Social Work

MSW Program; Field: Children and Their Families (Two-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Students in the MSW two-year option must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 8.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Year 1 core courses and practicum (4.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

    • SWK4103H Elements of Social Work Practice

    • SWK4105H Social Work Practice Laboratory

    • SWK4107H Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4602H Social Work Practice with Groups

    • SWK4605H Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

    • SWK4654H Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

    • SWK4701H Social Work Practicum I.

  • Year 2 field-specific courses and practicum (3.0 FCEs):

    • SWK4514H Research for Practice with Children and Their Families

    • SWK4608H Social Work Practice with Families

    • SWK4620H Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents

    • SWK4625H The Intersection of Policy and Practice with Children and Their Families

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II (September to April).

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 4.5 FCEs in core courses and practicum, 3.0 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students - maximum three in any given year - whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Children and Their Families (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements. Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 4.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Field-specific courses and practicum (3.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session)

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4514H Research for Practice with Children and Their Families

    • SWK4608H Social Work Practice with Families

    • SWK4620H Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents

    • SWK4625H The Intersection of Policy and Practice with Children and Their Families

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II.

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 3.5 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

• Note: advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study (three sessions) or two years of part-time study.

MSW Program; Field: Gerontology (Two-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Students in the MSW two-year option must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 8.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Year 1 core courses and practicum (4.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

    • SWK4103H Elements of Social Work Practice

    • SWK4105H Social Work Practice Laboratory

    • SWK4107H Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4602H Social Work Practice with Groups

    • SWK4605H Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

    • SWK4654H Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

    • SWK4701H Social Work Practicum I.

  • Year 2 field-specific courses and practicum (3.5 FCEs):

    • AGE2000H Principles of Aging

    • SWK4513H Knowledge Building in Social Work

    • SWK4609H Clinical Social Work Practice with Older Adults

    • SWK4611H The Context of Social Work Practice with Older Adults and Their Families

    • SWK4618H Special Issues in Gerontological Social Work

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II.

  • Elective coursework (0.5 FCEs) from the Collaborative Specialization (CS) in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course list of approved electives, excluding SWK4618H. To fulfil the elective requirement, students may request approval in advance from the CS Committee of an elective course not on this list.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 4.5 FCEs in core courses and practicum, 2.5 FCEs in field-specific courses, 0.5 FCE in elective coursework, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in practicum).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Gerontology (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 4.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Field-specific courses and practicum (4.0 FCEs):

    • AGE2000H Principles of Aging

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4513H Knowledge Building in Social Work

    • SWK4609H Clinical Social Work Practice with Older Adults

    • SWK4611H The Context of Social Work Practice with Older Adults and Their Families

    • SWK4618H Special Issues in Gerontological Social Work

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II.

  • Elective coursework (0.5 FCEs) from the Collaborative Specialization (CS) in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course list of approved electives, excluding SWK4618H. To fulfil the elective requirement, students may request approval in advance from the CS Committee of an elective course not on this list.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 3.0 FCEs in field-specific courses, 0.5 FCE in elective coursework, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in practicum).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Health and Mental Health (Two-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Students in the MSW two-year option must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 8.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • Year 1 core courses and practicum (4.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

    • SWK4103H Elements of Social Work Practice

    • SWK4105H Social Work Practice Laboratory

    • SWK4107H Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4602H Social Work Practice with Groups

    • SWK4605H Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

    • SWK4654H Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

    • SWK4701H Social Work Practicum I

  • Year 2 field-specific courses and practicum (2.0 FCEs):

    • SWK4412H The Context of Mental Health and Health Practice

    • SWK4511H Practice-Based Research in Mental Health and Health

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II (September to April)

  • 1.0 FCE in field-specific courses selected from one of the following options:

    • SWK4622H Social Work Practice in Health and SWK4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health

    • SWK4622H Social Work Practice in Health, and one of the following:

    • SWK4003H Narrative Therapy or

    • SWK4615H Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Clinical Social Work Practice or

    • SWK4632H Advanced Social Work Practice in Health or

    • SWK4637H Special Topics in Health Social Work

    • SWK4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health, and one of the following:

    • SWK4003H Narrative Therapy or

    • SWK4615H Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Clinical Social Work Practice or

    • SWK4626H Social Work Practice with LGBTIA Populations or

    • SWK4627H Eating Disorders Assessment and Treatment or

    • SWK4631H Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health or

    • SWK4640H Special Topics in Mental Health Social Work 2 or

    • SWK4647H Family-Centred Practices in Addictions and Mental Health

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 4.5 FCEs in core courses and practicum, 2.0 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, 1.0 FCE in field-specific courses selected from one of the options described above, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Health and Mental Health (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in coursework, as follows:

  • Field-specific courses and practicum (2.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4412H The Context of Mental Health and Health Practice

    • SWK4511H Practice-Based Research in Mental Health and Health

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II (September to April)

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field.

  • 1.0 FCE in field-specific courses selected from one of the following options:

    • SWK4622H Social Work Practice in Health and SWK4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health

    • SWK4622H Social Work Practice in Health, and one of the following:

    • SWK4000H Social Work and Disability Practice: a Client and Family Centred Approach or

    • SWK4003H Narrative Therapy or

    • SWK4615H Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Clinical Social Work Practice or

    • SWK4632H Advanced Social Work Practice in Health or

    • SWK4637H Special Topics in Health Social Work

    • SWK4604H Social Work Practice in Mental Health, and one of the following:

    • SWK4001H Emotion-Focused Therapy or

    • SWK4003H Narrative Therapy or

    • SWK4615H Cognitive Behavioural Theories and Clinical Social Work Practice or

    • SWK4626H Social Work Practice with LGBTQIA Populations

    • SWK4627H Eating Disorders Assessment and Treatment or SWK4647H Family-Centred Practices in Addictions and Mental Health

    • SWK4631H Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 2.5 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, 1.0 FCE in field-specific courses selected from one of the options described above, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

  • All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

  • In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Human Services Management and Leadership (Two-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Students in the MSW two-year option must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 8.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Year 1 core courses and practicum (4.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

    • SWK4103H Elements of Social Work Practice

    • SWK4105H Social Work Practice Laboratory

    • SWK4107H Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4602H Social Work Practice with Groups

    • SWK4605H Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

    • SWK4654H Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

    • SWK4701H Social Work Practicum I.

  • Year 2 field-specific courses and practicum (3.0 FCEs):

    • SWK4425H Human Services Management and Leadership

    • SWK4426H Financial Management and Leadership in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4427H Human Resource Management in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4515H Research and Quality Improvement in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II (September to April)

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 4.5 FCEs in core courses and practicum, 3.0 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Human Services Management and Leadership (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in coursework, as follows:

  • Field-specific courses and practicum (3.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4425H Human Services Management and Leadership

    • SWK4426H Financial Management and Leadership in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4427H Human Resource Management in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4515H Research and Quality Improvement in Human Service Organizations

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II.

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 3.5 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

• Note: advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study (three sessions) or two years of part-time study.

MSW Program; Field: Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Applicants with an appropriate bachelor's degree or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) 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 can be admitted to this field.

• All applicants must have completed 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.

• Three years of experience (voluntary or paid) in the social services or related field and knowledge of critical social issues. Suitability for professional practice in social work will also be considered.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Applicants may be asked to complete an admissions interview in person or virtually as part of the application process.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 7.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Year 1 courses and practicum (3.5 FCEs):

    • SWK4101H Understanding Historical and Multigenerational Trauma

    • SWK4106H Social Work Ethics and Indigenous Communities

    • SWK4108H Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and the Family

    • SWK4109H Trauma and Human Development

    • SWK4110H Trauma and Addiction

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice

    • SWK4902H Indigenous Perspectives on Grief, Loss, and Unattended Sorrow

    • Students entering the program with a degree other than a BSW must complete an additional 1.0 FCE in Year 1:

      • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

      • SWK4516H Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Practicum.

  • Year 2 courses and practicum (4.0 FCEs):

    • SWK4111H Trauma-Informed Schools, Community Intervention, and the Healing Power of Ceremony

    • SWK4517H Indigenous and Participatory Research Methods

    • SWK4703Y MSW ITR Practicum III

    • SWK4901H Facilitating Training in Indigenous Communities

    • SWK4903H Trauma-Informed Care, Organizations, Supervision, and Leadership

    • SWK4904H Working with Couples and Families in Indigenous Context

    • SWK4905H Seeing the Need, Creating the Solution.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including 6.5 FCEs in required courses, 1.0 FCE in practica, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis.

    • Students entering the program with a degree other than a BSW must complete an additional 1.0 FCE in Year 1:

      • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

      • SWK4516H Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency Practicum.

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years' prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SWK4703Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• Students are expected to submit a Vulnerable Sector Verification, by June 1, prior to course registration. It is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

MSW Program; Field: Social Justice and Diversity (Two-Year Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Students in the MSW two-year option must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1.

• Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 8.5 FCEs as follows:

  • Year 1 core courses and practicum (4.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4102H Social Policy and Social Welfare in the Canadian Context

    • SWK4103H Elements of Social Work Practice

    • SWK4105H Social Work Practice Laboratory

    • SWK4107H Foundations of Social Work: Knowledge, Theory, and Values that Inform Practice

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice (SWK4510H must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field)

    • SWK4602H Social Work Practice with Groups

    • SWK4605H Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families

    • SWK4654H Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities

    • SWK4701H Social Work Practicum I.

  • Year 2 field-specific courses and practicum (3.0 FCEs):

    • SWK4304H Social Work Policy Practice and Advocacy in the Context of Neoliberal Globalization

    • SWK4306H Theoretical Approaches to Defining Social Injustice and Engaging in Social Change

    • SWK4512H Research Knowledge for Social Justice

    • SWK4606H Diversity, Access, and Equity in Social Work Practice

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II (September to April)

  • 1.0 FCE in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 4.5 FCEs in core courses and practicum, 3.0 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

MSW Program; Field: Social Justice and Diversity (Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Social Work's additional admission requirements stated below.

• 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.

• 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.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Advanced-standing applicants must declare their field and a preference for full-time or part-time studies at the time of application.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Please note that applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

Completion Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) in coursework, as follows:

  • Field-specific courses and practicum (3.5 FCEs):

    • SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop to be completed in the Fall session

    • SWK4304H Social Work Policy Practice and Advocacy in the Context of Neoliberal Globalization

    • SWK4306H Theoretical Approaches to Defining Social Injustice and Engaging in Social Change

    • SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, which must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field

    • SWK4512H Research Knowledge for Social Justice

    • SWK4606H Diversity, Access, and Equity in Social Work Practice

    • SWK4702Y Social Work Practicum II.

  • 1.0 FCEs in elective courses.

  • Students in the thesis option must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs in coursework, including the 3.5 FCEs in field-specific courses and practicum, and 1.0 FCE in the thesis (replaces 1.0 FCE in elective courses).

    • The MSW thesis option provides hands-on research experience. The thesis is an independent piece of research intended to enable students to develop and apply research skills within the context of social work practice and to write a graduate thesis of publishable quality. Note: The thesis option is available to a limited number of students — maximum three in any given year — whose proposed research must be approved by a review panel and by the Associate Dean, Research.

    • Students in the thesis option who have a minimum of two years prior full-time social work experience are eligible to apply to take an additional 1.0 elective FCE in place of the Year 2 practicum (SW4702Y). Workplace supervision must have occurred with an MSW supervisor; requests for substitution must be reviewed and approved by the Faculty Assessment Committee.

    • Students who choose the thesis option may require at least one additional academic session to complete the program.

• All MSW students: Agencies that offer practica will likely require a Vulnerable Sector Verification prior to commencing the practicum. Failure to pass this check will jeopardize a student's entry to practicum. Cost and time factors are associated with the Vulnerable Sector Verification. A delay in obtaining the results can impact the start time of a student's practicum. In anticipation of this requirement for the practicum, it is strongly recommended that students begin this process early.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses, or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, normally steps will be taken by the Faculty to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

• Note: advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study (three sessions) or two years of part-time study.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the graduate unit's additional admission requirements stated below.

• Master of Social Work degree or an equivalent master's degree with at least a B+ standing from an accredited program in a recognized university.

• Competency in basic statistical methods at an introductory level.

• Educational and professional experience that indicates a capacity to undertake research-oriented post-graduate work.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. Selected applicants will be asked to complete an admissions interview in person or virtually as part of the application process.

• The application deadline for the PhD program is in early January. The Faculty of Social Work does not guarantee admission to all applicants who meet its minimum requirements.

Completion Requirements

Students must successfully complete a total of 5.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs), generally within two years of registration, as follows:

• Coursework.

  • 2.0 FCEs in core research courses:

    • SWK6301H Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis

    • SWK6302H Epistemology and Social Work Research

    • SWK6307H Designing and Implementing Qualitative Social Work Research

    • SWK6308H Designing and Implementing Quantitative Social Work Research

  • Students may be exempt from these research courses but will substitute alternate elective courses for each exempted course. Note: SWK4506H is a prerequisite for SWK6301H, or an equivalent competency exam must be passed by all incoming students with a grade of A. SWK4506H does not count towards one of the required PhD courses; however, the grade is included in the student's total grade point average calculation.

  • 2.5 FCEs in graduate-level electives, including at least 0.5 FCE from Social Work and at least 0.5 FCE from another graduate unit (with the approval of the PhD Director).

• Seminar.

  • SWK7000H Doctoral Thesis Seminar is required during the Fall session of Year 2.

  • Year 1 PhD students will attend a mandatory Year 1 colloquium during the Winter session (two full days or four half days), no credit.

• Comprehensive exam.

  • Following completion of at least nine of the above required courses (excluding SWK4506H), students must satisfactorily complete SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam during the Winter or Summer session of Year 2.

• Following completion of the coursework, seminar, and comprehensive exam, students must satisfactorily complete:

  • a thesis proposal and oral thesis proposal defence,

  • a thesis,

    • which can be in the traditional thesis format, which constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of social work, or

    • a three-paper option based on the same fundamental principles of independent student work and scholarly rigour. The three-paper dissertation option allows students to write three related papers in a given topic or area of interest in which they have conducted research as required for the PhD program.

  • and finally, an oral thesis defence.

• Students are expected to achieve candidacy by completing all coursework, the comprehensive exam, and have their thesis proposal approved before the end of Year 3 of their program of study (typically by the end of August in Year 3).

• Students must have an adequate knowledge of a language other than English if an additional language is deemed essential for satisfactory completion of research for the thesis. The Faculty is responsible for ensuring that an acceptable certificate of language competence is deposited with the School of Graduate Studies.

• In the event that a student does not complete two or more required courses (excluding SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam), or receives an FZ (inadequate) after repeating any course, the Faculty will take steps to recommend the termination of the student's registration.

• In the event that a student receives an NCR (No Credit) for SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam, the Faculty will take steps to recommend the termination of the student's registration.