Program Overview

Social Work - BSW

The Social Work degree program at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) strives to advance social justice and equity for individuals, families, groups, and communities. This program focuses on the processes of marginalization and oppression that shape people's experiences and access to resources, power, and social and health services.

Program Overview

• Degree: Bachelor of Social Work
• Full-time formats: 4 Year, Advanced Standing to second year
• Part-time format: Advanced Standing to third year
• Requirements:
  • Grades-Only
  • Grades-Plus
  • Grade range: Mid 80s
• Faculty: Faculty of Community Services
• Experiential learning: Placement mandatory

Is This Degree for You?

Social workers aim to advance social justice and equity. In this program, students learn how processes of marginalization and oppression impact individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program includes experiential learning opportunities, such as 700 hours of placements at local or international organizations, live actor simulations, and community projects. Upon graduation, students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Accreditation

• Canadian Association for Social Work Education

First-Year Courses

The following is a preview of first-year courses:

• REQUIRED:
  • POL 101 Canadian Political Institutions
  • POL 102 Political Processes in Canada
  • PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology I
  • FCS 101 Social Justice and Mental Health
  • SOC 111 The Social World I
  • SOC 112 The Social World II
  • SWP 132 Critical Social Work Foundations
  • SWP 331 Social Work Theories of Practice
• LIBERAL STUDIES: Two courses from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies

Career Possibilities

• Child protection worker
• Child rights advocate
• Community mental health counsellor
• Harm reduction worker
• Policy consultant

Employer Possibilities

• Children's Aid Society
• Mount Sinai Hospital
• Pathways to Education
• Regional Municipality of York
• University Health Network (UHN)

Further Education

• Early Childhood Studies (MA)
• Immigration and Settlement Studies (MA)
• Social Work (MSW)
• Public Policy and Administration (MA)

Requirements

• Full-time, 4 Year and Advanced Standing to second year are Grades-Only programs.
• Part-time, Advanced Standing to third year, is a Grades-Plus program.
• Admission decisions for Grades-Only programs are based on academic performance.
• The admission committee provides opportunity for special consideration for those applicants who wish to have their application reviewed in the context of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Requirements

Full-time, 4-year program (entry to first year)

• Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• Completion of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 70%
• Completion of the following required Grade 12 U course with a minimum grade of 70%: English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)

Full-time, Advanced Standing to second year

• Social Service Worker or Human Service(s) Counsellor Diploma (or any diploma from a public Canadian college that is eligible for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers), with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 ('B') or higher, and less than 2 years accumulated, paid, full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in the social services field.

Part-time, Advanced Standing to third year

• Consideration for admission to the program will be given to applicants who have the following qualifications; A and C or B and C:
  • A. Holders of a baccalaureate degree in the humanities or social sciences from an accredited Canadian university (or equivalent), who have at least 2 years accumulated, paid, full-time equivalent, relevant work experience in the social services field.
  • B. Graduation from one of the following eligible diplomas from a Canadian public college:
    • Assaulted Women/Children's Counsellor/Advocate
    • Child and Youth Care / Child and Youth Worker
    • Community & Justice Services
    • Addiction & Mental Health Worker Program
    • Native Child & Family Services Program
    • Human Service(s) Counsellor
    • Community Worker
    • Social Work Diploma
    • Social Service Worker
    • Community Worker Outreach & Development
  • C. Completion of a prerequisite course, CVSW15A/B Foundations of Social Work II, with at least a 'B' level grade.

Non-academic Requirements

For part-time, Advanced Standing to third year applicants only

• Part-time, Advanced Standing to third year is a Grades-Plus program.
• Admission decisions for Grades-Plus programs are based on academic performance plus non-academic criteria.

Reference Letters

• Submit 2 letters of reference (one academic and one professional, or 2 professional).

Resumé

• Submit a current resumé, including:
  • Name of the organization
  • Your position/title
  • Primary responsibilities
  • Start date (month/year)
  • End date (month/year)
  • Number of hours worked per week
  • Whether it was paid or voluntary
  • Name of a person who can verify this information (with phone and/or email information)

Employment Letter(s)

• Submit letters from your employers confirming dates of paid employment and responsibilities.

Statement of Intent

• Please submit a Statement of Intent (500 to 700 words) addressing the following:
  • Why Toronto Metropolitan University?
  • Why Social Work?
  • Why now?

Fees and Funding

Tuition and Fees Range

• Full-time format:
  • Ontario: $7,387 - $7,860
  • Out-of-province: $8,955 - $9,548
  • International: $36,806 - $38,169
• Part-time format:
  • Ontario: $1,016 - $5,517
  • Out-of-province: $1,173 - $6,772
  • International: $3,879 - $28,419

Faculty of Community Services

The Faculty of Community Services at Toronto Metropolitan University offers diverse programs focused on making a positive impact in the community. The faculty's curriculum is closely connected to the spirit and dynamism of the community, with programs in health, education, social justice, and community development.

Experience TMU

Toronto Metropolitan University provides various events and opportunities for students to engage with the community, including information sessions, open houses, and virtual tours.