Social Service Worker Applied Diploma

Diploma
Also available as:
TYPE:
  • Part Time
  • Full Time
LENGTH: 2 years
CAMPUS: Prince George
FEES: Estimated at $7,244
START DATE: Fall 2025
DELIVERY:
  • In Class
Application Status

 Applications still open.

  • Overview
  • Courses
  • Location & Dates
  • Entry Requirements
  • Fees

Overview

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career helping people in need? Earn a career in Social Services with a Social Service Worker Diploma from ²ÝÁñÉçÇø. As a Social Service Worker, you will work with a variety of individuals needing social assistance, on a daily basis.

Careers

Upon completion of this program, you can find work in a variety of areas including but not limited to:

  • residential child case services
  • residential adult care services
  • women’s and men’s programs
  • group homes
  • shelters
  • First Nations social services organizations

What you will learn

There is an option to either complete the Diploma or the Certificate program in Social Services. Students at the diploma level work in situations requiring greater independence and a higher level of skill than expected in the Social Service Worker Certificate.

Social Service Worker Applied Diploma Courses

With a two year Social Service Worker Applied Diploma, you can find work in residential child/adult care services, women's and men's programs, group homes, shelters, First Nations social services organizations, and more. Students at the diploma level work in situations requiring greater independence and a higher level of skill than expected in the Social Service Worker Certificate.

Required Courses

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
ENGL-103 Composition & Style 3 15 weeks
ABST-100 Yinka Dene Worldview 3 15 weeks
KINS-100 Personal Health and Wellness 3 15 weeks
PSYC-101 Introduction to Psychology I 3 15 weeks
SOC-230 Critical Perspectives on Contemporary Families 3 15 weeks
SOC-101 Intro. to Sociology I 3 15 weeks
SSWK-142 Helping Skills Practical Appl. Applications 3 15 weeks
SSWK-145 Communication & Interpersonal Relationship Skills 3 15 weeks
SSWK-151 Social Welfare Policy 3 15 weeks
SSWK-171 Intro to Social Work Practice 3 15 weeks
SSWK-195 Issues Principles Fieldwork 3 15 weeks
SSWK-241 Group Process and Practice 3 15 weeks

Electives

  • SSWK 186 or SSWK 196
  • Any three SSWK Electives
  • Any two of the following: CASS 120, CASS 130, CASS 150, CASS 160,
    ECCL 150, ECCL 156, ECCL 175, FASD 301, or any SSWK electives.
COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH

Locations & Dates

²ÝÁñÉçÇø programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.

START DATE CAMPUS DELIVERY LENGTH
Fall 2025 Prince George In Class 2 years

Entry Requirements

  • High school graduation or equivalent
  • English Studies 12, or English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 050, or ENGL 051, or equivalent (minimum “C”).
  • Completion of application package.

Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.

Once accepted into the program, the student must complete a criminal record search. A search which identifies relevant criminal convictions may prevent them from registering for practicum. Practicum is required for graduation.

It is recommended that all successful candidates have current:

  • TB testing and a complete immunization regime as per Northern Health recommendations for health and social service worker students.
  • Emergency level first aid
  • FoodSafe certification
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention certification
  • Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification
  • Valid class 5 driver’s license

These recommendations are considered assets for employment in the Social Service Worker field. All costs associated with certifications, courses and/or documentation requirements are the student’s responsibility.

Limited admission

If there is room in the program, the student will be accepted once they have met all the admission requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If the student qualifies after the program is full, they will be put on a wait list.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Based on skills and knowledge acquired through life and/or work experience, students may be able to obtain course credits in the Social Services Worker Program. Through an assessment process, students applying for PLAR credit will document and demonstrate their capabilities based on identified competencies and the learning objectives of the SSWK course for which they seek credit.

This option applies to SSWK 195 and SSWK 186/196, the first-year practicum components of the program. To explore this option, please see a ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Academic Advisor for assistance with initiating a Prior Learning Assessment application. Applications will be considered per institutional policy.

For more information, please contact ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Academic Advising or your local campus for more details.

Invest in your future

The estimated cost for this program is $7,244. 
  • Year 1: $3,765
  • Year 2: $3,480

These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.

Books for this program can be purchased from the .

Paying for college

We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through ²ÝÁñÉçÇø. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.

Salaries and employment

Looking for a job? Check the .