Bachelor of Social Work (Post-Degree)
Embark on an enriching path towards becoming a professional social worker with a degree tailored to refine your skills and expertise in making a positive impact on individuals and communities. Our program is open to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and is offered through our two-year BSW post-degree program.
Students will learn methods for analyzing personal, community, family, and societal issues, as well as an understanding of the impact of social work and social welfare institutions on these challenges. Additionally, participants acquire practical skills in areas such as interviewing, counseling, community development, social action, and advocacy.
The School of Social Work is dedicated to providing undergraduate students with the essential environment and educational resources required to prepare them for the expansive field of social work practice. Our curriculum is firmly grounded in the pursuit of social justice principles.
Social workers are employed across a wide range of sectors, providing crucial assistance and advocacy to individuals, families, and communities. They are active in fields such as healthcare, child welfare, mental health, education, community development, criminal justice, aging and gerontology, substance abuse and addiction, hospice and palliative care, as well as international development.
Program Details
Typical Entry Term
Fall (September)
Program Options
Full-time or part-time
Program Length
Two years (full-time)
Program Format
Course-based & Placement-based
Expandable List
Completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university, including six units of Introductory Social Work or Sociology and six additional units of introductory level courses from the Course List (or equivalent). Applicants must have a minimum average of 6.0 on the most recent 30 units (five full credits) of university-level courses completed and evidence of personal suitability that may be evaluated by one or a combination of written statements, tests or interviews.
View our admissions process and mandatory application components for the BSW (Post-Degree) program on our Admissions & Applications page.
The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Social Work (Post-Degree) (BSW).
Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)
Level I Courses
- SOCWORK 1AA3: So You Think You Can Help? Introduction to Social Work I
- SOCWORK 1BB3: Re-imagining Help: Introduction to Social Work II
Level II Courses
- SOCWORK 2CC3: Introduction to Community Practice
- SOCWORK 2A06 A/B: Theory, Process and Communication Skills for Social Work
- SOCWORK 2BB3: Anti-Oppressive Social Work
Level III Courses
- SOCWORK 3E03: Individual Practice Across the Lifespan
- SOCWORK 3D06/3DD6: General Social Work I & Field Practicum I
Level IV Courses
- SOCWORK 4X03: SW with Families
- SOCWORK 4ZZ3: General Welfare
- SOCWORK 4D06/4DD6: General Social Work II and Field Practicum II
BSW in Social Work Post Degree graduates enjoy success beyond the classroom
Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021.
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Customize Your Studies
Our flexible degrees let you study your way.
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Field Education Explore Field Education Opportunities
Gain valuable workplace experience from practitioners in human services settings.
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Social Work Program Course Calendar View Course Calendar
The School of Social Work course calendar is an essential resources for choosing your courses.
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Internships Learn More
Apply to an internship and begin building your professional network.
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Student Research Learn More
Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and get paid to conduct research.
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Minors View Minors
Add a minor to your studies to differentiate yourself in the workplace.
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Study Abroad Learn More
Take your studies beyond Canada. McMaster has exchange agreements with 100+ universities.
Questions about the Bachelor of Social Work (Post-Degree)?
Contact Us
Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries
Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries
Email: oconnell@mcmaster.ca
Office Location
Department of Social Work
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 319
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Office Hours
Monday – Friday:
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM