Social Work

scenic view over river

Practice social work in northern and remote communities.

Accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree places special emphasis on the social needs, values and aspirations of Yukon First Nations.

Qualified Indigenous applicants are given first priority for enrollment in the Social Work program at Yukon University.

Program description

Yukon University offers, in partnership with the University of Regina, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. The University of Regina grants the degree and the program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

The BSW program provides students with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to practice social work in northern and remote communities. Particular attention is given to the social needs, values and aspirations of Yukon First Nations.

The program uses practicums and a cultural camp to further enhance the educational experience.

Applying

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a BSW Information Session prior to applying to the program. Dates for these sessions are listed on the BSW web page.

The application deadline for fall 2024 term is April 14th, 2024. There is one intake per year and seats in the program are limited. Half the seats are reserved for qualified Indigenous applicants.

Applying to the program involves applying to Yukon University, completing a comprehensive BSW Application that includes several documents, and if you meet the criteria, an interview.

Please follow the steps chronologically. We encourage you to submit your completed BSW Application in advance of the deadline.

Step 1:  Apply online to Yukon University

  • Select "Partnership Programs"
  • Specify "BSW" as the program
  • Submit your official transcripts
  • Pay your registration fee

Apply Now


Step 2:  Once you've completed Yukon U Application, please complete the BSW Application Package. Which includes the following documents:

 BSW Application Package

  • Checklist of academic prerequisites
  • A written personal statement; follow the guidelines provided
  • A list of three references. Reference forms and instructions are provided. References are to be sent directly to Admissions by referees.
  • A current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
  • A current resume that includes work and volunteer experience
  • Forward your completed application by email or mail to Yukon University - Admissions Office

Step 3:  Submit the BSW Application by April 14th, 2024

Please scan documents and email to: admissions@yukonu.ca


Step 4:  Application review

Completed BSW Admission packages are typically reviewed within four weeks by Admissions. Applicants who do not meet the criteria will be informed by Admissions.


The following steps apply for applicants who meet the admission criteria:

Step 5:  BSW interview

Applicants who meet the admission criteria will be interviewed by program faculty and community-based social workers in April and early May. Applicants must achieve a satisfactory interview score to be accepted to the program. Seats are limited and half of the seats are reserved for Indigenous applicants who meet the admission criteria.


Step 6:  Decision about Yukon University admission

Applicants who were interviewed will be informed in writing by Yukon University Admissions about the outcome of their application.


Step 7:  Successful applicants

There is a mandatory orientation session. Registration with the University of Regina, transfer credit and registration in Yukon University social work courses will be discussed at this time.  

 

Admission requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 30 university credit hours prior to admissions to BSW and obtain an average of 70%.

The following courses must be completed as part of the 30 university credit hours:

  • English 100 Level (3 credits)
  • English 100 level, or higher (3 credits)*
  • Social Work 200 (3 credits)
  • general university studies (21 credits)

*A 70% combined average is required for these English courses.

Half the seats will be reserved for qualified Indigenous students.

Information sessions

The Bachelor of Social Work Program offers a monthly opportunity to join an 'Online Information Session' about the program. Information on admission and graduation requirements, as well as the application process will be covered. The meeting is held via Zoom on the following dates:

2023

  • Sept 6
  • Oct 11
  • Nov 8
  • Dec 13

2024

  • Jan 10
  • Feb 14
  • March 13
  • March 27

All meetings are from 12:00pm to 1:00pm via Zoom.

To register for any of the information sessions listed above please see link below to sign up, 

https://calendly.com/jaslett/bsw-information-session

 

Application deadline: for fall 2023 intake closed on April 14th, 2023. Next intake is for fall 2024 admission.

 

 

Other requirements
  • Completion of a BSW program application.
  • A criminal records check(s). Criteria is provided in the BSW application. Please anticipate a minimum of three weeks for completion. 
  • Three letters of reference; references from relatives are not accepted.

Applicants who meet the above criteria may be selected for a panel interview.

  • Candidates’ interviews are scored and ranked.
  • Following completion of interviews, all applicants will be notified of their results.
  • Successful applicants will be invited to a BSW orientation and registration session in May, at which time they will apply for admission to the University of Regina. Course advising and registration for the fall will occur once the student has also been accepted to the University of Regina.
Graduation requirements

Students admitted into the BSW after March 1st , 2014 must meet the following graduation requirements.

General University Studies (60 credits)
A minimum 65% GPA is required in General University Studies for graduation. 

Required General University Studies Courses:

  • English 100 level  (3 credits)
  • English 100 level, or higher  (3 credits)
  • History 140 History of Yukon First Nations and Self -Government  (3 credits)
  • Psychology 100 level  (3 credits)
  • Psychology 100 level, or higher  (3 credits)
  • Sociology 100 level  (3 credits)

Electives

  • General University Studies, unspecified  (42 credits)

Social Work Studies (60 credits)
A minimum 70% GPA is required in Social Work Studies for graduation.

Required Social Work courses:

  • Social Work 200 Introduction to Social Work  (3 credits)
  • Social Work 346 Social Work Practice I  (3 credits)
  • Social Work 347 Social Work Practice II  (3 credits)
  • Social Work 348 Social Work Practicum I  (6 credits)
  • Social Work 352 Cultural Camp (6 credits)
  • Social Work 389 Cultural Competence for Northern Social Work Practice  ( 3 credits)
  • Social Work 390 Communication Skills in Social Work Practice (3 credits)
  • Social Work 414 Child Welfare Practice  (3 credits)
  • Social Work 421 Human Development in a Social Context  (3 credits)
  • Social Work 448 Social Work Practicum II  (15 credits)

One of:

  • Social Work 451 Social Work Research  (3 credits)

Or

  • Social Work 469 Social Policy  (3 credits)
  • Social Work Electives  (9 electives)
Yukon First Nations Core Competency

Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.

For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency

Transferability

Please check with the School of Health, Education and Human Services and University of Regina.

Career opportunities

Social work graduates are employed primarily by the Yukon Government, First Nations governments and non-governmental social service organizations.

Fields of practice include:

  • family service
  • justice
  • child welfare
  • addictions
  • health care
  • mental health
  • public welfare
  • community development

Social workers are often involved in counselling, case management, advocacy, education, social policy and program development.

Money matters

Fees

Tuition for credit programs is calculated per course credit. See money matters for more information.

Some programs and courses have additional fees -  see Ancillary Fees.


Student financial awards

Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.


Financial assistance

There are government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.

See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.

Program Guides

A program planning guide lays out the courses and requirements needed to graduate from a particular program. It guides you through course selection options for each term, provides a sample program pathway and acts as a tool to track your progress.

Courses

History

Core
Title Campus Scheduled
HIST 140 - History of Yukon First Nations and Self-Government Online/Video
W
S

Program Elective: one required

First year

Field Course

Second year

Core
Title Campus Scheduled
SW 348 - Social Work Practicum 1 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W

Third year

Core
Title Campus Scheduled
SW 448 - Social Work Practicum 2

Sociology Open Electives

Elective
Title Campus Scheduled
SOCI 100 - Introduction to Sociology Online/Video
S
SOCI 103 - Canadian Society
SOCI 104 - Social Problems Online/Video, Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W

University Studies Open Electives

Elective
Title Campus Scheduled
ANTH 101 - Biological Anthropology
ANTH 102 - Survey of World Prehistory Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
ANTH 103 - Introduction to Archaeology
ANTH 140 - Introduction to the Fields of Anthropology
ANTH 300 - Anthropology of Gender
ASTR 100 - Introduction to Astronomy Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
ATHA 101 - Introduction to Native Languages I
ATHA 102 - Introduction to Native Languages 2
BIOL 101 - Ecology, Evolution and Diversity
BIOL 102 - Cellular Biology and Physiology Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
BIOL 210 - Introduction to Northern Botany
BIOL 220 - Ecology
BIOL 225 - Ornithology - Introduction to the Biology of Birds Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
BIOL 290 - Beringia: Its Pleistocene Environment and Paleoecology
CHEM 110 - The Structure of Matter
CRWR 201 - Introduction to Creative Writing 1 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
CRWR 202 - Introduction to Creative Writing 2
CRWR 242 - Creative Non-Fiction Workshop
ECON 100 - Introduction to Microeconomics
ECON 101 - Introduction to Macroeconomics Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
ENST 200 - Environmental Perspectives
ENST 201 - Environmental Ethics Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
ENVS 100 - Introduction to Environmental Science 1
ENVS 101 - Introduction to Environmental Science 2 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
ENVS 225 - Environmental Change and Fish and Wildlife Health
ENVS 227 - Yukon Source Water Protection and Watershed Stewardship Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
FNST 140 - Preservation of Traditional Knowledge
GEOG 101 - Earth Systems: Atmosphere and Climate
GEOG 102 - Earth Systems: Landscapes and Natural Hazards Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
GEOG 220 - The Circumpolar North
GEOG 290 - Climate Change and the Circumpolar World
HIST 120 - European History 1
HIST 121 - European History 2
HIST 135 - Canadian History to 1867
HIST 136 - Canadian History - Confederation to the Present
LANG 140 - Language and Culture Preservation
LANG 240 - Language Activism Online/Video
W
LEAD 110 - Introduction to Business Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
MATH 100 - Single Variable Calculus 1
MATH 101 - Single Variable Calculus 2 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
MATH 105 - Introductory Statistics
NOST 101 - The Circumpolar World Online/Video
W
S
NOST 201 - The Natural History of the North
NOST 202 - Social History of the North
NOST 229 - Special Topics in Northern Studies Whitehorse (Ayamdigut), Online/Video
W
S
PHIL 111 - History of Western Philosophy Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
PHIL 120 - Introduction to Ethics
PHYS 101 - Elementary Physics 1
PHYS 102 - Elementary Physics 2 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
POLI 201 - Introduction to Political Thought
POLI 230 - Indigenous Political Thought
SOCI 203 - Sociology of the Family
SOCI 209 - Society, Technology and Values
SOCI 227 - Research Methods in the Social Sciences
THEA 200 - Introduction to Acting 1 Whitehorse (Ayamdigut)
W
WGST 100 - Introduction to Women's Studies 1
WGST 101 - Introduction to Women's Studies 2 Online/Video
W
WGST 200 - Women and Social Change
WGST 202 - Women in Indigenous Societies
WGST 240 - The Study of Men and Masculinities 1 Online/Video
W
WGST 241 - The Study of Men and Masculinities II