Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Wilfrid Laurier University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in social work practice, research, and theory. The program is offered in various formats, including full-time and part-time options, as well as online and on-campus delivery.

Program Options

• Regular Track, Full-Time, On-Campus: This program is designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in any discipline and wish to pursue a career in social work.
• Regular Track, Part-Time, Online: This program is designed for working professionals who wish to pursue a career in social work while continuing to work.
• Advanced Standing, Full-Time, On-Campus: This program is designed for students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and wish to pursue a career in social work.
• Advanced Standing, Part-Time, Online: This program is designed for working professionals who have a BSW degree and wish to pursue a career in social work while continuing to work.
• Advanced Standing, Indigenous Field of Study, Full-Time, On-Campus: This program is designed for students who have a BSW degree and wish to pursue a career in social work with a focus on Indigenous communities.
• Advanced Standing, Indigenous Field of Study, Part-Time, On-Campus: This program is designed for working professionals who have a BSW degree and wish to pursue a career in social work with a focus on Indigenous communities.

Admission Requirements

• Advanced Standing Programs:
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited program at a university of recognized standing.
  • B average (73-76%) in last 10 half-credit courses.
  • At least 8 half-credit social science courses.
  • One half-credit course in qualitative research methods.
  • Successful applicants typically have 2+ years (3,500 hours) of human services experience for the full-time program, or 3+ years (5,250 hours) for the part-time program.
• Regular Track Programs:
  • Four-year bachelor's degree in any discipline (3-year degree with significant relevant experience may be considered).
  • B average (73-76%) in last 10 half-credit courses.
  • At least 8 half-credit social science courses.
  • One half-credit course in qualitative research methods.
  • Successful applicants typically have 2+ years (3,500 hours) of human services experience for the full-time program, or 3+ years (5,250 hours) for the part-time program.
• Indigenous Field of Study Programs:
  • Although the Indigenous Field of Study program is open to students of all cultural backgrounds, candidates for the Indigenous Field of Study must have - in addition to the Advanced Standing requirements above - some familiarity with the traditional wholistic healing approach and/or have used it in their practice.

Application Process

• Step 1: Applying: Submit an application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).
• Step 2: Submitting Documentation: Upload required documents, including transcripts, statement of interest, and reference letters.
• Step 3: Review and Decision: The admissions committee will review applications and make decisions.

Program Details

• Program Length: Varies depending on program option (e.g., 5 academic terms for Regular Track, Full-Time, On-Campus).
• Thesis Option: Available for full-time and part-time students.
• Field Education: A vital aspect of the MSW program, providing students with hands-on experience in social work practice.
• Course Exemptions: May be granted for prior graduate-level courses.
• Substitutions: May be offered for prior undergraduate-level courses.

Tuition and Funding

• Graduate Tuition: Varies depending on program option and student status.
• Funding Opportunities: Available through scholarships, awards, and teaching assistantships.

Careers

• Examples of Jobs Held by Graduates:
  • Family and children's services
  • Adult and children's mental health
  • Social policy analysis and development
  • Community development
  • Case management
  • Social agency administration
  • Supervision
  • Family counseling services
  • Hospital social work
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • School social work
  • Community health agencies
  • Private practice

Professional Development

• Continuing Education Workshops: Offered through the Faculty of Social Work's professional development programs.
• ASPIRE: A professional skills development training program for graduate students.