Social Services & Well-Being Studies

Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Social Services & Well-Being Studies, University of Guelph
Social Service Worker Diploma, Humber Polytechnic

750 hours of work placement
Research opportunities
Simulated learning lab
Mental Health First Aid certification

4-year program, on campus FT
2 - 4 years, transfer, on campus FT
2.5 years, transfer, online PT

Explore Social Services & Well-Being Studies

Be a change-maker. Shape a future in which your work makes a real difference.

At U of GH we take a holistic approach to social services and well-being. Led by instructors who are experienced practitioners, you’ll learn counselling, crisis intervention, and group facilitation to support people in complex situations. You develop the skills to support individuals and strengthen communities, and professional, transferable skills that open doors to a wide range of careers, from direct practice and community work to policy and research, to graduate studies.

With personalized support for placements, career planning, and graduate pathways, you don't just prepare, you gain the experience and direction to step into social services. If you're driven to make impact, you'll find your place here.

Specializations

You have the option to focus your studies through one of two specializations.

Mental Health Practice

Learn about theory, research, assessment, best practices and interventions, and current issues related to mental health.

Courses include Mental Health & Addictions; Indigenous Mental Health: A Global Perspective; and Honours Thesis.

Youth & Families

Learn about child and adolescent development and how best to support families through mediation and conflict resolution.

Courses include Supporting Families: Research & Applications; Family Theory & Therapy; and Honours Thesis.

Work Experience

U of GH was the first university in Ontario to recognize that combining academic excellence with practical, applied learning creates graduates who are ready to make an impact from day one. It’s what we do best; It’s what has defined us for 25 years.

Complete your degree requirement for work experience through year-long placements in your third and fourth years (total of 750 hours), and step into real-world roles, build powerful professional networks, and sharpen the interpersonal skills that employers value most.

Placement partners

Addiction centres
Children's mental health centres
Crisis counselling centres
Employment centre
School settings
Youth drop-in centres
Settlement agencies
Correctional facilities

Required placement documentation

You will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening, and you may also be required to have a First Aid/CPR certificate and/or documentation of immunization prior to placement.

In addition to work placement, you can gain real-world experience through the SSWS simulated learning lab, research opportunities, and initiatives outside of class.

Research Experience

Graduate Testimonial

Now I get to see how the research I learned at GH intersects with the patients I work with, and how it might impact people going forward. It’s rare you jump from undergrad to working for the top hospital in Toronto. I owe it to GH for launching the research experience I needed.

Anna K.

Read the full story

Careers & Future Studies

At Guelph-Humber, you are equipped with real-world skills that set you up for success after you graduate. According to the 2023 U of GH Graduate Survey, 94% of our graduates are currently employed or pursuing further education.

Here are a few options you can pursue after graduation:

Careers

Crisis Counsellor
Professional Mediator
Mental Health Worker
Intensive Behaviour Therapist
Addictions Coordinator
Researcher
Community Engagement Specialist
Policy Analyst
Family Support Coordinator
Grief & Bereavement Counsellor
Social Worker
Parole Officer
Program Manager
Residential Youth Worker

Future Studies

Bachelor/Master of Social Work
Master of Arts in Mental Health
Master of Public Administration
PhD in Education & Social Justice
Bachelor/Master of Education
Master of Arts in Public Policy & Administration
Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies
Master of Psychotherapy
Law School
Master of Education in Counselling Psychology
Post graduate certificates in Mental Health & Addiction; and Research Analyst

Admission Requirements

ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOL APPLICANT

To be considered for admission, you must:

Be completing your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Be completing six 4U/M courses, including:
- ENG4U or equivalent e.g., EAE4U
- Five additional 4U/M courses
Have an admission average above 70%

Application deadline: Jan. 15, 2027

Full Admission Details

OTHER APPLICANT TYPES

Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Plan your budget with information about tuition, fees and other estimated costs for the academic year.

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Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

Discover our scholarships, including the Renewable Entrance Scholarship and Founders' Academic Merit Scholarship.

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Financial Assistance

Find out about government financial aid options, including OSAP and funding for students from outside Ontario.

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