Master of Social Work

The two-year MSW program is designed for students who have received a non-BSW bachelor degree from a recognized university. The first year of the program provides training in foundational social work knowledge and skills. The second year of the program provides students with an opportunity to specialize in a specific field of study (as listed below). Degree requirements are normally completed within two years, with a maximum time length of three years. The two-year program consists of 17 half-credit courses for a total of 8.5 full-credit equivalents (FCE). This includes the practicum courses, which over the course of two years, are equivalent to one and a half credit courses.
Human services are among the fastest growing sectors of the Canadian economy. Along with the growth is an increasing diversification of the sector, with fields of practice rising up around specific areas of need. The country as a whole will need social workers to staff new, more specialized service agencies of the future. While the notion of generic social work has a role to play in this increasingly complex environment, it is clear that graduates will also require more specific skills if they are to thrive in the new human service sector. In other words, generic social work is a necessary, but no longer sufficient preparation for practice. ​The overall aim of the program is therefore to produce graduates who are ready to enter the field of their choice after first receiving a thorough grounding in the knowledge, values, and skills common to all social workers. The specializations are built upon the expertise of core teaching faculty and have all been developed with the very active participation of partner agencies in each of the respective fields.

Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree with a minimum average equivalent to at least a University of Toronto mid-B in the final year of full-time study from a recognized university are admitted to a two-year MSW program.

Applicants who hold a BSW degree with mid-B average in the final year of full-time study, or its equivalent from a recognized university, may be eligible for the MSW advanced-standing option.

All applicants must have included 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in social science courses, including 0.5 FCE in research methodology. A mid-B is strongly recommended in the research methodology course.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.

Experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues are recommended. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

English language requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.
Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Including Writing and Speaking Sections: Overall score: 93; Writing: 22; Speaking: 22
Academic English Level 60: Required score: B
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Online: Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
Cambridge Assessment English: Required score: minimum 185 overall with at least 176 in each component.