Searching through MSW programs in Canada can be time consuming, especially when you’re just starting your search into MSW programs. As each university sets their own application deadlines, you may even miss a deadline simply due to oversight.
This article provides a list of the 28 MSW programs in Canada, and key information about each program including application deadlines, program focus, and application routes for applicants.
MSW Programs in Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland (Newfoundland & Labrador)
Program Focus:
- Leadership and Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- Primarily Online
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- January (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Program has a mandatory 1-week on-campus component
University Information:
Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia)
Program Focus:
- Anti-Oppressive Practice and Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
Université de Moncton (New Brunswick)
Program Focus:
- Critical Reflection
MSW Application Routes:
- Maîtrise ès arts (travail social): MA in Social Work with or without a BSW
- Maîtrise professionnelle en travail social: Masters in Social Work with a BSW
Special Considerations:
- Must be Speak French and Speak Functional English
University Information:
St. Thomas University (New Brunswick)
Program Focus:
- Structural Social Work Theory
- Leadership and Supervision
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Full-time
- Thesis
Application Due Dates
- January (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
McGill University (Quebec)
Program Focus:
- Practice with Individuals and Families
- International, Community, and Policy Practice
- Gender and Women Studies
- Joint Bachelor of Civil Law / Juris Doctor Degree
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- MSW/BCL/JD: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Speak functional French for Field Placement opportunities.
- Applicants for the MSW/BCL/JD apply to each program separately.
University Information:
Université de Montréal (Quebec)
Program Focus:
- Critical Reflection
MSW Application Routes:
- Maîtrise ès arts (travail social): MA in Social Work with or without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Special Considerations:
- Must be speak French
University Information:
University of Ottawa (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Analysis of Social Inequality
MSW Application Routes:
- MA in Social Work with or without a BSW
Special Considerations:
- Offered in French
University Information:
Carleton University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Social Theory
- Clinical Practice
- Community work
- Social Policy
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
Lakehead University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Advanced Professional Practice
- Gender and Women Studies
- Gerontology
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- February (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
Laurentian University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- January (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
Algoma University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Hybrid Delivery Option
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
University Information:
McMaster University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Critical Analysis
- Critical Leadership
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Thesis (Critical Analysis)
- Practicum/Course-based (Critical Leadership)
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
University of Waterloo (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Health
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- Online
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations
- Mandatory attendance to a 5-day on-campus component
University Information:
Wilfrid Laurier University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Reflective Practice
- Indigenous Field of Study
- Joint Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
- MDiv/MSW: MSW with or without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-time
- Full-time
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- Some programs offer September, January and May enrollment dates
- Applications deadlines vary per date of entry. Check the Deadlines section of the WLU website for most up-to-date information.
Special Considerations
- Thesis options depend on application route
- Applicants for the Joint MDiv/MSW apply to each program separately
University Information:
Toronto Metropolitan University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Anti-Oppressive Practice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Practicum/Course-based with Major Paper
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
University of Toronto (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Theory and Research in Professional Practice
- Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency
- Joint Law (Juris Doctor) Degree
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
- MSW-ITR: MSW for learners of Indigenous origins
- MSW/JD: MSW with or without BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Hybrid (for the Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Pathway)
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (For September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
York University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Anti-Oppressive Practice and Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Practicum/Course-based and practice-based research paper
Application Due Dates
- December (for Fall enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
King's University College at Western University (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Direct practice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- January (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
King’s University College at Western University MSW Information
University of Windsor (Ontario)
Program Focus:
- Ecological Systems Perspective
- Joint Law (Juris Doctor) Degree
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
- MSW/JD: MSW with or without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- Advanced program: November (for September enrollment) and July (for January enrollment)
- Foundational: November (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Applicants for the MSW/JD must apply to each program individually
University Information:
University of Manitoba (Manitoba)
Program Focus:
- Indigenous Knowledge
- Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
First Nations University (Saskatchewan)
Program Focus:
- Indigenous Social Work
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MISW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus and Online Hybrid
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- March (for September Enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Enrollment occurs ever second year (on even years).
- Applications go through the University of Regina.
University Information:
University of Regina (Saskatchewan)
Specialization Options:
Program Focus:
Integrative Analysis of:
- Social Research
- Direct Social Work Practice
- Social Policy Development, and
- Social Administration
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus and Online Hybrid
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (for Spring/Summer/Fall enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
University of Calgary - Calgary Campus (Alberta)
Program Focus
- Clinical Social Work Practice (with different specialization topics each year)
- International and Community Development (with different specialization topics each year)
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- Online with Mandatory On-Campus Components
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (for May enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Offered mostly online with two mandatory on-campus components for the Advanced route, and three mandatory components for the Foundational route.
University Information:
University of Calgary - Edmonton Campus (Alberta)
Program Focus:
- Clinical Social Work Practice (with different specialization topics each year)
- International and Community Development (with different specialization topics each year)
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- Online with Mandatory On-Campus Components
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- November (for May enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Offered mostly online with two mandatory on-campus components for the Advanced route, and three mandatory components for the Foundational route.
- Advanced enrollment occurs every second year (on odd years).
- Foundational enrollment occurs ever second year (on even years).
University Information:
The University of British Columbia (British Columbia)
Program Focus:
- Health and Social Care
- Family and Children Services
- Social and International Development
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
Program Offering:
- Mostly On-Campus with Select Online Course Options
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
The University of Northern British Columbia (British Columbia)
Program Focus:
Research, Policy, and Practice in the following areas:
- Social Work in Northern and Remote Area
- Indigenous Peoples, Women, and the Human Service
- Community Practice and Research
-
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment).
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
University Information:
University of Fraser Valley (British Columbia)
Program Focus:
- Leadership
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus & Online Hybrid
Program Options:
- Course-based with Major Paper/Project
Application Due Dates:
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- The Advanced enrollment occurs every second year (on even years)
- The Foundational enrollment occurs every second year (on odd years).
University Information:
University of Victoria (British Columbia)
Program Focus:
- Indigenous Specialization
- Social Justice
MSW Application Routes:
- Advanced: MSW with a BSW
- Foundational: MSW without a BSW
Program Offering:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part-time
- Full-time
Program Options:
- Thesis
- Practicum/Course-based
Application Due Dates
- December (for September enrollment)
Please note application due dates may change year-to-year. Check out the institution’s website for real-time information.
Special Considerations:
- Advanced programs are delivered primarily online, with a mandatory on-campus component.
- The foundational courses for the Foundational program are delivered full-time on-campus. Once completed, advanced courses are offered online.
University Information:
Applying for MSW Programs
Now that you can easily connect with MSW programs in Canada, it’s time to apply!
One of the most important components for acceptance into most MSW programs in Canada is the personal statement part of your application. In fact, the personal statement is often weighted more heavily than either GPA or previous social work experience (although, both are still criteria for acceptance).
So, it’s no surprise that having a well-written personal statement is essential for increasing your chances for admission into MSW programs in Canada.
That’s where MSW Helper can help!
MSW Helper is a one-of-a-kind personal statement editing service for MSW applicants by a MSW graduate! With 89% of their clients successfully getting admitted into competitive MSW programs last year, they truly understand the holistic approach to getting accepted into the MSW program.
MSW Helper offers MSW application services to help improve your chances of being accepted into competitive MSW programs in Canada:
- Personal Statement Editing and Critiquing Services
- Grad School Resume Editing and Critiquing Services
- 1-to-1 MSW Application Planning Session and Consultation
- Writing Workshop a self-paced workshop with pre-recorded content and worksheet.
- The Full Package which is an all-in-one service including credits for personal editing, resume editing, or consultations; enrollment in the Writing Workshop; resume templates, and email templates for academic references requests.
Why go it alone, especially when you can have expert help?
Check out MSW Helper’s free How to Write a Compelling MSW Personal Statement webinar today.
Are you looking for BSW or PhD programs in Social Work in Canada?
Check out our article Canadian Universities with Social Work Programs.
Disclaimer #1
Evaspare Inc. is an affiliate of MSW Helper where we may receive monetary compensation, at no extra cost you, when you sign up for MSW Helper’s programs or services.
Disclaimer #2
Please be advised that this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional advice. Please note that information in this article is only relevant up to the date it was written and is subject to change. As each institution may change their programs year-to-year, it is advised to check out each institution’s website for real-time information regarding MSW program requirements and deadlines.