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Community Social Services
Why study CSS at UofGH?
Find out why students just like you chose the University of Guelph-Humber.
Focused Academic Program
Overall
Foster knowledge and skills to improve the lives of diverse populations. Contribute in a meaningful way to improving lives and changing society. Explore current social issues and understand the challenges faced by vulnerable populations so you can learn how to deliver impactful services, such as counselling, mediation and crisis intervention.
Years 1 & 2
Courses in your first year focus on understanding human behaviour and issues related to individuals, families and groups. In your second year, you will engage in theoretical and practical studies in counselling, ethical and professional issues, and working with various client populations.
You may choose to focus on one of two areas of emphasis: Mental Health & Addictions or Youth & Families.
Years 3 & 4
In your upper years, you will work with diverse groups and learn theory and techniques in areas such as family therapy, case management and crisis intervention.
Build strong clinical skills that exceed the industry standard for undergraduate education. Learn basic communication competencies to more in-depth therapeutic interventions for individual, group and family counselling.You will practise interviewing, counselling, crisis intervention, mediation and conflict resolution.
Graduate with important skills in social services—how to listen, how to support someone, understanding boundaries, professionalism, cultural awareness, compassion, global citizenship and self-care.
In your final semester, apply for registration as a Social Service Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
Areas of Emphasis
Choosing one of the following areas of emphasis (AOE) will focus your studies even more! You can start taking AOE courses as early as your first year (winter semester). For graduation, you will declare the AOE in your third year, heading into your final year of studies.
Mental Health and Addictions: Focus on enhancing your knowledge and skill in a range of issues related to working in the field of mental health and addictions. If you are interested in learning about theory, research, assessment, best practices/interventions, and current issues related to mental health and addictions, then you will benefit from this area of emphasis.
Youth and Families: Focus on enhancing your knowledge and skill in a range of issues related to working with youth and families. If you are interested in learning about theory, research, assessment, best practices/interventions, and current issues related to youth and families, then you will benefit from this area of emphasis.
First-year Courses
- Couple & Family Dynamics
- CSS Writing & Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Introductory Psychology: Dynamics
- Issues in Advocacy & Social Justice
- Principles of Sociology
- Social Issues & Social Environments
- Social Work in Canada
- The Political Process & Social Work
- General elective or restricted elective
Close to 800 Hours of Experiential Learning
0 hrs Foundation Practicum
Year 2, Winter:Participate in a job-shadowing experience under the direct supervision of a social services professional
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0 hrs Intermediate Practicum
Year 3, Fall/Winter:Gain in-depth experience with various agency functions by interacting with staff, volunteers, clients and the community
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0 hrs Advanced Practicum
Year 4, Fall/Winter:Solidify your knowledge and skills in client services as you prepare for a career in social services or post-graduate education
Past practicum placements include:
- Addiction centres
- Children’s mental health centres
- Correctional facilities
- Crisis counselling lines
- Employment centres
- Probation and parole centres
- School settings
- Seniors' residences
- Settlement agencies
- Youth drop-in centres
Note: You will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to each placement.
Sample Careers & Further Education
- Addictions Coordinator
- Case Manager
- Community Support Worker
- Community Youth Worker
- Crisis Counsellor
- Family & Community Mediator
- Family Support Coordinator
- Hospice Support Worker
- Intensive Behaviour Therapist
- Mental Health Worker
- Parole Officer
- Residential Youth Worker
- Social Service Coordinator
- Social Worker
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Bachelor/Master of Social Work
- Bachelor/Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration
- Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies
- Law School
- Postgraduate Certificate in Addictions & Mental Health
- Master of Education in Counselling Psychotherapy
- PhD in Social Justice Education
Note: Some careers and entry into further education may require additional study.
Opportunities
Participate in professional development
The See | Change Symposium is an annual student-run event that gives you the opportunity to learn from invited practitioners and researchers in your field.
CSS Model United Nations
Take on simulated roles as international delegates at conferences to debate current global issues with students from around the world. Gain hands-on experience in international relations, current events and examining political issues as you improve your public speaking, debating and collaboration skills.
A future in law
Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with The City Law School in just two years without an LSAT requirement or a Master of Laws (LLM) through distance learning with University of London in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.
The Graduate Entry LLB (Hons) program attracts students from all over the world—many from Canada. Follow in the footsteps of renowned alumni such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.
Research as an undergraduate
If research interests you, get to know the many research opportunities inside and outside of class. Get paid and conduct research as a Research Assistant with instructors funded by the University’s Research Grant Fund.
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Apply classroom knowledge
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Develop skills in conducting experiments, research and data collection
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Contribute to research publications
Global Learning Opportunities
Through instructor-guided study tours, you experience concepts discussed in class. Because these courses are partially subsidized by the University, the opportunities are within reach. You may also be eligible for a travel grant, ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.
Past highlights include:
Denmark
Visiting outdoor classrooms in Odense where children interact with nature: an example of Denmark’s unique contribution to child development
Japan
Learning about Soka education — a philosophy of well-being and global citizenship in Japan
New Zealand
Exploring the interplay between sport, health and culture in New Zealand’s Australasian society
Italy
Immersing in the Italian food experience from production to consumption in Italy, including a visit to the world's first food theme park
Ecuador
Heading to the Galápagos Islands and inland Ecuador to study "eco-psychology" — the attitudes, perceptions and behaviour of people toward the environment
Get Involved
Societies
Societies are related to our seven academic programs and offer a realm of activities outside of class. They can help you develop leadership skills, gain professional experience and network. Get involved with the CSS Society! Check out our Clubs and Societies page.
Agora Fellowship
Be a part of the Agora Fellowship: a select group of students who discuss ideas and themes from renowned books in a regular forum led by Dr. George Bragues. Build your extracurricular experience. Every year, the Fellowship takes a trip related to their current topics; destinations have included Boston, Montreal, New York and Washington.
Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship
Join the Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship: a global undergraduate research project—the first of its kind in the world—led by Community Social Services Program Head Dr. Paul Sherman. Explore how to nurture human potential and happiness for the greater benefit of humankind through the study of Soka (value-creating) education and global citizenship. Travel as a Research Assistant to present study results at professional symposiums.
