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Social Work (PhD)

Society needs researchers who have a deep understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and who are prepared to address inequality and promote social justice.

Supported by world-class faculty , students undertake ground-breaking research that fosters social justice and promotes new understandings of social issues affecting individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

Program Highlights

• The country’s only Indigenized PhD in Social Work offering. Following a successful pilot in 2018, the program was implemented again in 2022.
• Small class sizes foster a strong sense of community among students and enable faculty to provide individual support and mentorship.
• 56% of students who graduated between 2016 and 2021 hold full-time faculty positions.
• For the 2023/24 academic year, 10 of our students were awarded external funding to support their research from either the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada or the Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
• One of our students was the recipient of the prestigious Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship.

Program Details

The PhD program includes two offerings: a general offering and Indigenous offering. Each offering involves the same program structure and milestones. Students complete seven required courses and one elective course, with an optional elective available. They then complete the comprehensive examination followed by the dissertation.

The Social Work PhD comprehensive examination is an important stepping-stone in students’ dissertation research. It provides students with the opportunity to develop deep knowledge of the theory and knowledge/research related to their area of interest, which both informs and frames their dissertation research.

General Offering

This offering reflects Western ways of knowing, though students are exposed to and encourage to consider Indigenous ways of knowing and research, decolonization, and critical methods in their research. This offering is open to both full-time and part-time students and is offered annually except with the second offering is implemented.

Indigenized Offering

This offering is situated in Indigenous knowledges and embraces Indigenous teaching methods, such as circle, ceremony, and land-based learning. This offering is designed for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It is open to full-time students and is offered every 4-5 years.

This offering is a critical part of the Faculty of Social Work’s commitment to indigenization and decolonization and responds to recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It also helps to respond to the growing demand for Indigenous scholars within higher education.

Courses are taught by Indigenous scholars from the Indigenous Field of Study (IFS). Course content privileges Indigenous scholarship and discourses relevant to Indigenous issues in practice, research and education. Indigegogy is a term that is employed by the IFS team to capture the Indigenous theories and practices that underpin the transformative Indigenous educational process. Indigegogy in each course is wholistic in design and flow from Indigenous ways of seeing, being, knowing, and doing. Course pedagogy involves the sharing circle in the presence of medicines, ceremony, and Elders, and land-based learning, when possible.

Graduates take their place in the circle of Indigenous knowledge, restoring and generating indigenous knowledge. Graduates understand "how" to gather knowledge, carve pathways, research, engage in Indigegogy, how to take their places within the academy or teaching and research positions and maintain their Indigeneity and Indigenist frameworks.

Field Learning Option

Students for whom field experience in a particular setting is necessary to advance their ability to conduct their research may request permission to enrol in the Field Learning Option. The student identifies the setting, negotiates the details of the role, and submits a written proposal for the Field Learning Option to the associate dean of the PhD program and the PhD committee for approval. If taken, the field learning option would fulfil an elective.

Program Structure

Full-time students are expected to complete their coursework within four terms and their comprehensive examination in two terms. They usually complete the program in 4-5 years.

Full-time students receive minimum guaranteed funding and are eligible to apply for Ontario Graduate Scholarships, SSHRC or CIHR doctoral awards.

Term One (Fall)

• SK790: Social Work Thought and Theory
• SK791: Epistemology and the Nature of Social Work Knowledge

Term Two (Winter)

• SK704: Applied Quantitative Research Methods
• SK805: Applied Qualitative Research Methods

Term Three (Spring)

• SK820: Doctoral Seminar 
• SK894: Writing for Publication 

Term Four (Fall)

• SK801: Advanced Qualitative Data Analysis 
• Required Elective 

Terms Five (Winter) and Six (Spring)

• SK893: Comprehensive Examination

Terms Seven to 12

• SK899: PhD Dissertation

Part-time students complete a maximum of two courses per term and expected to complete the comprehensive examination within four terms.

They follow the same curriculum as full-time students and are expected to complete courses in the terms the courses are offered to full-time students.

Following admission to the program, in collaboration with the associate dean of the PhD program, the student develops a plan for completing their courses.

Please note, part-time students are not eligible for the minimum guaranteed funding package or for Ontario Graduate Scholarships, SSHRC or CIHR doctoral awards.

Faculty Research

Our faculty members pursue a range of research interests across the micro-macro practice spectrum from the local to global contexts. They use various research methodologies, including critical, feminist, and Indigenous methods.

Our research centres, programs, and chairs include the Centre for Indigegogy , Manulife Centre for Community Health Research , the Social Innovation Research Group , Walls to Bridges , Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Global Adversity and Wellbeing, and the Lyle S. Hallman Chair in Child and Family Welfare.

Core Research Areas

Aligned with social work’s mission and values, faculty’s research addresses these core areas:

Community-Engaged Research for Inclusion

Faculty conduct research in partnership with marginalized and vulnerable communities and work toward social justice and social transformation. Faculty are deeply engaged with the community and engage is scholarship that is driven by community priorities, centres community voices, and advances social justice and inclusion.

Indigenous Scholarship and Decolonizing Relationships, Knowledges, and Practices

This area includes Indigenous scholarship by Indigenous faculty members as well as research and knowledge mobilization related to decolonizing practices and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Common to these topics is strong recognition, respect and value placed on Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing, being and doing.

Adversity, Trauma, Wellbeing and Social Change

Faculty engage in research exploring the connections between various forms of adversity and, trauma, and wellbeing, with the goal of facilitating positive wellbeing, belonging, and inclusion. This work informs interventions at the micro and macro levels, including challenging systems of oppression that underpin various forms of adversity.

Gender and its Intersections

Faculty examine the ways gender and gendered experiences (i.e., expressions, identities, sexualities, and embodiment) are shaped by and intersect with factors such as racism, colonialism, patriarchy, cisgenderism, heterosexism, ableism, poverty, and religion. Faculty explore topics such as violence against women, criminal justice, immigration and refugee issues, disability, and 2SLGBTQ+ realities.

"The PhD program provided opportunities for me to build lifelong relationships with colleagues and friends. I am thankful for the care put into fostering these opportunities to connect and the mentors that helped guide my journey". 

Christine Mayor (PhD ’22)

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

• Start: Fall (September)
• Format: Full-time or part-time
• Application deadline: Extended to Jan. 31

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Learn more about our program and register for one of our Virtual Information Sessions. 

• Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Register on Zoom . 

Admission Requirements

• A Master of Social Work (MSW) or equivalent from a related discipline with a minimum A- standing.
• Three or more years of post-MSW practice experience, but other combinations of practice, education, and lived experience may be considered. We particularly value practice with diverse marginalized communities and populations.
• Strong critical and analytic abilities and a passion for intellectual and personal growth and research that fosters social justice, inclusion, and well-being.
• Potential and motivation to pursue independent research that reflects social work values.
• Please note, we do not require prospective students to pre-arrange an advisor as this is a process we believe best occurs when part of the program. However, feel free to contact faculty with whom you might want to work to discuss your research interests. In your application you are asked to identify faculty with whom you would like to work.

Application Checklist

Applications must be complete to be considered. The annual application deadline is usually mid-January. The application includes assessments from referees and a statement of intent, which includes a proposed research plan, therefore we recommend you start developing your application early. Applications are assessed by faculty serving on the PhD program committee. We reserve the right to interview applicants and consider applications until the program is full.

After you have submitted your  OUAC application , paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from [email protected] advising you to upload the additional required documentation to   Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS) .

An application for admission to our PhD in Social Work program must include:

• The Application Summary , which is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it).
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Documents must be dated within the past six months.
• A completed statement of intent (see below for details).
• A resume of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your research experience, publications, presentations/workshops given, and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee. Distinguish between paid and volunteer positions, and practicum and full- or part-time work.
• A sample of your scholarly writing (10-20 pages in length). This may be a chapter of your master's thesis or a paper written for a graduate course.
• Completed reference forms . Three academic references are required. Note: Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded.

Statement of Intent

As you complete the   statement of intent   keep the following points in mind:

• Answers each of the questions outlined on the form, with most of your attention given to your research interests and proposed research plan.
• Conveys your motivation for pursuing a PhD in social work in terms of your education, practice experience (not limited to paid work), and lived experience, and how these connect to your research interests, which reflect the social work profession’s mission and values.
• Reflects reflexivity and self-awareness regarding your positionalities, especially if proposing to conduct research with a community you are not a member of. 
• Provides evidence that you examined the scholarly literature, including theory, regarding your area of interest and how your proposed study fits with these. Ideally conveys how your research might advance understanding of the topic.
• Includes a clear and answerable research question that aligns with the research issue you plan to address in your doctoral research.
• Presents a coherent and feasible research plan (methodological approach, sampling, and data collection and analysis) that address your research question and is appropriate to research population. Because of space limitations, the research plan does not need to address minor points, such as how confidentiality will be maintained.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to  LORIS .

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Michael Woodford, associate dean of the PhD program, at [email protected] .

"The collegiality of peers, staff, and faculty was a valuable and cherished part of my experience. The physical spaces for students to work and engage with each other created a great extension to classroom learning. My advisor’s commitment guidance and support were essential in creating an intellectually stimulating experience that challenged me and deepened my critical thinking."

Bibi Baksh (PhD '22)

Kitchener Location

This program is available at the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work in the heart of downtown Kitchener . This fully renovated historic building houses seven classrooms (including a unique circular classroom), a computer lab, a 2,000 square foot library, an interview-viewing room, a large conference/lecture hall, a community meeting space, a student lounge, and a spiritual room.

Close to 300 graduate students are based in Kitchener, just minutes away from Laurier’s Waterloo campus where they can access a full range of student supports and a variety of campus amenities.

Learn more about Laurier's campuses .

Tuition and Funding

Full-time domestic students will benefit from bursary and teaching assistantship opportunities at the university. 

All full-time domestic students receive the PhD minimum guaranteed funding (MGF) package of two teaching assistantships and a scholarship.

The Faculty of Social Work welcomes international students to the PhD Program. International students who have confirmed funding from a third-party, such as their employer or a scholarship program in their home country, will be considered for admission beginning in the 2024/25 admission year.

Learn more about  admission requirements for international applicants.

"In addition to preparing me to become a researcher, the PhD program helped me to become a more compassionate and informed practitioner and lecturer. Most importantly, it afforded me an opportunity to learn new ways of thinking and challenge myself on difficult topics."

Jennifer Scarborough (PhD '21)

In addition to becoming faculty members, our graduates assume research, policy analysis, and leadership roles in human service organizations.

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace .

If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team. 

Program Inquiries 

If you are looking for more information about the program or want to discuss next steps, you can email Michael Woodford, associate dean at  [email protected] .

Learn About Our Faculty

To contact other members of our team, or l earn more about the interests of our faculty members, visit our contacts page.  

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• Graduate School
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Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

Canadian immigration updates.

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

Go to programs search

The PhD in Social Work at UBC is a research degree. Built around a small number of common courses, the program draws on the diverse range of courses available across the campus to advance the student's individualized plan of study. Part-time Doctoral Classification is available for domestic students.

For specific program requirements, please refer to the departmental program website

What makes the program unique?

Our students come from around the world and are supervised by faculty with expertise in their particular field of study. No student is admitted without the commitment of a designated supervisor.

UBC is internationally recognized as an institution that values academic excellence, innovation in research, and transformative learning.

Quick Facts

Program enquiries, admission information & requirements, 1) check eligibility, minimum academic requirements.

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements. Please review the program website carefully to understand the program requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as it is a competitive process.

English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

Minimum requirements for the two most common English language proficiency tests to apply to this program are listed below:

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet-based

Overall score requirement : 93

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Overall score requirement : 6.5

Other Test Scores

Some programs require additional test scores such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Test (GMAT). The requirements for this program are:

The GRE is not required.

2) Meet Deadlines

September 2025 intake, application open date, canadian applicants, international applicants, deadline explanations.

Deadline to submit online application. No changes can be made to the application after submission.

Deadline to upload scans of official transcripts through the applicant portal in support of a submitted application. Information for accessing the applicant portal will be provided after submitting an online application for admission.

Deadline for the referees identified in the application for admission to submit references. See Letters of Reference for more information.

3) Prepare Application

Transcripts.

All applicants have to submit transcripts from all past post-secondary study. Document submission requirements depend on whether your institution of study is within Canada or outside of Canada.

Letters of Reference

A minimum of three references are required for application to graduate programs at UBC. References should be requested from individuals who are prepared to provide a report on your academic ability and qualifications.

Statement of Interest

Many programs require a statement of interest , sometimes called a "statement of intent", "description of research interests" or something similar.

Supervision

Students in research-based programs usually require a faculty member to function as their thesis supervisor. Please follow the instructions provided by each program whether applicants should contact faculty members.

Instructions regarding thesis supervisor contact for Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD)

Citizenship verification.

Permanent Residents of Canada must provide a clear photocopy of both sides of the Permanent Resident card.

4) Apply Online

All applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Tuition & Financial Support

Financial support.

Applicants to UBC have access to a variety of funding options, including merit-based (i.e. based on your academic performance) and need-based (i.e. based on your financial situation) opportunities.

Program Funding Packages

From September 2024 all full-time students in UBC-Vancouver PhD programs will be provided with a funding package of at least $24,000 for each of the first four years of their PhD. The funding package may consist of any combination of internal or external awards, teaching-related work, research assistantships, and graduate academic assistantships. Please note that many graduate programs provide funding packages that are substantially greater than $24,000 per year. Please check with your prospective graduate program for specific details of the funding provided to its PhD students.

Average Funding

• 8 students received Teaching Assistantships. Average TA funding based on 8 students was $5,177.
• 9 students received Research Assistantships. Average RA funding based on 9 students was $12,743.
• 4 students received Academic Assistantships. Average AA funding based on 4 students was $15,094.
• 12 students received internal awards. Average internal award funding based on 12 students was $12,483.
• 2 students received external awards. Average external award funding based on 2 students was $35,000.

Scholarships & awards (merit-based funding)

All applicants are encouraged to review the awards listing to identify potential opportunities to fund their graduate education. The database lists merit-based scholarships and awards and allows for filtering by various criteria, such as domestic vs. international or degree level.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)

Many professors are able to provide Research Assistantships (GRA) from their research grants to support full-time graduate students studying under their supervision. The duties constitute part of the student's graduate degree requirements. A Graduate Research Assistantship is considered a form of fellowship for a period of graduate study and is therefore not covered by a collective agreement. Stipends vary widely, and are dependent on the field of study and the type of research grant from which the assistantship is being funded.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA)

Graduate programs may have Teaching Assistantships available for registered full-time graduate students. Full teaching assistantships involve 12 hours work per week in preparation, lecturing, or laboratory instruction although many graduate programs offer partial TA appointments at less than 12 hours per week. Teaching assistantship rates are set by collective bargaining between the University and the Teaching Assistants' Union .

Graduate Academic Assistantships (GAA)

Academic Assistantships are employment opportunities to perform work that is relevant to the university or to an individual faculty member, but not to support the student’s graduate research and thesis. Wages are considered regular earnings and when paid monthly, include vacation pay.

Financial aid (need-based funding)

Canadian and US applicants may qualify for governmental loans to finance their studies. Please review eligibility and types of loans .

All students may be able to access private sector or bank loans.

Foreign government scholarships

Many foreign governments provide support to their citizens in pursuing education abroad. International applicants should check the various governmental resources in their home country, such as the Department of Education, for available scholarships.

Working while studying

The possibility to pursue work to supplement income may depend on the demands the program has on students. It should be carefully weighed if work leads to prolonged program durations or whether work placements can be meaningfully embedded into a program.

International students enrolled as full-time students with a valid study permit can work on campus for unlimited hours and work off-campus for no more than 20 hours a week.

A good starting point to explore student jobs is the UBC Work Learn program or a Co-Op placement .

Tax credits and RRSP withdrawals

Students with taxable income in Canada may be able to claim federal or provincial tax credits.

Canadian residents with RRSP accounts may be able to use the Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP) which allows students to withdraw amounts from their registered retirement savings plan (RRSPs) to finance full-time training or education for themselves or their partner.

Please review Filing taxes in Canada on the student services website for more information.

Cost Estimator

Applicants have access to the cost estimator to develop a financial plan that takes into account various income sources and expenses.

Career Outcomes

8 students graduated between 2005 and 2013. Of these, career information was obtained for 7 alumni (based on research conducted between Feb-May 2016):

Sample Employers in Higher Education

Sample employers outside higher education, sample job titles outside higher education, phd career outcome survey, career options.

Typically our graduates become instructors or professors in other departments or schools of social work, though a number also work in social welfare administration, the policy arena, and social development.

Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats

These statistics show data for the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (PhD). Data are separated for each degree program combination. You may view data for other degree options in the respective program profile.

ENROLMENT DATA

• Research Supervisors

Advice and insights from UBC Faculty on reaching out to supervisors

These videos contain some general advice from faculty across UBC on finding and reaching out to a supervisor. They are not program specific.

This list shows faculty members with full supervisory privileges who are affiliated with this program. It is not a comprehensive list of all potential supervisors as faculty from other programs or faculty members without full supervisory privileges can request approvals to supervise graduate students in this program.

• Baines, Donna (Social work; Age-Friendly Cities; decent work and good care for older people in residential and home care; impact of neoliberalism on Indigenous social work education; impact of neoliberalism on non-Indigenous social work education)
• Bratiotis, Christiana (Social work; interventions in the context of hoarding; organizational processes involved in hoarding task forces; service utilization)
• Caragata, Lea (Social oppression and marginalization; Counselling, welfare and community services; Social policy; welfare systems; Poverty; labour markets; lone mothers; social policy; youth provisioning)
• Charles, Grant (Psychosocial oncology, intellectual disabilities, family interventions and at risk youth)
• Ibrahim, Mohamed (mental health; addiction among new immigrants and refugees; global mental health)
• Kia, Hannah (LGBTQ2S+ health; LGBTQ2S+ aging; social work and other professional practice with sexual and gender minorities; effective social work practice with trans and gender diverse people; poverty, sexual and mental health issues among diverse LGBTQ2S+ populations)
• Lee, Barbara
• Montgomery, H. Monty
• O'Connor, Deborah (family support to frail or mentally impaired seniors; formal support services, Dementia, the interface between living with dementia, family care, and the use of formal support services)
• Stainton, Timothy (Developmental Disability, Disability, Social Policy, History of Developmental Disability, Philosophy of Welfare)
• Wilson, Tina (Social work; social work and environment; history and philosophy of social work; critical social theories; generational standpoints; Social justice; social work rhetoric)
• Yan, Miu Chung (Issues related to settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees, labour market experience of new generation youth from racial minority immigrant families, and community building roles and functions of neighbourhood-level place-based multiservice organizations )

Doctoral Citations

Sample thesis submissions.

• Reframing adolescent resistance to parents
• The violence of "best interests of the child" : social work in the ruling relations
• Cancer as interruption : exploring the experiences of adolescents who have completed treatment for cancer

Related Programs

Same specialization.

• Master of Social Work (MSW)

Further Information

Specialization.

Social Work provides students with backgrounds in social work, social policy, social development, opportunities for advanced scholarship, and professional growth in the context of research-intensive programs. Students are prepared for university teaching and research (theoretical and applied), including program evaluation. The program can also provide critical components for professional practice in research, policy analysis, and human service management.

UBC Calendar

Program website, faculty overview, academic unit, program identifier, classification, social media channels, supervisor search.

Departments/Programs may update graduate degree program details through the Faculty & Staff portal. To update contact details for application inquiries, please use this form .

Darryl Gray

The decision to study at UBC was always my first choice in academic institutions. This is my own personal opinion, I wanted the opportunity to study and learn research from some of the best minds in the research field. At first, I was not entirely sure on my direction within the area of research at...

UBC is a recognized global leader in Social Work research. As the oldest school in Western Canada, I wanted to pursue a graduate degree at a well-established institution.

Andrea Johnson

UBC is an ideal research training environment. UBC has offered me an intersection of academic scholarship and clinical translation. As a clinician pursuing PhD research training, this was important to me. This intersection has been fostered by my supervisor and I am grateful to be in an academic...

Curious about life in Vancouver?

Find out how Vancouver enhances your graduate student experience—from the beautiful mountains and city landscapes, to the arts and culture scene, we have it all. Study-life balance at its best!

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Modal title

Ph.D. in Social Work

Full-time program, accessible - fully online for fall 2024 cohort admissions, research intensive curriculum, promote social justice and improve people's lives through research, become a leading expert in your area of specialization, program highlights & admission requirements.

If you are passionate about social justice and want to advance social work research, practice, and education, our Ph.D. program is for you. You will learn from our internationally recognized faculty how to think critically about knowledge creation and dissemination through the lens of multiple scientific paradigms to tackle the complex challenges of our time as they relate to contemporary social work practice. You will also develop your leadership potential and prepare for a successful career in higher education, research, and community organizations or administrations.

The curriculum includes learning about epistemology (the theory of knowledge), history and theory of social work, and qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis. These six courses are followed by a comprehensive exam and a dissertation seminar, with this latter course supporting students in preparing their dissertation research proposal leading to conducting their independent body of research. Note that the program will be online for Fall 2024 cohort admissions.

Apply today to become a social work scholar and leader with a global impact!

Admission requirements

• Completion of a Social Work degree from an accredited university
• A minimum A- average in their most recent graduate degree
• Statement of interest & Research Proposal
• Practice, education, and leadership experience demonstrating capacity to engage in a research-oriented doctoral program.
• Curriculum vitae
• Sole or co-authored sample of professional or academic writing (if co-authored please note your specific written contribution). This may include a research-oriented paper, scholarly paper, report (research or technical), funding proposal or significant course paper
• Three letters of reference

For any inquiries, please contact our international recruiters/advisors .

Why a PhD at UWindsor's School of Social Work?

• Learn a wide range of research methods to advance knowledge and effect change.
• Work with notable scholars that represent a wide range of expertise who will support and guide your own research
• Graduate assistantship and sessional instructor opportunities provide first-hand experience of conducting research and educating students
• Our talented network of alumni stretches beyond international borders with graduates in leadership positions across North America

The School of Social Work's Ph.D. program journey is an incomparable experience. The prime characteristic of this journey can be termed with three words: Opportunity for Growth. Faculty here wholeheartedly welcome you with an open door and a passion to support your growth. Not once have I left an office without an opportunity: An opportunity to grow and contribute, or an opportunity to learn about a new area of scholarship. In support of my passionate self to progress, I have been entrusted with unique challenges, as I call them, that helped me become the person I am today. I carried roles of teaching, research, and service with great honour and so much appreciation. The opportunities for professional development are yet another integral aspect of the Ph.D. journey, and I owe it to these opportunities for not only enhancing my professional and academic skills, but also expand my networking opportunities with key figures in the academic world and community wide. An unexpected yet delightfully appreciated opportunity has arisen where I was able to graduate while becoming the next addition to my home school, the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. As the next Assistant Professor with a Teaching Intensive focus, I can only envision what the next phase of collegial work with an honourable circle of faculty will bring!"

Dr. Riham Al-Saadi '23 Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Windsor

"The PhD program at the University of Windsor, School of Social Work, is one of a kind as it allowed me to take my academic career to a unique level. The small cohort offered me a customized experience with unmatched supported from the faculty and staff. The program's structure assisted me in individually focusing on my courses, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation respectively, while acquiring the necessary research, employment, and service experience in academia as a doctoral student."

Dr. Mohamad Musa '23 Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Cape Breton University

"My education at the University of Windsor, and specifically the School of Social Work, not only prepared me for the job market in my field but motivated me to apply what I learned in my community to make a positive difference. The faculty were genuinely invested in my development outside of the classroom as well. Many reached out to me to encourage me to pursue my doctorate and offered mentorship and support in my research, practice, and civic leadership over the years.

I've always felt competent and prepared in all settings of practice thanks to the education I received. I will continue to extend this invaluable experience and guidance to my students in the future, paying forward the same support that has benefitted me."

Dr. Michael Bennett, MSW PhD '23 Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington Director at Oneday Dreams

World-Class Faculty

Our nationally and internationally renowned scholars represent a broad spectrum of expertise in social work practice and research methods to guide and mentor students through the program. Feel free to reach out to anyone of them to discuss shared interest in social work research and possibilities for collaboration.

Dr. Robin Wright

Dr. Thecla Damianakis

Dr. Adrian Guta

Dr. Dana Levin

Dr. Kristina Nikolova

Dr. Cynthia Stirbys

Dr. Wayne Ambrose-Miller

Dr. Elizabeth A. Donnelly

Dr. Nazim N. Habibov

Dr. Kristen Lwin

Dr. Wansoo Park

Dr. Betty Jo Barrett

Dr. Jayashree Mohanty

Dr. Irene Carter

Dr. Kevin Gorey

Dr. Connie Kvarfordt

Dr. Sung Hyun Yun

Dr. Patrick Selmi

Dr. Riham Al-Saadi

Dr. Carol Wade

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The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.

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The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More

University of Manitoba

University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

Social Work (PhD)

The University of Manitoba PhD in Social Work focuses on developing skills for research and teaching in the field of social work. Our goal is to advance the fields of social work practice and social policy, striving to promote respect for human rights and dignity, individual worth and wellbeing, diversity, social inclusion and the principles of social justice.

Program details

Admission requirements.

• Faculty of Social Work • Faculty of Graduate Studies

• PhD in Social Work

Expected duration

• 4 to 6 years

The knowledge generated by our doctoral students is shared with other academics, students, government policy-makers, not-for-profit social service organizations, individuals who make use of social work services and supports and members of the general public.

The Faculty of Social Work's research focuses include:

• human rights and social justice
• child welfare
• family violence
• social determinants of mental health
• Indigenous methodologies and ways of being

To earn your PhD, you must demonstrate an ability for independent investigation, original research or creative scholarship. You will be expected to write a thesis and you will be tested in an oral examination where you exhibit mastery of your field of study.

Expected duration:  4 to 6 years

Tuition and fees:  Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees .)

You must contract with an advisor upon admission. An advisory committee that includes your advisor and two additional members will be appointed to assist the you in developing a study plan and to supervise your research.

Course work

You must complete 24 credit hours of approved 7000 level course work beyond the Master of Social Work degree.

You will select your courses in consultation with your advisory committee to further your specialized program of study. We strongly recommend that you include courses focusing on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The PhD Program Committee must approve your course selection.

Sample course offerings

• SWRK 8010: Perspectives on Knowledge for Social Work (3 credit hours)
• SWRK 8100: Social Work Past and Present: Trends, Institutions and Practices (3 credit hours)
• SWRK 8200:  Indigenizing and Decolonizing the Global Academy: The Role of Social Work Education and Practice (3 credit hours)

For full course descriptions please visit the  Academic Calendar .

This program is only available through in-person instruction. We do not offer graduate programs through distance delivery or online learning.

Candidacy examination

The candidacy examination should be taken within a year of completion of coursework. The candidacy examination consists of a major paper on a topic within your general area of study and an oral examination of the topic covered in the paper. A candidacy examination committee will be appointed when you begin to prepare for your candidacy examination. This three-person committee, which includes your advisor, is responsible for administering the candidacy examination.

Dissertation research

Your PhD advisory committee, chaired by your thesis advisor, provides advice and guidance in the development of the proposal for the dissertation and during the ongoing research phase. Normally, advisory committee members become members of the examining committee for the dissertation during the final examination for the PhD degree.

To qualify for admission to the PhD in Social Work, you must:

• Have a Master of Social Work degree, or equivalent, from an accredited degree-granting university, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B)
• Demonstrate minimum research competency in both qualitative and quantitative methods equivalent to the level required for the Master of Social Work degree from the University of Manitoba, with a minimum grade of 3.0 (B) within the last 10 years
• Much of the evaluation of applicants’ admission to the program will be based on evaluation of each applicants’ research intent statement. The admission committee also evaluates past research or academic teaching experience. Be sure to emphasize any past research assistance work or thesis work as well as publications that includes peer review papers, research reports, and book chapters.

If you do not meet these entrance requirements, you may be recommended for conditional admission with the stipulation that you take the necessary course or courses. The course or courses will be an additional requirement beyond the 24 credit hours required for the program.

In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum  admission requirements for the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Graduate Studies .

How to apply

The Social Work PhD program has only one application deadline per year, and applications are accepted for September entry only. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:

• $100 application fee (non-refundable)
• Unofficial copies of transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation (must be requested from within the application)
• A CV that shows you have educational and professional experience and the capacity to undertake research-oriented postgraduate work.
• Proof of English language proficiency , if required
• a rationale for the proposed research
• research questions
• a concise literature review of the topic
• a proposed methodology for the research
• the outline of a  plan to complete the research

Potential applicants are encouraged to examine the area of expertise of Social Work faculty members to ensure that there are potential advisors that share their research interests.

Please read the  Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions  before beginning your application.

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications open up to 18 months prior to start term.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated.

Start or continue your application

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for City Planning reviews applications in March.

Winter applications are accepted on a case-by-case basis.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Design and Planning reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Interior Design reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Landscape Architecture reviews applications in March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Anthropology reviews applications in March/April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applications open September 1 of year prior to start term.

Application deadlines

Applications open   up to 18 months prior  to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for History reviews applications in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications open July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  Committee basis . The Committee for German and Slavic Studies reviews applications in February/March.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis .

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Management reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physical Therapy reviews applications in April / May.

Applications open  August 1 of the year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Program currently undergoing review, applications will not be opening at this time.

Select Preventive Dental Science in the Program drop-down on the application form.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology reviews applications in March / April.

Applications to Educational Administration, Foundations and Psychology are currently closed.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Education reviews applications in February / March.

Applications to Education PhD are currently closed.

Applications are reviewed after the deadline, with decisions issued in March - April.

Currently not accepting applications to this program.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Please contact the department for admission committee review timelines.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. Applications received by the March 1 deadline for a September start-date will receive first consideration for any available funding. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis for any available funding, please contact the department for further information.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Human Rights reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Law reviews applications in January - March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing (MN) reviews applications in April / May.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Nursing PhD reviews applications in February / March.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee reviews applications as per the timelines noted below each table.

Winter applications reviewed in October Summer applications reviewed in February Fall applications reviewed in June

Winter applications reviewed in June Summer applications reviewed in October Fall applications reviewed in February

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. This includes having the support of a faculty supervisor before you apply.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Natural Resources Management reviews applications in March - June.

After the annual application deadline (see below), applications are reviewed on a committee basis by the Faculty of Social Work internal admissions committee. Once this process is complete, decisions are sent to all applicants in March / April. 

Applications open  July 1 of year prior to start term.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Social Work reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Music reviews Fall term applications in December / January, and Winter term applications in July.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Occupational Therapy reviews applications in May / June.

Master of Occupational Therapy regular program  applications open September 15 of the year prior to deadline .

Master of Occupational Therapy accelerated program  applications open October 1  of the year prior to deadline .

The name of your confirmed supervisor is required at the time of application. To identify a prospective thesis research supervisor on your application, please  contact Immunology Faculty members .

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Community Health Sciences reviews applications in March / April.

Fall 2025 applications are currently closed.

The name of your preferred supervisor is required at time of application.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . Students selected for in-person interview will be notified in February.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Physician Assistant Studies reviews applications in April.

Offers of admission will be released to successful applicants on May 17, 2024 from the University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies, the same day as the University of Toronto BScPA Program and McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program. The three institutions are pleased to provide applicants their offers on the same day to help with the decision-making process.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pharmacology and Therapeutics reviews applications one month after the application deadline.

Applications for Pathology MSc are reviewed on a  rolling basis .

Applications for Pathologist Assistant are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Pathologist Assistant reviews applications in April / May. 

The Pathologist Assistant program only admits Canadian and US students every two years. The Fall 2023 intake has been suspended. The next intake is tentatively scheduled for Fall 2025.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Statistics reviews applications in March / April.

Applications are reviewed on a  committee basis . The Admissions committee for Biological Sciences reviews applications one month after deadline.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions committee for Indigenous Studies reviews applications in February and June.

Applicants must submit their online application with supporting documentation and application fee by the deadline date indicated. For those who wish to be considered for scholarships, applications must be received by January 15 of the year in which you're seeking admission.

Applications are reviewed on a committee basis . The Admissions Committee for Applied Human Nutrition reviews applications in February.

Les demandes d’admission sont évaluées par un comité . Le comité d’admission évalu les demandes durant les mois de Mars et Avril.  

Les demandes peut être surmise jusqu’à concurrence de 18 mois avant le début de premier trimestre.

Toute demande d’admission en ligne doit être déposée, avec documents à l’appui, au plus tard aux dates indiquées.

Soumettre ou continuer votre application

Learn about our social work researchers and find an advisor to help oversee your studies.

Financial aid and awards

Social Work students are eligible for faculty-specific as well as university-wide funding opportunities.

Tuition and fees

Learn about the tuition and fee requirements associated with graduate studies at UM.

Academic Calendar

Explore program requirements and detailed descriptions for required and elective courses throughout the PhD program.

Explore the Faculty of Social Work

We are working towards a world where there are no great inequalities of wealth or income, where economic and political power is more evenly distributed, where human need is the central value of distribution of society’s resources, where diversity of culture is celebrated, where people have greater control over their own lives and where all persons are afforded maximum opportunity to enrich their physical, spiritual, psychological and intellectual well-being.

• Faculty of Social Work student experience
• Faculty of Social Work community and partners
• Faculty of Social Work research
• Social work faculty and staff

Explore the Faculty of Graduate Studies

Discovery happens here. Join the graduate students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world. They are drawn to the University of Manitoba because it offers the opportunity to do transformational research.

• Funding, awards and financial aid
• Graduate student experience

Keep exploring

Discover more programs

With over 140 graduate programs across multiple faculties, schools and colleges, the University of Manitoba offers more learning, teaching and research opportunities than any other post-secondary institution in the province.

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Master of Social Work based in Indigenous Knowledges (MSW)

Join the students and researchers who come here from every corner of the world.

What it's like to be a UM student

Be adventurous, challenge yourself and make a difference.

Opportunities for Indigenous students

Experience a world-class education in the heart of Canada.

Why international students study with us

We offer state of the art facilities with 140 years of history.

Our campuses

Admission and application inquiries.

Faculty of Graduate Studies Room 500 UMSU University Centre 65 Chancellors Circle University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus) Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone: 204-474-9377

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Program inquiries

Faculty of Social Work Room 521 Tier Building 173 Dafoe Rd. W University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)   Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

[email protected] Phone:  204-474-7050 Fax:  204-474-7594

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Social work.

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PhD Social Work

The PhD program focuses on social work and social justice. It is designed to stimulate and support scholarship on the ways in which social policies and social work practices can contribute to redressing social inequalities and enhancing social justice.

About the Program

Building on our unique Master of Social Work program that emphasizes the critical analysis of social policy, social work practice and leadership, the PhD program focuses on social work and social justice. It is designed to stimulate and support scholarship on the ways in which social policies and social work practices can contribute to redressing social inequalities and enhancing social justice.

PhD students will develop a critical appreciation of current and emerging social work scholarship related to social justice, and deepen their understanding with relevant perspectives from other areas of study. These objectives are achieved through a combination of course work, research seminars, and independent study.

The PhD program will prepare candidates for research, teaching, and positions of leadership in social work and social welfare.

Requirements and Timelines

Course requirements.

Candidates for the PhD are required to complete a minimum of six post-MSW courses.

• SOCWORK 770, Social Work and Social Justice: Theoretical Tensions will engage students with current theorizing on the relationship between social work, social change, and social equality.
• SOCWORK 771, Research for Social Change will examine scholarship on the embedding of power relations in the production of knowledge and in the conduct of research as a mechanism of social change.
• SOCWORK 772, Qualitative Methods for Social Work examines theory, techniques, and issues of data analysis and interpretation in qualitative inquiry.
• SOCWORK 773, Doctoral Research Seminar which will examine key professional concerns among social work academics and researchers.
• Two elective courses. Students will be encouraged to take at least one of their elective courses in another department in order to profit from the interdisciplinary opportunities at McMaster.

A PhD candidate admitted without master’s level courses in epistemology (SOCWORK 739/737) and in critical analysis of practice/policy (SOCWORK 700/731 or 701/703) will be expected to complete these courses in addition to the requirements of the doctoral program.

Program duration is normally four years, although there are many possible pathways through the program. The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) regulations stipulate that the PhD is typically limited to a maximum of six years from initial registration in the doctoral program at McMaster. Funding is guaranteed for the first four years of the program.

Candidates may be required to complete courses beyond the minimum requirements of the program in order that they achieve the breadth of perspective required by the program and are sufficiently prepared for their research.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the breadth of students’ knowledge of debates and developments in contemporary scholarship in social work and social justice. PhD candidates are required to situate their anticipated research topics in a wide and critical review of related theory and research, and to demonstrate their capacity for the integration of ideas and their skills in scholarly inquiry and writing. Candidates will consult with their supervisor in order to define the focus and parameters of the comprehensive exam and, by September of their second year, submit a twelve page double-spaced proposal and a bibliography (of about 50 articles and book chapters) for the supervisor’s approval. With approval secured, candidates are expected to submit the completed examination (50-60 pages, plus references and appendices) by December 15 th . Examination papers are evaluated by supervisors and by a second faculty member knowledgeable in the candidate’s area. Oral Examinations will normally be held in January of Year 2.

Dissertation

Students will be required to undertake original thesis research in areas of their substantive interest, engaging fully with its theoretical and methodological dimensions and demonstrating its contribution to academic and professional debate and action. By the beginning of their third year, students will submit a written thesis proposal to their supervisory committees, outlining the theoretical, substantive and methodological issues with which they plan to engage. PhD candidates will defend their thesis during a final oral examination. University regulations and procedures relating to supervisory committees and general degree requirements set the parameters for the program and are specified in the School of Graduate Studies calendar.

Admissions and Applications

Please review all the information below before applying to the PhD in Social Work.

Students will bring to the PhD program critical perspectives on social work that are grounded in earlier studies and in experience in the field, as well as social research skills.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, applicants are normally required to have:

• A completed MSW degree with an average of at least an A–. Applicants with master’s degrees in other subjects must be able to demonstrate substantial knowledge of the social service/social welfare field and have experience of working in justice and equity-seeking services or organizations;
• A completed graduate-level course in social research methods; and
• Demonstrated interest and experience in critical approaches to policies, practices, and knowledge-building in social work.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications and the alignment of their interests with the research interests and availability of faculty. Students considering admission to the PhD program are strongly encouraged to explore doctoral funding opportunities available from the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, the Social Science and Humanities Research Council, or the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. Deadlines for these funding applications occur in the Fall prior to September admission. Please consult the School of Graduate Studies, Scholarships and Awards webpage for more details.

Application Materials

Please upload scanned copies of all of your documents. In order for your application to be considered complete, it must include the following items:

• Online Application Form and Fee
• Statement of Interest (applicant uploads pdf directly)
• Resumé (applicant uploads pdf directly)
• Referee Reports (referees complete online report directly using e-referencing system – due January 29 th at 11:59pm.
• *Transcripts (applicant uploads unofficial transcript directly). Original transcripts must be sent directly from issuing institution.
• Copies of your two most recent papers, publications, presentations and/or agency reports (applicant uploads pdf directly)
• *English proficiency requirements, if applicable (applicant uploads unofficial copy; original sent directly from issuing institution)

*Note: Official transcripts and English Proficiency documents must be sent directly from issuing institution(s) to:

Darlene Savoy, Director’s/Graduate Administrative Assistant

School of Social Work, McMaster University

1280 Main Street West, Kenneth Taylor Hall, Room 319

Hamilton ON L8S 4M4

[email protected]

Timelines for Application

Deadline to Apply: January 14 th at 11:59pm. Review of applications will begin in January and admissions will be made to outstanding candidates as early in the new year as possible. If possible, please upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) and English Language Proficiency (if applicable) so that we may expedite assessment of your qualifications. Offers of admission and financial assistance are normally sent out late January to end of April.

Application Form and Fee

The portal is now closed for September 2024 admission. Application forms must be completed online. Please read this webpage thoroughly before proceeding to the How to Apply instructions on the School of Graduate Studies website. A non-refundable $110 (CAN) application fee is applied to all applications. The fee can be paid on-line by valid debit or credit card.

After September 1, 2024 on the application portal, first review the “Prepare your Application for September 2025” tab before proceeding to the “Application Instructions for September 2025” tab with detailed guide which will lead you though the online application process. Then proceed to the Start Your Application page. Please note the search criteria on application portal for “Filter by Faculty” is “Social Sciences”; then scroll down list of “Programs Open for Application” and click “Apply Now” button beside description “Social Work PhD”, then click on “Create an Account” link if you are a first-time user OR separate link for returning user. Note: Full-time option only for “Course Type”. In the “Upload Documents” section, in addition to your CV & Statement of Interest, please also upload Unofficial Transcript(s) and TOEFL (if applicable).

Transcripts

Applicants must provide one official transcript of university academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution to the School of Social Work (address above). Note: Original transcripts will be accepted after the application deadline.

Statement of Interest

Our PhD program takes as its central focus the fundamental tensions and challenges for social work practice and policy as they relate to social change and the enhancement of social justice. In articulating your interest in the program, please address the following (in a maximum of ten double-spaced pages):

• How do you understand the relationship between social work and social justice?
• In light of this understanding and the experience that you bring to the program, briefly describe your research interests and how you see your research unfolding. Using relevant literature, identify:
• issues or questions that you want to explore.
• their relationship to social justice concerns and the aims of the School’s program.
• methodological approaches that you visualize using or exploring.
• potential practice/policy implications of your research.

An MSW is normally required for admission. If your master’s degree was in a field other than social work, describe how your academic, community, activist and/or professional background prepares you for doctoral studies in our PhD program (Maximum length of two pages).

Letters of Reference

A complete application includes three referee report recommendations, at least two of which should be from academic referees, that assess your potential for doctoral studies and your suitability for our PhD program in social work and social justice. Referees will be asked to comment on your background (for example, your accomplishments, critical analysis skills, or engagement with social justice issues). McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. You must enter the email addresses of your referees as part of the on-line application form. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an eReference immediately after the ‘Send to Recommender’ button is clicked. You may wish to click on this button just before you submit the application. If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so through the Applicant Portal. Referees complete online report directly using e-referencing system – deadline is January 29 th at 11:59pm.

English Proficiency Requirements

If applicable, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English is required. A minimum TOEFL score of 580 (or 237 on the computer-based TOEFL test) is needed.

Additional Information

Please complete our Pre-Application form so that we can verify your academic qualifications before you send a full application.

The School of Graduate Studies policy with regard to students with disabilities can be found in section 6.6 of the School of Graduate Studies Calendar . The full policy and further information may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies or the Student Success Centre 905-525-9140 ext. 28652 or e-mail [email protected] . For further information, consult McMaster University’s Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities . Apply for a PhD in Social Work Here

Financial Information, Scholarships and Awards

At McMaster University, full-time PhD students are guaranteed funding for the first four years of study. Currently, each full-time student (who meet the criteria under Section 4 in the Graduate Calendar) receives a minimum of $20,000 per year (an annual minimum value equal to full-time tuition plus $13,500), which normally consists of a full teaching assistantship + $9,000 graduate scholarship. Support for students may also come from faculty research funds in the form of research assistantships or opportunities to apply for sessional instructor positions in the Faculty.

School of Graduate Studies, Scholarships & Funding

Please consult the School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website for full listing of available funding.

Internal Scholarships and Bursaries

Ontario Student Assistance Program

Application forms and brochures can be obtained from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at McMaster University. Application to OSAP can be made online.

General Bursary and Internal Awards

Students can apply for the General Bursary by going to AwardSpring, which is accessed through the tile on their Mosaic Home page. Award Spring is a new and simpler platform for students to apply for aid and internal awards. With AwardSpring, you can complete one common application that matches you with aid and internal award opportunities you’re eligible for. It also tracks your completion of any additional requirements on a user-friendly dashboard.

School of Social Work Scholarship

The Penny Family Ontario Graduate Scholarship – in support of the study of social policy and social justice

Dr. Harry L. Penny, Founding Director of the School of Social Work, and his family have generously made a donation to McMaster University in order to establish an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. The scholarship (value: $15,000) is to be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the School of Social Work, to outstanding scholars who are likely to make distinguished contributions to the study of social policy and social justice.

External Scholarships

Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral (CGS-D) competition is harmonized across all three agencies (CIHR/SSHRC/NSERC). Applications are prepared and submitted by students in the SSHRC On-line System, or CIHR ResearchNet On-line System by the internal deadline set by McMaster (early October) & Vanier, LOI Stage1 pdf by internal School of Social Work deadline (early August). Note: Exact dates subject to change – please consult with the Graduate Administrative Assistant for internal School of Social Work deadlines.

Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency (all students with health-related research should carefully read this section)

SSHRC Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Program: Doctoral Scholarships and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships Program

• SSHRC Doctoral Scholarships – consult the School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website in August for information on Fall Competition.

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Doctoral Awards

• CIHR Doctoral Scholarships – consult the School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website in August for information on Fall Competition.

Vanier Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarships

• applicants must have achieved a first-class average which is an A- (10/12 or above) at McMaster, in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent;
• applicants must demonstrate leadership as described on the Vanier website;
• SGS Vanier information, pre-application instructions and deadline

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)

Ontario Graduate Scholarships – consult School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website (Under “Provincial Awards”)

Social Work Graduate Courses

View our current graduate courses & course descriptions

GRADUATE SUPERVISORS

Find a graduate supervisor in your area of interest.

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PhD Program

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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work program at UBC Vancouver provides opportunities for advanced scholarship, contributing transformative knowledge through research relevant to social work theory, practice, policy, social development, and administration.

The PhD program is for students with a background in social work, giving them an opportunity for advanced scholarship and professional growth in the context of a research-intensive program.

The program provides critical components for professional practice in research, policy analysis, and human service management.

In addition to making an original contribution to social work knowledge, you will be prepared for university teaching and research (theoretical and applied), including program evaluation.

A research-based dissertation adding to the field’s knowledge base is the capstone of this program.

• Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative research using a range of paradigms and methods which inform and advance knowledge and its application in the areas of social work
• Leading-edge substantive knowledge of an area of social work (defined by your research interests), including questions in the area that need to be addressed empirically
• Comprehensive understanding of professional, educational and policy issues in social work, with an ability to explicate the implications of research for the social good

Degree Requirements

The PhD program should be completed within a period of six years. It is possible to request a one-year extension to this time limit, but such extensions are not automatic.

Achieving Candidacy

All students are expected to be admitted to candidacy within two years of initial registration and must complete within three years. Exceptions to this can only be granted by the Dean of UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

To achieve candidacy, students must:

• Complete all required courses
• Pass their comprehensive examinations
• Have their thesis proposal approved

Course Work Requirements

Students in the program will be required to take at least 18 credits of coursework.

• SOWK 601 Advanced Doctoral Seminar (runs alternate weeks across both terms) (3 credits)
• SOWK 621 Social Theory, Ideology & Ethics (3 credits)
• Elective to be determined in consultation with supervisor (3 credits)
• SOWK 654 Advanced Qualitative Inquiry (3 credits)
• XXX Methods course to be determined in consultation with supervisor (3 credits)

Year 2 (6 credits minimum)

• SOWK 623 Advanced Data Analysis in Social Work (3 credits)
• XXX Theory course in relation to substantive area of study (sometimes a directed study) (3 credits)
• Preparation for comprehensive exams and thesis proposal

Academic Progress

A minimum of 68% (B-) must be achieved in all coursework taken for credit. Where a grade of less than 68% (B-) is obtained in a course and on the recommendation of the PhD Program Chair and the approval of the Dean of UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student may repeat the course for higher standing or take an alternate course.

If the PhD Program Chair does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Dean of UBC’s Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student will be required to withdraw.

A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than one course can be required to withdraw.

If progress in research is unsatisfactory, a student will be required to withdraw.

The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken. In a course that is repeated, both marks will appear on the transcript.

Comprehensive Examinations

The comprehensive examination will take the form of two papers of not more than 7,000 words each.

One paper will focus on theoretical concepts relevant to the student’s proposed field of research, and the second paper will address a substantive topic related to the student’s research, for example, a critical literature review.

The student‘s supervisory committee will determine the specific subjects of each paper.

The student will have 28 days to complete each paper and submit it to their supervisor from the time of receiving the topic.

Both papers will be completed within 82 days at a time agreed upon by the student and their supervisor.

Where the supervisory committee feels it appropriate, students have the option of combining the two papers into a single submission which covers the areas noted above.

In this case, the student would have 56 days to complete with a further 28-day revision period if required.

Comprehensive papers are normally completed within the first two years of the program.

Within 28 days of the final paper submission, the student will undertake an oral defense of the papers to be organized by their research supervisor.

The comprehensive examination is conducted by members of the Supervisory Committee, plus one member who is external to the School and who preferably is a member of UBC's Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The extra member will meet similar eligibility for the Supervisory Committee as laid out in Graduate Studies’ policy.

If either paper is unsuccessful, the student will have a further 28 days to resubmit and defend the paper. Only one resubmission is allowed per paper.

Success of the papers will be determined based on the expectations set out by the committee when assigning the paper.

In general, papers will be expected to show a solid and comprehensive understanding of the relevant literature and an ability to critically analyze the literature presented. Normal scholarly expectations regarding style, presentation and grammatical correctness will also apply.

Upon completion of the defense the supervisor should inform the PhD Chair of the outcome on a Pass/Fail basis. Students who do not satisfactorily defend their comprehensive paper upon the second attempt will be required to withdraw from the program.

Thesis Proposal Evaluation

An examining panel will determine whether the proposal:

Proposal is:

• shows sufficient knowledge of the literature and methodological issue
• is feasible
• provides the basis for a dissertation which is original and scholarly

Requires deferral for revision

• generally acceptable but requires refinement in one or more of the above areas in order to be approved

Is to be rejected

Proposal is rejected due to one or more of the following:

• does not demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the relevant literature
• is methodologically unsound
• is not feasible
• does not provide the basis for a dissertation which is original and scholarly

In all cases the student will be provided with oral and written feedback from their research supervisor identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal, any advice the panel may have, and what is required of the student to successfully complete the proposal phase.

In the case of a rejected proposal a substantially revised proposal must be submitted addressing the areas indicated by the panel.

In the case of a deferred proposal, the panel will determine if a further examination is required or if the supervisor can approve the required changes alone. If rejected, a full defense of the new proposal will be required.

Students will be permitted two attempts to successfully defend their proposal. Students who fail to successfully complete the proposal defense within the required timeframe will be required to withdraw from the program. In exceptional circumstances, the Chair of the program can approve a third defense upon advice of the supervisory committee.

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Social Work

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

The Social Work Doctoral program graduates highly qualified social work researchers, educators and leaders.  

Completing this program

Courses: Required core courses (15 units) include Theory, History and Philosophy: Values, Ethics and Professional Beliefs; Research Foundations: Epistemology and Professional Knowledge-Building; Research Methods I: Quantitative; Research Methods II: Qualitative and Integrative Research Colloquia. Students must also complete 4 elective courses (12 units) relevant to their area of research.

Research Proposal: Students must have their dissertation proposal approved by their supervisory committee prior to applying for ethics certification and Field of Study Exam.

Portfolio:  Students must have their portfolio approved by their supervisory committee at least 3 months before the Field of Study Exam.

Field of Study Exam: This includes a written and oral component, both of which must be completed to the satisfaction of the examining committee.

Dissertation: Students conduct original research and prepare a written dissertation which is evaluated and is orally defended before an examination committee.

Post-secondary academia, government, research, hospitals/community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit/advocacy groups, social service/child welfare/family service agencies, employee assistance programs, private counselling, consulting.

A PhD in social work is usually considered a final degree.

Completing the PhD does not qualify students to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers (CSW) unless they hold an accredited BSW or MSW.

Students are required to prepare a dissertation and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Minimum of nine courses

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required; potential supervisors must be listed when applying to the program

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

Virtual Tour

Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree. Please note: additional supervisors may be available. For more information visit our website .

Heather M Boynton

Patrina Duhaney

Yahya El-Lahib

Deinera Exner-Cortens

Linda Kreitzer

Yeonjung Lee

Anne Marie Mclaughlin

Patricia Samson

Admission requirements

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, calculated on the Master of Social Work or equivalent Master’s degree.

Minimum education

A Master of Social Work or equivalent Master’s degree from a recognized institution.

Work samples

A sample of written work such as a published or unpublished scholarly paper, or a professional report.

Professional experience

A minimum of two years full-time post-master's social services practice experience.

• A program proposal outlining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing doctoral education in social work, educational goals and career expectations, prior research course work and experience, and a research proposal.
• A Curriculum Vitae.

Reference letters

Two; one academic and one professional.

Test scores

English language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 7.0.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (no less than 70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening).
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in academic writing and oral communication courses and B+ in other courses.

For admission on September 1:

• Canadians and permanent residents: December 1 application deadline
• International students: December 1 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Are you ready to apply?

Learn more about this program.

MacKimmie Tower (MT) 301 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 1N4 403.220.5942

Visit the  Faculty of Social Work website

Learn more about UCalgary by taking a virtual tour

Related programs

If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

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Thesis-based MN

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Highlights of the Social Work program

Creating Meaningful Experiences for Neurodivergent People

Dr. David Nicholas’ Vocational Abilities Innovation Lab is internationally acclaimed for its innovative approach in supporting autistic and other neurodivergent youth and adults.

Making neighbourhoods more liveable for older adults

As our population ages, it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure that Canadian neighbourhoods are liveable for everyone, which is the focus of Dr. Yeonjung Lee’s innovative research.

Leading Field Education Innovation

Finding meaningful practicum opportunities is a growing crisis in social work. Dr. Julie Drolet leads a national/international group that is finding surprising solutions.

Curious about the University of Calgary?

Located in the nation's most enterprising city, we are a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude.

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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Social Work: McGill/UdeM/UQAM (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work: McGill/UdeM/UQAM offered by the School of Social Work in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes collaborative and rigorous learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in forward-thinking, analysis, and critical thinking to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Keywords: social justice, social policy, counselling, participatory approaches, community based research, intervention research, global issues, health services, social welfare, children and families.

Unique Program Features

• The program offers students the opportunity to acquire advanced analytic and research skills and to apply these to a range of areas relevant to social work, including direct practice, theory and policy;
• Students generate original research on important social problems and issues that have the capacity to inform social work knowledge and practice;
• The School's Faculty members have expertise in various areas including aging, social exclusion, child welfare, international social welfare, Indigenous people and communities, violence against women and children, health and disability, poverty and social development, migration, and community organizing;
• The School is a member of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE);
• The program prepares graduates for careers in university teaching and research, policy development, social services leadership and management.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Social Work website

Department Contact

Graduate Program graduate.socialwork [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Social%20Work) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

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• Submit Your Application webpage
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Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage.

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

Programs and courses

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Doctorate in Philosophy Social Work

The School of Social Work offers a master's program and a doctoral program (PhD) in social work. (The PhD program is offered in French and English). The School is a member of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) and the MSS program is approved by the Program Accreditation Bureau of that association.

Doctoral Program

The objective of the PhD program is to train high-calibre researchers or professionals, to provide them with tools to analyze the articulation of the dimensions of micro- and macro intervention practices in social work, and to significantly contribute to the renewal of these practices. Students will acquire critical and in-depth knowledge of social work in its multiple contexts, through scientific reasoning steps to successfully complete the doctoral thesis. The option of completing a practicum in research-intervention is available.

The doctoral program offers two research fields: Health and Family-Childhood.

The compulsory courses of the program are offered in French and in English. Students are required to take the majority of their courses in the language of the program they registered in. In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English. If the thesis is written in English, the abstract must be in French and vice versa.

It is recommended that candidates who do not hold a degree in social work complete the practicum in research-intervention during the program.

The programs are governed by the University's  academic regulations .

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

To be eligible for admission, applicants must:

• hold a master's degree or its equivalent in social work or in a related discipline;
• have a minimum average of 75% (B+) calculated in accordance with the University's guidelines.

According to the language of the program they registered in, proficiency in French or in English must be sufficient for taking courses and seminars, and for reading relevant scholarly literature. Moreover, given that the School of Social Work communicates with its students in French, students registered in the English program must be able to read and understand the content of such communications. Language tests may be required with the cost to be covered by the applicants.

The list above specifies the minimum admission requirements. The School of Social Work reserves the right to require additional courses if necessary, depending on the candidate’s background preparation. For instance, in cases where the master’s degree was obtained in another discipline or outside of Canada, master’s-level social work courses may be added to the regular program with a requirement that they be completed during the first two sessions. The specific courses will depend on the student’s academic background and the maximum number will not normally exceed two. In all cases, admission to the doctoral program is conditional on finding a professor willing to supervise the thesis in the proposed research area.

Requirements for this program have been modified. Please consult the  2023-2024 calendars  for the previous requirements.

Students must successfully complete the following:

The elective course, which can be in English or French, must be approved by the thesis supervisor and the Graduate Studies Coordinator of the  École de travail social  , and it can be selected from graduate courses at the 6000 level (minimum) offered by the  École de travail social  or by another graduate program. 

Upon receiving approval of the thesis supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies, students may add TSO 9901 to their program. Details regarding the practicum can be found on the program website .

Comprehensive Examination

Subject to successful completion of the compulsory courses TSO 7101 , TSO 7102 , TSO 7190 and the elective course, students enroll in the comprehensive examination ( TSO 9997 ). Students must demonstrate breadth of knowledge and their ability to deepen and integrate theories, concepts and thinking on practices in social intervention in their area of interest. The examination consists of two questions, one in general theory and the other directly related to the thesis topic or to the Practicum in research intervention. The written examination must include an extensive bibliography.

Upon successfully completing the written exam, students can proceed to the oral presentation and defence, which takes place before the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). In the case of failure, students are entitled to retake the exam once, before the end of the next term. A second failure leads to withdrawal from the program.

Initial enrollment in TSO 9997 occurs in the third term in the program. All requirements of TSO 9997  must be met by the end of the fifth term of enrollment in the program. If not, a grade of NS is attributed. All details regarding the exam are posted on the program website.

Research Project

Upon successfully completing the written exam, students may enroll in the research project ( TSO 9998 ). Under the direction of the thesis supervisor, students prepare their research proposal. This is similar to a directed readings course leading to the writing of the proposal. In this document, students describe the theoretical context of the thesis, the research questions, the methodology they will use and the contribution that the thesis will make to the advancement of knowledge. The project must be defended to the satisfaction of the TAC.

Initial enrollment in TSO 9998 occurs no later than the sixth term of enrollment and is permitted only after successful completion of TSO 9997 . In the case of failure, the research project can be resubmitted and defended the following term at the latest. A second failure leads to withdrawal from the program. All requirements of TSO 9998 must be met by the end of the seventh term of enrollment in the program. If not, a grade of NS is assigned. The proposal must be successfully completed before submitting it to the Research Ethics Board and before undertaking any independent data collection. 

Initial enrollment in THD 9999 occurs no later than the eighth term of enrollment and is permitted only after successful completion of TSO 9998 . The doctoral thesis must constitute a significant contribution to knowledge, embody the results of original investigation and analysis on the part of students and be of such quality as to merit publication. It must show that students have a profound knowledge of their  subject and used relevant methods to arrive at responses to his research questions.

Minimum Standards

The minimum passing grade in all doctoral courses is B+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, the comprehensive exam, the thesis, or whose progress is deemed unsatisfactory must withdraw from the program.

Thesis Advisory Committee

During the first year of enrollment, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for each student.

The Committee’s membership is determined by the thesis supervisor in consultation with the student and must be approved by the Graduate Studies Coordinator of the ÉÉS. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis preparation. Meetings between the student and thesis committee members will take place at least once per term until the end of the program.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Development in Research (SADRs):

• Canada and the World
• Molecular and Environmental Sciences

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.

Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences represents a place of excellence in knowledge creation, research and training. Driven by both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, research at the Faculty is rich, innovative and varied, contributing to the depth of understanding and breadth of discussions on a variety of issues nationally and internationally.  This research, whether it be fundamental, theoretical, applied or action-oriented, is generated by our renowned expertise, ultimately culminating in applications designed to influence individual communities and the betterment of society.

We have identified five research themes which collectively represent a large proportion of the research undertaken at the Faculty of Social Sciences:

• International Studies
• Francophonie
• Public Policy
• Health, Well-Being
• Justice, Society

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Citizenship and Minorities (CIRCEM) , Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS) , Centre for Public Management and Policy , Centre for Research on Educational and Community Service (CRECS) , Centre on Governance (COG) , Human Rights Research and Education Centre (affiliation) , Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies and Institute for Science, Society and Policy .

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

IMPORTANT: Candidates and students looking for professors to supervise their thesis or research project can also consult the website of the faculty or department of their program of choice. Uniweb does not list all professors authorized to supervise research projects at the University of Ottawa.

The following courses are offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences.

TSO 5500 Fondements théoriques du travail social (3 crédits)

Examen critique des modèles, théories et paradigmes sous-jacents à la pratique du travail social.

Volet : Cours magistral

Antérieurement SVS 5500.

TSO 5501 Changement social et travail social (3 crédits)

À partir de certaines grandes théories du changement social, analyse des divers facteurs affectant l'intervention en travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 5501.

TSO 5502 Analyse des problèmes sociaux et pratiques du travail social (3 crédits)

Genèse et analyse des problèmes sociaux. Implications pour le travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 5502.

TSO 5510 Analyse sociohistorique des politiques sociales et du travail social au Canada (3 crédits)

Analyse sociohistorique du développement des politiques sociales au Canada; enjeux philosophiques, idéologiques et déontologiques pour la profession du travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 5510.

TSO 5530 Méthodes d'intervention en travail social (3 crédits)

Étude comparative et critique des méthodes d'intervention et des pratiques en travail social. Particularités de l'intervention sociale tenant compte des variables structurelles et des contextes minoritaires.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 5530.

TSO 5531 Intervention auprès des individus et des familles (3 crédits)

Évaluation des problèmes personnels et interpersonnels; développement d'habiletés et de méthodes d'intervention appropriées.

Antérieurement SVS 5531.

TSO 5532 Intervention auprès des groupes (3 crédits)

Connaissance et appréciation des principaux types d'interventions sociales au niveau des groupes et des réseaux.

Antérieurement SVS 5532.

TSO 5533 Intervention Communautaire (3 crédits)

Intervention communautaire et organisationnelle en travail social; émergence historique des modèles d'intervention; mouvements sociaux, bénévolat et entraide.

Antérieurement SVS 5533.

TSO 5534 Intervention interculturelle et travail social (3 crédits)

À partir d'une compréhension des caractéristiques des diversités culturelles, développement de méthodes d'intervention appropriées.

Antérieurement SVS 5534.

TSO 5535 Intervention féministe et travail social (3 crédits)

Analyse des approches d'intervention auprès des femmes et applications en travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 5535.

TSO 5536 Handicaps, capacitisme et travail social (3 crédits)

Études des principaux modèles d'analyse des handicaps en recherche et en intervention sociale. Examen des formes de capacitisme et des problèmes sociaux vécus par les personnes handicapées et présentation d'approches d'intervention anticapacitistes.

Antérieurement SVS 5536.

TSO 5601 Stage d'intervention en travail social (6 crédits)

Sous supervision professionnelle, intégration dans la pratique, des attitudes, connaissances, méthodes et habiletés propres à la profession de travail social.

Volet : Stage

TSO 5709 Laboratoire de préparation aux stages de maîtrise (3 crédits)

Réflexions sur les liens entre les diverses formes de savoirs sous-tendant la pratique du travail social, en tenant compte de problématiques sociales et de contextes organisationnels variés; orientation axée sur la préparation nécessaire pour le stage d'intervention.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 5709.

TSO 5710 Séminaire d'intégration théorie pratique (3 crédits)

Réflexions sur les théories et sur l'éthique de la pratique, dans le contexte de leur application à l'expérience en milieu de stage.

Volet : Séminaire

Préalables : TSO 5530 , TSO 5709 . Les cours TSO 5601 est concomitant à TSO 5710 . Antérieurement SVS 5710.

TSO 5720 Thèmes choisis en travail social I (3 crédits)

Analyse critique et discussion des recherches récentes publiées dans le domaine du travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 5720.

TSO 6500 Problématique de la pratique et de la recherche dans le domaine de la santé (3 crédits)

Analyse de diverses conceptions de la santé / maladie et des liens avec les conditions sociales et les politiques publiques. Étude des enjeux de la médicalisation / professionnalisation du social et implications pour l'intervention et la recherche en travail social.

Préalables : TSO 5601 , TSO 5710 . Antérieurement SVS 6500.

TSO 6501 Analyse de l'intervention sociale et des pratiques dans le domaine de santé (3 crédits)

Étude et réflexion critique sur les interrelations de la recherche, la pratique et la formation pour faire face aux enjeux et défis contemporains du travail social dans le domaine de la santé.

Antérieurement SVS 6501.

TSO 6502 Politique sociale en santé et en famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Examen des enjeux sous-jacents aux politiques de santé et de famille-enfance : contrôle social, expertise, coûts et bénéfices; évaluation des orientations de ces politiques et des enjeux qui les sous-tendent.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 6502.

TSO 6503 Santé mentale et société (3 crédits)

Analyse des liens entre des problématiques de santé mentale et le contexte socioculturel. Étude des diverses perspectives conceptuelles et pratiques en égard à la santé / maladie mentale et implications pour l'intervention en travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 6503.

TSO 6504 Drogues, dépendances et contexte social (3 crédits)

Situation des drogues et des dépendances dans le contexte social, politique et économique actuel; examen des diverses théories explicatives du phénomène et des modèles d'intervention qui s'en dégagent.

Antérieurement SVS 6504.

TSO 6510 Méthodes de recherche qualitatives et quantitatives dans le domaine de la santé (3 crédits)

Étude de l'évolution des courants de recherche et des enjeux propres à chaque orientation. Accent mis sur les approches qui intègrent recherche et intervention.

Préalables : TSO 5601 , TSO 5710 . Antérieurement SVS 6510.

TSO 6515 Préparation au mémoire de recherche (3 crédits)

Examen critique de textes et documents dont la liste a été approuvée par la personne membre du corps professoral supervisant le mémoire. Approfondissement de la problématique et de la méthodologie choisies pour le mémoire. Rédaction d'un travail préparatoire au mémoire.

Préalables : ( TSO 6500 , TSO 6510 ) ou ( TSO 6700 , TSO 6710 ). Antérieurement SVS 6515.

TSO 6530 Séminaire d'intégration en recherche-intervention (3 crédits)

Réflexion globale et systématique sur l'expérience de stage afin de comprendre et d'appliquer les concepts de recherche-intervention. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant).

Antérieurement SVS 6530.

TSO 6561 Lectures dirigées : Domaine santé (3 crédits)

Antérieurement SVS 6561.

TSO 6601 Stage de recherche – Intervention (6 crédits)

Suite au choix d'un champ d'intervention relié à la santé ou au domaine de la famille-enfance, évaluation des compétences mises en pratique en recherche-intervention.

TSO 6620 Mémoire de recherche (6 crédits)

Volet : Recherche

TSO 6700 Problématique de la pratique et de la recherche dans le domaine famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Analyse critique des divers modèles et enjeux de la pratique et de la recherche en famille-enfance, en tenant compte des facteurs structurels en place; liens entre pratique, recherche et idéologie.

Préalables : TSO 5601 , TSO 5710 . Antérieurement SVS 6700.

TSO 6701 Modèles contemporains de pratiques dans le domaine famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Étude des grands courants pratiques du travail social familial et les présupposés idéologiques qu'ils véhiculent; enjeux pour la clientèle et pertinence pour le milieu francophone.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 6701.

TSO 6703 Gérontologie et travail social (3 crédits)

Analyse des enjeux reliés au vieillissement de la population (santé, travail, rôle social et économique, retraite); évaluation des approches d'intervention auprès de cette clientèle.

Antérieurement SVS 6703.

TSO 6704 Enfance et jeunesse en difficulté (3 crédits)

Examen des problèmes concernant l'enfance et la jeunesse ainsi que les pratiques aussi bien sociales que pénales qui s'y greffent. Évaluations de ces pratiques.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 6704.

TSO 6705 Problématique de la violence et intervention sociale (3 crédits)

Examen des problèmes reliés à la violence au sein de la famille, compte tenu des personnes en cause. Stratégies d'intervention et évaluation de celles-ci.

Antérieurement SVS 6705.

TSO 6706 Femmes, travail social et politiques sociales (3 crédits)

Promotion des femmes en milieu professionnel; impact des politiques sociales sur les femmes; étude des politiques en matière d'emploi : équité salariale, discrimination et harcèlement sexuel.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 6706.

TSO 6707 Peuples autochtones et travail social (3 crédits)

Examen des problématiques propres aux peuples autochtones; stratégies d'intervention appropriées.

Antérieurement SVS 6707.

TSO 6708 Administration des services de santé et de famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Théories et modèles d'organisation et de gestion des organismes de santé et de famille-enfance; planification stratégique, supervision du personnel.

Préalables : TSO 5500 , TSO 5510 . Antérieurement SVS 6708.

TSO 6710 Méthodes de recherche qualitatives et quantitatives dans le domaine famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Étude des fondements épistémologiques des débats en recherche-intervention. Application systématique des méthodes qualitatives et quantitatives en recherche-intervention.

TSO 6720 Thèmes choisis en travail social II (3 crédits)

Antérieurement SVS 6720.

TSO 6761 Lectures dirigées : Domaine famille-enfance (3 crédits)

Antérieurement SVS 6761.

TSO 7101 Epistemology and Social Work (3 units)

Study of key theories of knowledge (positivism, phenomenology, constructivism, structuralism, critical theory, postmodern perspectives) and their relationship with social work intervention and research. Links between theories of knowledge and the problematization of research questions in social work.

Course Component: Lecture

Previously SVS 7101.

TSO 7102 Advanced Study of the Theories and Practices of Social Intervention (3 units)

In-depth study and critical examination of conceptual tools (configuration, field, social world, micro-power, etc.) useful for the contextualized analysis of social intervention practices.

Previously SVS 7102.

TSO 7190 Advanced Research Seminar in Social Work (3 units)

Advanced research skills. All steps of the scientific process will be considered and discussed. In addition to an analysis of the most recent methodological approaches in social sciences, the seminar will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the challenges of interdisciplinary in social work research.

Course Component: Seminar

Previously SVS 7190.

TSO 7501 Épistémologie et travail social (3 crédits)

Étude des principales théories de la connaissance (positivisme, phénoménologie, constructivisme, structuralisme, théories critiques, perspectives postmodernes) et leurs rapports avec le travail social comme champ d'intervention et de recherche. Les liens entre les théories de la connaissance et la problématisation des questions de recherche en travail social. Réservé aux étudiants de doctorat.

Antérieurement SVS 7501.

TSO 7502 Étude avancée des théories et des pratiques d'intervention sociale (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie et examen critique des outils conceptuels (configuration, champ, monde social, micro-pouvoir, etc.) utiles pour une analyse contextualisée des pratiques d'intervention sociale. Réservé aux étudiants de doctorat.

Antérieurement SVS 7502.

TSO 7590 Séminaire de recherche avancé en travail social (3 crédits)

Habilités avancées de recherche. Toutes les étapes de la démarche scientifique seront considérées et discutées. En plus de faire une analyse des approches méthodologiques les plus récentes en sciences sociales, le séminaire constituera pour la personne étudiante une occasion de réfléchir sur les enjeux d'une démarche interdisciplinaire en travail social.

Antérieurement SVS 7590.

TSO 9901 Practicum: Recherche-intervention / Practicum: Research Intervention

À partir d'une expérience structurée en recherche-intervention, la personne étudiante approfondit ses connaissances de l'organisation des services sociaux, des pratiques d'intervention sociale, des politiques sociales ainsi que de la recherche appliquée dans le domaine d'intérêt visé par sa thèse. Le nombre d'heures du practicum est de 450. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant). / A structured experience in research-intervention allowing students to deepen their knowledge of the organization of social services, social intervention practices, social policies as well as of applied research in the field of interest of their thesis. The practicum extends over 450 hours. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

Préalables : SVS 7501, SVS 7502, SVS 7590 et un cours au choix. / Prerequisites: TSO 7101 , TSO 7102 , TSO 7190 and one elective course. Previously SVS 9901.

TSO 9997 Examen de synthèse / Comprehensive Examination

Examen de synthèse / Comprehensive Examination

Préalables : TSO 7501 , TSO 7502 , TSO 7590 et un cours au choix. Antérieurement SVS 9997. / Prerequisites: TSO 7101 , TSO 7102 , TSO 7190 and one elective course. Previously SVS 9997.

TSO 9998 Projet de recherche / Research Project

Projet de recherche / Research Project

Préalable : TSO 9997 / Prerequisites: TSO 9997 . Previously SVS 9998.

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

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School of Social Work

Doctoral program in social work (phd).

The due date for applications to the PhD Program is September 15 in even-numbered years.  The next admissions year will be in 2024. Inquiries about the program may be directed to [email protected].

The Social Work PhD program was introduced in 1995 and is the only such program in Atlantic Canada.

Memorial University's PhD program in Social Work provides regionally relevant and accessible, advanced and specialized education in social work.

The program is research-based, stressing critical thinking and the production of original and significant scholarship.

The program focuses on (1) advanced social work practice and (2) social work education, emphasizing commitment to people and social justice.

Internship and Mentoring

The PhD program includes an internship in Advanced Social Work Practice, Social Work Education, or Applied Social Work Research. The internship is intended to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their expertise and knowledge in a particular area. This is achieved through a mentoring process. The internship involves 250 hours, including 39 hours of direct mentoring.

See more details.

Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Programs

Vacant Email:  [email protected]

For information about the program, please contact:

Graduate Studies Programs School of Social Work Memorial University St. John's, NL Canada A1C 5S7

Phone: 709-864-2557 Fax: 709-864-7026 Email: [email protected]

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Bachelor of Social Work, Nunavut Cohort
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Program Format and Delivery
• Comprehensive Examination Guidelines
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Related Content

Graduate Studies

Social work.

Social Work emphasizes the social context of personal problems. Social Workers use their skills and knowledge to facilitate change with and for people experiencing difficulties and the impact of injustice and oppression.

Faculty of Social Sciences

Program Contact

Degree Options

Social work (gdip), critical leadership in social services and communities.

This Graduate Diploma is grounded in a recognition of the contemporary conditions of social service and community work, and in expansive and critical definitions of leadership. The diploma aims to enhance progressive leadership in the community and social service sectors.

Areas of Research

• Community-based and community-engaged research
• Participatory research
• Practice & policy
• Social justice

Social Work (MSW)

Msw: critical analysis of social work.

The primary objective of the MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work is to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills necessary for the critical analysis of social work, and to examine relation to social work practices and social policies. Students will develop: an appreciation of the entanglement of fact and value, of material and discursive framings of social problems and the conceptualization and implementation of responses to them the ability to apply these skills and modes of understanding to substantive areas of interest and in their research practice the capacity to move from analysis of social work/social welfare issues or problems to consideration of the possibilities and limits of action and change in practices or policies.

The program leads to a Master’s degree; it is also suitable preparation for advanced study at the doctoral level.

Program type: Thesis, Course-based

MSW: Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities

The primary objective of the MSW: Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities is to foster progressive leadership in the community and social service sectors. Specifically, the program supports students’ development of:

• conceptual, theoretical and analytical skills in relation to social work practices and social policies
• appreciation of the changing conditions in social services and communities and the complexities and possibilities of ethical leading in the contemporary context
• the ability to apply these skills and modes of understanding to the practice of leadership

Students entering the MSW in Critical Leadership must have experience working in social services or community in order to be eligible for admission.

Program type: Practicum-based, Course-based

The MSW. program at McMaster University does not focus on clinical skill development per se. Applicants wanting to further develop their clinical skills may wish to apply to graduate programs of other Schools of Social Work.

• Social work
• Critical practice & policy

Social Work (PhD)

Building on our unique MSW program that emphasizes the critical analysis of social policy, social work practice and leadership, the PhD program focuses on social work and social justice. It is designed to stimulate and support scholarship on the ways in which social policies and social work practices can contribute to redressing social inequalities and enhancing social justice.

Community-Engaged Research & Evaluation

This Graduate Diploma offers students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in community-engaged research and evaluation, and to contribute to community and agency learning, effectiveness, and change. In this program, students who have undergraduate degrees and experience working in social and community services will craft locally relevant research questions and/ or frame evaluation processes useful for both agency/ community and funder purposes, and build their capacities for conducting participatory, justice-focused research and evaluation.

• community-based participatory research

Alvin Irwin Ogilvie Graduate Scholarship $$

This scholarship was established in 1984 and is available to students registered in Ph.D. programs in the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences. The award is valued at $6,000 and is made annually by the Scholarships Committee of Graduate Council on the basis of departmental nominations.

Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) Varied values

Varied values

ACUNS established its scholarship program, the Canadian Northern Studies Trust (CNST) in 1982 to advance knowledge and understanding of Canada’s North. The purpose of the CNST is to develop a cadre of scholars and scientists with northern experience and, at the same time, to enhance the educational opportunities available for northern residents.

For a list of scholarships and funding available, as well as eligibility criteria, award values, application details, and deadlines, visit the ACUNS website.

Autism Scholars Award $$$

Deadline Date:

December 1, 2023

With the support of the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, a scholar awards program in autism has been established to ensure that Ontario attracts and retains pre-eminent scholars. The community of autism scholars fostered by this awards program will excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge concerning child autism, and its translation into improved health for children, more effective services and products for children with autism, and increase the province’s capacity in diagnosis and assessment of autism and a strengthened treatment system.

One one-year award at the master’s level and up to two one-year awards at the doctoral level will be made by the COU:

• Master’s Award: $18,000 ($6,000 per term beginning September 2024)
• Doctoral Award: $20,000 ($6,666 per term beginning September 2024)

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements $$

May 22, 2024

The CGS-MSFSS supports high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences abroad. By accessing international scientific research and training, CGS-MSFSS recipients will contribute to strengthening the potential for collaboration between Canadian and foreign institutions.

Please review eligibility and criteria for more information about this travel award.

If you wish to apply, please contact your department graduate administrator.

Canada-U.S. Fulbright Program

The bi-national program is an educational exchange, with a mandate to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America. Available to graduate students, faculty, professionals and independent researchers, successful applicants conduct research, lecture, or enroll in formal academic programs in the United States. Fulbright Canada offers various scholarship awards within this program, with further information on the various award opportunities made available through the Canada-US Fulbright Program website.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright website.

Canadian Japanese Mennonite Scholarship $

April 1, 2023

A scholarship sponsored by the National Association of Japanese Canadians and the Mennonite Central Committee Canada. For students engaged in research that assists the protection of minority or human rights in Canada. More information and upcoming deadlines on their website.

For eligibility, award values, application details and deadline, visit the Mennonite Central Committee Canada website.

CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship – Doctoral $$$$

October 2, 2023

McMaster internal ResearchNet deadline: October 2, 2023, 11:59 p.m.

Applications are prepared and submitted by students in ResearchNet by the internal deadline set by McMaster. You will not be able to submit your application to ResearchNet until all the required tasks are completed, including the letters from your sponsors.

We encourage you to work closely with your supervisor and department on your application. The application you submit to ResearchNet on October 2 will be the final version that will be sent to CIHR if approved by McMaster.

CIHR Strategic Master’s Award $$$

December 14, 2023

The CIHR Strategic Master’s Award program provides financial support to scholars who are engaged in an eligible master’s program in Canada (refer to Eligibility) and that are relevant to specific CIHR priority research areas. This support allows these scholars to concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields.

The CIHR Strategic Master’s Award program is supported by CIHR Institutes and Initiatives with specific priority areas and is administered by CIHR.

CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS-M) $$$

The CGS M Awards Program supports students in all research disciplines and is administered jointly by Canada’s three federal granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The selection process and post-award administration are carried out at the university level, under the guidance of the three agencies.

For a recorded information session about the Fall 2023 application process, click on the Learn More button.

CSA Group Graduate Scholarship $$

March 31, 2024

The purpose of the CSA Group Graduate Scholarship is to support graduate students in the pursuit of knowledge generation related to standards. Full-time graduate students at the Masters level studying at a publicly funded, accredited Canadian university are eligible to apply.

The research can be conducted in any field (e.g. engineering, social sciences, health sciences) and must include standards as a component of the research. The topic does not need to be related to an area in which CSA Group already has standards. The research may investigate aspects of an existing standard or may explore an area for future standards development.

Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award $$

April 30, 2023

The Dr. J. A. Campbell Young Investigator Award of $5,000 for any kind of research into celiac disease and / or gluten sensitivity is available to students and those who have recently completed degrees.

Eligibility criteria, application details and deadlines available on the Canadian Celiac Association website.

Dr. Richard Splane PhD Scholarship: Social Policy in Social Work $

Established in 2018 from the estate of Dr. Richard Splane to advance the study of social policy. To be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of a committee of at least three faculty members identified by the director and including the chair of Graduate Studies, to a graduate student in their second and up to sixth year in the PhD program in social work who is pursuing the study of social welfare policy in their thesis research. The student must demonstrate leadership in the study of social policy which has a social justice focus and impact and have a proposed plan of study which shows promise of contribution to a more socially just policy. Preference will be given to a student who does not hold another major scholarship such as SSHRC, Vanier, Hooker or CIHR.

Fulbright Canada Student Awards $ – $$$

November 15, 2023

Traditional Fulbright Canada Student awards are intended for Canadian citizens who are graduate students, prospective graduate students, or promising young professionals who wish to study and/or conduct research in the United States. Awards may be held at any university, research centre, think tank, or government agency in the United States.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the Fulbright Canada website.

GSA Travel Award $

The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are funded from the proceeds of the Graduate Students Association Development Fund, which receives contributions from graduate students and the University. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants fund is administered through the School of Graduate Studies. The GSA Travel Assistance Grants are designed to enable graduate students to travel to undertake research or present at conferences relevant to their field of study. There are a fluctuating number of awards available each semester.

The successful recipients will be determined randomly by selecting one recipient from each faculty (Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business) and the balance of the awards left in a given period will be randomly selected from a list of the remaining applicants from all faculties combined.

Application dates:

• Fall competition for September to December travel: Opens September 1, 2023 and closes October 2, 2023
• Winter competition for January to April travel: Opens January 2, 2024 and closes February 5, 2024
• Summer competition for May to August travel: Opens May 1, 2024 and closes June 3, 2024

H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarship $$

The H.G. Hilton Master’s Scholarships were established by the income from a bequest in the estate of Hugh G. Hilton, at one time Chief Executive Officer of Stelco and member of the McMaster Board of Governors support a Master’s scholarship. The scholarship is tenable for one year, and is awarded annually to incoming Canadian citizens, permanent residents or, international students from departments which offer full-time Master’s graduate studies. Priority will be given to students intending research in Canadian industry or industrial problems. Other things being equal, preference will be given to deserving children of employees or former employees of Stelco Ltd.

Harry Lyman Hooker Sr. Fellowships $$$-$$$$

The Harry Lyman Hooker Sr. Fellowships are made possible through a bequest from the estate of Harry Lyman Hooker. These awards are given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents who are ENTERING their first year of a master’s or doctoral program, at McMaster University in those disciplines that receive funding primarily from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

These fellowships will be distributed between the four Faculties – Business, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science.

Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship $$-$$$

March 14, 2024

The Harvey E. Longboat Graduate Scholarship for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis Students was established in 2009 in honour of Harvey E. Longboat, and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to McMaster University and to the broader community. The School of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Indigenous Studies program and the Indigenous Education Council, will award the scholarship annually to a First Nation, Inuit, or Métis student(s) who has demonstrated high academic achievement and exceptional promise.

The scholarship is tenable for one year, although previous award winners may re-apply.

Incoming students are eligible to apply.

Health Research Postdoctoral Opportunities

A comprehensive list of funding sources and agencies for postdoctoral fellows in the Faculty of Health Sciences and those doing health-related research can be found in McMaster’s funding database.. On the site, you will find a variety of filters to help you in your search.

Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship $$$$

The Hugh C. Morris Experiential Learning Fellowship, valued at $40,000 Cdn, is open to any graduate student studying in Canada who is working in a field related to

• earth, geosciences
• environment
• alternative energy
• climate change
• sustainability

or the social impact, social sciences or design sciences related to these areas, and is designed to provide a unique experiential, international travel program designed by the student to engage diverse sectors, advance their research, learn from a range of contexts and cultures, and bring their learning back to Canada.

Review deadlines and all associated information on the Kimberley Foundation website.

Iranian Student Memorial Scholarship $

Established in honour of McMaster Faculty of Engineering PhD students Iman Aghabali and Mehdi Eshaghian, and a former Faculty of Health Science Post-Doctoral Fellow, who lost their lives on the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines Flight PS752. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Associate Deans responsible for graduate studies, to international graduate students from Iran who demonstrate academic excellence.

John Charles Polanyi Prize $$$

In honour of the achievement of John Charles Polanyi, recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the Government of the Province of Ontario has established a fund to provide annually up to five prizes to outstanding researchers in the early stages of their career who are continuing to postdoctoral studies or have recently started a faculty appointment at an Ontario university.

Lyle Makosky Values and Ethics in Sport Fund $

April 30, 2024

This award is through the True Sport Foundation of Canada. Open to applicants who are

• high-performance athletes enrolled at a Canadian university, community college or other post-secondary educational institution.
• post-secondary students active in sport at a non-high-performance level.
• sport practitioners active/working in sport as an official, administrator or high-performance coach.
• educators working in a sport, sports sciences, sport management/administration or other applicable discipline.

All questions should be directed to the True Sport Foundation of Canada.

Visit their website for all details and contact information.

MacDATA Graduate Fellowship $$

March 15, 2021

The advent of large collection of data and ensuing development in data analysis techniques has made collaboration between data scientists and content experts necessary for cutting-edge research. Furthermore, there is a need for trainees to be exposed to both aspects of such research, namely for data science trainees to learn about real life practical projects and for content expert trainees to gain experience in data analysis and management. The aims of the MacDATA Graduate Fellowship Program are:

• To provide trainees with an opportunity to acquire practical and theoretical skills in data science.
• To facilitate exchange of expertise and knowledge in data science across faculties.

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships $$-$$$

February 1, 2024

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

Two types of the Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship . Both are to support graduate study.

Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program $$

March 31, 2023

Manulife has introduced the first Life Lessons Scholarship Program in Canada, for students who’ve experienced the death of a parent or guardian with little to no life insurance. The Scholarship Program helps combat the financial burden of paying for post-secondary education during an emotional time and recognizes the perseverance that so many youth show in such adversity.

The next application call for this scholarship opens on February 1, 2024. Visit the Manulife website for details on that date.

Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security $$$

February 23, 2024

Four scholarships open to master’s and PhD students who are conducting research on determinants, impacts, and policy or program interventions into food insecurity in Canada.

Visit Maple Leaf Centre for Food Insecurity to learn more and apply.

Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

McMaster Graduate General Bursary $

What is a bursary.

A bursary is based solely on financial need. In most cases, information from your OSAP application is used to determine your financial need (some students who don’t receive OSAP can still apply for a bursary).

The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program application opens mid-August in AwardSpring. Funding is paid out in mid-February.

Who can apply?

Graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Bursary eligibility requirements:

• Be enrolled at McMaster
• Submit a completed application by the bursary deadline
• OSAP students who receive an income update request must complete it by the income update deadline
• Continue to demonstrate financial need throughout the study period
• Indigenous students
• students with OSAP government aid restrictions include:
• academic progress restriction
• income verification restriction
• provincial and/or federal default restriction
• credit check restriction
• students with a disability taking a reduced course load
• students with out-of-province student aid
• part-time students
• students receiving social assistance

McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

July 15, 2020

Prospective postdoctoral fellows are invited to submit a research plan that focuses on interdisciplinary, impact-driven approaches in the study of optimal aging through one or more of the following research areas:

• the impact of exercise on mobility;
• the interrelationship between psychological function and social function;
• causes and consequences of multimorbidity, frailty, and polypharmacy;
• the role of caregiving, equity, economics and transportation in optimal aging;
• the understanding of the biological mechanisms of diseases of aging;
• evaluating approaches to knowledge translation to improve optimal aging; and
• the use of technology to promote optimal aging and aging in place.

The applicant and principal supervisor are expected to involve at least two other researchers from two different McMaster faculties (outside of the principal supervisor’s faculty) as mentors in the development of an interdisciplinary research plan.

MIRA and Labarge Scholarships in Aging Research $$$

February 28, 2002

The MIRA and Labarge Scholarship program offers awards at the master’s and PhD level in two distinct streams. The Labarge Mobility Scholarship supports applicants whose research on aging includes a focus on mobility. The MIRA Scholarship in Aging Research supports interdisciplinary aging research in one of MIRA’s identified areas of focus.

The scholarships are open to master’s students beginning a new McMaster graduate degree in the 2022/2023 school year and PhD students entering year one or two of their studies. Interested candidates must develop and submit a research proposal in collaboration with a MIRA supervisor and an interdisciplinary mentor from outside the primary supervisor’s Faculty. MIRA requires confirmation that the supervisor and/or program will commit to matching the minimum level of support for the recipient for the duration of the graduate degree. See call for proposals and application form for more information.

MIRA Graduate Student Travel Awards $

March 15, 2020

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging funds up to 10 graduate student travel awards per year – five in each round – valued at $500 each for students working with MIRA researchers.  Graduate students travelling to an academic conference to present an accepted abstract in aging research are eligible for up to $500 in travel funding.

For details about this and other funding opportunities, visit MIRA .

Deadlines for 2020: March 15 and September 15

MURA Academic Scholarship

Established in 2020 the McMaster University Retirees Association (MURA). To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student researching technological advances related to seniors, and who demonstrates academic excellence.

OGS for Indigenous Graduate Students $$$

Two OGS-I scholarships are awarded to Indigenous graduate students at McMaster University who face significant financial hardship, with particular priority given to women with family responsibilities.

This criteria has been established in consultation with the Indigenous Education Council (IEC) and is adjudicated by a committee chaired through the Indigenous Studies Program.

Ontario Graduate Fellowships $$$

Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF) provide funding to full-time students in graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. It’s a merit-based scholarship for students with an A- or above.

Value: $12,000 ($4,000 per term)

Duration: 1 year

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) and The Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology (QEII-GSST) programs provide funding to full-time students at the master’s and doctoral levels. They are merit-based scholarships for students with an A- or above average.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship – International $$$

The Ontario Graduate Scholarship for International Students is by nomination only. Applicants to this award must contact their department for application instructions

Ontario Women’s Health Scholars Award $$$$

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, a scholar awards program in women’s health has been established to ensure that Ontario attracts and retains pre-eminent women’s health scholars.

The community of women’s health scholars fostered by this awards program will excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge about women’s health and its translation into improved health for women, more effective health services and products for women, and a strengthened health care system.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship $$$$

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarship is a three-year program designed to train Engaged Leaders, equipping outstanding doctoral candidates with the skills to translate their ideas into action. for the betterment of their communities, Canada, and the world. Up to 20 doctoral Scholars are selected each year and receive generous funding for their studies in addition to leadership training.

The annual value is up to $60,000 per Scholar–$40,000 (to cover tuition, and reasonable living expenses) and $20,000 (for research, networking, travel allowance, and possibly for the learning of languages).

Applications are now made directly to the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation .

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. ET, December 1, 2023

Rainbow Fund $

To be granted to graduate students enrolled in any program who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ students and demonstrate financial need.

Ronald Bayne Gerontology Award $

The Ronald Bayne Gerontology Award was established in 1999 by Barbara Bayne to honour Dr. Ronald Bayne’s valuable contribution to the study of gerontology at McMaster University. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the director of the office of gerontological studies to any graduate student in the Faculties of Humanities or Social Sciences conducting research in the field of aging.

Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada Graduate Student Award of Merit $$

At least three awards, each in the amount of $4000, will be awarded annually to the women graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the university or general community while maintaining exemplary academic records.

Women registered in master’s or PhD programs within a designated region. Regions and number of awards rotate each year. SWAAC has designated Ontario as the region for this 2023 competition. There are five awards available for this competition. Each university may nominate one person for the award.

Read about McMaster PhD student Liza-Anastasia DiCecco, who received the 2023 SWAAC Award of Merit .

Social Work Masters $

The Social Work Alumni Anniversary Award was established by the Alumni of the School of Social Work in 1993, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the School. The award is designed to promote social work study at the graduate level in the fields of practice and policy. The successful recipient will be a graduate of McMaster’s BSW program, have received the highest mark in the Personal Statement section of the application process, and have been admitted as a full-time student in the MSW program.

SSHRC Doctoral scholarships $$$-$$$$

SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships-Doctoral and the  SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships support high-calibre students engaged in doctoral programs in the social sciences and humanities. This support allows scholars to fully concentrate on their doctoral studies, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards.

Both the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and the Canada Graduate Scholarships—Doctoral Program (CGS D) are offered through one annual national competition. Applicants need to submit only one application to be considered for one or both awards. As each award has notable differences, applicants must read the descriptions for each award carefully to determine if they are eligible to apply for and hold each award. Applicants eligible for both the SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and CGS D Scholarships will automatically be considered for both awards.

Important: SSHRC application deadline extended to midnight on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

SSHRC has confirmed that the Online Application system is available as of the afternoon of Thursday, October 5th. 

SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship $$$$

September 18, 2019

These fellowships support the most promising Canadian new scholars in the social sciences and humanities, and assist them in establishing a research base at an important time in their research careers.

The purpose of these fellowships is to provide stipendiary support to recent PhD graduates who are:

• undertaking original research;
• publishing research findings;
• developing and expanding personal research networks;
• broadening their teaching experience;
• preparing for research-intensive careers within and beyond academia; and
• preparing to become competitive in national research grant competitions.

For eligibility criteria, award values, application details and deadlines, visit the SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships website.

The Appleton Slavin Academic Grant in Social Work $

Established in 2015 by John Appleton, MSW (Class of ’99) and Mary Jane Slavin. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a full-time graduate student in the School of Social Work who has a high academic average and demonstrates financial need.

The Barkleys of Avonmore Scholarship $

The Barkley’s of Avonmore Scholarship was established in 1977 through the generosity of Fred Barkley to assist a student from a developing country to pursue advanced studies at McMaster University.  Each year the Dean of Graduate Studies will identify a worthy graduate student from one of the developing countries to receive the award.

The Brooke and Irene Townsend Scholarship (Social Sciences) $$

Established in 2022 through the estate of Brooke Townsend ’57, in honour of Brooke and his wife Irene ’57. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Deans in consultation with the Associate Deans Graduate Studies of the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social Sciences to graduate students in these Faculties who demonstrate academic excellence and innovative research. The annual allocation available from the endowment is to be split equally between both Faculties.

The Dr. Colin Webber Graduate Scholarship $$

Established in 2013 to honour the memory of Dr. Colin Webber, McMaster University professor, physicist, radiation safety expert, teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of bone research. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to master’s or doctoral students. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate interest in bone research.

Value: Minimum $1,600

The E.B. Ryan Scholarship $

The E.B. Ryan Scholarship was established in 1997 using funds raised by a performance of the play Letter from Wingfield Farm, this scholarship is to be awarded to in-course graduate students from the faculties of Social Sciences and Health Sciences conducting research on aging. This award, valued at a maximum of $2,000, is awarded by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of a committee comprised of at least the director and the co-ordinator of the Office of Gerontological Studies.

The Edna Howard Bursary $

Established in 2022 by the family of Edna Howard, this bursary honours the support Edna offered graduate students through her work as a cook at The Phoenix Bar and Grill, owned and operated by the Graduate Students Association. Her food warmed the hearts of the McMaster campus community for many years until her retirement. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies to full-time students in any program who demonstrate financial need.

The Graduate Students Association Bursary $

The Graduate Students Association Bursary was established in 1999 by the Graduate Students Association at McMaster University under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. To be granted to a full-time or part-time graduate student in one of the following faculties: Engineering, Health Sciences, and Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, or the PhD program in Business. The bursary will be awarded annually by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Graduate Students Association.

The Gwen George Graduate Bursaries $

The Gwen George Graduate Bursary was established in 1997 in loving memory of Gwen George by her family and friends under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative. Preferences to be given to second year Master’s students in any graduate program leading to a PhD in the faculties of Humanities or Social Sciences at McMaster who have demonstrated financial need.

The H. Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary $

The H.Vincent Elliott Memorial Travel Bursary was established in 2010 by Dr. Susan J.Elliott (MA `97 and PhD`92), esteemed former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, and senior research fellow at the United Nations Institute on Water (UNU-IWEH), Environment and Health, in memory of her father, H.Vincent Elliott. To be granted by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation on the program director of ‘Water Without Borders’ to students registered in a Master’s or PhD program will be given to students in financial need.

The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship $$

The Howard P. Whidden Graduate Scholarship was established in 1987, and is open to non-Canadian students from countries of the British Commonwealth. This prestigious award is open to students who qualify for admission into any graduate program that extends to the doctorate, although the student’s initial registration may be at the Master’s level. The award is once renewable contingent upon satisfactory academic performance. It will be awarded at the discretion of the School of Graduate Studies.

The James F. Harvey and Helen S. Harvey Travel Scholarships $

Established in 1995 with funds from the estate of Helen S. Harvey.  James F. Harvey was a member of the first McMaster graduating class in Hamilton in 1935.  This travel scholarship will enable students to engage in research requiring travel.  To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence.

The Jane Aronson Graduate Scholarship in Social Work and Social Justice $

Established in 2014 to honour the contribution of Jane Aronson to the McMaster School of Social Work, to McMaster University and the Hamilton community, and to the social work profession in Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a full time PhD student in the social work program, based on the recommendation of the School of Social Work. Preference will be given to a student who has at least five years professional practice, a track record of critical leadership in social work practice, a previous degree in social work, and is not holding any other major scholarships.

The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary $

The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport Bursary was established in 1997 by The John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. To be granted to graduate students in the faculties of Business, Engineering, Science or Social Science who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to graduate students who are conducting research related to commercial transportation issues and policy, specifically the role of transportation in stimulating regional economic development and trade.

The Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada Graduate Award

Established in 2022 by the Lambda Scholarship Foundation Canada. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies to a graduate student who is currently enrolled in their first year of any program who identifies as a member of the queer, trans community and is Black, racialized, or Indigenous.

The Myra Baillie Academic Grant $

Established in 2005 by the Surgical Associates in memory of Myra Baillie. To be granted to a graduate student in any degree program who attains and “A” average and demonstrates financial need. Preference will be given to a female graduate student.

Award Value: 2 awards of $1,000 each

The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary $

The Robert John Morris Graduate Studies Bursary was established in 1996 by family, friends and colleagues of Robert John Morris. To be granted to graduate students in good academic standing who demonstrate financial need. Whenever possible, preference will be given to Engineering students studying in the area of nuclear engineering or advanced energy systems or, students in the Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Sciences.

The School of Graduate Studies Grant in Aid for Research Travel $-$$

March 8, 2024

The SGS Grant is intended to be a grant in aid of research; students should not expect the grants to cover the full cost of travel or field work.

The School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Grant is not intended for conference or course work travel .

It is not meant to replace sources of funding already available from the tri-agencies (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC), other external granting sources, or internal scholarships and bursaries.

It is not intended to fund the research itself, but the travel to do the research.

Application Date

The application will open in Mosaic on January 8, 2024, and close on March 8, 2024.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship-Doctoral $$$$

September 6, 2023

The Vanier CGS program aims to attract and retain world-class doctoral students to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate both leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.

It is valued at $50,000 per year for three years during doctoral studies.

Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, and foreign citizens are eligible to apply for this scholarship.

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award $$-$$$

March 28, 2022

The Wilson Leader Scholarship Award for graduate students is different. Valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 for experiential funding, it’s a leadership development and career launcher program that builds on your studies. It involves about 15 hours/month, including time for synchronous group events between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET.

Awarded to up to three graduate students annually.

Yates Scholarship $

The Yates Scholarship Fund (up to $500) was established in 1963 by the bequest of William Henry Yates. This fund support upper-level doctoral students with research activities and conference travel when a paper is being delivered. Applicants must have completed their comprehensive exam.

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School of Graduate Studies

Social work, program overview.

As the oldest school of social work in Canada, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto has been on the cutting edge of education, policy, research, and practice in social work for over 100 years. The Faculty offers a professional/academic program of study leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

Human services are among the fastest growing sectors of the Canadian economy. Along with the growth is an increasing diversification of the sector, with fields of practice rising up around specific areas of need. The country as a whole will need social workers to staff new, more specialized service agencies of the future. While the notion of generic social work has a role to play in this increasingly complex environment, it is clear that graduates will also require more specific skills if they are to thrive in the new human service sector. In other words, generic social work is a necessary, but no longer sufficient preparation for practice. ​The overall aim of the program is therefore to produce graduates who are ready to enter the field of their choice after first receiving a thorough grounding in the knowledge, values, and skills common to all social workers. The specializations are built upon the expertise of core teaching faculty and have all been developed with the very active participation of partner agencies in each of the respective fields.

To prepare graduates:

• for ethical, innovative, and effective social work practice in a diverse society;
• for competent practice which integrates theory and research;
• to be capable of integrating practice and policy;
• to practice in specialized areas, defined by student interest, faculty expertise, and demand from the field.;
• who have a generic foundation of core social work knowledge, values, and skills, applicable to all fields and methods of practice;
• to practice in specialized areas, defined by student interest, faculty expertise, and demand from the field;
• to work actively to promote social justice, make professional decisions, and perform professional functions that are informed by an understanding of the political context of practice.

To prepare students for:

• professional practice according to the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CASWE);
• social work practice interventions based on research evidence;
• specialized practice in six identified areas:
• Children and their Families
• Gerontology
• Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency
• Mental Health and Health
• Social Justice and Diversity
• Social Service Administration
• strengthening partnerships with social work agencies in areas of particular interest to the Faculty for the purposes of enriching the curriculum and producing graduates with the requisite skills to function in those agencies;
• encouraging interdisciplinary linkages.

The purpose of the PhD program at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work doctoral program is to prepare students for leadership roles in social work education, research, and the community. Students are admitted to the PhD program on the bases of prior scholarly and professional achievements. Applicants who have been involved in research and who have a record of publications are rated highly for consideration for admission. These admission criteria acknowledge that the PhD in Social Work is a research degree located in a university, which emphasizes research excellence for all of its graduate programs.

Through scholarship, research, and mastery of substantive areas of study, the objectives of the program require student competence in the following:

• conduct social work research using a range of paradigms and methods;
• conduct research that both informs and advances social work knowledge and performance in areas of direct practice, community intervention, and policy development;
• demonstrate a broad understanding of the major practice and policy issues in social welfare and the profession of social work;
• substantive knowledge of a field of social work (defined by students’ research interests), which results in the articulation of important empirical questions.

Enrolment in the Faculty of Social Work entails adherence to the standards of professional behaviour for the social work profession set forth in the Social Work Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.

Combined Degree Programs

Students may also be interested in:

• Law, Juris Doctor / Master of Social Work (JD/MSW)
• Mental Health Studies (Specialist), Honours Bachelor of Science / Master of Social Work (MHSc/MSW)
• Mental Health Studies (Specialist Co-op), Honours Bachelor of Science / Master of Social Work (MHSc/MSW)​

Quick Facts

Master of social work, program description.

The MSW program is distinguished by the integration of research and practice in both the classroom and its practicum education. The program offers six fields of specialization:

Children and Their Families (MSW)

Gerontology (MSW)

Health and Mental Health (MSW)

Human Services Management and Leadership (MSW)

Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (MSW)

Social Justice and Diversity (MSW)

It is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

The Faculty of Social Work offers the Master of Social Work (MSW) program in a two-year option or an advanced-standing option for applicants entering with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.

All students are expected to graduate with an advanced level of knowledge and professional competence in a chosen area of social work practice.

Master of Social Work (Field: Children and Their Families)

Within the MSW degree program, the field in Children and Their Families is designed to prepare students for social work practice with children and their families at all levels of intervention, from individual to group work with children, to family and couple intervention, to community organization, and to program and policy development.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Msw two-year program and msw advanced-standing option.

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.

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.

Program Requirements

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.

Year 1 Compulsory Courses

Year 1 MSW students in the Children and Their Families field must complete the required courses below:

• Eight half courses (4.0 FCEs).
• SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop (0.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit), to be taken in the Fall session.
• The Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE).

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

Students in the MSW two-year program must declare their field by mid-February of Year 1. See below for information by field.

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

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. 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.

MSW Two-Year Program

Students must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

Thesis option: students must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs , including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Year 2 Compulsory Courses

Msw advanced-standing option.

Students in the advanced standing option:

Will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE) in their field.

Thesis option: must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs including required coursework (2.5 FCEs), a practicum (1.0 FCE), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Must complete the Year 1 compulsory courses. SWK4510H Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice must be completed before taking any of the research courses in the field.

Must complete SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop (0.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit) during the Fall session of Year 1.

Are expected to complete the requirements in three sessions (one year).

Program Length

6 sessions two-year full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S); 3 sessions advanced-standing full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S); 6 sessions advanced-standing part-time

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Master of Social Work (Field: Gerontology)

Social workers provide a wide variety of services and programs, both in the community and in institutions that are aimed at enhancing the quality of life of older people and assisting families to adjust to the aging of their family member. Social workers also play a vital role in the development and implementation of social and economic policies at the provincial and national levels through research on aging, consultation with government, and through social advocacy.

All students enrolled in the Social Work in Gerontology field will automatically be enrolled in the Collaborative Specialization in Aging, Palliative and Supportive Care Across the Life Course.

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 .

Year 1 MSW students in the Gerontology field must complete the required courses below:

• the Year 1 practicum (0.5 FCE).

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

Note : Advanced-standing students normally complete the program in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

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 MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs , including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.5 FCEs), elective coursework (0.5 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs) in the student's field.

Thesis option: students in the MSW two-year program complete a total of 8.5 FCEs , including:

Core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs).

Required field coursework (2.5 FCEs).

Elective coursework (0.5 FCE) 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.

A thesis (1.0 FCE).

Students in the advanced-standing option:

Will normally complete a total of 4.5 FCEs , including required coursework (3.0 FCEs), elective coursework (0.5 FCE), and a practicum (1.0 FCE).

Thesis option: students must complete a total of 4.5 FCEs , including:

Required coursework (3.0 FCEs).

Complete SWK1999H Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop (0.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit) during the Fall session of Year 1.

Master of Social Work (Field: Health and Mental Health)

As members of inter-professional health teams, social workers seek to assist others in understanding the social and community context in which physical and mental illness occur, and the way in which these larger systems contribute to the development of illness and disability and exacerbate or ameliorate the challenges in adapting to illness and living with disability.

Year 1 MSW students in the Health and Mental Health field must complete the required courses below:

See amendment made on September 11, 2023.

Students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

Thesis option: students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs , including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Plus students can then elect to take one of three choices:

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 courses:

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 courses:

SWK4631H Advanced Social Work Practice in Mental Health or

SWK4636H Special Topics in Mental Health Social Work or

SWK4640H Special Topics in Mental Health Social Work 2 or

SWK4647H Family-Centred Practices in Addictions and Mental Health or

SWK4803H Special Studies III

Then elect to take one of three choices:

Master of Social Work (Field: Human Services Management and Leadership)

The not-for-profit sector is primarily responsible for the delivery of social services in Canada. There is a critical need for people who are able to assume leadership roles in the community social services sector.

Year 1 MSW students in the Human Services Management and Leadership field must complete the required courses below:

Students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), elective coursework (1.0 FCE), and practica (1.5 FCEs). The practicum (0.5 FCE) is required for students in Year 1 of the MSW two-year program and is offered in the Winter session; the Year 2 practicum (September to April) is equivalent to 1.0 FCE and must be in the student's field.

Thesis option: students in the MSW two-year program must complete a total of 8.5 FCEs including coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Must complete SWK1999H  Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workshop  (0.0 FCE; Credit/No Credit) during the Fall session of Year 1.

Master of Social Work (Field: Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency)

The Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency field integrates theory and research drawn from social work and Indigenous knowledge for application in the delivery of services and interventions for Indigenous populations. There is an emphasis on the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Canada and other Indigenous groups. The curriculum is offered through online and intensive classroom formats.

Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Applicants holding the minimum admission requirements are not guaranteed admission. All admission decisions are final.

This field is offered only as a two-year, full-time program.

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.

Students must complete 7.5 FCEs as follows:

Year 1: seven half courses (3.5 FCEs)

six half courses (3.0 FCEs) and

a 450-hour summer practicum (1.0 FCE).

Students entering the program with BA or BASc courses must complete an additional 1.0 FCE (two half courses SWK4102H and SWK4516H [summer practicum]) in Year 1.

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

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 must successfully complete a total of 8.5 FCEs, including core MSW coursework (4.0 FCEs), required field coursework (2.0 FCEs), practica (1.5 FCEs), and a thesis (1.0 FCE).

Year 1 Courses

Year 2 courses.

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

3 years full-time

Master of Social Work (Field: Social Justice and Diversity)

Reducing inequalities and marginalization is in line with professional social work's agenda of anti-oppression and social justice. Social work is committed to working with and on behalf of people from disenfranchised backgrounds.

Year 1 MSW students in the Social Justice and Diversity field must complete the required courses below:

Compulsory Courses — Year 2

Doctor of philosophy.

The PhD program has a tradition of scholarly excellence based on the quality of the research knowledge, competence, and output of its faculty. Doctoral graduates are practice leaders and faculty members throughout the world. Enrolment in the Faculty of Social Work entails adherence to the standards of professional behaviour for the social work profession set forth in the Social Work Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.

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.

• Initial admission inquiries should be made directly to the Faculty of Social Work. The application deadline for the PhD program is January 10. The Faculty of Social Work does not guarantee admission to all applicants who meet its minimum 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 required research courses:

SWK6301H Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis (0.5 FCE)

SWK6302H Epistemology and Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

SWK6307H Designing and Implementing Qualitative Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

SWK6308H Designing and Implementing Quantitative Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

Students may be exempt from these research courses but will substitute alternate elective courses for each exempted course. Note: SWK4506H (0.5 FCE) 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).

SWK7000H Comprehensive Exam Seminar (Credit/No Credit) (0.5 FCE) 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), no credit.

Comprehensive exam.

Following completion of at least nine of the above required courses , students must satisfactorily complete SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam (Credit/No Credit) (0.5 FCE) 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 ,

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 complete their coursework, comprehensive exam, and have their thesis proposal approved by the end of August of Year 3. The research, writing, and Doctoral Final Oral Examination of the thesis are typically completed by the end of Year 5.

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.

“Toronto is the best city to gain the practical skills needed to work within a clinical setting.”

Welcome to the School of Social Work

Where the most progressive and socially responsive social work program in Canada is taught. 

You will receive a professional social work education from a dedicated, diverse faculty who draw from a strong contemporary curriculum and their own practical experience. We are highly committed to social justice, working with disenfranchised groups, and producing research that has real impact on our communities. 

What you can expect:

• Small class sizes and a sense of community that unites our students,
• Undergraduate and graduate courses that provide rich hands-on learning opportunities, such as community placements, volunteer work and research projects. 
• Faculty who make themselves available for mentorship and career development. 
• Graduates equipped for professional practice in a wide variety of social work arenas, from working with individuals and families, to public policy work, research, and scholarship. 

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Read our  Land Acknowledgment which recognizes the unique and enduring relationship of Indigenous people and their traditional territory.

The Social Work program at York is unlike any other. It causes you to think critically about the world around you, all while teaching the practical skills necessary to make an impact in not only the field, but society as a whole. What I enjoy most is the personalization provided by the faculty. They really target each student's education towards achieving their personal career goals.

— Alicia Pinelli Alumna, Social Work

Learn more about our alumni

April 6, 2023 Feature Profile: Shayla S. Dube

January 31, 2023 Feature Profile: Blessing Ojembe

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