Program Overview
The Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Social Work programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across Canada and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: USD 18,897 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 11,294 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
- Location: Kitchener, Canada
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Social Work programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Individuals, Families and Groups: This concentration develops your knowledge and skills for the provision of services to individuals, families and groups in various fields, including child welfare, mental health services, health care, correctional services, addictions, family services and in specialized practice such as gerontology and disabilities.
- Community, Policy, Planning and Organizations: This concentration develops a focused skill set in areas of social policy analysis, community planning, social action, capacity building, leadership development, social marketing, administration, research and evaluation and community interventions at local, regional, national and international levels.
- Aboriginal Field of Study: This program is the first in Canada to combine a wholistic Indigenous worldview with contemporary social work practice, and includes the use of Indigenous elders, a traditional circle process, and Indigenous ceremonies. You\x92ll develop an understanding of and respect for the history, traditions and culture of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
APPLICATION DEADLINES
- For Programs Requiring a Bachelor Degree
- MSW 2-year (full-time): Jan. 15.
- MSW-MDiv (full-time): Jan. 151.
- MSW 4-year (part-time): Closed for this application cycle.
- For Programs Requiring a Bachelor of Social Work Degree
- MSW advanced standing (full-time): Dec. 1.
- MSW advanced standing (part-time): Jan. 15.
- MSW Aboriginal field of study (full-time and part-time): April 1.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
After you have submitted your online application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you\'ll receive an email advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier\xc2\x92s Online Viewing system.
An application for admission to all MSW programs must include:
- The application summary available from the online application.
- Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- A completed statement of intent.
- A completed summary of experience in human service organizations form.
- A r\xc3\xa9sum\xc3\xa9 of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
- Completed reference forms. Three references are required: one academic and two professional. Note: A professional reference is someone who can speak to your work and/or volunteer experience in human services; do not include personal references from friends and family. Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to Laurier\xc2\x92s Online Viewing system.
Program Requirements
- If you\xc2\x92re interested in our 2-year full-time, 4-year part-time, or combined MSW-MDiv program, a 4-year bachelor\xc2\x92s degree or equivalent is required.
- A Bachelor of Social Work is required for our advanced standing programs.
- A minimum B average in your last academic year is required.
- Your academic background must include at least 4 full social science credits and a half-credit course in research methodology.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
USD 18,897 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 11,294 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
Tuition fees: USD 18,897 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; USD 11,294 (Tuition (Year)) — National students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Wilfrid Laurier University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Wilfrid Laurier University
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Canada
Wilfrid Laurier University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Application Deadline 2001-01-18
- Start Date 2018-09-01
- Language English
- Duration 24 months