Bachelor of Social Work Program Commitment

CBU’s Social Work Department is dedicated to building a BSW cohort of individuals reflective of numerous diversities, life experiences, and skills. The department strives to have a minimum of 20% applicants who identify as Indigenous and/or African Nova Scotian admitted into the program.

Applicants wishing to pursue the Indigenous and African Nova Scotia admissions stream will be invited to self-identify on the admission application and Personal Statement . Applicants within this stream will be forwarded to the interview phase of the application process provided they have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and submitted all required supplemental documents.

*Individuals with a grade average below 70% will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Mission Statement

Cape Breton University’s Bachelor of Social Work program will prepare the next generation of social workers with broad skills to address social and systemic inequalities in a changing world, as well as specific competencies and practical skills for practice in rural, Indigenous, and economically marginalized contexts. Grounded in the institution’s values of courage, cooperation, and quality, graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program will demonstrate leadership in advancing social justice, work together with other professionals for the common good, and commit to continual improvement in the practice of social work.

Program Goals

Congruent with the profession’s purpose, and the Cape Breton University Department of Social Work’s mission, the BSW program engages a learning community model to prepare competent and practice-ready generalist practitioners. Our graduates are equipped to use an integrative approach and global perspective in multi-faceted roles and contexts to promote the ethics and values of social workers, sustainable social justice, peace, well-being, and human rights.
Cape Breton University’s BSW program aims to:

• Develop professional social workers with a generalist practice framework, who adhere to high standards of conduct and integrity, as established by the Canadian Association of Social Work (CASW).
• Cultivate an inclusive learning culture that enables ongoing critical self-reflection and the integration of theory, research, and practice, through the application of adult learning principles.
• Respond to current and emergent social justice issues, through the development of advocacy skills to address societal and organizational inequities.
• Centre L’nu and other Indigenous ways of knowing, through a two-eyed seeing perspective, enhancing appreciation for intergenerational trauma and capacity for culturally safe practice.
• Embed anti-oppressive, anti-racist, intersectional approaches in its education for the practice of social work.
• Ground learning in trauma-informed culturally safe practice and advance a social determinant of health framework to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
• Expand capacity for social work practice in rural areas, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration, community-engaged action research, entrepreneurial approaches to social challenges, and leadership development.
• Foster an understanding of the issues typical of post-industrial communities, including addictions, unemployment, and poverty, as well as strategies and approaches to enable lifelong mental wellness and resiliency.

African Nova Scotian/Canadian Support Services

Students of African Nova Scotian/Canadian descent who are considering applying to the BSW program are encourage to contact Dionne Romard, Student Development Officer for students of African Descent or Reann Arsenault, Student Development Officer Program Coordinator working with Nova Scotia Youth. Dionne and Reann are happy to assist with your application, and addressing your needs is their utmost priority. They believe that with persistence and a tailored one-on-one experience, students will be able to thrive and succeed throughout their academic careers.

To find out more about their roles and services offered, please visit CBU.ca/ans.

Indigenous Supports & Resources

CBU is proud to be the Atlantic Canadian leader in Indigenous post-secondary education. Indigenous culture, heritage and knowledge are integrated into CBU’s Indigenous education options, including the BSW program as it was developed through a two-eyed seeing approach, centering L’nu and other indigenous ways of knowing.

Students who identify as Indigenous and are considering applying to BSW program are encouraged to contact Megan Gillis, Indigenous Enrolment Services Officer. Megan will assist in walking you through the admission application and answer your questions and concerns. Megan can also provide insight on the additional support services available to you as a CBU students. Some of these supports include:

• Mi’kmaw Elder in Residence – Mi’kmaw Elders bring with them years of traditional knowledge and cultural teachings. They are happy to offer advice, share stories and foster a sense of pride among the students and staff at Unama’ki College.
• Indigenous Student Enrolment Specialist – The Enrolment Specialist provides support in completing applications, academic advising and registration. The Enrolment Specialist is available to connect students to the many additional services CBU has to offer including tutoring, success coaching and mental health services.
• L’nu Health Chair – A Mi’kmaw Registered Nurse with a passion for Indigenous health research and improving health outcomes for Indigenous youth and communities. The Chair strives to bridge gaps in knowledge, services, and programs for community members, through applied research.For more information on supports and services offered please visit CBU.ca/indigenous-initiatives.