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Social Work (MSW)

Two MSW students in front of a mural
Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Social Work

Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Social Work is a leader in the field of social work education through its integration and study of anti-oppression and marginalization. Anti-oppression practices draw on critical analysis of socio-economic inequalities and processes of marginalization to understand how people become users of social services. This approach to practice involves critically interpreting and reflecting on social worker-client relations. Social workers with an anti-oppression perspective aim for social justice while addressing clients’ needs. This perspective is relevant to all major fields of social work, including practice within child welfare settings, hospitals, school boards, community agencies and government institutions.

Wall mural in the department of social work office

At a Glance

MSW

  • Completion of a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree* from an institution that meets the guidelines of the International Association of Schools of Social Work
  • Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • English language proficiency requirement

*Note: A BSW is required to qualify for the MSW program.

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

  • Aboriginal Health
  • Anti-Oppression Social Work Practices
  • Critical Approaches to Child Welfare
  • Critical Approaches to Mental Health
  • Critical Race Studies and Practice
  • Disability Studies
  • Globalization and Social Work Practice
  • HIV/AIDS Education, Prevention and Social Care
  • Income Security
  • Indigenous Epistemologies and Research Methodologies
  • Queer Theory and Identities
  • Recreation and Sports Development
  • Social Inclusion and Citizenship
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Structural Approaches to Direct Social Work Practice
  • Anti-Oppressive Practice Responses to Marginalization
  • Critical Perspectives on Marginalization
  • Field Practicum
  • Practice Research Seminar
  • Research for Social Change

Social Work (MSW) graduate program calendar

MSW graduates have published in the following journals:

  • Action Research
  • Canadian Journal of Public Health
  • Canadian Social Work Review
  • International Social Work
  • Journal of GLBT Family Studies
  • Journal of HIV/AIDS Prevention in Children and Youth
  • Journal of Native Education
  • Pathways to Education
  • Qualitative Social Work

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contact

Dr. May Friedman
Graduate Program Director
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552525
Email: may.friedman@torontomu.ca

Milene Ferreira
Graduate Program Administrator
Phone: 416-979-5000 ext. 554531
Email: msw@torontomu.ca

“The tremendous faculty in the School of Social Work challenged me to engage in scholarship that is not only theoretically rich, but socially just and ultimately, courageous,”

Jake Pyne, MSW alumnus
Christian Hui

Student Profile

Christian Hui’s (master of social work alumnus) research suggests AIDS service organizations must learn to support marginalized groups.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Social Work (MSW).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.