Canadian Mennonite University

Nine Reasons Why to Study Social Work at CMU

The CMU Bachelor of Social Work degree program promises to deliver professional work opportunities and to prepare students for graduate studies. Students will be equipped as creative, constructive, self-aware, critical thinkers, better problem-solvers, mature leaders, and more effective peace builders—making them a sought-after choice for employers.

1. Purposeful Interdisciplinary Academics: The complexity of today's social issues requires a comprehensive and integrated approach to social work academics that goes beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. The integration of interdisciplinary perspectives will enrich CMU's social work program, equipping you with a holistic, versatile, and in-demand skill set to navigate complex social contexts and effect transformative change.

Student typing on a laptop

A few examples:

  1. When you integrate business principles and practice into your social work program at CMU, you gain essential knowledge in organizational management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, which allows you to create sustainable solutions and effectively address systemic challenges.
  2. Combining conflict transformation and community development courses with your social work degree will equip you with valuable skills in negotiation, mediation, advocacy, and peacebuilding, essential for promoting social justice and fostering harmonious relationships within diverse communities.
  3. Courses in science will enhance your understanding of evidence-based practices, research methodologies, and the intersection of biology, psychology, and social work. This enables you to critically assess and apply scientific knowledge to inform your social work interventions and policies.
  4. The disciplines of social work and theology share a commitment to healing, restoration, and transformation. Social workers aim to empower individuals and communities to overcome adversity, promote resilience, and pursue wholeness. Integrating theology into social work practice will help you engage with questions of meaning, provide spiritual support, and facilitate the healing journey of those you serve.

This intentional interdisciplinary engagement positions you as a CMU BSW graduate to be highly sought after in the job market in Manitoba and across the country.

2. Integration of Faith and Social Work: CMU's BSW program is grounded in an understanding of "whole person" work, which goes beyond physical and mental health dimensions and includes spirituality as a critical aspect of personal and community wellness. At CMU, you also will be encouraged to explore the connections between your personal faith and your professional practice, including reflecting on what it means to be a Christian social worker. You will have opportunities to examine the ethical and moral dimensions of social work from a faith-based perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between spirituality and social justice. You will also better understand the complexities and impact of both the Christian church and of government social workers in colonization and systemic oppression in Canada.

3. Indigenous Perspectives: Indigenous voices will influence the design process of CMU's social work program from its inception. Throughout your BSW studies at CMU, you will take critically relevant courses related to Indigenous issues and realities in Canada. This program will be shaped by the strong Indigenous relationships held by CMU, which includes Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers, and community leaders from around the province who make up our Indigenous currirulum council.

4. Social Justice Bias: CMU's social work program will be grounded in the university's core commitment to peace-justice: to centering the marginalized, to advocating for equity, and to working towards reconciliation (both broadly and specifically). This commitment is drawn directly from the Anabaptist/Mennonite faith tradition, in response to the call of Jesus Christ. Your CMU BSW will equip you with the knowledge and skills to address social inequities, challenge systemic barriers, and advocate for vulnerable populations, empowering you to make a positive impact in the lives of the individuals and communities you will serve.

John Boopalan teaching in classroom

5. Small Class Sizes and Individualized Attention: As with of CMU's academics, the benefits of small class sizes in CMU's social work program include individualized attention from faculty members who are experienced social work practitioners. This personalized approach ensures that you receive tailored feedback, guidance, mentoring, and support to enhance your knowledge, skill development, and professional growth, readying you for a career as a social worker.

 

6. Comprehensive Curriculum and National Accreditation: CMU's social work program will offer a comprehensive curriculum that meets rigorous accreditation standards, covering a wide range of social work practice areas, including mental health, child welfare, community development, and social policy. You will develop a solid foundation in theories, research, case work, and practical skills necessary for effective social work practice. CMU is in the process of working with Canadian Association Social Work Educators to ensure our program meets national standards for pre-accreditation.

7. Field Education and Community Engagement: Work integrated learning is an integral (and required) part of all of CMU's degree programs and is critical to any social work program, including at CMU. You will have the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world settings through supervised field placements. These placements will provide valuable hands-on experience, allowing you to integrate theory with practice and develop the professional competencies needed to excel in the field. CMU's social work program will also emphasize community engagement and collaboration. Through your field work, you will have opportunities to work with local organizations, agencies, and communities, fostering meaningful connections and contributing to positive social change at a grassroots level.

8. Ethics and Values: CMU's social work program will emphasize the importance of ethical practice and values. You will explore ethical dilemmas, learn ethical decision-making frameworks, and develop a strong understanding of professional ethics in social work. The program will also encourage personal faith integration, reflection, and self-awareness, helping you cultivate the values and attitudes necessary for ethical and effective practice as a social worker.

9. Career Opportunities: A BSW degree from CMU will open doors to diverse career opportunities upon graduation. Social workers are in demand in various settings, including healthcare, community organizations, government agencies, schools, and private practice. CMU's program intends to prepare you for both professional Registered Social Worker (RSW) credentials and graduate studies—creating immediate opportunities while setting yourself up for future growth and development, important elements for a life-long, meaningful and rewarding career as a social worker.

 

Small University • Big Opportunities

Apply Now for
BSW Year One

Printed from: ftp.cmu.ca/programs/social-work/social-work-at-cmu