Carleton University's MSW program offers students two concentrations. The social practice track prepares graduates to work with individuals, families and communities. The social welfare track focused on how social policies are made. Prospective students apply to a one-year or two-year program depending on whether or not they studied social work as undergraduates. Competitive applicants have prior work experience in social work and an undergraduate grade average of "B-" or higher. Students admitted to the program can select from a thesis option which requires submission of a major paper or a practicum option which requires completion of field experience in a social services setting.
Carleton University
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1S 5B6
613-520-5601
carleton.ca
MSW candidates at the University of Toronto can complete the degree in one year if they majored in social work as undergraduates, or two years if they majored in another subject. Students are expected to select an area of specialization that consists of six courses and a practicum. For example, the social service administration track prepares students to work in management positions in nonprofit agencies throughout Canada. Applicants to the program need a bachelor's degree with at least a "B" average; paid or volunteer experience in a social services agency is recommended but not required.
University of Toronto
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work
246 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5S 1V4
416-978-6314
socialwork.utoronto.ca
York University offers two tracks for its MSW degree. The one-year track is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in social work. Students who earned undergraduate degrees in other disciplines can apply to a two-year program. Both are full time and combine classroom learning and field experience. Graduates are prepared to continue to a doctoral degree, or work in areas such as gerontology, child welfare or community development. Students in both programs complete core courses in social work perspectives as well as two research seminars and a practicum. A research paper is also required of all MSW degree candidates. Students in the two-year program take additional core courses that give them a foundation in social work theory and practice skills. Competitive applicants have a "B" average on their undergraduate work as well as work or volunteer experience related to social work. Applicants to the one- and two-year programs submit a personal statement, resume and three reference letters.
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M3J 1P3
416-736-2100
yorku.ca
Ryerson University notes on its website that its MSW program is unique in the way it trains social workers with an anti-oppression perspective. This means that social workers are taught about the social inequalities that often lead to people's need for social work services. The curriculum reflects this focus on anti-oppression, with core courses in topics including research for social change and perspectives on marginalization. In addition to required courses and a mandatory field practicum, students select two electives such as critical social policy and international social work. The one-year, full-time program culminates with the submission of a major research paper. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in social work with at least a "B" average; along with transcripts, a personal statement, resume and two recommendations are also submitted.
Ryerson University
350 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5B 2K3
416-979-5150
ryerson.ca