New Student Orientation for Fall 2010: click here
About Social Services
- 2-Year Diploma Program
- Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
- Apply for Admission: Forms and Information
The Program
The program provides advanced-level training for working in the social services field and is available on a full-time or a part-time basis. The program includes the following components:
- courses in addictions and addiction treatment, conflict resolution, leadership and supervision, community development, interpersonal skills, and special topics;
- elective courses drawn from a wide-ranging selection of elective options in many different disciplines relevant to the human services field.
The program uses workplace-based projects and assignments to help students integrate and apply classroom learning in practice.
Students who successfully complete the program will receive a Vancouver Island University diploma. Completion of the program also earns credit towards the Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care degree (available at VIU) and Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Victoria. For current credits, contact VIU’s Social Services Diploma Program Chair.
Students may also complete courses towards the diploma at the Cowichan campus.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the diploma program will gain skills to prepare them for work in a broad range of social services positions, including supervisory/administrative roles and more specialized direct service roles with community agencies, private service providers, and some government services.
Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with a minimum "C" grade, or equivalent.
- Interview.
- Volunteer or paid employment in the human services field.
- Resume and two current letters of reference.
- Submit a Personal Statement.
Notes on Admission
- Students who have completed a Human Services Certificate (e.g., Community Support Worker or Special Education Assistant) at VIU, or elsewhere, or have completed one or more years of University-level courses, may apply for advanced standing on a course-by-course basis. For further information, please contact the program Chair.
- Individuals who have gained knowledge and skills, through considerable experience in the field and through non-formal learning, may wish to explore Prior Learning Assessment towards credit.
- A criminal record check is required prior to practicum placements; a criminal record may limit practicum possibilities and work opportunities in the human services field.
Start Date and Application Deadline
The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications, program contacts, and scheduled information sessions check the Program Availability List.
Program Outline
YEAR 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
PSYC 121 - (Developmental Psychology I) or |
3 |
PSYC 122 - (Developmental Psychology II) or |
3 |
SOCW 200A - (Intro to Social Work Practice) or approved alternative |
3 |
SOCW 200B - (Intro to Social Welfare in Canada) or approved alternative |
3 |
SSER 211 - (Family Studies) |
3 |
6 |
|
Three approved** electives |
9 |
Total Credits |
30 |
* ENGL 115 and ENGL 125 are recommended.
** Electives must be chosen in consultation with program faculty.
YEAR 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
CYC 252A - (Interpersonal Communication Skills) |
3 |
CYC 252B - (Advanced Interpersonal Skills) |
3 |
6 |
|
Six courses chosen from: |
18 |
Total Credits |
30 |
Not all courses are offered each year.
Notes
- CYC 111 and 112 are not transferable to the B.S.W. program at the University of Victoria.
- SSER 281 and 282 (Practicum) are usually taken as a block between April and June (210 hours).
- Students wishing to ladder into the third year of VIU’s Bachelor of Child & Youth Care degree program should take CYC 201 and CYC 200A as electives.
Program Completion Requirements
To earn the diploma, students must:
- complete all required courses, and maintain a minimum “C” grade average;
- complete all requirements for program completion within a 5-year period.
Updated July 23, 2010