COURSE CURRICULUM

The Social Service Worker diploma is structured over four semesters, combining foundational courses, practical experience, and electives to prepare students for community-based social service roles. In Semester I, students take key introductory courses such as Professional Communication (CMNS 125 or ENGL 105), Interpersonal Communications for Human Services (HSER 120), Introduction to Indigenous-Centred Human Services (HSER 140), Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101 or 102), and Social Work and Social Services (SOWK 110). Semester II includes a seven-credit Social Service Worker Practicum I (HSER 130), Introductory Sociology (SOC 101), and two university-level electives to broaden knowledge. Semester III builds on professional skills with Professional Report Writing (CMNS 251), Interview and Assessment Skills (HSER 200), Human Behaviour and the Social Environment (SOWK 225 or PSYC 250), Social Work Practice with Families (SOWK 283), and Introduction to Mental Health and Substance Use (SOWK 297). In the final semester, students complete Social Service Worker Practicum II (HSER 230) for seven credits, Social Welfare Introduction (SOWK 210), and two more university-level electives, rounding out the diploma with 62 credits. This blend of theory, communication skills, applied psychology, social work principles, and hands-on practicum experience equips graduates with a solid foundation for work in diverse social service settings.