University of Calgary campus

Health Sciences

Master of Social Work (MSW) Thesis-based, Specialization in Clinical Social Work Practice (CSWP) at University of Calgary

University of Calgary, Canada

Programme overview

Nationally accredited thesis-based Master of Social Work preparing students for advanced professional practice, designed for those pursuing doctoral studies or careers needing advanced program evaluation and research skills. Delivered online with in-person residencies in Calgary or Edmonton.

Faculty: Faculty of Social Work  |  Department: Social Work  |  Duration: 36 months with BSW; 48 months total with non-social work degree  |  Intake: May 1 (deadline November 3, Canadian and international)  |  Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What you will study

Students with a BSW complete 10 courses (30 units): four Advanced Social Work Practice, four specialization courses and two thesis research courses, then write and defend a thesis. Non-social-work degree holders first complete nine foundation courses. Specializations: Clinical Social Work Practice, International and Community Development, Leadership in the Human Services. SOWK 660 Advanced Practicum is optional.

Career pathways

Hospitals and community health centres, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit and advocacy groups, government, child welfare and family service agencies, correctional facilities, private counselling, consulting.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

For application deadlines, see the Future Students webpage: . In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Graduate 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 awarded 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) 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).

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate academic term start dates are Fall (September 1), Winter (January 1), Spring (May 1) and Summer (July 1); intake terms vary by programme.

The graduate application fee is $125 for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents and $145 for international students, per application; applications are made online and deadlines are set by each programme.

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