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Social Work

Dunton Tower 509
Telephone: 613-520-5601
Fax: 613-520-7496
carleton.ca/ssw

The School

Acting Director of the School: Diana Majury
Supervisor of Graduate Studies: Steven Hick

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 itself. The structural context refers to the interaction between individuals and the social, political, and economic dimensions of society. The program focuses on the development of social work practices that change the interactions between people and structural contexts.

The curriculum is organized into two concentrations:

  1. Social Practices, which includes direct intervention with individuals, families, small groups, and communities; and
  2. Social Welfare, which examines the political, economic, and social context within which social policy is made.

The orientation of the School explicitly includes approaches to social policy development and social change that involve working collaboratively with individuals, groups, and communities. Emphasis is placed on sensitivity to the individual, and on the development of new and innovative strategies for working with individuals in the context of their everyday lives. The School also stresses community work and social development that raises awareness of social problems that affect the lives of all people in our society. Analysis of the material conditions of life in Canadian society and the production of class, gender, and race is considered central to all aspects of 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. 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 higher in honours subject; B- or higher 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 higher in honours subject; B- or higher 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 higher in social work and B- or higher 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.

Application deadlines can be found at https://gsapplications.carleton.ca .

 

Part-Time Studies

The School offers part-time studies to a limited number of qualified candidates who cannot participate in a program of full-time study. The requirements for part-time studies are identical to those of 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.

In their first fall term, part-time students in the M.S.W. Year I must register in SOWK 5501 or SOWK 5502 and one of SOWK 5308, SOWK 5408, or SOWK 5608. Part-time students in the M.S.W. year II register in SOWK 5306 or SOWK 5307 plus an additional 0.5 credit of course work in their first fall term.

Change of Status

Students contemplating changing their full-time or part-time status should consult the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

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:

  • SOWK 5308 [0.5 credit]
  • SOWK 5408 [0.5 credit]
  • SOWK 5608 [0.5 credit]
  • SOWK 5501 [0.5 credit]
  • SOWK 5502 [0.5 credit]
  • SOWK 5606 [2.0 credits]
  • 0.5 credit to be taken from graduate-level course offerings in the School.

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

  • SOWK 5306 or SOWK 5307
  • SOWK 5405
  • And one of the following two options:
    • Thesis/Course Work Option
      • SOWK 5909 [2.0 credits] Thesis
      • 2.0 credits of course work
    • Practicum/Course Work Option
      • SOWK 5607 [2.0 credits] Practicum
      • 2.0 credits of course work

    For all course options listed above, a minimum of 1.0 credit must be taken from graduate-level course offerings, in the School of Social Work, a maximum of 1.0 credit may be taken outside the School of Social Work, and a maximum of 0.5 credit may be taken at the 4000-level.

    All students in SOWK 5903, SOWK 5909, SOWK 5606, SOWK 5607 must maintain continuous registration until completion of the course in accordance with the General Regulations as stated in this calendar.

    Academic Standing

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

    Graduate Courses

    Not all of the following courses are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

    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.

     

    M.S.W. Year I - Required Courses

    SOWK 5308 [0.5 credit]
    Direct Intervention
    Presentation of a structural framework for social work theory and practice examining assessment and interventive approaches, analytical and interaction skills, helping process and social transformation. Explores interventions with individuals, families, small groups based on an understanding of class, gender, race, age, ability and sexual orientation.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5304.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year I.
    SOWK 5408 [0.5 credit]
    Social Administration and Policy
    Knowledge and skills required for understanding, analyzing and practicing social policy development and administration in social work. Political, economic, and social context of policymaking, theoretical perspectives for developing policy, and contemporary social policy issues.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5304.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year I.
    SOWK 5501 [0.5 credit]
    Theories in Social Science and Social Work
    Examines relationships between theories in social science and in social work exploring connections to social work practice and emphasizing theories of inequality.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5500.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year I.
    SOWK 5502 [0.5 credit]
    History of Social Welfare and Social Work
    Historical development of social welfare policies and the Canadian welfare state. History of relationship of economy, family, welfare institutions and Canadian state. Focus on the origins and development of social work as a profession.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5500.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year I.
    SOWK 5606 (2.0 credits)
    Practicum I
    Integration of academic and practical aspects of social-work education. 475 hours of guided learning in a community-based setting. Field seminar required.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year I, and completion of or concurrent registration in SOWK 5308, SOWK 5408, SOWK 5501, SOWK 5502, and SOWK 5608.
    SOWK 5608 [0.5 credit]
    Community Work
    Models and methods of community organization. Social-economic contexts and ideological approaches to social change work; social change efforts; globalization and corporate rule.
    M.S.W. Year II - Required Courses and Program Options
    SOWK 5306 [1.0 credit]
    Advanced Theory for Social Welfare
    Core concepts and ideas about the modern welfare state and the Canadian welfare state. The role and nature of social policy in the Canadian political system. Methods of analysis of contemporary social policy.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5305.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year II.
    SOWK 5307 (1.0 credit)
    Advanced Theory for Social Practices
    Advanced integration of social work knowledge, skills and ethics for practice with individuals, families, small groups and communities. Structural analysis of personal and social problems. Review of contemporary social work theories and practice approaches.
    Precludes additional credit for SOWK 5305.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year II.
    SOWK 5405 [1.0 credit]
    Research and Evaluation in Social Work
    Addresses the logic of inquiry, and assesses quantitative and qualitative techniques. Attention to program and direct intervention evaluation especially with the use of action and participatory research approaches. May include research or evaluation project with community agencies and practitioners, or individual research proposal.
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year II.
    SOWK 5607 [2.0 credits]
    Practicum II
    500 hours integrating advanced social work theories and practice. Field seminar required. Not usually available in the first term of registration.
    Prerequisite: B.S.W. or completion of M.S.W. Year 1, and completion of SOWK 5306 or SOWK 5307; SOWK 5306 or SOWK 5307 may be taken concurrently with SOWK 5607 to fulfil this requirement.
    SOWK 5909 [2.0 credits]
    Thesis
    Prerequisite: registration in M.S.W. Year II.

     

    Optional Courses

    SOWK 5006 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5101 [0.5 credit]
    Social Policy Analysis
    Conceptual, theoretical, and empirical tools for the analysis of social policies in Canadian society.
    SOWK 5102 [0.5 credit]
    Political Economy of Health
    Distinctions and connections between health and health care. Who receives care, who provides it, who pays for it, and who makes the decisions affecting it.
    SOWK 5105 [0.5 credit]
    Poverty and Income Security
    Examination of theories of poverty and wealth, conflicting understandings of poverty and the unequal distribution of income and wealth in Canada. Theories of poverty and wealth as they influence social policy, notably universal programs, social welfare services, income redistribution, and taxation.
    SOWK 5106 [0.5 credit]
    Women and Social Policy
    Structural analysis of social policy affecting women. Relationship of feminist scholarship to the practical work of developing policy and to policy outcomes for women. Impact of the women's movement on the formal processes of policy making.
    SOWK 5108 [0.5 credit]
    Seminar in Social Policy
    Social policy analysis of particular fields such as corrections, mental health services, children's services, or health care services. Current programs, historical developments, and the major current issues, developments, and challenges.
    SOWK 5207 [0.5 credit]
    Community Economic Development
    Critical understandings of sustainable Community Economic Development (CED). Diverse local and international CED initiatives. Skills necessary for facilitating CED processes.
    SOWK 5301 [0.5 credit]
    Women, Male Violence and Social Change
    Focus on male violence against women. Theory, responses of the state and the justice system, and practice approaches to helping women and the men who abuse them, and initiatives for social change.
    SOWK 5302 [0.5 credit]
    Mental Health Policy and Practice
    Historical development, legislative framework, institutional and service structure, and practice issues related to mental health services in Canada. The interface between mental health and sexual abuse, family violence, racism, corrections, aging and immigration.
    SOWK 5309 [0.5 credit]
    Foundations of Direct Intervention
    Philosophical and historical evolution of the competing paradigms underlying contemporary social work practice, with individuals, families, and community analyzed using philosophy of science and the sociology of knowledge.
    SOWK 5503 [1.0 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5504 [1.0 credit]
    Directed Studies - Individual
    Individual exploration of selected theoretical perspectives for social work practice under the direct supervision of a member of faculty or visiting scholar.
    SOWK 5505 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5506 [0.5 credit]
    Directed Studies - Individual
    Individual exploration of selected theoretical perspectives for social work practice under the direct supervision of a member of faculty or visiting scholar.
    SOWK 5507 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5508 [1.0 credit]
    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).
    SOWK 5509 [0.5 credit]
    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).
    SOWK 5609 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5700 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5701 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5702 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5703 [0.5 credit]
    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.
    SOWK 5704 [0.5 credit]
    Race, Culture and Social Work Practice
    Anti-racist framework for social work practice to analyze policy and practice issues. "Privilege" as a critical and essential component for understanding oppression based on race and culture. Complex intersections of race and culture with class, gender, age, and other dimensions.
    SOWK 5705 [0.5 credit]
    Child Protection Policies and Interventions
    Explores child welfare policy and the organization of social work practice particularly in the Canadian context. A range of welfare provisions affecting children and families will be considered as will direct child protection policies and practices.
    SOWK 5801 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Feminist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Couples, and Families
    Theory and practice of feminist approaches to social work with individuals, couples and families. Issues of diversity, such as race, class, and gender. Problem-based learning approach.
    SOWK 5802 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Cross-cultural Studies of the Self and Related Subjects
    Governance and care of the Self in different cultural and historical contexts. Theoretically located in emergent sociology and psychology of governance and care of the self. Cross-cultural perspectives practices and policies of different forms of governance and debates about social regulation.
    SOWK 5804 [0.5 credit]
    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 relevant social issues. Problem-based learning approach.
    SOWK 5805 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar: Social Development in the International Context
    International social development policies and practices from a cross-cultural perspective. Focus on international social policies and practices, and on economic, health, telecommunication, migration, and education policies and practices.
    SOWK 5803 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice utilizing "problem-based learning". Examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners. Self-guided individual and group study, directed by a faculty tutor.
    SOWK 5806 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice utilizing "problem-based learning". Examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners. Self-guided individual and group study, directed by a faculty tutor.
    SOWK 5807 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice utilizing "problem-based learning". Examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners. Self-guided individual and group study, directed by a faculty tutor.
    SOWK 5808 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice utilizing "problem-based learning". Examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners. Self-guided individual and group study, directed by a faculty tutor.
    SOWK 5809 [0.5 credit]
    Social Work Practice Seminar
    Applied knowledge for social work practice utilizing "problem-based learning". Examples drawn from the experience of social work practitioners. Self-guided individual and group study, directed by a faculty tutor.
    SOWK 5903 [1.0 credit]
    Independent Research Studies in Social Work
    Individually-arranged independent research study. Requires a written proposal that outlines a research project with clear learning objectives, and practice objectives (where relevant).
    SOWK 5904 [0.5 credit]
    Independent Research Studies in Social Work
    Individually-arranged independent research study. Requires a written proposal that outlines a research project with clear learning objectives, and practice objectives (where relevant).
    SOWK 5909
    Thesis
    Prerequisite: registration in MSW Year II.