Welcome to THE School Of Social Work
UBC consistently ranks among the top 3 universities in Canada [1] and the top 40 universities world-wide [2]. UBC Okanagan offers a one and two year MSW for those with a BSW (one year MSW) or other undergraduate degree (2 year MSW). There are over 55,000 social workers in Canada [3], and labour market demand is strong for the profession [4] across the country [5].
Our MSW program integrates critical, structural, and social-relational perspectives with clinical knowledge and expertise; and our graduates enter the job market with specialized knowledge and evidence-based expertise. Our programs are fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), having recently been awarded an 8-year accreditation [6].
UBC social work faculty on both campuses were recently recognized as being the third most cited in Canada [7]. Ours is one of the few MSW programs in Canada that teaches exclusively direct or clinical practice. Our scale is small, enabling us to be a boutique clinical program, preparing students for employment in broad areas of health and human service practice.
We are a faculty of dedicated instructors and scholars, who are committed to your professional and occupational success.
If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at ask.socialwork@ubc.ca or better yet make an appointment and learn more about one of the country’s finest schools of social work.
Judy Gillespie,
Director of the School of Social Work
Mission Statement
To deliver quality graduate-level clinically focused social work education, and to produce high impact internationally recognized research, both intended to respond to the diverse needs of social work clients.
We Value
Accountability
We promote a culture of mutual accountability, integrity, ownership, and transparency.
Appreciation for Different Perspectives
We welcome diverse ways of understanding, knowing, teaching, and learning and take a respectful, scholarly approach to understand the differences.
Empowerment
We strive to empower clients through advancements in social work scholarship and education.
Leadership and Healthy Relationships
We encourage all members of the School – students, staff, and faculty – to initiate action towards positive change, collaborate fully and constructively, and foster healthy supportive relationships among all groups.
Respect for Human Diversity
We treat all members of the School and its communities – students, staff, faculty, field educators, and community partners – with respect and dignity, regardless of their ability, age, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, political ideology, race, religion, sexual orientation, social condition, and all intersectionalities of life.
Social Justice
We pursue social justice, advocate for positive social change, and protect the human rights of individuals, families, and communities in all aspects of our teaching, research, and service.
Work Ethic
We value purposeful productivity and are committed to enhancing and improving our research, teaching, and service.
Events and News Updates
Explore what’s happening in the School of Social Work.
CLINICAL PROGRAM AND CURRICULUM
Learn about graduate social work education at UBC Okanagan.