In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the Faculty of Social Work requires:
a) A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree* or a four-year bachelor’s degree from another discipline. The undergraduate degree must be conferred prior to the start of the MSW program and must be from a recognized/accredited post-secondary institution.
*The Faculty of Social Work recognizes BSW and BISW degrees accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the National Indigenous Accreditation Board (NIAB), and international credentials deemed equivalent to a Canadian BSW degree by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).
b) A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two-years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units.
c) The equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field.
d) A program proposal outlining the applicant's social work perspectives and educational goals.
e) A thesis proposal providing a rationale for selecting the thesis route and a preliminary research proposal describing the research problem to be investigated and the proposed research methodologies (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, participatory action research, arts-based, etc.), and the study’s potential contribution to social work research and practice. Students applying to the thesis route are strongly encouraged to discuss this option with the Thesis Program Coordinator.
f) For applicants required to present proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based test); IELTS score of 7.0; a CAEL score of 70 (70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening); or a PTE with a minimum score of 68 (Academic version). This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of “A-“ in academic writing and oral communication courses and B+ in other courses.
g) Two references, one academic and one professional. Applicants unable to provide an academic reference are advised to submit a second professional reference and provide a rationale in the application.
Note: MSW applicants are allowed to apply to only one program location and one specialization. Once admitted, students are not permitted to switch specializations and/or topics within their chosen specialization.