COURSE CURRICULUM

Laurier Brantford’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program combines a strong foundation in social work theory with practical, hands-on learning to prepare students for meaningful careers in supporting individuals, families, and communities. In the first year, students take core courses such as Introduction to Social Welfare, Introduction to Social Work: Values, Ethics and Practice, and Introduction to Indigenous Studies, which build knowledge of social systems, ethical frameworks, and the histories and perspectives of Indigenous communities. First-year electives allow students to explore complementary areas, including Mental Health Literacy, Introduction to Psychology, Studying Youth & Children, Human Rights and Human Diversity, and The Engaged Citizen: Social and Environmental Justice in the 21st Century, giving students a broad understanding of social issues and community needs. Upper-year courses focus on specialized skills and applied practice, with offerings such as Violence in Families, Responding to Global Crisis, Critical Disability Perspectives, Human Sexuality and Social Work, Child Welfare Practice, Creative Arts in Social Work Practice, Social Movements, Social Justice and Vulnerable Populations, and Health Care and Social Work Practice. Through this combination of theory, electives, and applied learning, students gain the expertise, critical thinking, and practical experience necessary to address systemic inequities, advocate for vulnerable populations, and succeed in professional social work roles across diverse local and global contexts.