Program overview
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a nationally-accredited program that prepares students for advanced professional practice in social work. The course-based route is appropriate for students who intend to provide direct service in the field.
Students are required to attend the residency attached to their program, which may be in Calgary or Edmonton.
Students holding an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree are admitted directly into a 24-month course-based MSW program. Students admitted to the MSW with a non-social work degree complete 9 foundation courses (in 12 months) followed by the 24-month program.
Completing this program
- Courses: Students must follow the prescribed curriculum plan for their specialization and complete all 12 courses (36 units) if they entered the program with a BSW or 21 courses (63 units) if they entered the program with a non-social work undergraduate degree.
Specializations
- Clinical Social Work Practice (CSWP)
- International and Community Development (ICD)
- Leadership in the Human Services (LHS)
Laddered Pathway
The MSW Laddered Pathway is designed for BSW graduates.
Students entering the course-based MSW through the laddered pathway must apply to and complete the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work Practice (ASWP) (12 units) and apply to and complete one of the certificates: Graduate Certificate in Clinical Social Work Practice (CSWP), Graduate Certificate in International and Community Development (ICD), Social Work, or Graduate Certificate in Leadership in the Human Services (LHS), Social Work (12 units) in any order. Admission to the MSW program is not guaranteed. Upon admission to the MSW, students receive laddering credit for the 24 units of coursework completed in the two certificate programs and complete the final component (12 units) of this full-time degree.
Students completing the laddered pathway will receive a parchment for each credential earned in the pathway.
Unless otherwise approved by the Faculty of Social Work, there can be no more than two years between the start of each credential in the laddered pathway.
The course-based MSW is a continuous full-time program with no scheduled break. Students who do not enroll in courses continuously will be withdrawn from the program for failure to register unless they are on an approved leave of absence.
Outcomes
Hospitals/community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit/advocacy groups, government, social service/child welfare/family service agencies, correctional facilities, social housing, family courts, employee assistance programs, private counselling, school boards, consulting.
A course-based master’s degree in social work is usually considered a final degree.
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GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited/recognized* institution or a four-year bachelor’s degree in another discipline. The degree must be conferred prior to the May program start.
*The Faculty of Social Work recognizes BSW degrees accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE), and international credentials deemed equivalent to a Canadian BSW degree by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).
Work samples
None
Work experience
Applicants must have the equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field.
Documents
- A program proposal outlining the applicant's social work perspectives and educational goals.
- Resume
Reference letters
Two references, one academic and one professional. Applicants unable to provide an academic reference are advised to submit a second professional reference and provide rationale in the application.
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97 (with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 (academic version with no section less than 6.0).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (no less than 70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in academic writing and oral communication courses and B+ in other courses.
- Duolingo English Test and obtaining a minimum score of 130 with no subscore below 110.
Deadlines
For admission on May 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: November 1 application deadline
- International students: November 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Highlights of the Social Work program
Creating Meaningful Experiences for Neurodivergent People
Dr. David Nicholas’ Vocational Abilities Innovation Lab is internationally acclaimed for its innovative approach in supporting autistic and other neurodivergent youth and adults.
Making neighbourhoods more liveable for older adults
As our population ages, it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure that Canadian neighbourhoods are liveable for everyone, which is the focus of Dr. Yeonjung Lee’s innovative research.
Leading Field Education Innovation
Finding meaningful practicum opportunities is a growing crisis in social work. Dr. Julie Drolet leads a national/international group that is finding surprising solutions.