School of Social Work


Dunton Tower 509
Telephone: 520-5601
Fax: 520-7496

The School


Director of the School:
Allan Moscovitch
Supervisor of Graduate Studies:
Gerald de Montigny

The School of Social Work, accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, offers a graduate program leading to the degree of Master of Social Work. Year I will normally be completed over two terms of full-time study. Year II will normally be completed over three terms or twelve months of full-time study.  Part-time study is also offered.  Year I will normally be completed over two to three years, and Year II will normally be completed over three to four years.

Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work program is based on an analytical and critical approach to social work practice, and to knowledge related to practice. The program examines the structural context of personal and social problems, and of social work practice.  The structural context refers to the interaction between individuals and the social, political, and economic aspects of society. The program focuses on the development of forms of practice predicated on this notion, seeking to intervene to change the nature of the interaction between people and their structural contexts.

The orientation of the School explicitly includes approaches to social development and social change which involve working directly with individuals, groups, and communities. This includes a strong emphasis on sensitivity to the individual, and on the development of new and innovative strategies for working with individuals in the context of their every day lives. The School also stresses community analysis and an awareness and knowledge of the social policies that affect the lives of all people in our society. Analysis of class, gender, and race is considered central to the curriculum.

The School of Social Work is committed to educational equity. The society in which we live and of which social work is a constituent part is composed of groups of people distinguished by their differential access to power — economic, political, and social. The School affirms the principle that all these groups should have the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Educational equity is consistent with a continuing commitment to meeting high standards of academic and practice competence.

The central purpose of the graduate program is to provide students with the opportunity to build on their knowledge and experience. Students will be able to use the program to deepen their understanding of both the methods and contexts of practice, to build new knowledge, and to apply this new knowledge in a practical way. The program requirements are designed to be as flexible as possible while at the same time ensuring that all students master core social work knowledge and practice skills. Graduates may expect to use their experience in the School as the basis for continuing to expand their personal knowledge in a society undergoing rapid change.

Admission Requirements

The School of Social Work provides two points of entry into the Master of Social Work program.

Applications are accepted to the first year of a two year M.S.W. program from candidates who hold an honours bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, with at least high honours standing (normally B+ or better in honours subject; B– or better overall) in a discipline other than social work.

Applications are accepted to the one year M.S.W. program from candidates who hold an accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree with honours standing (normally B+ or better in honours subject; B– or better overall).

Applications are accepted to the one year M.S.W. program from candidates who are in the final year of a Bachelor of Social Work program, and who have maintained a B+ or better in social work and B– or better overall. Applicants with social work experience who hold undergraduate or graduate applied social science degrees from a university or other degree granting institution are directed to apply to the two year M.S.W. program. The School will review the equivalence of such degrees to a Bachelor of Social Work.

Work experience in social work or a related field is considered as one of several selection criteria for both M.S.W. Year I and M.S.W. Year II.

Persons who have a Bachelor of Arts degree and human service experience may also wish to apply to the Bachelor of Social Work program. Please refer to the Undergraduate Calendar for further information.

Applicants must have completed 1.0 credit in research methods in their undergraduate program.  The School of Social Work will not normally grant advanced standing for course work completed prior to entry into the M.S.W. program. Students accepted into M.S.W. Year I will be expected to complete 5.0 credits of course work in Year I and 6.0 credits of course work in Year II. Students accepted into M.S.W. Year II will be expected to complete 6.0 credits of course work. Work experience may not be substituted for research or other academic requirements, including the practicum.

Candidates must apply by February 1 for September admission.

Part-Time Studies

The School offers part-time studies to qualified candidates who cannot participate in a program of full-time study. The requirements for part-time studies are identical to the regular program except that part-time students are limited to a maximum of 1.0 credit of course work per term.

Students registered on a part-time basis must maintain continuous registration for a minimum of two terms per year until all course requirements are completed.  

Part-time students in the M.S.W. Year I must register in Social Work 52.534: Structural Social Work Practice, in their first fall term. Part-time students in the M.S.W. Year II must register in Social Work 52.520: Direct Intervention (or 52.538 and 52.539); or Social Work 52.535: Advanced Social Work Practice (or 52.536 and 52.537); or Social Work 52.540: Social Administration and Policy (or 52.548 and 52.549); plus an additional 0.5 credit of course work in their first fall term.

Change of Status

Students may change from part-time to full-time status, or from full-time to part-time status, with the permission of the supervisor of graduate studies and the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Students wishing to take a leave of absence should consult the General Regulations Section 8.5 of this Calendar. Individual study plans must be amended to reflect changes in status.

Program Requirements

Students with an honours undergraduate degree other than a B.S.W. or the equivalent who are admitted into the two-year M.S.W. program must complete Year I and Year II.

Students with a B.S.W. or equivalent who are admitted into the one-year M.S.W. program must complete Year II.

Year I of the M.S.W. consists of the following 5.0 credits:

Year II of the M.S.W. consists of the following 6.0 credits:

All students in Social Work 52.599: Thesis, Social Work 52.566: Practicum I, Social Work 52.567: Practicum II, or Social Work 52.565: Community Practice Project must maintain continuous registration until completion of the course in accordance with the General Regulations as stated in this Calendar.

Students in the Master’s Program before 1995

The program requirements established on admission for students who were registered in the two-year M.S.W. program prior to 1995 continue to apply; however, negotiation of course offerings to satisfy program requirements will be established on an individual basis. Completion of a practicum and either a thesis or an Independent Enquiry Project (Social Work 52.590) will continue to be required.

Study Plans

During the first two to three weeks of the fall term, students will meet with their faculty advisers to develop a study plan. Study plans must be approved by the student’s faculty adviser and the supervisor of graduate studies of the School of Social Work. The study plan constitutes an agreement between the student and the School and must contain reference to all academic and practicum work to be undertaken. It will provide a reference point to ensure that a student’s program includes all of the elements required for graduation set out under program requirements above. The initial study plan and any subsequent changes must be approved by the student’s faculty adviser and the graduate supervisor.

Academic Standing

Candidates for the M.S.W. degree must complete all course work (or the equivalent) counted towards the degree with a minimum grade of B– or better. The School of Social Work does not permit the C+ option.

Graduate Courses*

Note: All seminar courses, directed studies, workshops, independent study courses, and community practice courses are governed by Section 7.7, Tutorials, of the General Regulations. Note that not all courses are offered every year.

M.S.W. Year I — Required Courses  

  • Social Work 52.534T2 or F2
    Structural Social Work Practice
    This course builds a foundation for integrative practice with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations by bridging direct intervention and social administration and policy. The course develops analytic and assessment skills, interaction and intervention skills, and strategies for policy development and social change.

    Prerequisite: Registration in M.S.W. Year 1.

  • Social Work 52.550T2
    Advanced Structural Social Work
    This course explores the epistemology and practice of social work and social sciences with reference to the concepts of individual, family, community, formal organizations, and state. The social organization of power, as differentiated by identities organized as class, gender, race, age, ability, and sexuality, are explored.

    Prerequisite: Registration in M.S.W. Year I.

  • Social Work 52.566F4,W4,S4
    Practicum I
    The practicum facilitates the integration of academic and practical aspects of social work education and is designed to provide guided learning in a community-based setting. A field seminar may be required. Available full time and part time. Not usually available in the first term of registration. Not available to students with a B.S.W.
    Prerequisite: Registration in M.S.W. Year I, and completion of or concurrent registration in 52.534 and 52.550.

    M.S.W. Year II — Required Courses and Program Options

  • Social Work 52.520T2
    Direct Intervention
    Presentation of a structural framework for social work practice examining assessment and interventive approaches, analytical and interaction skills, the helping process and social transformation. The course explores interventions with individuals, families, small groups, organizations, and communities. Research questions and their implications are identified.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.535T2
    Advanced Social Work Practice
    This course provides a concentration in social work in areas of interest to students and faculty. The areas of interest may change from year to year. The course builds on foundation knowledge in social work to provide an opportunity for specialized study.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.536F1
    Advanced Social Work Practice
    First half of 52.535T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.537W1
    Advanced Social Work Practice
    Second half of 52.535T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.538F1
    Direct Intervention
    First half of 52.520T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.539W1
    Direct Intervention
    Second half of 52.520T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.540T2
    Social Administration and Policy
    A methods course providing an understanding of the values and knowledge required for the effective performance of policy and planning roles in  organizational and community settings, covering need assessment as well as administrative, policy, and planning methods.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.545T2
    Research and Evaluation in Social Work
    Research and evaluation are political, theoretical, and philosophical as well as technical activities. Using this framework students conduct actual research or evaluation projects in partnership with community agencies and practitioners.  The course begins with general content; more specific material is generated through the projects themselves and is shared in a collaborative manner.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.546F1
    Research and Evaluation in Social Work
    First half of 52.545T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.547W1
    Research and Evaluation in Social Work
    Second half of 52.545T2.
    Prerequisite: Social Work 52.546.

  • Social Work 52.548F1
    Social Administration and Policy
    First half of 52.540T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.549W1
    Social Administration and Policy
    Second half of 52.540T2.
    Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

  • Social Work 52.560F4,W4,S4
    Practicum II
    The practicum provides students with an opportunity to integrate advanced social work theories and practice. Students are expected to build on and to go beyond their present knowledge and skills. A field seminar may be included. Not usually available in the first term of registration.
    Prerequisites: Registration in this course is restricted to those students whose initial registration in the M.S.W. program was either 1995-96 or 1996-97.

  • Social Work 52.565F4,W4,S4
    Community Practice Project
    The Community Practice Project combines classroom instruction, social research, and community work practice. It requires the combination of the practice skills of a social work practicum and the research skills of a thesis. It is based both in the classroom and in the community. The broad purpose is to develop and implement a community based project that addresses issues of social justice for those disadvantaged by social inequalities. This option is offered subject to sufficient registration. Not usually available in the first term of registration.
    Prerequisites: Registration in M.S.W. Year II, and completion of or concurrent registration in 52.520 (52.538 and 52.539), or 52.535 (52.536 and 52.537), or 52.540 (52.548 and 52.549).

  • Social Work 52.567F4,W4,S4
    Practicum II
    The second practicum provides students with an opportunity to integrate advanced social work theories and practice.  Students are expected to build on and to advance beyond their present knowledge and skills.  A field seminar may be included.  Not usually available in the first term of registration.
    Prerequisite: Registration in M.S.W. Year II, and completion or concurrrent registration in 52.520 (52.538 and 52.539), or 52.535 (52.536 and 52.537), or 52.540 (52.548 and 52.549).

  • Social Work 52.599F4,W4,S4
    Thesis Prerequisite:  Registration in M.S.W. Year II.

    Optional Courses

  • Social Work 52.506F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Work, Gender and the State
    This seminar course examines the construction of the “social” sphere and making the “social” work as it applies to the development of social welfare and the social work profession. An analysis of the gendered character of state provisions, women’s participation in their formation, and their implications with regard to race and class is used to examine the current restructuring of social welfare.

  • Social Work 52.510F1 or W1 or S1
    History and Philosophy of Social Welfare
    An historical perspective on the development of social welfare policies and the practice of social work, presenting an analysis of welfare institutions. The historical relationships between the economy, the family, and the development of Canadian state and private social programs and services, and social work practice is also explored.

  • Social Work 52.511F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Policy Analysis
    Starting with a review of analytical and political frameworks, the course offers conceptual, theoretical, and empirical tools for the analysis of social policies in Canadian society.

  • Social Work 52.512F1 or W1 or S1
    Political Economy of Health
    This course addresses the distinctions and connections between health and health care. Within the health care sector, it examines who receives care, who provides it, who pays for it, and who makes the decisions affecting it.

  • Social Work 52.515F1 or W1 or S1
    Poverty and Wealth
    Critical examination of theories of poverty and wealth, in an attempt to address conflicting understandings of poverty and the unequal distribution of income and wealth in Canada. Theories of poverty and wealth are considered to determine the direction of social policy, with particular reference to universal programs, social welfare services, income redistribution, and taxation.

  • Social Work 52.516F1 or W1 or S1
    Women and Social Policy
    A structural approach is used to analyze social policy affecting women. The course examines the relationship of feminist scholarship to the practical work of developing policy and to policy outcomes for women. It assesses the impact of the women’s movement on the formal social processes of policy making.

  • Social Work 52.518F1 or W1 or S1
    Seminar in Social Policy
    Social policy analysis courses may be offered focusing on particular fields such as corrections, mental health services, children’s services, or health care services; and examining current programs, historical developments, and the major current issues, developments, and challenges.

  • Social Work 52.553T2,F2,W2,S2
    Directed Studies — Group
    Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for social work practice that are offered subject to the availability of faculty. Arranged for small groups of students who are interested in a similar substantive area.

  • Social Work 52.554T2,F2,W2,S2
    Directed Studies — Individual
    Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for social work practice that are offered subject to the availability of faculty. This option is for individual students whose interests coincide with those of a faculty member or visiting scholar; and who wish to work under his or her direct supervision.

  • Social Work 52.555F1,W1,S1
    Directed Studies — Group
    Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for social work practice that are offered subject to the availability of faculty. Arranged for small groups of students who are interested in a similar substantive area.

  • Social Work 52.556F1,W1,S1
    Directed Studies — Individual
    Exploration of selected theoretical perspectives relevant for social work practice that are offered subject to the availability of faculty. This option is for individual students whose interests coincide with those of a faculty member or visiting scholar; and who wish to work under his or her direct supervision.

  • Social Work 52.557F1,W1,S1
    Workshop on Selected Topics in Social Work Practice
    Approved workshops organized in the School and in the community may be offered subject to the availability of faculty. Evaluation of students is based on the student’s role in the workshop and the nature of the assignment(s) required of the student.

  • Social Work 52.558T2,F2,W2,S2
    Studies in Social Work
    May combine directed studies — group or individual — workshops, research study, or community practice. Registration is by permission of the supervisor of graduate studies and will be granted only when the student has negotiated an approved study agreement with the social work instructor(s).

  • Social Work 52.559F1,W1,S1
    Studies in Social Work
    May combine directed studies — group or individual — workshops, research study, or community practice. Registration is by permission of the supervisor of graduate studies and is granted only when the student has negotiated an approved study agreement with the social work instructor(s).

  • Social Work 52.568F1,W1,S1
    Studies in Community Practice
    May be offered subject to the availability of faculty. Studies are supervised by faculty. A written proposal is required that must include learning objectives, practice objectives, time of completion, and criteria and method of evaluation.

  • Social Work 52.569F1,W1,S1
    Studies in Community Practice
    May be offered subject to the availability of faculty. Studies are supervised by faculty. A written proposal is required that must include learning objectives, practice objectives, time of completion, and criteria and method of evaluation.

  • Social Work 52.570, 52.571, 52.572,52.573F1,W1,S1
    Special Topics in Social Work
    The School will offer lecture courses on substantive topics related to social work and social welfare. Topics will vary each year depending on the interests of faculty and students. Students from outside the School of Social Work may register with permission of the School.

  • Social Work 52.574F1 or W1 or S1
    Race, Culture and Social Work Practice
    This seminar course develops an anti-racist framework for social work practice to analyze policy and practice issues. The course examines  “privilege” as a critical and essential component for understanding oppression based on race and culture. The complex intersections of race and culture with class, gender, age, and other dimensions are explored.

  • Social Work 52.575F1 or W1 or S1
    Child Protection Policies and Interventions
    This course explores the social organization of child protection policies, services, and interventions in Canada. It addresses  front-line child protection social work and the relationship with organizational contexts, the forms of a legal apparatus, the rules for documentary production, and the effects of social power differentials.

  • Social Work 52.581F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Feminist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Couples, and Families
    This course explores theory and practice of feminist approaches to social work with individuals, couples and families. It includes attention to issues of diversity, such as race and class, as well as gender. A problem based learning approach is used in a small seminar format.

  • Social Work 52.582F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Cross-cultural Studies of the Self and Related Subjects
    This problem-based learning seminar examines the governance and care of the self in different cultural and historical contexts. The theoretical location of the course is in the emergent sociology and psychology of governance and care of the self. A cross-cultural perspective is  used to analyze the practices and policies of different forms of governance and debates about social regulation.

  • Social Work 52.584F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Organizing for Social Change
    Hands-on introduction to theories, models, and methods of organizing for social change from grass-roots groups to national coalitions. Practical skills for helping people mobilize to influence the social issues relevant to their lives. A problem based learning approach is used in small seminar format.

  • Social Work 52.585F1 or W1 or S1
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Social Development in the International Context.
    This problem-based learning seminar identifies, compares, and critically analyzes the fundamental principles guiding international social development. The theoretical location of international political economy and social development organize topical social and economic questions, deal explicitly with belief systems and ideologies, foster a macro-perspective, and address both national and international issues.

  • Social Work 52.583,  52.586, 52.587, 52.588, 52.589F1,W1,S1
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice will be addressed in small group seminars utilizing problem based learning or  enquiry and action learning methods. This method uses examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners and relies on self-guided study individually, and as a group, under the direction of a faculty tutor. The seminar provides for building on the experience of individuals in the group, as well as mutual learning and shared experience. The substantive area of practice will vary depending on student interest.

  • Social Work 52.590F2,W2,S2
    Independent Enquiry Project
    This course is available only for those students registered in the previous two-year program.
    (See 1993-94 Graduate Calendar or consult the School for description).

  • Social Work 52.592F4,W4,S4
    Thesis
    This course is available only for students completing a thesis under the previous two-year program.

  • Social Work 52.593T2,F2,W2,S2
    Independent Research Studies in Social Work
    Individually arranged independent research study may be offered subject to the availability of faculty. This 1.0 credit option must be based on a written proposal that outlines a research project with clear learning objectives, practice objectives where relevant, method, time of completion, and criteria and methods for evaluation.

  • Social Work 52.594,F1,W1,S1
    Independent Research Studies in Social Work
    Individually arranged independent research study may be offered subject to the availability of faculty. This 0.5 credit option must be based on a written proposal that outlines a research project with clear learning objectives, practice objectives where relevant, method, time of completion, and criteria and methods for evaluation.