Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (SSWA) at Seneca Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

The Social Service Worker (Accelerated) program at Seneca is designed for individuals looking to enhance their existing credentials and specialize in social service work. This one-year program consists of a three-semester structure, starting with a seven-week summer semester in early May, followed by a regular academic year that begins the day after Labour Day and concludes in mid-April. The program equips students with essential knowledge and skills to support vulnerable populations, focusing on practical interventions and strength-based approaches. Students will engage in various learning methods, including seminars, collaborative projects, and experiential learning opportunities, all aimed at promoting equity and addressing the needs of the community.

Program structure

The Social Service Worker (Accelerated) program is structured to be completed in a duration of 3 semesters (12 months). The program includes:

A seven-week summer semester starting in early May.
A regular academic year commencing the day after Labour Day and concluding in mid-April.
Hybrid delivery format, combining online coursework with in-person learning requirements.
Field placements in the second and third semesters to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings.

Students have the option to specialize in various areas within the Social Service Worker diploma program, including:

General Social Service Worker (SSW)
Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG)
Social Service Worker – Immigrants and Refugees (SSWI)

This program is ideal for those with prior education or experience, allowing for an accelerated path to graduation.

Featured Experiences

The Social Service Worker (Accelerated) program offers several unique features and experiences, including:

Field Placement: Students will complete an unpaid field placement in their second and third semesters, providing hands-on experience in the social service sector.
Experiential Learning: The program emphasizes practical learning through seminars, collaborative projects, and guest lectures.
Skill Development: Students will develop critical skills such as trauma-informed counseling, advocacy for social justice, and community development.
Hybrid Learning: The combination of online and in-person coursework allows for flexibility while ensuring essential interpersonal skills are developed.

Career Options

Graduates of the Social Service Worker (Accelerated) program can explore a variety of career options in Canada, including:

Social Service Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families facing challenges in their lives.
Mental Health Worker: Assist individuals dealing with mental health issues, providing counseling and support services.
Community Development Worker: Work with communities to develop programs and initiatives that address local needs and promote social change.
Advocacy Worker: Advocate for the rights and needs of marginalized populations, ensuring they have access to necessary services.
Case Manager: Coordinate services and support for clients, helping them navigate social services and access resources.

These roles are essential in various settings, including shelters, schools, mental health services, and community organizations, making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Seneca Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-07-09

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Academic Requirements for the Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (SSWA) program are as follows:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant
English: Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent course

To take advantage of this accelerated program option, the following prior education is required:

Ontario university or college degree or equivalent, or an Ontario college diploma or equivalent

Applicants with at least two years of successful completion of postsecondary credits may also be considered. If you are a high school applicant or have not previously studied at a postsecondary institution, explore our Social Service Worker (SSW) program.

Internationally Educated Domestic Applicants

Applicants with credentials from outside of Canada must provide a "course-by-course" credential assessment from a recognized agency such as WES (World Education Services) or ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service), including a Postsecondary English course or equivalent.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Postsecondary English course equivalency can be demonstrated through the following:

If your credential is from an institution and country where English is the primary language (Canada or one of the countries listed here), you can use your completed postsecondary credential to demonstrate English course equivalency.
If your credential is from a country where English is not the primary language, you may be eligible to take COM101 to meet the English language requirement.

If you have any questions, please contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support.

Language Requirements

All applicants to Seneca must be well prepared to study in English. If you are coming from a country where English is not the primary language, you must show one of the following:

Successful completion of a minimum of two years of full-time study in a school and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of a minimum of one year of full-time study at the postsecondary level in an institution and country where English is the primary language
Successful completion of an intensive English program
English proficiency test scores from one of the international English language testing bodies listed below. Only tests taken in the last two years are considered valid

Please note that the requirements below are the minimum cut-offs and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Highly competitive program seats will be offered to the most highly qualified applicants based on ranking from highest to lowest.

Tests	Certificate Programs	Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs	Degree Programs	Graduate Certificate Programs
CAEL CE and CAEL online	Minimum 60	Minimum 60	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)	Minimum 70 (Writing no less than 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE)	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 169 with no skill below 162	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169	Minimum 176 with no skill below 169
Duolingo	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 105 to 110	Minimum score 115 to 120	Minimum score 120 to 125
IELTS Academic	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.0 with no skill below 5.5	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0	Minimum 6.5 with no skill below 6.0
PTE Academic	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 58	Minimum score 60	Minimum score 60
TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition)	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 80 with no skill below 20	Minimum 84 with no skill below 21	Minimum 88 with no skill below 22
TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered	No skill below 20	No skill below 20	No skill below 21	No skill below 22

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!