UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY · CANADA
Master of Social Work (MSW) - Thesis-Based
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Nationally accredited programAccreditation
- Thesis-based route for research-focused careersProgram Focus
- Specializations in Clinical Practice, International Development, and Human Services LeadershipSpecializations
- Online delivery with required in-person residenciesDelivery Mode
- Optional practicum availablePracticum
- Prepares for doctoral studiesNext Steps
The thesis-based Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed for individuals aiming for doctoral studies or careers requiring advanced program evaluation and research skills. This nationally accredited program prepares students for advanced professional practice. The program can be completed in 36 months for those with an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, or 48 months for those with a non-social work bachelor's degree, which includes 12 months of foundation courses. Students are required to attend in-person residencies, which may take place in Calgary or Edmonton. The curriculum involves completing a set of courses and conducting original research culminating in a thesis that is defended orally.
Curriculum
Students complete a prescribed set of courses and must prepare and defend a thesis. The total number of courses and units varies based on prior education.
- Foundation (if applicable, 12 months)
- Foundation Courses
- Specialization (36 months)
- Advanced Social Work Practice
- Specialization Courses
- Thesis Research Courses
- Advanced Practicum (Optional)SOWK 660
Careers
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in a variety of settings.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) thesis-based program?
- You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last two years of full-time study. An accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is preferred, but a four-year degree in another discipline is also accepted, which will require foundation courses. You also need at least 3,000 hours of relevant paid or volunteer experience and must submit a program proposal, preliminary thesis proposal, resume, and two reference letters.
- How long does the MSW thesis-based program take to complete?
- If you have an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, the program can be completed in 36 months. For those with a bachelor's degree in a non-social work discipline, the program duration is 48 months, including 12 months of foundation courses.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the MSW program?
- Specific tuition fee information for international students can be found in the Graduate Calendar, as indicated in the program details.
- When is the application deadline for the MSW thesis-based program?
- The application deadline for admission in May is November 5th. It is crucial to submit all required documents by this date.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MSW thesis-based program?
- Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in various settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program also prepares students for doctoral studies and careers requiring advanced research skills.
Entry requirements
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degreeAccredited/recognized institution. Must be conferred before May program start. Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) over the last two years of full-time study (minimum 60 units).
Four-year bachelor's degree in another disciplineMust be conferred before May program start. Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) over the last two years of full-time study (minimum 60 units). Foundation courses will be required.
Please refer to the Academic Calendar for accepted criteria.
Equivalent to 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 is required. Applicants must submit a program proposal, a preliminary thesis proposal, and a resume. Two reference letters (one academic, one professional) are also required.
Fees
Tuition (international)Refer to the Graduate Calendar for specific fee information.
Tuition (home)Refer to the Graduate Calendar for specific fee information.
LivingInformation not available on provided pages.
Information on fees and financial assistance can be found in the Graduate Calendar.
How to apply
1. Review Program RequirementsEnsure you meet the minimum GPA, academic qualifications, and work experience requirements. Note the specific requirements for applicants with a BSW versus a non-social work degree.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather your program proposal, preliminary thesis proposal, resume, and arrange for two reference letters (one academic, one professional).
3. Meet English Language Proficiency (ELP)If your primary language is not English, ensure you meet the ELP requirements as detailed in the Academic Calendar.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application by the November 5th deadline for May admission.
5. Secure a SupervisorThe PhD/MSW Thesis Coordinator will act as an interim supervisor. You must designate a permanent supervisor by the end of April in your first year. Work with your supervisor to determine committee preferences.
Accreditation
Nationally accredited program.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) thesis-based program?
+
You need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last two years of full-time study. An accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is preferred, but a four-year degree in another discipline is also accepted, which will require foundation courses. You also need at least 3,000 hours of relevant paid or volunteer experience and must submit a program proposal, preliminary thesis proposal, resume, and two reference letters.
How long does the MSW thesis-based program take to complete?
+
If you have an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, the program can be completed in 36 months. For those with a bachelor's degree in a non-social work discipline, the program duration is 48 months, including 12 months of foundation courses.
What are the tuition fees for international students in the MSW program?
+
Specific tuition fee information for international students can be found in the Graduate Calendar, as indicated in the program details.
When is the application deadline for the MSW thesis-based program?
+
The application deadline for admission in May is November 5th. It is crucial to submit all required documents by this date.
What are the career prospects after completing the MSW thesis-based program?
+
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in various settings including hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program also prepares students for doctoral studies and careers requiring advanced research skills.