Social Work

Program Overview

As the oldest school of social work in Canada, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto has been on the cutting edge of education, policy, research, and practice in social work for over 100 years. The Faculty offers a professional/academic program of study leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

MSW

Human services are among the fastest growing sectors of the Canadian economy. Along with the growth is an increasing diversification of the sector, with fields of practice rising up around specific areas of need. The country as a whole will need social workers to staff new, more specialized service agencies of the future. While the notion of generic social work has a role to play in this increasingly complex environment, it is clear that graduates will also require more specific skills if they are to thrive in the new human service sector. In other words, generic social work is a necessary, but no longer sufficient preparation for practice. ​The overall aim of the program is therefore to produce graduates who are ready to enter the field of their choice after first receiving a thorough grounding in the knowledge, values, and skills common to all social workers. The specializations are built upon the expertise of core teaching faculty and have all been developed with the very active participation of partner agencies in each of the respective fields.

Goals​​

To prepare graduates:

  • for ethical, innovative, and effective social work practice in a diverse society;
  • for competent practice which integrates theory and research;
  • to be capable of integrating practice and policy;
  • to practice in specialized areas, defined by student interest, faculty expertise, and demand from the field.;
  • who have a generic foundation of core social work knowledge, values, and skills, applicable to all fields and methods of practice;
  • to practice in specialized areas, defined by student interest, faculty expertise, and demand from the field;
  • to work actively to promote social justice, make professional decisions, and perform professional functions that are informed by an understanding of the political context of practice.

Objectives

To prepare students for:

  • professional practice according to the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CASWE);
  • social work practice interventions based on research evidence;
  • specialized practice in five identified areas:
    • Children and their Families
    • Gerontology
    • Mental Health and Health
    • Social Justice and Diversity
    • Social Service Administration
  • strengthening partnerships with social work agencies in areas of particular interest to the Faculty for the purposes of enriching the curriculum and producing graduates with the requisite skills to function in those agencies;
  • encouraging interdisciplinary linkages.

PhD

The purpose of the PhD program at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work doctoral program is to prepare students for leadership roles in social work education, research, and the community. Students are admitted to the PhD program on the bases of prior scholarly and professional achievements. Applicants who have been involved in research and who have a record of publications are rated highly for consideration for admission. These admission criteria acknowledge that the PhD in Social Work is a research degree located in a university, which emphasizes research excellence for all of its graduate programs.

Through scholarship, research, and mastery of substantive areas of study, the objectives of the program require student competence in the following:

  • conduct social work research using a range of paradigms and methods;
  • conduct research that both informs and advances social work knowledge and performance in areas of direct practice, community intervention, and policy development;
  • demonstrate a broad understanding of the major practice and policy issues in social welfare and the profession of social work;
  • substantive knowledge of a field of social work (defined by students’ research interests), which results in the articulation of important empirical questions.

Enrolment in the Faculty of Social Work entails adherence to the standards of professional behaviour for the social work profession set forth in the Social Work Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.

Combined Degree Programs

Students may also be interested in:

Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application payment deadline MSW:

28-Nov-2019

MSW-ITR:

1-Nov-2019

PhD:

2-Dec-2019

 MSW:

28-Nov-2019

MSW-ITR:

1-Nov-2019

PhD:

2-Dec-2019

Supporting documents deadline MSW:

10-Dec-2019

MSW-ITR:

15-Nov-2019

PhD:

10-Jan-2020

 MSW:

10-Dec-2019

MSW-ITR:

15-Nov-2019

PhD:

10-Jan-2020

Minimum admission average MSW:

mid-B in the final year of full-time study

PhD:

B+

 MSW:

mid-B in the final year of full-time study

PhD:

B+

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission? PhD:

After

 PhD:

After

If a supervisor is identified after admission (as per question above), is admission conditional upon securing a supervisor? PhD:

No; students secure a supervisor by the end of September of Year II

 PhD:

No; students secure a supervisor by the end of September of Year II

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant? PhD:

Student

 PhD:

Student

Program length (full-time only) MSW:

6 sessions; 3 sessions advanced-standing

PhD:

4 years

 MSW:

6 sessions; 3 sessions advanced-standing

PhD:

4 years

Master of Social W​ork

Program Description

The MSW program is distinguished by the integration of research and practice in both the classroom and its practicum education. The program offers six fields of specialization:

  • Children and Their Families (MSW)

  • Gerontology (MSW)

  • Health and Mental Health (MSW)

  • Human Services Management and Leadership (MSW)

  • Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (MSW)

  • Social Justice and Diversity (MSW)

It is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

The Faculty of Social Work offers the Master of Social Work (MSW) program in a two-year option or an advanced-standing option for applicants entering with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

All students are expected to graduate with an advanced level of knowledge and professional competence in a chosen area of social work practice.

Master of Social Work, Children and Their Families Field

The program is designed to prepare students for social work practice with children and their families at all levels of intervention, from individual to group work with children, to family and couple intervention, to community organization, and to program and policy development.

Minimum Admission Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced Standing Option​

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

  • Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

  • All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Program Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced Standing Option​

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

Compulsory Courses

Year 1 MSW students in the Children and Their Families field must complete eight half courses (4.0 FCEs) and the Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE) from the list of required courses below.

SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context
SWK 4103H
Elements of Social Work Practice
SWK 4105H
Social Work Practice Laboratory
SWK 4107H
Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice
SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)
SWK 4602H
Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 4605H
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 4654H
Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities
SWK 4701H+
Social Work Practicum I (prerequisite: SWK 4105H completed prior to beginning practicum)

+Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1. See below for information by field.

  • Note: Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

  • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students—maximum three in any given year—whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

  • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum. Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

  • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

MSW Two-Year Program

  • Students must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

  • Thesis: Students complete a total of 8.5 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Students will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE) in their field.

  • Thesis: Students complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), a practicum (1.0 FCE), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Compulsory Courses—Year 2
​SWK 4514H
​Research for Practice with Children and their Families
​SWK 4608H
Social Work Practice with Families​
​SWK 4620H
Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents​
​SWK 4625H
​The Intersection of Policy and Practice with Children and their Families
​SWK 4702Y
Social Work Practicum II (full credit)​

  • Students in the advanced-standing option must complete the above courses plus a compulsory course: SWK 4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field).​

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Social Work, Gerontology Field

Social workers provide a wide variety of services and programs, both in the community and in institutions that are aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people and assisting families to adjust to the aging of their family member. Social workers also play a vital role in the development and implementation of social and economic policies at the provincial and national levels through research on aging, consultation with government, and through social advocacy.

All students enrolled in the Social Work in Gerontology field will automatically be enrolled in the Collaborative Specialization in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course.

Minimum Admission Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

  • Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

  • All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Program Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

Compulsory Courses

Year 1 MSW students in the Gerontology field must complete eight half courses (4.0 FCEs) and the Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE) from the list of required courses below. Students in the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field should consult the specific course requirements listed separately in this entry.

SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context
SWK 4103H
Elements of Social Work Practice
SWK 4105H
Social Work Practice Laboratory
SWK 4107H
Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice
SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)
SWK 4602H
Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 4605H
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 4654H
Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities
SWK 4701H+
Social Work Practicum I (prerequisite: SWK 4105H completed prior to beginning practicum)

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

  • Note: Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

  • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students—maximum three in any given year—whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

  • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum. Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

  • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

MSW Two-Year Program

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 9.0 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs) in the student's field.

  • Thesis: Students in the two-year MSW program complete a total of 9.0 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE, 0.5 of which must be from the Collaborative Specialization in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course listing), the Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Students in the MSW advanced-standing option will normally complete a total of 5.0 FCEs, including required coursework (3.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE).

  • Thesis: Students in the MSW advanced-standing option complete a total of 5.0 FCEs, including required coursework (3.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE, 0.5 of which must be from the Collaborative Specialization in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course listing), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Compulsory Courses—Year 2
​AGE 2000H
​​Principles of Aging
​SWK 4513H
Knowledge Building in Social Work​
​SWK 4612Y
Social Work and Aging: Integrated Policy and Practice (full credit)​
​SWK 4618H
​Special Issues in Gerontological Social Work
​SWK 4702Y
Social Work Practicum II (full credit)​

  • ​Students in the MSW advanced-standing option must complete the above courses plus a compulsory course: SWK 4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field).

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Social Work, Health and Mental Health Field

As members of inter-professional health teams, social workers seek to assist others in understanding the social and community context in which physical and mental illness occur, and the way in which these larger systems contribute to the development of illness and disability and exacerbate or ameliorate the challenges in adapting to illness and living with disability.

Minimum Admission Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

  • Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

  • All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Program Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

Compulsory Courses
SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context
SWK 4103H
Elements of Social Work Practice
SWK 4105H
Social Work Practice Laboratory
SWK 4107H
Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice
SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)
SWK 4602H
Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 4605H
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 4654H
Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities
SWK 4701H+
Social Work Practicum I (prerequisite: SWK 4105H completed prior to beginning practicum)

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

  • Note: Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

  • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students—maximum three in any given year—whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

  • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum. Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

  • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

MSW Two-Year Program

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

  • Thesis: Students in the MSW two-year program complete a total of 8.5 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Students in the MSW advanced-standing option will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE) in their field.

  • Thesis: Students in the MSW advanced-standing option complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), a practicum (1.0 FCE), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Compulsory Courses—Year 2
​SWK 4412H
The Context of Mental Health and Health Practice​
​SWK 4511H
​Practice-Based Research in Mental Health and Health
​SW​K 4702Y
​Social Work Practicum II (full credit)

  • Plus students can then elect to take one of three choices:​

    • SWK 4622H Social Work Practice in Health and SWK 4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health

    • SWK 4622H Social Work Practice in Health followed by SWK 4632H Advanced Social Work Practice in Health (prerequisite: SWK 4622H)

    • SWK 4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health followed by SWK 4631H Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health (prerequisite: SWK 4604H)

  • ​​Students in the MSW advanced-standing option must complete the above courses plus a compulsory course: SWK 4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field).

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

Master of Social Work, Human Services Management and Leadership Field

The not-for-profit sector is primarily responsible for the delivery of social services in Canada. There is a critical need for people who are able to assume leadership roles in the community social services sector.

Minimum Admission Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

  • Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

  • Students applying to the Human Services Management and Leadership field must have at least two years of volunteer or work experience in human services.

  • All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Program Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

Compulsory Courses

Year 1 MSW students in the Human Services Management and Leadership field must complete eight half courses (4.0 FCEs) and the Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE) from the list of required courses below.

SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context
SWK 4103H
Elements of Social Work Practice
SWK 4105H
Social Work Practice Laboratory
SWK 4107H
Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice
SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)
SWK 4602H
Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 4605H
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 4654H
Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities
SWK 4701H+
Social Work Practicum I (prerequisite: SWK 4105H completed prior to beginning practicum)

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

  • Note: Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

  • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students—maximum three in any given year—whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

  • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum. Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

  • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

MSW Two-Year Program

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 of the MSW two-year program and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

  • Students in the Human Services Management and Leadership field do not have the option of doing a thesis.

MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Students in the MSW advanced-standing option will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE) in their field.

Compulsory Courses—Year 2
​SWK 4425H
Human Services Management and Leadership​
​SWK 4426H
Financial Management and Leadership in Human Service Organizations​
​SWK 4427H
Human Resource Management in Human Service Organizations​
​SWK 4515H
Research and Quality Improvement in Human Service Organizations​
​SWK 4702Y
​Social Work Practicum II (full credit)

  • Students in the MSW advanced-standing option must complete the above courses plus a compulsory course: SWK 4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field.)​

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time​

Master of Social Work, Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Field

​The Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field integrates theory and research drawn from social work and Indigenous knowledge for application in the delivery of services and interventions for Indigenous populations. There is an emphasis on the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada and other Indigenous groups. The curriculum is offered through online and intensive classroom formats.

Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

This field is offered only as a two-year, full-time program.

Minimum Admission Requirements​

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university can be admitted to this field.

  • All applicants must have completed 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Three years of experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements

  • Applicants must submit a resumé and demonstrate at least three years of experience in social services, preferably working with Aboriginal or Indigenous communities.

  • Applicants may be asked to complete an admissions interview in person or by Skype as part of the application process.

Program Requirements

  • ​Students must complete 7.5 FCEs as follows:

    • Year 1: seven half courses (3.5 FCEs)

    • Year 2:

      • ​six half courses (3.0 FCEs) and

      • a 450-hour summer practicum (1.0 FCE).

  • ​Students entering the program with BA or BASc courses must complete an additional 1.0 FCE (two half courses SWK 4102H and SWK 4516H [summer practicum]) in Year 1.

  • Students are expected to submit a Vulnerable Sector Verification by June 1 prior to the course registration. It is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

Year 1 Courses
SWK 4101H​​
​Understanding Historical and Multigenerational Trauma​
​SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context​
​SWK 4106H
Social Work Ethics and Indigenous Communities​
​SWK 4108H
Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and the Family
​SWK 4109H
​Trauma and Human Development​
​SWK 4110H
Trauma and Addiction​
​SWK 4111H
Trauma-Informed Organizational and Community Intervention​
​SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice​
SWK 4516H
Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Practicum
Year 2 Courses
​SWK 4517H
​Indigenous and Participatory Research Methods
​SWK 4703Y
​MSW ITR Practicum III
​SWK 4901H
Facilitating Training in Indigenous Communities​
​SWK 4902H
​Indigenous Perspectives on Grief, Loss, and Unattended Sorrow
​SWK 4903H
Program Development and Healthy Leadership—The Importance of Ceremony and Ritual​
​SWK 4904H
Working with Couples and Families in Indigenous Context
SWK 4905H​
​Seeing the Need, Creating the Solution

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Master of Social Work, Social Justice and Diversity Field

Reducing inequalities and marginalization is in line with professional social work's agenda of anti-oppression and social justice. Social work is committed to working with and on behalf of people from disenfranchised backgrounds.

Minimum Admission Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

  • Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

  • All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

  • Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Program Requirements

MSW Two-Year Program and MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

SWK 4102H
Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context
SWK 4103H
Elements of Social Work Practice
SWK 4105H
Social Work Practice Laboratory
SWK 4107H
Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice
SWK 4510H
Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)
SWK 4602H
Social Work Practice with Groups
SWK 4605H
Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
SWK 4654H
Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities
SWK 4701H+
Social Work Practicum I (prerequisite: SWK 4105H completed prior to beginning practicum)

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

  • Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

  • Note: Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

  • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students—maximum three in any given year—whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

  • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum. Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

  • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

MSW Two-Year Program

  • Students must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

  • Thesis: Students complete a total of 8.5 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

MSW Advanced-Standing Option

  • Students in the MSW advanced-standing option will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE) in their field.

  • Thesis: Students complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), a practicum (1.0 FCE), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Compulsory Courses—Year 2
​​​SWK 4304H
Globalization and Transnation​alism: Intersections of Policy and Community Practice Locally and Globally​
​SWK 4306H
Theoretical Approaches to Defining Social Injustice and Engaging in Social Change​
​SWK 4512H
Research Knowledge for Social Justice​
​SWK 4606H
​Diversity, Access, and Equity in Social Work Practice
​SWK 4702Y
Social Work Practicum II (full credit)​

  • ​Students in the MSW advanced-standing option must complete the above courses plus a compulsory course: SWK 4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SW​K 4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)​.​​

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time​​

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program has a tradition of scholarly excellence based on the quality of the research knowledge, competence, and output of its faculty. Doctoral graduates are practice leaders and faculty members throughout the world. Enrolment in the Faculty of Social Work entails adherence to the standards of professional behaviour for the social work profession set forth in the Social Work Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the graduate unit's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Master of Social Work degree or an equivalent master's degree with at least a B+ standing from an accredited program in a recognized university.

  • Competency in basic statistical methods at an introductory level.

  • Educational and professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented post-graduate work.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field of specialization and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

  • Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1. The Faculty of Social Work does not guarantee admission to all applicants who meet its minimum requirements.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), generally within two years of registration, as follows:

    • 2.0 FCEs in required research courses:

      • SWK 6301H Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis (0.5 FCE)

      • SWK 6302H Epistemology and Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

      • SWK 6307H Designing and Implementing Qualitative Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

      • SWK 6308H Designing and Implementing Quantitative Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

    • Students may be exempt from these research courses but will substitute alternate elective courses for each exempted course. Note: SWK 4506H (0.5 FCE) is a prerequisite for SWK 6301H, or an equivalent competency exam must be passed by all incoming students with a grade of A.​

    • 2.5 FCEs in graduate-level electives, including at least 0.5 FCE from Social Work and at least 0.5 FCE from another graduate unit (with the approval of the PhD Director).

    • SWK 7000H Doctoral Thesis Seminar (Credit/No Credit) (0.5 FCE) is required during the Fall session of Year 2.

    • Year 1 PhD students will attend a mandatory Year 1 colloquium during the Winter session (two full days), no credit.

    • Following completion of at least nine of the above courses, students must satisfactorily complete SWK 8000H Comprehensive Exam (Credit/No Credit) (0.5 FCE) during the Winter session of Year 2.

  • Following completion of all coursework, students must satisfactorily complete:

    • a thesis proposal,

    • a thesis,

      • which can be in the traditional thesis format, which constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of social work, or

      • a three-paper option based on the same fundamental principles of independent student work and scholarly rigour. The three-paper dissertation option allows students to write three related papers in a given topic or area of interest in which they have conducted research as required for the PhD program.

    • and finally, an oral thesis defence.

  • Students are expected to complete their coursework, comprehensive paper, and have their thesis proposal approved by the end of August of Year 3. The research, writing, and Doctoral Final Oral Examination of the thesis are typically completed by the end of Year 5.

  • Students must have an adequate knowledge of a language other than English if an additional language is deemed essential for satisfactory completion of research for the thesis. The Faculty is responsible for ensuring that an acceptable certificate of language competence is deposited with the School of Graduate Studies.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses (excluding SWK 8000H Comprehensive Exam), or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, the Faculty will take steps to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

  • In the event that a student receives an NCR (No Credit) for SWK 8000H Comprehensive Exam, the Faculty will take steps to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

​Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

Kasia Pytlik

“Toronto is the best city to gain the practical skills needed to work within a clinical setting.”

Kasia Pytlik
Alumna (2012), Master of Social Work
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