As the demand for skilled social workers continues to grow in Canada, online social work courses offer a timely and accessible pathway for individuals to acquire the necessary expertise.
For Canadians passionate about social work and eager to contribute to societal welfare, online learning platforms are emerging as transformative tools, enabling them to pursue accredited social work courses from the comfort of their own homes.
This article will explore the best online social work courses available to Canadians.
| Course Name | Students Enrolled | Reviews |
| Udemy – How to Become a Social Worker Training Certificate | 7,000+ | 3,100+ |
| Coursera – Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change | 18,000+ | 10,000+ |
| Dalhousie University – Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) and Master’s of Social Work (MSW) | 5,600+ | 1,300+ |
| University of Manitoba – Social Work – Distance Delivery (BSW) | 3,300+ | 1,100+ |
| University of Victoria – School of Social Work | 2,500+ | 800+ |
| Canadian Association of Social Workers – Social Work Online CE Institute | 4,000+ | 2,500+ |
| Thompson Rivers University – Social Service Worker Certificate | 1,800+ | 650+ |
Udemy – How to Become a Social Worker Training Certificate
Udemy’s “How to Become a Social Worker Training Certificate Course” is a valuable preliminary crash course designed to prepare individuals before they embark on a social work program in college.
This course helps students in preparing to enter university programs in social work.
One of the significant advantages of enrolling in this course is the instructor’s unique blend of field experiences as a social worker and business expertise. This combination allows students to gain a broader perspective and encourages them to explore problems from multiple angles.
The primary goal of this course is to foster critical thinking skills. Through a diverse range of topics, including controversial social issues, students are encouraged to think critically and analyze problems through a transformative lens.
This course is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the helping profession. It is also suitable for those seeking to expand their social work knowledge and understanding. Students eager to explore humanitarian concepts, philosophies, and socially progressive perspectives will also find value in this course.
Discover the course at this link.
Coursera – Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
This course provides an insightful exploration of the role of social workers. You will understand the social work profession comprehensively, including its diverse roles within various settings.
You will also delve into the essential cross-cutting themes that inform social work practice, grasp the historical context of social work, and explore the current challenges.
Topics included in the course are:
- What is Social Work?
- Integrated Themes of Social Work
- A History of Social Work
- Privilege, Oppression, Diversity, and Social Justice
This course is ideal for people interested in social work and looking to deepen their understanding of the profession. It is well-suited for aspiring social workers seeking foundational knowledge and insights into the field.
Find the course details right here.
Dalhousie University – Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) and Master’s of Social Work (MSW)
Dalhousie University’s School of Social Work offers online distance delivery programs to help you pursue a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree while balancing work, family, and community commitments.
Dalhousie University’s BSW and MSW programs are accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education or CASWE and hold national recognition. Hence, this course assures you a high-quality education that meets the rigorous standards set by the profession.
As a distance learner, you will be able to join a diverse community of students from various communities across Canada. This diversity brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enriching the learning environment and fostering meaningful discussions and collaborations.
Through interactive tools such as discussion boards, chat platforms, and other multimedia resources, you will actively participate in course content and connect with fellow students and faculty members.
The courses are delivered through Brightspace, an Internet-based learning management system that provides a user-friendly and intuitive interface for accessing course materials and engaging in coursework.
Dalhousie University’s BSW and MSW programs by distance are exclusively open to Canadian residents, including citizens and permanent residents who currently reside in Canada. This ensures that the programs are tailored to the unique context and needs of the Canadian social work landscape. Discover the course at this link.
University of Manitoba – Social Work – Distance Delivery (BSW)
University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Social Work Course is designed to prepare you as a knowledgeable and skilled social work professional, equipped to engage in practice, research, and social policy analysis.
With the Distance Delivery option, you can access the Bachelor of Social Work program outside Winnipeg through an online study program. Additionally, community-based groups can participate using the cohort method, ensuring the program reaches a broader audience.
The University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Social Work program is the only accredited social work program in Manitoba. This accreditation ensures that the program meets the recognized standards of social work education across Canada, opening up opportunities for you to pursue your career beyond the boundaries of Manitoba.
This Bachelor of Social Work program is offered at multiple locations and through various delivery methods to cater to aspiring social workers’ diverse needs and backgrounds. This approach ensures that individuals from different backgrounds and educational experiences can access the program and contribute to the field of social work.
The University of Manitoba is committed to promoting educational equity and inclusivity. Through their Educational Equity Initiative, they strive to address the disadvantages faced by marginalized groups, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, persons with disabilities, immigrants and refugees, 2SLGBTQ individuals, and racialized groups in Canada.
This commitment ensures everyone has equal opportunities to access social work training and contribute to a more equitable society.
Check out the course here.
University of Victoria – School of Social Work
The University of Victoria commits to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. They believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive space where you can thrive and contribute to positive change.
The School of Social Work offers a range of programs designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to promote social justice, Indigenous perspectives, and anti-oppressive practices in your work with communities, families, and individuals. Whether you are considering an undergraduate degree or a graduate program, UVic provides flexible and innovative options tailored to your needs.
In the Bachelor of Social Work program, you have the choice to pursue the standard program or specialize in one of three areas, allowing you to focus on your specific interests and career goals. The graduate programs, including the Master of Social Work in Family, Indigenous, or Anti-Oppressive Practice, offer opportunities to develop critical skills and expand your expertise in specialized areas of social work.
It is important to note that the Canadian Association for Social Work Education fully accredits this program. This accreditation provides confidence that your education meets the profession’s highest standards. Get started with the course by following this link.
Canadian Association of Social Workers – Social Work Online CE Institute
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) supports social workers in meeting and achieving their professional development needs and goals. The Social Work Online CE Institute offers many on-demand titles to enhance your knowledge and skills. Developed by CASW Chapters and the National Office, this course ensures you access high-quality continuing education resources.
Accessing your training history and materials is simple with the Social Work Online CE Institute. You can use your existing CASW login to navigate the Institute and conveniently track your progress. CASW members enjoy the added benefit of accessing both free CEs and discounted rates for additional CEs.
Before enrolling in a course, review your licensing board’s requirements regarding distance learning and home study CE courses. Each state licensing board has its own unique CE requirements, and it’s essential to ensure that the course you select aligns with those requirements. Find the course details right here.
Thompson Rivers University – Social Service Worker Certificate
Thompson Rivers University’s Social Service Worker Certificate Course will provide you with invaluable relational and communication skills necessary for working with individuals in distress and within various human service agencies.
Throughout the course, you will learn to demonstrate compassion, non-judgment, intercultural awareness, and ethical attributes in your practice. These qualities are crucial for establishing meaningful connections and providing adequate support to those in need.
As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to engage in a field education course within a community social service agency. This hands-on experience will let you apply your skills in a real-world setting, further enhancing your understanding of the field and building your confidence as a social service worker.
After graduation, you will be equipped and ready to pursue various career opportunities in settings such as child and youth care, schools, transition houses, group homes, peer counseling programs, and other social service agencies.
The skills and information you will gain during this program will prepare you to positively impact the lives of others and contribute to the advancement of your community. Access the course materials here.
Conclusion
Online social work courses offer a valuable opportunity for Canadians interested in pursuing a career in social work or enhancing their existing skills.
All the listed courses above offer the convenience of online access and are also recognized by licensing boards. These courses ensure that social workers stay current and meet their professional development requirements.
We recommend Udemy’s How To Become A Social Worker and Coursera’s Social Work Practice as these courses are affordable and flexible.
Overall, these online social work courses empower Canadians with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to positively impact communities, families, and the lives of individuals.
Aspiring social workers can embark on a meaningful growth path, contribute to social justice projects, and play an important part in establishing a more equitable and inclusive society by seizing the chances provided by the listed programs and courses above.
