High School Applicants
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 Social Services & Well-Being Studies
- 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.
Explore:
- Current social issues and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations
- Impactful services, such as holistic intervention strategies, counselling and policy initiatives, and engage in community practice
Build:
- Strong clinical skills that exceed the industry standard for undergraduate education
- Basic communication competencies to more in-depth therapeutic interventions while gaining transferable skills needed to enhance individual and societal well-being
Specializations
You may choose to focus on one of the following specializations:
Mental Health Practice
Learn about theory, research, assessment, best practices and interventions, and current issues related to mental health.
Specialization courses:
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Drug and Chemical Use and Abuse
- Community Services in Mental Health and Addictions
- Indigenous Mental Health: A Global Perspective
- Honours Thesis
Youth & Families
Learn about theory, research, assessment, best practices and interventions, and current issues related to youth and families.
Specialization courses:
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Supporting Families: Research and Applications
- Family Theory and Therapy
- Family Mediation and Conflict Resolution
- Honours Thesis
Complete 750 hours of work experience through year-long placements in your third and fourth years.
Past placements include:
- Addiction centres
- Children's mental health centres
- Crisis counselling centres
- Employment centres
- School settings
- Youth drop-in centres
- Settlement agencies
- Correctional facilities
Note: 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.
Get to Know Us
- Issues & Advocacy in Social Justice
- Field Preparation & Professional Readiness
- Understanding Mental Health
- Media, Mental Health & Digital Advocacy
- Spirituality & Religion in Professional Practice
- Counselling: Advanced Practice
- Crisis Intervention: Theory & Practice
- Aging, Health & Well-being
Note: Courses listed above are a selection from all four years of the program.
[Program overview - SSWS coming soon]
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.
Field Readiness & Reflection Day
Take part in this annual student-run event that gives you the opportunity to learn from invited practitioners and researchers in your field.
Previously known as the CSS Symposium, the event has covered themes, such as wellness and self-care, sustainability development, and social justice.
Certification in professional practice skills
Participate in your choice of trainings and workshops to receive a certificate in professional practice skills — an additional 50+ hours of experiential learning!
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My time here was one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had. I really felt that sense of community. I got to walk away with so much knowledge ... relationships ... experiences, that I've been able to translate to my life and the work that I do.
Options include...
- Social Services Professional
- Addictions Coordinator
- Community Engagement Specialist
- Crisis Counsellor
- Professional Mediator
- Family Support Coordinator
- Grief & Bereavement Counsellor
- Intensive Behaviour Therapist
- Intensive Behaviour Therapist
- Mental Health Worker
- Parole Officer
- Program Manager
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Residential Youth Worker
- Social Worker
Graduate school and further education
- Bachelor/Master of Social Work
- Bachelor/Master of Education
- Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration
- Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies
- Master of Psychotherapy
- Master of Teaching
- Law School
- Master of Education in Counselling Psychology
- Post graduate certificates in Mental Health and Addiction, and Research Analyst
Note: Some employment 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.
Transitioning to university can be overwhelming, but we're here to support you every step of the way.
Hear what Chair Dr. Olivia Boukydis has to say about how to combat feelings of loneliness and check out the supports available to you, as a student, below. For more information on support services, visit our Student Experience page.
Instructors in the industry
You are largely taught by working practitioners in fields related to helping professions. Learn from their firsthand experience to succeed academically.
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.