Academic Handbook & Student Policies

All Social Work students are required to follow the School's policies and broader York University policies. Please familiarize yourself with these. See the links below for more information.

Quick Links

Student Professional Behaviour Policy (PDF)

Given the professional trajectory of the BSW degree, a professional standard of behaviour is expected from Social Work students.

School of Social Work Attendance Statement (PDF)

Participation is central to teaching and learning at the School of Social Work.

2024-25 Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Find the degree requirements you will need to meet in your journey as a BSW student.

A female student sits at a desk and smiles at the camera

Social Work (Direct Entry High School)

The Bachelor of Social Work Direct Entry option allows students who have graduated from high school to enter the first year of the program. Click the image above to see the Degree Pathway.

Social Work (Direct Entry University College/Transfer)

Eligible community college students can join the Bachelor of Social Work at the second-year level. Click the image above to see the Degree Pathway.

Social Work (Post-Degree)

The Bachelor of Social Work Post-Degree Entry option admits students who have completed at least a three-year undergraduate degree (90 credits); these individuals enter the program at the third-year level. Click the image above to see the Degree Pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you can take fewer than five courses. However, if you plan to graduate in four years, you must make these up in summer sessions or take more than four years to graduate.

You need to have a GPA of 5.0 (C+) with no courses in Social Work under a C.

Full-time undergraduate students are defined as those taking nine credits or more per academic term.

These requirements need to be taken in the first 48 credits of the degree.

You can complete the program in four years by following the recommended course sequence plan in the Credit Completion Requirements section of the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. You should also discuss this further with your Academic Advisor.

All students must take SOWK 4020 with the practicum.

No, these courses are general interest courses for non-Social Work students. BSW students should not take these courses. You can enroll in other Social Work elective courses (i.e., non-core courses) concerning these topics.

Community college diplomas from designated programs will exempt incoming students from having to complete SOWK 1011.

When you are accepted into the BSW, an Academic Advisor can discuss with you what transfer credits you have been awarded by Admissions based on your prior studies.

Depending on your transfer credits, you may be given permission to take these courses concurrently. Please contact our office for assistance at upasowk@yorku.ca.

No. The Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) standards require a 700-hour placement for BSW students.