Applications to the 3rd Year of the 4 Year HBSW program for 2023 - 2024 are now open. Please review the applications package for full details on how to apply, deadlines and requirements.

The School of Social Work professional Honours Bachelor of Social Work Program provides a broad theoretical Social Work knowledge base, with emphasis on professional skill development for competent intervention with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities

In the introductory years of the Social Work Program, students are required to take SOWK 1100 in their first year and SOWK 2011 & SOWK 2012 in their second year. Students must also take a total of eight non-Social Work full course equivalent (FCE) electives during the first two years for a full compliment of 10 courses before applying to the professional years..

Students must apply for admission to the professional years of the HBSW program (third and fourth years) by formal application, including references, supplemental information form, and resume. A personal statement admissions exam must also be written on the date established by the School of Social Work.  A minimum combined average of 70% in SOWK 1100, SOWK 2011 and SOWK 2012, along with an overall average of 70% is required in order to be considered for the professional years of the Social Work Program.

Careful consideration should be given to the application for either full-time or part-time admission into the program, as status is not interchangeable, except through a re-application process.

*Please note that students will be required to obtain a criminal reference/vulnerable sector check prior to the commencement of the field practicum component of the program in the professional years

For students preparing to apply to year 3 of the 4 year HBSW program who have previously completed post-secondary courses, please be aware that a minimum of 3 FCEs must be completed at Lakehead University prior to applying to Year 3 of the 4 -Year HBSW program. Please contact the School of Social Work's Academic Advisor for further information at (807) 343-8010 ext. 7205 (Thunder Bay), (705) 330-4010 ext 2617 (Orillia).

Most communities offer many opportunities to gain volunteer experience in social service settings including hospitals, nursing homes, Children's Aid, children's mental health services and correctional services. The Social Work faculty strongly urges all students to obtain some hands-on experience prior to applying for admission into the professional years of the program.

In Thunder Bay, Jenna Garlick is available to provide individual academic guidance to students throughout the program. As a relatively small program there is an opportunity for closer contact with faculty and other Social Work students. She can be reached at: (807) 343-8010 ext. 7205 or jdgarlic@lakeheadu.ca

In Orillia, Tess Casole will provide the same Academic Advising service.  She can be reached at: 705-330-4010 ext. 2617 or tcasole@lakeheadu.ca

The Social Work student association (S.W.S.A.) is open to all students majoring in Social Work. Through this organization, students meet and get acquainted with fellow classmates who have similar educational goals. The student association sponsors social activities, organizes volunteer projects in the community and has a voice in departmental academic issues.

For those students interested in long range educational planning, the School of Social Work also offers an exceptional post graduate Master of Social Work Program at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia Campus.

I trust this information may be helpful to you in your consideration of the H.B.S.W. program. If you have any additional questions about the program, please feel free to contact us at the campus of your choice using the "Contact Us" button.