These Are the Best Schools for the Master of Social Work Program
There are many MSW programs in Canada and exponentially more in the United States, and it can make one wonder what the “best” MSW programs are and whether or not they should prioritize these schools when applying. In this article, I will discuss MSW ranking, if it matters, the benefits and drawbacks of prestigious programs, and the things that matter more than ranking.
Accredited Social Work Programs
The most important thing about an MSW program is that it’s accredited. Outside of ranking or prestige, a program must be accredited if a graduate wants to register with their country, province, or state’s governing body. If programs are accredited, their curriculum will provide you with the necessary education to be a competent social worker. A school that is not highly ranked does not mean that it is not a quality program because the accreditation process works to ensure that programs provide quality education to their students. In Canada, applicants can look at The Canadian Association for Social Work Education website for a list of accredited programs. Applicants in the United States can access a list of accredited programs on the Council on Social Work Education website.
Benefits of Highly Ranked Social Work Programs
Highly ranked MSW programs may be well known among employers. This may benefit you because potential employers may be alumni of that program or have a stronger understanding of the knowledge and experience it offers students. Further, the general public may be more aware of your institution, which may be helpful if going into private practice.
Highly ranked social work programs may also have the capacity to offer additional opportunities. For example, the University of Toronto, a huge name in Canada, offers simulation learning, multiple fields of study, collaborative specializations, and an interprofessional education curriculum, opportunities which a smaller, less-known institution may not be able to offer.
When it comes to practicum opportunities, if a program is highly ranked, the school may have connections or partnerships with highly competitive placement agencies, such as hospitals.
Drawbacks of Highly Ranked Social Work Programs
A highly ranked school is likely to be highly competitive, meaning an applicant may have a lesser chance of being accepted than if they applied at a different school. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply to these schools, but it is something to consider if you only want to apply to one of the highest-ranked schools in your country, as many other applicants will likely be drawn to these programs.
Highly ranked MSW programs may also be more expensive or offer limited funding. If you are considering various programs that all fit your criteria, yet some are higher ranked and offer less funding, it may be important to weigh your options based on your financial position and needs. While some may consider a more prestigious school offering a higher return on investment through a higher income, earning potential will be mitigated if you have to repay significant student loans.
Highly ranked social work programs may have larger cohorts to meet demand, whereas smaller schools may have smaller cohorts, which can be helpful when getting to know professors and fellow students.
Best MSW Programs in Canada
The schools ranked as the best schools in Canada for the MSW program are the University of Toronto, followed by the University of Calgary, the University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and McGill University.
Source: https://edurank.org/psychology/social-work/ca/
Best MSW Programs in the US
In the United States, some top-rated graduate social work programs are at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Washington University in St. Louis, University of Chicago, Columbia University, University of California-Berkeley, and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings
Beyond Ranking
Ranking is only one aspect of a graduate program, and there are so many other factors to consider when applying and deciding on an MSW program to attend. I discuss this at length in this blog post.
For a brief overview, here are some additional factors to consider outside of ranking:
Do they have the type of program I need?
What cities am I willing to live in during the program?
Do they offer in-person or online programs?
What is the school’s theoretical approach?
What specializations or opportunities do they offer?
Do I meet the application requirements?
Does Ranking Matter in Social Work?
In short, probably not. According to Robert Farrington at Forbes, school “rankings are based on limited criteria” and do not necessarily guarantee a better education; therefore, they should not be fully relied upon.
Michelle did a great job of explaining this in a previous blog post.
She shares that what employers care about is your credentials, not the school you went to. Further, you are so much more than the name of the graduate school you attend! Your experiences, skills, and knowledge are key when applying to social work jobs and being a social worker, and these are all things you will gain from whichever accredited MSW program you choose.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
If you graduate from an accredited MSW program, you will be eligible to work as a graduate-level social worker in your jurisdiction. While a highly ranked program offers benefits such as practicum connections, notability, and extended opportunities, these programs may not be an option for everyone, and that’s ok! Applicants should choose a program that fits them and see ranking as an additional factor on top of all the great, unique qualities that make their program of choice the best for them. Ultimately, what matters is that you will be getting a social work education, one that you will build on in practice and through continuing education as you grow as a professional.
A highly-ranked education is not a prerequisite to making a difference as an MSW graduate, and the best MSW program depends on your goals and aspirations as a social worker.
