The objective of the graduate program is to provide students with an opportunity to build on their knowledge and experience in direct or indirect social work practice and social welfare analysis. It reflects the interests, resources, population, and social conditions of northern Ontario.
Designed for human service professionals in mid-career, the program is offered on a part-time basis. Intensive four-day blocks of classes are provided on campus at approximately six-week intervals. This format appeals to students who prefer to continue working while completing a graduate degree and to those who wish to integrate their professional activity with their studies.
Candidates for admission are ranked on the basis of academic performance (grades), professional experience (range and depth of activity, professional accomplishment, community involvement), personal qualities (self-direction, leadership ability) and research orientation (intellectual focus, clarity, and fit in relation to program strengths and university mission). Rankings are determined by an admissions committee on the basis of university transcripts, personal statements and letters of reference.
The normal academic requirement for admission is a bachelor of social work (BSW) from a university recognized by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, with a B average (75% or better), in the last two years of undergraduate study.
Exceptional candidates whose education and professional experience are deemed equivalent to a BSW will also be considered. These candidates must hold a four-year degree in a discipline related to social work, with above average grades and at least five years of professional experience in the human services. In cases where admission is granted on exceptional grounds, students may be required to successfully complete specified undergraduate courses including a field practicum, practice theory, social policy or research methods prior to registering in graduate courses in the same area.
Applicants with work experience who do not have the academic background necessary for admission directly into the MSW program may be considered for a qualifying year tailored to their individual circumstances. Upon the successful completion of designated undergraduate courses, qualifying year students will be eligible to apply for admission to the graduate program.
The regulations of the school of graduate studies apply unless otherwise stipulated. The deadline for applications is March 31, preceding the fall registration period. An admissions committee will review all applications. Enrolment is limited. New students are admitted to the program for September.
The program consists of core courses in social policy, social work practice and research methods, in addition to selected professional electives, and graduate research in the form of a thesis or advanced practicum.
Altogether, the program consists of 30 credits, as follows:
| Core courses |
12 credits |
| Elective courses |
6 credits |
| Graduate research project |
12 credits |
| Total |
30 credits |
Registration for the graduate research project is subject to:
• successful completion of core and elective courses, totalling 18 credits;
• approval of the project proposal by the MSW program committee;
• approval of the project proposal by the research ethics review committee.
Graduate research projects are supervised by two readers, the first of whom is in the school of social work and formally accredited by graduate studies to the MSW program.
Given limited enrolments, courses are cycled to reflect student demand and faculty resources. Core courses are available in the fall and winter sessions, from September to April. Elective courses are offered every term, on a rotating basis. Student course loads vary, from term to term, according to personal and professional demands. However, core and elective requirements can be completed within two or three years, and there is a maximum limit of six years to complete the degree.
In addition to the courses listed below (where appropriate, feasible, and approved), students may take advanced courses in related disciplines, in lieu of SWRK electives. Alternatively, reading seminars may be designed to reflect the content of courses not otherwise available to students in the social work program.
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