Learn more about applications, transfer credit and program requirements at College Transfer Information Day!

The Social Work program at Lakehead concentrates on the social service needs of
northern populations. It is an innovative program based on a holistic or ecological view of Social Work practice. Our approach stresses the Social Worker's role in providing and facilitating a comprehensive range of helping initiatives which relate to the client's needs as a whole person. This requires skill in an integrated practice method where students learn through both classroom courses and field practice experiences in human service agencies and community service organizations under the supervision of a qualified field instructor.

During the first two years of study, students are advised to have a second area of 
specialization, as it is necessary to limit admission to the professional years of the Social Work program due to a limited number of available field work placements and qualified field instructors.

Students who have completed the first and second years of the program and are seeking admission to the professional years (third and fourth years) are required to formally apply to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment in order that professional and academic suitability may be determined by the Admissions Committee of the Department of Social Work. Admissions criteria include academic standing, a written personal statement, a group interview, references, work and volunteer experiences.

Once admitted into third year, a student who has related work experience with supervision from an approved supervisor in a social service agency is eligible to challenge the Third Year Field Placement (Social Work 3501). Admissible applicants are requested to contact the Field Coordinator to arrange for the necessary challenge procedures.

Candidates who are not offered admission to the third year of the Social Work program may continue working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in another major being careful to satisfy departmental requirements. With a degree, candidates are eligible to apply for admission to the One Year HBSW Program.

Field placements are diverse and include gerontology, mental health, health services, education, child welfare, family counselling, corrections, schools and community development. Placements are permitted in locations other than Thunder Bay usually in the spring or summer due to the course schedule. 

Multilateral Pathways (General Transfer Agreements):

Graduates of diploma programs relating to the social services, with a minimum average of 70%, may be eligible for transfer credit towards the first year of the Honours Bachelor of Social Work degree. Students will be considered on an individual basis upon receipt of official academic transcripts.

For a PDF containing additional information on the pathway, please click here.

Bilateral Pathway (Articulated Agreements):

Confederation College:

Graduates of Confederation College's Child and Youth Worker 3-year diploma program, with a minimum average of 70% and passes in all placements, may be considered for admission into the second year of the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program at the Thunder Bay Campus.

Graduates of Confederation College's Developmental Service Worker or Social Service Worker 2-year diploma program, with a minimum average of 70% and passes in all placements, may be considered for admission into the second year of the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program at the Thunder Bay Campus.

Graduates of Confederation College's Native Child and Family Services, Native Family Youth Worker or Native Child and Family Worker 2-year diploma program, with a minimum average of 70%, may be considered for advanced standing towards the first year of the Honours Bachelor of Social Work program at the Thunder Bay Campus.