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO60.57
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 SubtotalSLUSO151.74
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Services Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO47.25
LUSU U-Pass FeeSLBUO115.50
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance**SMEDF325.00
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 FeeSORIO20.00
LUSU and LU Services Total 817.22
Total 837.22
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
Student Athletic SocietySATHO18.439.22
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO12.116.06
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO9.454.73
LUSU Fee (includes CFS & Referenda listed below)SLUSO30.3515.17
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) Fee 3.351.67
Referenda 1.400.70
Total 75.3437.67
    
2018-19 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students in Distance Education Courses Only (Orillia)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
LUSU Fee, CFS Fee & ReferendaSLUSO30.3515.17
Total 30.3515.17

Department

Social Work

Faculty

Health & Behavioural Sciences

Campus

Thunder Bay, Orillia

Degrees

HBSW (4 year program)
HBSW (1 year program)
HBSW with Major Concentration in Gerontology*
HBSW with Major Concentration in Indigenous Learning*
HBSW with Concentration in Women's Studies*
*only available at our Thunder Bay campus

 

Future Careers

Family Counsellor
Crisis Intervention Worker
Case Manager
Child and Youth Advocate
Medical Social Worker
Addictions Counsellor
Probation/Parole Officer
Community Development Worker
Mental Health
Worker
Trauma Counsellor

OUAC Code

AAO