Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work program embraces a critical and anti-oppressive, social justice approach to social work practice.
Why choose this program?
Gain advanced education for specialized social work practice and leadership, grounded in critical and anti-oppressive social justice approaches.
»ÆÉ«Ö±²¥â€™s Master of Social Work (MSW) develops specialized practice and leadership grounded in critical, anti-oppressive social justice perspectives. Choose course-based or thesis study, and learn through critical theory, policy analysis, research skills, and field education. Flexible part-time andÌýonlineÌýoptions help you shape a program that fits your goals, while accredited curriculum supports professional recognition in Canada.
Careers
Prepare for advanced roles supporting individuals, families, and communities across diverse practice settings.
Graduates work in health and mental health services, child welfare, addictions, community organizations, and other social service systems.
Program options
Professional: This course-based master’s program will enable you to acquire specialized knowledge, enhance critical skills, and advance your career. Learn more about professional master's degrees at Dal.
TheÌýMSW offers 1-year BSW entry and 2-year non-BSW entry pathways, withÌýthesis and non-thesis options, delivered in person and by distance.
Your program, your way
You can tailor your studies to match the kind of impact you want to make—whether that’s supporting people through mental health and substance use challenges, working with trauma, strengthening communities, shaping policy, engaging in international practice, or pursuing research.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience through field education, completing a 450-hour placement. If you’re in the one-year program, you’ll complete one placement; if you’re entering without a BSW, you’ll complete two. Along the way, you’ll deepen your learning through seminars offered online or on campus, helping you connect what you study with real-world practice.
All graduate programs at »ÆÉ«Ö±²¥ are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and theÌýFaculty of Graduate Studies.
Admission requirements
You'll need to meet theÌýFaculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirementsÌýas well as any program-specific admission requirements before you can apply.
The MSW annual application deadline is November 15 of each year.
Program-specific requirements
This program requires you to meet the following criteria:
A baccalaureate degree in social work (BSW) is required. This option is available on campus or online.Ìý.
Those with a BSW degree are preferred to have at least two years of full-time paid employment in a social work position.ÌýÌý
A completed four-year undergraduate university degree (120 credit hours) in a related field is required. .
This option is only available on campus on a full-time basis.Ìý
Preference is given to applicants with two years of social work related experience (paid or volunteer).Ìý
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.3 scale) or an equivalent cumulative average of at least B in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours completed. Graduate level credits are not used in the admission average.
Note: There is no transfer credit or advanced standing awarded in the MSW degree.
IfÌýrequired: TOEFL iBT 92; IELTS (Academic) 7; PTE Academic 65 with nothing below 54.
TheÌýfollowing are considered inÌýtheÌýselection process:
- Academic performance
- Social work-related experience
- Strength of Statement of Scholarly Interest
- Appropriateness of educational/professional goals toÌýtheÌýSchool’sÌýprogram
- Strength of references
Important notes aboutÌýselection:
- Admission to this program is highly competitive. Possession of admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission
- °Õ³ó±ð number of places offered each year is ±ô¾±³¾¾±³Ù±ð»å. 
Financial information
International tuition fee:ÌýPayable based onÌýthesis-option rate and credit hours of registration.
Questions about tuition and fees? Contact Student Accounts.
Email student.accounts@dal.ca or phone 902-494-3998.
