Community Social Services - Transfer Student
Overview
You are motivated by the care and empathy you have for others.
Here, you’ll grow that compassion and sense of advocacy—expanding your impact from supporting individuals to influencing broader social and political change.
So, take this bold step toward building a better world. Go be a change maker.
Earn 2 Credentials
- Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services
- Social Service Worker Diploma
Your degree is granted by the University of Guelph and diploma by Humber Polytechnic. You must complete all four years of study to receive the credentials.
Highlights
- Dive into the real-world issues that shape people’s lives—mental health, social inequality and public policy
- Well-being is more than just health; learn how to help people flourish mentally, emotionally and socially
- In a world that’s placing more value than ever on mental health and social justice, prepare to lead that change
- If you have received 10 transfer credits for your diploma, you have fulfilled the required placement hours and do not complete placement
Social Services Work vs. Social Work
It’s important to understand that there is a difference between a Social Service Worker and Social Worker.
Our program grants you an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Community Social Services. This means you will be educated in social service work and can get registered as a Social Service Worker.
According to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, that regulates these professions:
- Social service workers assist clients in dealing with personal and social problems by delivering counselling, community services and social support programs.
- Social workers collaborate with their clients to address challenges through a process of assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation.
For the full description of differences in scopes of practice, places of employment and more, please visit the OCSWSSW website.
If you have any postsecondary education and you wish to apply to the University of Guelph-Humber, then you are a Transfer Applicant.
College block credit transfer pathways
Our college block credit transfer pathways allow you to move seamlessly with your college diploma into our honours degree program. We offer full-time and part-time programs for applicants eligible for our College Block Credit Transfer Pathways.
If you are in your final year of diploma completion, or have a completed diploma, in one of the recognized Ontario college diplomas listed below (or equivalent) with a minimum cumulative average of low to mid-70s, you are eligible for block transfer credit.
Recognized diplomas
- Child and Youth Care: 2 years (10.0 transfer credit)
- Developmental Services Worker: 2 years (10.0 transfer credit)
- Social Service Worker: 2 years (10.0 transfer credit)
- Community & Justice Services: Up to 1 year (5.5 – 7 transfer credits)
You may be eligible to receive 5.5 – 7 transfer credits for any two-year social/human-service related diploma not listed above. Centennial College graduates with an Addiction & Mental Health Worker diploma may receive 10.0 transfer credits based on diploma equivalency.
Please refer to ocswssw.org for details on other diploma equivalences.
If you are applying with a recognized diploma from outside of Ontario, you will be required to submit a professional portfolio to demonstrate your prior learning and experience. Guidelines for the portfolio will be emailed to you and noted on your WebAdvisor account after applying. The portfolio includes a resumé, philosophy statement and references.
Review the program overview documents to see the course sequencing that makes up the format you are interested in. Course scheduling is subject to change.
Get to know us better
Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship (SERC-GC)
Join SERC-GC: an undergraduate research centre—the first of its kind in the world. 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.
Participate in professional development
The CSS Symposium is an annual student-run event that gives you the opportunity to learn from invited practitioners and researchers in your field.
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My instructor really opened my eyes to different perspectives and made it fun to learn. If you want to further your knowledge about the social service field, Guelph-Humber is the place.
Future career options
- 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
Graduate school and further education
- 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.
If you don't see your career goal listed here, talk to us! There are many more options.
Instructors in the industry
You are largely taught by working practitioners in fields related to helping professions. Learn from their firsthand experience!
Supported learning
- Your classmates/cohort will move through the program together.
- Your Instructors open doors to diverse professional networks. Their mentorship can guide you to new opportunities.
- Your program team is eager to assist you. With everything in one building and a small student population, they’re a footstep or email away.
Safe spaces
Once you experience it, you’ll recognize it. U of GH creates a tremendous sense of safety through the support of Program Chairs, Instructors and staff. Feel comfortable to share your voice and care for your mental health.
Heading to law school
Graduate ready for Canadian law school or take advantage of our partnerships in England. Earn a senior status law degree (LLB) with City St George's, University of London in just two years without an LSAT requirement, or a Master of Law (LLM) through distance learning with the University of London in one year (full-time) or up to five years (part-time). Both with reduced tuition.
A step ahead
After graduation, take advantage of our partnership with the University of Guelph (in Guelph, Ontario) and pursue a Master of Science degree (MSc) in Management. Speak with Career and Placement Services for more information.