University of Guelph-Humber

No matter where they’re located, social service professionals interested in advancing their education can now attend the University of Guelph-Humber.

With the Family & Community Social Services’ new online course option, students can now enroll without stepping foot on UofGH’s Toronto campus.

The new course option will allow hopeful students with a recognized college diploma and a minimum of three years related work experience to attain an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Community Social Services in two and a half years of online coursework.

“We’ve created a pathway for people who want to get their degrees but basically can’t come to campus, so now we’re talking about a much greater reach for the program,” said Family & Community Social Services Program Head Paul Sherman. “It’s not just the greater Toronto area, but theoretically, anywhere around the world.

“You just need a computer and internet service.”

The new online study option might appeal not only to out-of-town students, but also professionals whose work schedules simply don’t allow much flexibility.

Since many in the field might work unusual hours, it might not have been possible for some to continue their education without the fully online study option.

“Many people who work as social service workers, child and youth workers, or developmental service workers do shift work, and much of it is on the weekend,” Prof. Sherman said. “They don’t have a lot of control over their work schedules. These are people who can take advantage of an online course.

“Here’s an example: someone is working the evening shift, say 12 to 8 in the morning, in a residential program. Most of the residents are sleeping at that time, so there’s plenty of downtime. That might be an opportunity to get on your computer and do your online coursework. It would fit in really well with their schedule.”

The “hybrid” study option, which allows students to complete more than half their courses online while attending class two weekends per course, is still available for students who prefer some on-campus learning.

Visit the University of Guelph-Humber campus for a Family & Community Social Services Degree Compleition information session on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m., where staff, faculty and current students will be on hand to answer questions, or sign up for a webinar on April 6 at 7 p.m.

Learn more about Family & Community Social Services Degree Completion at the University of Guelph-Humber.