Human Service Worker Diploma

The Human Service Worker Diploma program is available for students who have completed the certificate program and wish to continue their education in preparation for specialized work in the human service worker field. As a Human Service Worker Diploma student, you will further explore helping and intervention strategies within specific areas and refine and apply skills learned in the HSWR certificate program. The diploma program includes second-year courses over three semesters, from September to June.

Admission and Program Completion Requirements

View admission requirements, program completion requirements and individual course information.

Note: The information for this program is currently set to display information for the 2026/27 academic year. To view other years, choose from the sort feature from the “select calendar” drop-down.

View Human Service Worker Planning Guide

View the pdf version of the official program outline.

Course Design

Courses are run asynchronously online. Students complete assigned work each week, including activities, readings, assignments, and discussions with classmates. There is regular interaction between students and instructors, but there are no set class times. This flexibility allows students to work around their schedules.  

Workload

When enrolled full-time in the Human Service Work program, students should plan to spend approximately 30-50 hours per week on their coursework in the certificate year, and 5-7 hours per course for the diploma year.

Practicum Information

Where possible, students will complete their requirements for practicum in their own communities. If they are not able to complete practicum requirements in their own communities, students must be prepared to travel elsewhere, and will be responsible for their own transportation as well as any travel and living expenses.

Additional Requirements

• Completion and submission of CYFS Admission Package
• Completion of immunizations, documented by the immunization form in the admission package, or completion of Immunization Waiver Form (Incomplete immunizations may impact a student’s access to Practicum placements).
• Good command of oral and written English language
• Complete a criminal record check through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Criminal Records Review Program

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

View or download: CYFS Handbook – Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Credit can be awarded for one or more courses in this program through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

Year 1

Year 2

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Additional Costs:

Travel within the Program

Practice experiences are essential in the HSWR program. It may not be possible to arrange practice experiences in the location and at the time preferred by students. Students must arrange their own transportation. Travel and accommodation arrangements and costs associated with practice experiences are the responsibility of the student.

Computer

In the HSWR program, teaching and learning strategies incorporate the use of technology through various platforms such as online learning and communication. Students must have access to a computer in order to engage in this learning.

Books and Supplies

In addition to tuition and other fees, students can expect to purchase books and supplies. Visit our bookstore for textbook information and costs.

“Human Service Worker” is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings that support people with social challenges. Depending on the employment setting and the kinds of clients served there, job titles and duties vary a great deal.

Upon successful completion of the diploma some career options might include:

• Social / Community Service Worker*
• Youth Care Worker*

With further education and/or experience, additional opportunities may include:

• Social Worker *
• Manager in Social, Community, and Correctional Services *
• Social Policy Researcher, Consultant / Program Officer

* High Opportunity Occupation