Students in the atrium

Social Work

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Course-based program

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), or Graduate Certificate in Leadership in the Human Services (LHS) (12 units) in any order. Admission to the MSW program is not guaranteed. Upon acceptance to the MSW, students complete the final component (12 units) of this full-time degree.

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.

Course-based program

Students with a BSW complete 12 courses (36 units).  Students with a non-social work degree must complete all 9 foundation courses (27 units) prior to taking their specialization courses (36 units).

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Online delivery

The MSW course-based program in all three specializations will be offered by distance (online) learning with in-person residencies in Calgary or Edmonton. Online courses consist of a mix of real time classes at set times and learning that can be done on your own schedule. Students not attending residencies may be required to withdraw from the course or the program.

Please consult the website for specific program delivery information.

Time commitment

Program length is two or three years of full-time study dependent on entry route. You must take courses when they are offered – there are no scheduled breaks; six years maximum.

Supervisor

No supervisor is required.

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.


Admission Requirements


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; one professional and one academic

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:

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

Learn more about this program

Faculty of Social Work

MacKimmie Tower (MT) 301
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.5942

Visit the Faculty of Social Work website

 Email: fsw.studentservices@ucalgary.ca

 

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour


Highlights of the Social Work program

David Nicholas with students

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.

Dr. Yeonjung Lee

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.

Julie Drolet with students

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.