Woodsworth College was named after J.S. Woodsworth who was an advocate for social justice, a Member of Parliament and a founder of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), the forerunner of the NDP.

In addition to being a locus of student life, Woodsworth is the sponsor of a variety of academic programs consisting of two undergraduate programs, Criminology and Employment Relations; three first-year seminar courses; Certificate programs in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Human Resources Management; Teaching in Higher Education; Summer Abroad Programs; and the Visiting Students Program.

In the fall of 2009, the beautifully renovated Kruger Hall Commons (formerly the Drill Hall) opened. The space provides study, meeting and social space for students and alumni.