Social Work Partnerships

Bridging the gap between local expertise and academic excellence through innovative, flexible, and culturally rooted education.

At Algoma University, we believe that geography should never be a barrier to education. Our partnerships are designed specifically for those who are rooted in their communities and ready to lead. By blending remote access with intensive, block-based learning, we provide a pathway for Social Service Worker diploma holders to earn an Accelerated Honours Bachelor of Social Work without leaving the regions they serve. This is education designed for the working professional, the community leader, and the change-maker.

Yashoda Fernando
Off-site Program Coordinator
[email protected]

Algoma University offers an Accelerated HBSW program for diploma holders (min. 3.0 GPA) seeking careers in social work. Designed to support learners in northern, remote, Indigenous, and Franco-Ontarian communities, the program emphasizes social justice and anti-oppressive practice.

Program Highlights

  • Blended delivery: online evening classes + in-person intensive blocks (Thunder Bay)
  • Community-based, culturally responsive learning
  • Experiential, interactive instruction
  • Strong focus on underserved populations

Field Placements

  • Hands-on experience in:
  • Social services, clinical, policy, and education sectors
  • Focus areas include mental health, child welfare, elder support, crisis response, and more

Admission & Outcomes

  • Diploma + 3.0 GPA required
  • Graduates earn an Honours BSW, qualify for OCSW registration, and are prepared for generalist practice

In partnership with Omushkego Education and Payukotayno- James & Hudson Bay Family Services, this program is designed specifically for learners in Northern Ontario.

Students will complete field placements locally, allowing them to develop practical experience while contributing meaningfully to their own communities.

Remote Access Education

Courses are delivered remotely, providing flexible, accessible learning options for adult and working professionals.

Aligned with Community Calendars

We work closely with local partners to align course schedules with community events and needs, ensuring students can balance education with personal and cultural responsibilities.

Block Plan Scheduling

The Block Delivery Model allows students to complete one course at a time in a focused, intensive format – making post-secondary education more accessible for adult learners, working professionals, and those with family or community responsibilities.

Key Features

  • Designed to align with community calendars, ensuring education fits with local events and seasonal rhythms.
  • Strong student interest and research support the block model’s effectiveness in improving: Accessibility, Academic success, and Engagement.

This flexible model supports learners in staying focused, reducing scheduling conflicts, and balancing life with education, one course at a time.



admission-bachelor-of-social-work
Admissions

You can apply from high school, college, university or as a mature student.

high employability
Field Placement

Apply your classroom learning to real-life work!

placement settings
Pathways

Complete your degree in just two years by transferring significant credits!