Social Work education at the University of Northern British Columbia is committed to a program of studies that is informed by a central concern for human rights, personal empowerment, community change and social justice.

It has as its foundation an analysis of power in relation to class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age and abilities. Incorporating critical social thinking including structural, feminist and anti-racist analyses, the School focuses on social work in northern and remote areas, social work with Indigenous peoples and , women and human services and community practice and research. It continues to develop in collaboration with regional, national and global communities.

The School of Social Work seeks to provide its graduates with intellectual, practical and professional skills and knowledge rooted in progressive values that promote beneficial change. By acknowledging the holistic, interdisciplinary and activist nature of social work and its commitment to social justice, the curriculum and governance of social work education at UNBC will strive to provide a self-reflective balance between:

• theory and practice;
• research, teaching and community service; 
• critical self-awareness and respect for the ideas of others.

The School of Social Work will seek to ensure a safe and stimulating educational environment for students, faculty, and staff.