Applying to Master of Social Work Programs in Canada
Starting the journey of pursuing a Master of Social Work can be both exciting and daunting. On one hand, you may be excited about your potential career path, but on the other hand you may already know that Master of Social Work programs can be quite competitive.
As a Canadian myself, I often get questions specific to Canadian Master of Social Work programs. This blog post will address important questions and considerations when applying for Canadian MSW programs, including the demand for social workers in Canada, finding suitable programs, GPA programs, and identifying the best programs in the country.
Are social workers in demand in Canada?
According to the Government of Canada, the employment outlook for social workers will be good in the coming years. There are several stats that support the idea that social work is a growing field that’s in high demand.
Anecdotally, I’ve been out of school for several years now, and what I can tell you is that almost every single person who I graduated with is now working in the field. (and the only ones who aren’t, chose to leave the profession). Most people who get an MSW are able to secure positions within the field, unlike many other professions.
A Master of Social Work Degree is also highly versatile. Many employers from various industries appreciate the skills and knowledge MSW applicants get during their education. An MSW degree opens doors for social workers to pursue employment in a wide array of fields beyond traditional social work settings.
Overall, A Master of Social Work has a high return on investment because of the fact that many applicants get jobs in the field post-graduation, as well as the versatility of the degree.
How do I find Master of Social Work programs in Canada?
Finding Master of Social Work programs is an important step in pursuing a career in social work.
Here are some schools with social work programs in Canada. Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and you’ll want to ensure that the school you apply to is accredited with the CASWE.
To decide which schools you should apply to, you’ll want to do the following:
Research schools thoroughly: Each school offers different specializations, features, and delivery methods. You’ll want to do a deep dive on each program’s website and find programs that align with your own needs and goals.
Consider program specialization: Determine if you have a particular interest or specialization within social work. Look for programs that align with your career goals and offer the necessary coursework and field placements in that area.
Join Forums: Join MSW Helpers Facebook group for MSW applicants to hear experiences from past applicants about the application process and admissions results.
Make your personal statement stand out.
Get your free copy of the social work personal statement template.
Thinking about applying to your MSW in Canada? Check out these resources:
Is it better to do my MSW online or in person?
More universities are offering 100% online Master of Social Work programs. Online Master of Social Work programs are great because they offer flexibility with time and location, and they open doors for applicants in remote areas.
However, there are also drawbacks to online programs as well. They can be more competitive, they aren’t suitable for everyone, and it can be harder to secure placement in online programs.
Online Master of Social Work programs are inherently more competitive due to the fact that there is a greater pool of applicants because applicants are not limited by geographic location. Because of this, it’s crucial that applicants who are applying to Master of Social Work programs put greater effort into their grad school applications in order to stand out.
What GPA do you need to apply to your Master of Social Work?
The required GPA for applying to a Master of Social Work program varies from school to school. Generally, most MSW programs in Canada expect applicants to have a minimum GPA of about 70%.
In addition to GPA, MSW programs also consider other aspects such as letters of recommendation, personal statement, relevant work and personal experience, and your resume/CV.
In my experience supporting hundreds of MSW applicants through the MSW application process each year, your grades are not the most important thing when it comes to your application. Admissions committees are far more concerned about your critical thinking skills and potential to contribute to the field. Many applicants get into their Master of Social Work because they are able to highlight their strengths and potential in their personal statement.
Think of it this way:
One applicant may have amazing grades, but they didn’t work while in school and weren’t involved in any clubs. They have amazing grades, but that’s it. As a result, they don’t have anything compelling to talk about in their personal statement.
Another applicant might have lower grades because they had to work to put themselves through school. Their grades may have been lower, but because they worked to put themselves through school, they have a lot of experience that they can discuss.
Schools look at all of these factors in your application. If you are applying to your Master of Social Work pick up a copy of the MSW Personal Statement Template to get you started on your application.
What are the easiest MSW programs to get into in Canada?
In my experience helping hundreds of Canadians apply for their Master of Social Work, I find that many applicants are drawn to MSW Programs from universities with big names, such as the University of Toronto and McGill University. In addition, a greater number of applicants apply to online programs because they are not limited by geographical boundaries.
If you want to increase your chances of getting into a Master of Social Work program, consider applying to schools that are not as well known, as well as in person programs.
If you are applying to your Master of Social Work and you’re worried about your grades, check out this post about how to use your personal statement to combat your low grades.
What are the best MSW programs in Canada?
The short answer is: it depends.
Canadian universities don’t have the same level of tiered institutions compared to the United States. (For example, we don’t really have Ivy League colleges like Harvard and Yale.)
In addition, all accredited MSW programs must pass certain criteria, and all accredited Master of Social Work programs provide the same general education.
That said, there are several schools in Canada that are well known on an international scale, and may be perceived as a better school. The University of Toronto, McGill, and the University of Waterloo are often perceived as some of the best schools in the country. It's also important to consider that programs with a better reputation tend to be more draw more applicants, so they can be significantly more competitive.
As someone who works in the social work field, I’ve never had an employer care about what school I went to or what specialization I did. They simply cared about the credentials behind my name. (BSW/MSW) So, at the end of the day I would not stress too much about which school you choose, and instead pick a program that best suits your personal needs.
FREE WEBINARS - How to write an effective MSW personal statement
Join Michelle on Tuesdays at noon EST and learn how to write a top notch personal statement for the Master of Social Work Program.
Don’t forget to check out our school-specific MSW application guides!
Happy writing!
Michelle
