Urban Studies and Social Work Masters’ add to September 2012 curricula
Two new graduate programs will be offered by the College of Graduate Studies at UBC’s Okanagan campus in September 2012:
- An Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) in Urban Studies MA program;
- A Foundation Two Year Masters of Social Work program;
Urban studies is a course that has become increasingly popular, with potential post-graduate employment in such sectors as public policy government, planning and development, research institutes, heritage preservation and social services, says James Hull, associate professor of History in the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
“The field of Urban Studies is recognized as a crucial lens through which society addresses issues such as economic development and innovation, food security, environmental sustainability, social welfare and health,” says Hull. The IGS will build upon existing programs and external links with the City of Kelowna and other cities in the Okanagan.
As a mid-sized city, Kelowna is a desirable location from which to explore such crucial debates and trends in the field, says Hull.
“This campus, with significant expertise in urban history, housing immigration, labour and environmental sustainability, also contributes to a number of critical components to the degree not available elsewhere.”
Further information can be obtained by contacting Urban Studies Acting Director Luis Aguiar at: luis.aguiar@ubc.ca or calling 250-807-9346.
UBC’s School of Social Work is adding to its graduate program curriculum with the Master of Social Work Foundational Two-Year Program. It is designed for students who do not hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, but who have a related undergraduate degree. The School currently offers an advanced one-year master’s degree for individuals who have completed a BSW at an accredited university.
“There are increasing numbers of undergraduate degreed students who are seeking to specialize in social work,” says Edward Taylor, director of the School of Social Development at UBC’s Okanagan campus. “There is a developing trend among those who have significantly invested their education in social sciences and behavioural sciences to seek entry into the field of social work.”
There are numerous course options in general and specialized social work in community, family, clinical and mental-health settings to provide students with a widely diverse education.
“The Master of Social Work programs prepare students for leadership roles in clinical practice and non-profit organizations,” says Taylor. “Our MSW programs at UBC’s Okanagan campus are primarily designed to prepare students for clinical practice with individuals, families and groups.”
Information regarding the application process and admission requirements can be found on the School’s website at http://www.ubc.ca/okanagan/socialwork/grad/MSW_TWO.html
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