Are you ready to make a difference? If you are the type of person who would like to counsel children with behavioral difficulties or work with seniors, run a homeless shelter or treat addictions, promote workplace diversity then welfare policy — all to help people function at their best in society. That would make you an ideal social welfare major or minor. The undergraduate social welfare program teaches you how to advance social, economic, and environmental justice and to serve people who are vulnerable, marginalized, and oppressed. You will gain firsthand experience working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and/or communities to create change and improve social conditions.  

University programs in welfare studies prepare undergraduates who contribute to improving the quality of human life and society by providing them with solutions to problems related to mankind, society, and their transactions. To this end, various schools of welfare studies are strongly committed to becoming the “center of practical science” through their rigorous research and academic programs.

Applicants from non-English speaking backgrounds who have less than 2 years of high school education in an English-speaking country must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English with an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 across each of the bands of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. But this requirement may vary depending on the university you are going to apply to. Make sure to check out the entry requirement below.

Undergraduate programs in welfare studies consist of lectures on intercultural practices, ethical reflections, cultural diversity, and social and family studies. Particular emphasis is placed on social justice and human rights as the basis for community welfare practice. Core units focus on counseling, case management, mental health, human services, research, youth work, disability, and community development. Elective units also provide an opportunity for you to pursue other areas of interest. You will enhance your communication skills with a view to delivering great outcomes across community welfare practice. You will also gain on-the-job experience through extensive placements, working with individuals and organizations that share your commitment and are working to improve people's lives.

While earning your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Social Welfare degree, you may apply for acceptance to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The diploma is intended for people in practice who wish to develop their professional knowledge and skills through a specialized program of study, consistent with good principles of applied professional training. It prepares graduates for senior-level and specialist practice in social services, research, and policy analysis. 

An MSW degree usually requires two full academic years of training, but the advanced-placed student can complete the MSW through a condensed program that begins in the summer and is followed by just one academic year. In some universities, an advanced standing option is open to you for up to six years after you finish the undergraduate program.

As a graduate of Community Welfare, you can look forward to career opportunities in community development, policy development, human services, and case management.