Social Work Programs in Canada




If you wish to get a degree in social work in Canada, then this article may be useful for you.

Actually, there are 5 levels of education that provide preparation for a career in social work in Canada. They include:

  • Diploma – Diploma of Social Work
  • Undergraduate Degree – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Graduate Degrees – Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

You should keep in mind that the level of education required for a career in social work varies with the type of work and work setting. In most provinces the BSW is the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession.

The majority of universities require you to complete either 1 or 2 years of pre-professional studies before applying to their Social Work program.

There are several BSW programs in Canadian universities that admit students who already have an approved Bachelor’s degree. You can do a BSW as a second degree. It usually takes an extra 2 years. There are also a few programs that require an undergraduate degree for admission and may take an additional 1-2 years to complete.

Entry into Social Work programs usually includes the following:

· A grade point average ranging from 65-70 percent in your pre-professional studies or undergraduate degree.

· Completed coursework in the areas of English, Social Sciences, Humanities and Introductory Social Work courses.

· Written personal statements containing reasons why you wish to enter Social Work profession.

· Letters of reference.

· Volunteer or work experience in areas of social or human services that bear a direct relationship to Social Work.

· Personal interviews with the selection committee.

McMaster School of Social Work

The McMaster School of Social Work was established in 1968. This educational establishment provides educational opportunities for students who wish to prepare themselves for careers in social work or related professions. The McMaster School of Social Work is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University. It offers 2 undergraduate programs and 2 graduate programs.

For students without an undergraduate degree, the School offers a combined program of liberal arts and social work. After completion, students are awarded to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts B.A. and Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W). In addition, McMaster offers a Bachelor of Social Work B.S.W. degree for students who already possess a B.A.

At the graduate level, the School offers a one-year program leading to the degree Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). There are two major areas of concentration, analysis of social welfare policy and analysis of social work practice.

McMaster School of Social Work offers a PhD. in Social Justice

All programs are offered at both the undergraduate and Master levels, are accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education and may be taken on a full or part-time basis.


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