Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Waterloo is a health-focused program that takes a holistic approach to social work. The program is delivered primarily online, with one week of on-campus attendance in an intensive Summer Institute course. Students can choose to study full-time or part-time, allowing for flexibility in their schedules.

Program Highlights

• Flexibility of an online program that can be completed full- or part-time.
• Connection and network-building with graduate colleagues and faculty beginning from the in-person component.
• Hands-on professional experience to integrate knowledge and build skills.

Program Details

• Department/School: School of Social Work - MSW
• Waterloo-affiliated university college: Renison University College
• Admit term(s): Fall (September - December)
• Delivery mode: Online
• Program type: Master's, Professional
• Length of program: 12 months (full-time); 24 months (part-time)
• Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
• Study option(s): Coursework

Application Deadlines

• November 15 (for admission in September of the following year)
• Note: All relevant documents pertaining to the application must be uploaded by December 1.

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 75% average in the final two years of study (equivalent to last 20 half-credit courses).
• Completion of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited Social Work program. If an applicant's BSW degree is from a country other than Canada, the applicant is required to show proof that their degree is recognized as being equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
• Successful completion of a half credit in Research Methodology. There is no specific minimum mark requirement.

Degree Requirements

• Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that can be anticipated as part of completing the degree.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Program-specific questions (PSQ)
  • These are questions specific to the program being applied to.
• Transcript(s)
• References
  • Three references, two must be professional and the third may be academic or professional.
• Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
  • TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)

Tuition and Fees

• Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for the program.
• Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students.

The Master of Social Work program prepares students for advanced social work practice and leadership roles in health-related practice areas, including clinical, community, health promotion, and advocacy, program evaluation, policy, and research settings. The MSW degree also allows students to pursue further research at the PhD level in social work, public health, health systems, and social justice education, among others.