Social Work Diploma

About this programme

Social work is about supporting people through complexity, challenge and change. The Social Work Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares you for entry-level professional roles in human and social services by combining theory, ethical practice and extensive real-world experience. You’ll study topics such as ethical decision-making, reconciliation and Indigenous-informed practice, social policy, and advocacy. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, cultural responsiveness and community-informed approaches that reflect the realities of social work in Alberta and beyond. With field placements in both years, you’ll turn classroom theory into meaningful action. Learning how to work effectively with individuals, families, groups and communities will help prepare you for a career that’s all about helping people help themselves. The mission of the RDP Social Work Diploma Program is to graduate ethical and compassionate social workers committed to anti-oppressive practice and social justice . This program can be completed on a full or part-time basis, online or in person. Both cohorts have scheduled times for classes. All first-year students (both online & on-campus) will be required to be on campus in late August for approximately 1 week to begin your courses and participate in orientation activities. Field education is a central component of the Social Work Diploma. Students complete four supervised field placement courses , gaining hands-on experience in human and social service settings.