St. Thomas University, School of Social Work

St. Thomas University SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK The small university of big opportunities

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

POLITICIZING SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE The post-degree Bachelor of Social Work Program prepares students to respond effectively to the needs and interests of clients in an increasingly inequitable and globalizing world. At St. Thomas, responsive social work for the 21st Century means engaging in politicized practice.

Our program is accredited with the Canadian Association of Social Work Education.

UNIQUE PROGRAM FEATURES S tudents are trained to be ethical practitioners with the ability to challenge structural injustices.

S tudents learn critical theories to frame practices and understand how intersecting forms of oppression and power operate in the world. lassroom learning is brought to life and C integrated during two intensive field placements: • The Direct Practice Placement focuses on acquiring direct practice skills for engaging and supporting clients.

• The Social Action Placement takes an approach to field placements that is unique in North America. Students work collaboratively in small groups with community partners to develop and engage in social action strategies that tackle larger structural issues, such as social inequality.

Our students experience firsthand what it means to initiate social change at an institutional, community, or wider socio-economic-environmental level.

L earning is collaborative and based on principles of creative problem-solving and self-reflection.

Social Work students Monika Caulier, Scholastic Isaya, Emily MacArthur, and Julia Quigley worked alongside St. Mary’s Child and Family Services for their project, “Where Do We Stand,” which sought to start a conversation about First Nation issues, stereotypes, and stigma in Fredericton.

FACULTY Our faculty bring research and professional experience into the classroom. They are engaged in local, cross-provincial and international research projects, provide expert guidance to a diverse array of community groups, and offer generous support and mentorship to students enrolled in our program.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES T here is recognition that First Nation peoples have been historically disadvantaged in educational and other systems.

T he program design respects that First Nation students are typically employed and have family commitments.

T here is recognition and respect of First Nation systems of knowledge and the need to de-colonize education to accurately reflect Indigenous methodologies.

T he development and support of culturally relevant curricula that reflects Indigenous peoples wholistic experiences is an on-going process.

Shasta Hitchcock, MMBSW ‘14

THE MI’KMAQ/MALISEET BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM The Mi’kmaq/Maliseet Bachelor of Social Work Program is an accredited social work program that provides First Nation individuals with an opportunity to engage in social work education within a flexible and culturally relevant framework.

The MMBSW Program is designed for First Nation individuals who are currently working or wish to work in social work or related positions in First Nation communities.

T he program is overseen by a committee of members from St. Thomas University, First Nation Child and Family Agencies, and student representatives from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Admission Requirements Students admitted to the MMBSW program are required to have an undergraduate degree in liberal arts or to have completed a minimum of 10 full university credits (two academic years) prior to being considered for admission.

Contact Sandra Germain, MMBSW Coordinator sgermain.listuguj@gmail.com / sgermain@nbnet.nb.ca For more information, view the MMBSW website at:

mmbsw.ca

Admission to the School of Social Work The program is limited to 52 students and admission is competitive. Applicants are assessed on the basis of academic and professional readiness.

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum academic requirements: 1. Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, or be a candidate for the degree by May 15 of the year they wish to begin. Candidates may be given provisional acceptance pending completion of degree requirements.

2. Degree program must include a minimum of 60 credit hours in liberal arts.

3. Cumulative grade point average, on the most recent 60 credit hours, must be no less than 3.0 (B).*

Candidates are assessed for professional suitability based on the following criteria: • Critical awareness of the interaction among the individual and the social, political, and economic aspects of society; • Recognition that while social workers provide assistance to individuals and families, the main focus for change is the structure of society rather than the individual; • Evidence of familiarity with and commitment to the profession; and • Capacity to learn from experience.

4. Undergraduate program must include an empirical research methods course which provides familiarity with qualitative research methods as well as research ethics. * An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who does not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for admission two years after graduation if the applicant has earned a grade point average of at least 3.0 based on university course work completed after graduation (minimum of 15 credit hours). Satisfying minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

The small university of big opportunities

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