Social Work

Program Overview

Quick Facts

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.

⁺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

• 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.

⁺ 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

• ​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

⁺ 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

• 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.

⁺ 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

• 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

Year 2 Courses

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.

⁺ 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

• ​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