Program Overview

Master of Social Work Program

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of British Columbia Okanagan campus is designed to provide students with a wide knowledge base and advanced clinical skills for professional practice with individuals, families, and communities.

Program Overview

The MSW program is offered in two tracks: Foundational Two-Year and Advanced One-Year. The Foundational Two-Year track is a full-time, in-person program of study designed for those who hold a degree outside of social work and wish to develop a Master of Social Work designation while gaining theoretical understanding and practice skills. The Advanced One-Year track is also a full-time, in-person program of study, and applicants must hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from an institution accredited by the Canadian Associate for Social Work Education (CASWE) or the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Program Components

• Foundational Two-Year track:
  • Coursework and practicum
  • 24 months in duration
  • Requires completion of 60 credits, including two 6-credit practica
• Advanced One-Year track:
  • Coursework and practicum
  • 12 months in duration
  • Requires completion of 30 credits, including one 6-credit practicum

Curriculum

The MSW curriculum consists of core courses, field education, and electives, with a focus on clinical social work. Field education provides students with supervised opportunities to apply their course knowledge in a practice setting, with assignments to community-based agencies and service providers.

Admission Requirements

A complete application package must include:

• Online application and application fee
• Unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
• English language test (refer to the College of Graduate Studies)
• Statement of Purpose
• Three reference forms or letters
• A current resumé or curriculum vitae

Tuition and Funding

Tuition fee installments are applied to the student's financial account in three equal installments in September, January, and May of each year. For official tuition and fee information, refer to the academic calendar’s pages on specialized master’s programs | MSW. The College of Graduate Studies administers merit-based graduate awards, and the Faculty of Health and Social Development offers graduate student awards.

Careers and Outcomes

MSW graduates can pursue a diverse range of career options, including:

• Career guidance counsellor
• Case manager/Casework consultant
• Child and adult protective services
• Child and family social worker
• Clinical mental health social worker
• Community facilitator/development worker
• Crisis intervention counsellor
• Family therapist
• Group home worker
• Hospital/medical social worker
• Immigration counsellor
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Non-profit coordinator
• Personal counsellor
• Policy analyst
• Probation officer
• Social researcher
• Specialty therapist
• Substance abuse counselor
• Substance abuse rehabilitation
• Volunteer services director
• Youth worker

Why Study at UBC Okanagan?

The University of British Columbia Okanagan campus offers a globally ranked education in a close-knit learning community, with the benefits of attending a top 3% university. The Okanagan region provides a diverse natural environment, with opportunities for leisure and outdoor adventure, and the campus is located near the dynamic city of Kelowna.