Program Highlights
- Delivery: Online
- Synchronous: Scheduled virtual classes taught by a live instructor
- Duration: 12 Months
- Accelerated: Complete a 2 year diploma in 12 months
- Semester Intake: January, May, and September
Why Columbia?
- Integrity. We have been educating social services workers since 2006. We have the diverse experience, intrinsic knowledge, and pedagogical approach to help you become professional and secure employment in the field. Our program is licensed by the Private Vocational Training Branch of the Alberta Government.
- Experience. You will benefit from the deep relationships Columbia College has formed over time for job placements with organizations that value the maturity, diversity, and depth of knowledge our students bring to the job market.
- Employability. We prepare you to be employment ready by fostering a well-rounded, hands-on, integrated practicum program, which allows you to start networking in the profession, learn resume writing, perfect interview strategies, attend practicum workshops, and earn a certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, increasing your employability. With the option to choose a specialization in the area of your choice, you also increase your chances of getting hired by an organization that fits.
- Pedagogy. Students engage in webinars, forums, discussions, group activities, graded assignments, assessments, presentations, essays, and web-based games, among other learning strategies.
Program Information
Columbia College Social Services Professional Diploma Program uses expert educators to prepare its graduates by blending both theory and hands-on training to form a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills.
We offer a unique integration of courses and an exciting virtual learning model, with synchronous online classes taught by a live instructor, to deliver a well-rounded, engaging, multicultural educational framework.
- It’s accelerated. Complete a 2-year diploma in 12 months and start earning a salary sooner.
- It’s inclusive. In your 50-week program, you’ll complete 20 courses, or two courses every five weeks. That includes a 300-hour specialized field practicum (over two practicum periods in semesters 1-5 and 6-10) and an additional 28 hours of in-class practicum workshops. You’ll enhance your knowledge of your career choice and be prepared for the workplace.
- It’s thorough. Your program consists of five-week semesters, with 39 hours of instruction per course. You’ll feel prepared when you complete our multi-faceted program.
- It’s pragmatic. Linking theory and practice, you’ll be given the opportunity to apply your courses to a real-work setting, network with social services professionals, and boost your resume.
- It’s supportive. You’ll receive access to academic, career, tuition finance, and employment coaching.
- It’s flexible. You’ll have a choice between full-time and part-time course-by-course options.
Social Services Professional classes are delivered to students through an online learning model. Each course will continue to be scheduled in their regular semesters, and will be expected to be delivered in the same time period as their face-to-face classes were. Classes may include (but are not limited to):
- Interactive webinars
- Discussion forums
- Group work
- Daily Tests
- Synchronous and Asynchronous course activities
- Oral presentations
Please note, further details specific to each course will be communicated to students by their facilitators, and/or the Program Chair, and will be provided in detail on the course Moodle pages at https://portal.columbia.ab.ca. Student Services and the Information Systems department will continue to provide students support during this new phase of their program. Technology questions can be directed to https://help.columbia.ab.ca
The aim of our practicum placements is for you to gain experience and employment in your area of specialization. You will be required to complete 300 hours of practicum experience over 2 practicum periods (Semesters 1-5 and 6-10). This provides you with valuable hands-on experience in the field and greatly increases potential for employment. Part of your practicum experience is to attend an additional 28 hours of practicum workshops. This is an opportunity to enhance your knowledge of your career choice and preparation for the workplace. You will also be provided with Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training to better prepare you for employment. You will benefit from the relationships Columbia College has built over time for placements where organizations value the maturity of our students and their knowledge and skills.
Students can apply for admission into the Social Services Professional program through either Standard Admission or through Mature Admission. Please review the two types of admission below to see which type fits your circumstances.
Mature Admission
Students who do not meet the academic requirements listed below (either fully or partially) can apply through academic assessment. Academic assessment students must meet the following:
- Be 19 years old of age or older
- Out of high school for 1 year
- Successfully meet the entry levels on Columbia College’s Accuplacer assessment test or equivalent (See Academic Proficiency Requirements)
OR
Standard Admission
- Alberta high school diploma, verified by transcript, or non-Alberta equivalent,
- English 30-1 with a final mark of 60%, English 30-2 with a final mark of 70%, or equivalent
Please note: Students who submit transcripts to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement may still be required to write the Academic Assessment as a result of reviewing their admission file and a formal interview with the Program Manager.
Additional Requirements
- Attend Columbia College’s Program Orientation prior to the start of the program.
- Admissions interview(s) to determine suitability for the profession and opportunity for success in the program.
- Evidence of the application for a Police Information Check, Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Intervention Check must be submitted prior to the start of the program.
- Standard First Aid and CPR Training Level C (prior to starting practicum – by the end of the first semester).
Do I need to submit a transcript? Or take the Assessment Test?
Transcripts can be difficult to obtain, and may not always be approved if they are old, if the grades are low, or if it’s unclear how the courses align with the admission requirements. Please note the following:
- Courses / Tests completed older than 2 years may not be accepted;
- Unofficial transcripts can be submitted, but official transcripts may be requested by the Office of the Registrar to have on file in order for program registration to be official;
- Students with transcripts from an international institution who are looking to apply with their transcripts are encouraged to have their education assessed through the ‘International Qualifications Assessment Service‘ (IQAS).
Applicants should direct any transcript questions they may have to transcripts@columbia.ca.
Please note that students who are uncertain about their transcripts can choose to apply by taking the Columbia College Admission Assessment test. Students who enter through the admission assessment test are not required to submit transcripts as part of their admission application.
Test/Transcript Validity
Test/Transcript results are valid for two years from the day of testing or completion of a course. Results that expire prior to the Start Date of the program may not be accepted, but will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. Official results must be submitted.
Transcripts will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar and the Human Services Professional program to determine whether the courses completed will be accepted to meet the proficiency requirement.
Competitive Entry: Six Step Process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the academic and non-academic admission requirements.
Step 3: Review the selection information to understand the process and deadlines
- Applications and proof of the admission requirements (official transcripts and/or anticipated final grades) along with all supporting documents must be submitted to be included in selection.
- Selection will begin four months prior to the start date of the program and will done on a continuous basis until the program is full.
- In the selection process, qualified applicants will be ranked according to their program suitability following a review of the entire application (including the admissions interview). Selection is ‘not’ based strictly on prior academic achievement. Applicants will be offered admission or placed on the waitlist. Columbia College reserves the right to grant or refuse admission to any applicant.
Step 4: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts and other supporting documentation.
Step 5: Schedule and complete your admissions interview.
Step 6: Continue to monitor changes to your application status and any outstanding admission requirements through correspondence with your admissions advisor.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the columbia.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages. An up-to-date phone number is also strongly recommended for times when email correspondence is unsuccessful
Additional Information
English test / program | Minimum required score |
Columbia College’s College Prep English course | B or 75% |
Canadian Language Benchmarks / Milestones Test* | 8 in each strand |
IELTS Academic* | Listening – 7.5, Reading – 6.5, Writing – 7.0, Speaking – 7.0 |
TOEFL* | 83 |
Columbia College ESL820 level course | 80% and 8 in each strand |
Columbia College’s Accuplacer English Test* | SS-85, RC-80, WR-6+ |
IQAS – Formal assessment | Alberta Education English Language Arts equivalents |
Alberta Education – High School English Course | English 30-1, English 30-2 with a final mark of 60%, or equivalent |
OR: Successful completion of an Alberta Education English Language Arts course that is consistent with the specified academic admission requirements for the Career Program
OR: Successful completion of three years of full-time secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction
OR: Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of one year of full-time post-secondary education at a school where English was the language of instruction
OR: Transcripts demonstrating successful completion of a post-secondary level English course with a minimum grade of a C (65%) or equivalent
Do your academic skills need to be upgraded to meet admission entry requirements?
After applying to your program, if your academic skills need to be improved in one or more areas, you may be offered Columbia College’s Academic Preparation – College Prep courses for FREE. See Continuing Education – Academic Preparation – College Prep.
For a full list of courses and course descriptions for this program, please click here.
Transfer opportunities may be available at a variety of degree granting institutions across Alberta, Canada, and the world. Transfer opportunities allow graduates to receive credit for some or all of their completed courses towards a bachelor degree.
Note: The institution you wish to transfer to makes the final determination on the transfer credits they will accept. Before commencing your studies at Columbia College, please consult with the institution you are planning on transferring to.
Transferring credit into Columbia College’s Social Services Professional Program
If you are a social services worker or feel you have already completed some of the components of the program, you may be eligible to get credit for a limited number of courses. Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is another option if you have worked in a related human services field and believe that you have the understanding of a particular course. More information on how to apply for transfer credits can be found by contacting your admission advisor.
Columbia College’s tuition and general fees come into effect August 1 of each year.
For more information about tuition and the Columbia College Tuition chart, please see the Tuition and Fees page.
To graduate from the Social Services Diploma Program, students must successfully complete each course, earn 66 credits, and achieve a minimum overall program grade point average of 2.0.
Tutoring is available for students. If you require tutoring, please contact your Program Chair or Coordinator.
Due to the demanding nature of the work in the human services field and Occupational Health and Safety requirements, the social services field has a strong focus on health and wellness. If you have a medical condition or disability that may impact your ability to be successful in a course or practicum setting, you are strongly advised to discuss concerns with the program academic chair and/or the College’s Accommodations Advisor as soon as possible upon acceptance into the program. For more information on Accommodations, click here.
Graduates from our program are successfully employed in a variety of settings, such as public and private educational sites, social and community service agencies, and support centres facilitating programs of all types. Through our program, you will learn how to meet the needs of those in such places as: group homes, halfway houses, correctional facilities, community health centres, alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation centres, family violence counselling centres, homes for the aging, at-risk youth centres, and settlement offices. You’ll assist those requiring physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Columbia College employs intercultural and inclusive values in forming successful leaders in the field of human services. We pride ourselves on addressing the diverse needs of all learners, allowing you to reach your full learning and employment potential.
The starting salary for human services workers can be up to $63,000 per year. Employment possibilities may include:
- Social Work Assistant
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Education Assistant
- Settlement Worker
- Respite Specialist Worker
- Community Support Worker
- Child and Family Support Worker
- Disability Services Worker
- Immigrant Aid Support Worker
- Outreach Worker
- College and University Admissions Advisor
The following is a list of organizations that have hired graduates of this program:
- Columbia College
- Woods Homes
- Society for Treatment of Autism
- Independent Counselling Enterprise
- Boys and Girls Club of Calgary
- Little Treasures Inc.
- Foothills School Division
- Kids U West 85th
- Calgary Drop In Centre
- Bright Beginners Children Centre Ltd.
- Evergreen College
- Calgary Progressive Lifestyle Foundation
- Community Living Alternative Services
- Mosaic Montessori Academy
- Alberta Human Services
- Heartland Agency
- Bow Valley Child Care Centre
84% Graduation Rate
2021-2022
96% Employment Rate
2021-2022
Course Features
- Lectures 1
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 1
- Assessments Yes