Online & Part Time MSW Programs in Canada
Although there are tons of options for full-time, in-person MSW programs, there are many aspiring MSWs who may not have the flexibility to move to a different city or commit to full-time study. Luckily, there are numerous MSW programs that are offered fully (or mostly) online and on a part time basis, meaning you can stay in your city and continue working while you complete your program. Below, I’ve outlined the part time and full-time online MSW programs available and discuss which programs they offer and anything else you might need to know.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Programs: regular track and advanced standing MSW
Time commitment: part time
Laurier offers an online MSW program for students with a non-BSW degree (regular track), as well as for students who have already completed their BSW (advanced standing). Each of these programs are offered on a part time basis. The courses for each of these programs are fully online and asynchronous, meaning that students are able to complete coursework at times that work for them, although they are still required to meet assignment deadlines. The regular track program is completed in 32 months, while the advanced standing program is completed in 20 months. Students are required to propose their own placement, which can be located in their home communities.
For more information on these programs, you can check out the Wilfred Laurier website here.
Dalhousie University
Programs: advanced standing MSW only
Time commitment: part time
Dalhousie University, based in Halifax, NS offers an online MSW program for students who have already completed their BSW. This program is completed on a part time basis, and usually takes approximately 3 years to complete but can be completed within 2 years. The courses are completed asynchronously, meaning that you can complete your coursework at times that fit your schedule as opposed to during set lecture times. Additionally, the program requires students to complete one 450-hour practicum, which can be done in your home community.
You can find more information on Dalhousie University’s website here.
University of Windsor
Programs: regular track and advanced standing MSW
Time commitment: part time
The University of Windsor offers a part time “MSW for Working Professionals” program. They offer both a regular track program (non-BSW), as well as an advanced standing program for students with a BSW. The regular track program takes 32 months to complete, while the advanced standing program can be completed in 16 months. These programs require students to complete courses synchronously, meaning students are expected to be available during class times, which take place on weekends.
Note: it is important to note that the practicum requirement for the MSW program at the University of Windsor must be completed in Ontario. The University states that students are expected to take a leave from their current position for the term of the placement (13 weeks).
For more information on the program and its requirements, you can see the UWindsor website here.
University of Waterloo (Renison University College)
Programs: advanced standing MSW only
Time commitment: part time and full-time options
Renison University College, through the University of Waterloo, offers advanced-standing MSW programs through distance education. This program requires students to attend in-person for a 5-day block in August at the beginning of the program and can be completed fully online otherwise. This program is health-focused, meaning that students will have the opportunity to further their social work knowledge, particularly in the context of individual, community, and global health and well-being. This program is offered on a full-time basis which will take students 12 months to complete, or on a part time basis taking 24 months to complete.
For more information on these program options, you can check out the University of Waterloo’s program website here.
University of Calgary online, require weeklong residencies
Programs: regular track and advanced standing MSW
Time commitment: full-time only
The University of Calgary offers MSW programs for both BSW and non-BSW applicants. All of U of C’s programs are completed online, although they require short in-person residencies in Calgary or Edmonton throughout the program. Calgary offers two specializations for their MSW programs: clinical social work, and international & community development. The advanced standing program takes approximately 24 months to complete, while the regular track program takes approximately 36 months to complete. Note that these programs begin in May each year, so application deadlines are often earlier than other programs (typically November 1st).
You can find further information on these programs on the University of Calgary website here.
University of Victoria
Programs: advanced standing MSW only*
Time commitment: part time or full-time options
The University of Victoria offers an online advanced standing MSW program. This program requires a one-week on-campus institute at the start of the program, and is completed fully online thereafter. Students can complete this program on either a full-time or part time basis. The estimated time for full-time completion is 1.5-2 years, while the part time program is typically completed in 3+ years.
*Note: The University of Victoria also offers a regular-track MSW program, in which the first year is completed on-campus in Victoria and the second year is completed online.
For more information on the MSW programs offered at the University of Victoria, you can take a look at their website here.
Online programs FAQs
Q: How much time will I need to commit each week to a part time online program?
A: The answer to this depends entirely on which program you choose. A general recommendation is that for every one hour spent in class, you will need to spend 3 hours outside of class time on readings, assignments, etc. However, the total time you will need to spend depends on how heavy the part time course load is, and depending on the school you may have some flexibility in how long you take to complete your MSW. In sum, it is best to do further research on the specific programs you’re interested in to get a more concrete answer.
Q: Are online MSW programs accredited?
A: Yes! Each of the programs I discussed above are fully accredited by the CASWE, meaning that completing your MSW at any of these programs will allow you to apply for registration as a social worker with provincial regulatory bodies, such as the BC College of Social Workers or the Ontario College of Social Workers for example. For more information on registration requirements, you can look into the governing body for your province of choice.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE to apply for MSW programs?
A: Generally, the GRE is not required to apply for MSW programs within Canada. However, make sure you look into application requirements for any programs you are interested in ahead of time so you are prepared when application deadlines roll around!
Q: Where will I complete my practicum placement(s)?
A: Most often, students are able to complete their practicum placement in the city that they reside while completing the program. Depending on the university, some programs require that students find their own practicum placements, while others will assign placements based on practice interest, location, availability, etc. Most programs will require your placement to be completed within Canada, and it is important to note that the Windsor MSW programs require practicum placements to be completed in Ontario. For further information on practicums/field education, be sure to check out the program website for your program of choice!
Online MSW programs in Canada
There are 6 schools that offer online MSW programs in Canada:
Wilfrid Laurier University*
Dalhousie University*
University of Windsor*
University of Waterloo (Renison University College)*
University of Calgary
University of Victoria*
Schools marked with a * offer part time options.
