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Social Work

Social Work

Location

Location

  • School of Social Work
  • Wilson Hall
  • 3506 University Street, Suite 300
  • Montreal QC H3A 2A7
  • Canada

About Social Work

About Social Work

The School of Social Work offers dynamic M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs, designed to explore cutting-edge knowledge on social work theory, practice, policy, and research. We have an exciting and growing faculty with a variety of research and practice expertise in the fields of:

  • child welfare;
  • health, mental health, and disability;
  • poverty;
  • aging;
  • First Peoples;
  • marginalized groups (e.g., immigrants and refugees, war affected populations, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people);
  • loss and bereavement;
  • domestic violence;
  • international social work.

Our approaches to practice and research cover all levels of intervention from individuals, families, groups, and communities. Located within the School of Social Work are specialized centres devoted to research and training in the areas of domestic violence; children and families; and international human rights. Graduate students also have access to workstations equipped with computers, and many professional development workshops and seminars. Several research assistantships and teaching assistantships are available each year.

The McGill School of Social Work is a member of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (), the Canadian Association for Social Work Education – l'Association Canadienne pour la formation en travail social (), and of the Regroupement des unités de formation universitaire en travail social du Québec (RUFUTS).

The School of Social Work is a professional school with the primary objective of preparing students for careers and for leadership in the fields of social work and social welfare.

Qualifying Year Entry into the M.S.W. Program

Applicants demonstrating academic excellence and a minimum of one year of social work related experience (voluntary and/or professional) are considered for admission to the one-year, full-time (only) Qualifying year of study in preparation for entry to the M.S.W. (Non-Thesis) program. The objective of this preparatory year is to provide students with essential foundation social work knowledge that will provide a basis upon which to embark on graduate-level studies in social work.

M.S.W. Program

The overarching objective of the master's program is the provision of advanced professional training by means of integrated learning experiences. Specifically, the educational goals are to:

  1. develop a deepened and advanced competence in practice and research;
  2. embrace a capacity for critical understanding of social theories, social problems, and emergent issues; and
  3. understand population groups in need, institutional structures, and policy initiatives and processes.

There are three types of M.S.W. degrees: M.S.W. (Thesis), M.S.W. (Non-Thesis), and M.S.W. with B.C.L. and LL.B. The M.S.W. thesis and non-thesis programs carry a weight of 45 credits, and, taken on a full-time basis, both options involve three terms of study. In both options, part-time study can be arranged.

There are two points of entry into the M.S.W.: one for those who hold a B.S.W. degree; and one for those who have completed the one-year Qualifying year of study offered by the School of Social Work.

Note: With respect to M.S.W. programs and the Qualifying year of study for entry into the M.S.W. (Non-Thesis) program, possession of a working knowledge of the French language is important not only to candidates who intend to seek admission to the Quebec professional Ordre after graduation but also to candidates who wish to maximize their field placement opportunities during their program. In consultation with the Field Education Coordinator, students may have the option of completing their field requirements at an approved social service agency outside of Quebec.

Ph.D. Program in Social Work

The School of Social Work offers a dynamic Ph.D. program in social work/social policy in order to promote the development of scholarship on social issues within Canada and Quebec. Courses are offered in English at McGill. Parallel streams are offered in French at Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal. Students have the opportunity of taking courses at all three universities.

The program aims to:

  1. prepare graduates for careers in university teaching and research, policy development, implementation and evaluation, practice and program evaluation, leadership and management of human services;
  2. offer students the opportunity to acquire research methodology skills and to apply these to a range of areas relevant to social work; and
  3. stimulate original research on important social problems and issues.
Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.); Couple and Family Therapy (Non-Thesis) (60 credits)

The Master's in Couple and Family Therapy is designed to allow students with an M.S.W. degree, or an equivalent graduate level degree, to receive advanced credit and be eligible for Advanced level entry (minimum of 45 credits) taken over three terms. Admission to the program will be interdisciplinary, with candidates entering from related human science, social science, or helping profession backgrounds such as Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, or other related disciplines. Applicants, who have successfully completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a related human science, social science, or helping profession, with a minimum overall CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, are eligible to apply.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Thesis) (45 credits)

The M.S.W. Thesis program is designed for students who have a keen interest in developing an advanced intellectual understanding and a specialized set of research skills in one of three areas: Children and Families; Health and Social Care; or International and Community Development. Program requirements consist of a thesis and six courses (two of which are required), taken over an extended period of three to four terms of full-time study. Prospective students will hold a B.S.W. degree with a minimum of one year of prior social work related experience (voluntary and/or professional).

Subsequent career paths are varied and lead to exciting opportunities in health, social services, and community organizing, where social workers undertake clinical, leadership, or policy roles.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The M.S.W. Non-Thesis program is designed for students who have a keen interest in developing an advanced intellectual understanding and a specialized set of practice skills in one of three areas: Children and Families; Health and Social Care; or International and Community Development. This program entails three semesters of full-time study that consist of coursework, professional education in a supervised field placement, and an independent study project. Prospective students will hold a B.S.W. degree with a minimum of one year of prior social work related experience (voluntary and/or professional), or will have successfully completed the Qualifying year entry into the M.S.W.

Subsequent career paths are varied and lead to exciting opportunities in health, social services, and community organizing, where social workers undertake clinical, leadership, or policy roles.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) — Gender and Women's Studies (45 credits)

Please click the above link for further information on this program.

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) — International Partner Program (45 credits)

This program is offered intermittently, based on funding, to a specific cohort of students by invitation only.

Joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with Integrated Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) / Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) (132 credits)

The School of Social Work and the Faculty of Law offer a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with integrated Bachelor of Civil Law/Bachelor of Laws (B.C.L./LL.B.) designed to transcend academic boundaries in social justice issues. Lawyers and social workers often operate in the same fields, whether in public policy, child protection, family law, poverty law, or domestic violence situations, yet each profession has been constrained by internal limitations. The joint M.S.W. (Non-Thesis)/Law program requires students to complete 132 credits (45 credits in M.S.W., 87 credits in Law). Students should take three and a half to four years to complete the M.S.W./B.C.L./LL.B. program. It is possible, however, to complete the program in three years, by doing work for credit over the summer and by carrying heavier course loads throughout the program. The joint program leads to conferral of the B.C.L./LL.B. law degrees and the master’s degree in social work. Prospective students possess a B.S.W. degree with prior practice experience or have completed the Qualifying year of study for entry into the M.S.W. (Non-Thesis) program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Social Work (offered jointly by McGill and Université de Montréal)

As one of the top Ph.D. programs in Canada, the School of Social Work promotes leading scholarship on social policy and practice. Students work closely with their supervisor, students pursue individualized programs of study, which include coursework, research, and professional development. Faculty have expertise in a variety of areas such as aging; social exclusion; child welfare; international social welfare; Aboriginal people and communities; violence against women and children; health and disability; poverty and social development; migration and community organizing. Students normally take two semesters of coursework after which they complete a comprehensive exam. In the second year of the program students begin their thesis work and take a course designed to facilitate the research process. Research and writing usually takes between one and two years to complete.

McGill offers competitive entrance fellowships, access to computers and library resources, and active student networks. There are many opportunities to be involved in faculty research projects and sessional teaching. Students go on to careers in teaching, organizational leadership, and social policy analysis.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Social Work Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Social Work Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction or from a recognized Canadian institution (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of competency in oral and written English. Before acceptance, appropriate exam results must be submitted directly from the (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or (International English Language Testing Systems) Office. An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable. Applications will not be considered if a TOEFL or IELTS test result is not available. For the TOEFL, McGill's institutional code is 0935.

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – International applicants must achieve a minimum score of 96* on the Internet-based test.

    * Each individual component of reading, writing, listening, and speaking must have a minimum score of 24.

  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – International applicants must achieve a minimum overall band score of 8.0**.

    ** Each individual component of reading, writing, listening, and speaking must have a minimum score of 7.5.

M.S.W. Thesis and Non-Thesis Programs

Applicants who have successfully completed a B.S.W., with a minimum high B average (GPA 3.2/4.0), and who have completed coursework in statistics and in research methods at the undergraduate level within the last five years are admissible to the Master of Social Work program. Applicants are expected to have one year of paid or volunteer professional social work experience prior to admission.

Students who have completed the one-year, full-time Qualifying year of study at the School of Social Work are eligible for direct admission to the M.S.W. Non-Thesis program provided they have secured a minimum B+ average in Qualifying courses, and have successfully fulfilled all fieldwork requirements.

M.Sc.A. Program

The Master's in Couple and Family Therapy is designed to allow students with an M.S.W. degree, or an equivalent graduate level degree, to receive advanced credit and be eligible for Advanced level entry (minimum of 45 credits) taken over three terms. Admission to the program will be interdisciplinary, with candidates entering from related human science, social science, or helping profession backgrounds such as Social Work, Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, or other related disciplines. Applicants, who have successfully completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a related human science, social science, or helping profession, with a minimum overall CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, are eligible to apply.

Joint program: Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with integrated Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) / Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)

Applicants must apply separately for admission to each Faculty. Applicants must meet or surpass the requirements for admission to both the M.S.W. program and to Law and must submit a brief statement explaining their interest in this joint program along with all other required admission materials.

Ph.D. Program

Applicants apply directly to the School of Social Work. Applicants applying to the Ph.D. program must hold a master's degree in social work or, exceptionally, a bachelor's degree in social work with a master's degree in a related subject from an accredited program. However, applicants who hold a master's degree in a related social science discipline with strong research interests and experience in social work/social policy may also be considered. All applicants must also have completed, at the university level, coursework in statistics and in research methods within the last five years.

Criteria considered in weighing applications include:

  • quality and relevance of the student's research proposal and one-page narrative;
  • quality of reference letters;
  • previous experience as demonstrated in the CV.

Application Procedures

Application Procedures

McGill’s online application form for graduate program candidates is available at www.mcgill.ca/gradapplicants/apply.

See Application Procedures for detailed application procedures.

Applications will only be considered upon receipt of all required documents.

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

The items and clarifications below are additional requirements set by this department:
  • Qualifying year of study applicants (see www.mcgill.ca/socialwork/prospective/qualifying-year-msw-applicants-without-bsw for forms and guidelines):
    • Curriculum Vitae (using form provided)
    • Prerequisite Form
    • Statement of Interest for Social Work
    • Three references (two academic and one professional)
  • M.S.W. Thesis, M.S.W. Non-Thesis, and M.S.W. with B.C.L. and LL.B applicants (see www.mcgill.ca/socialwork/prospective/msw for forms and guidelines):
    • Prerequisite Form (provided)
    • Statement of Interest or Research Statement for Social Work
    • Three references (two academic and one professional)
  • M.Sc.A. applicants (see www.mcgill.ca/socialwork/prospective/msca for forms and guidelines):
    • Curriculum Vitae (using form provided)
    • Program Application Face Sheet
    • Pre-requisite Form (using form provided)
    • Advanced Standing Form (provided)
    • Letter of Intent
    • Admission Interview (for selected candidates)
    • Three references (one academic and two professional)
  • Ph.D. applicants (see www.mcgill.ca/socialwork/prospective/phd for forms and guidelines):
    • Ph.D. Prerequisite Form
    • Personal Statement (maximum length one page, single-spaced)
    • Ph.D. Curriculum Vitae Form
    • Ph.D. Research Proposal (maximum length five pages, single-spaced, including references. Do not append detailed CV.)
    • Written Work (upload one sample)

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines listed here are set by the School of Social Work and may be revised at any time. Applicants must verify all deadlines and documentation requirements well in advance on the appropriate McGill departmental website; please consult the list at www.mcgill.ca/gps/contact/graduate-program.

The Qualifying year, M.S.W., and M.Sc.A. deadlines below apply to all application documents, except university transcripts and references which must be received by January 15.

Qualifying year, M.S.W., M.Sc.A.
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: Dec. 15 Fall: Dec. 15
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: N/A
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

The Ph.D. deadlines below apply to all application documents, including university transcripts and references.

Ph.D.
Canadian International Special/Exchange/Visiting
Fall: Dec. 1 Fall: Dec. 1 Fall: Dec. 1
Winter: N/A Winter: N/A Winter: N/A
Summer: N/A Summer: N/A Summer: N/A

Admission to graduate studies is competitive; accordingly, late and/or incomplete applications are considered only as time and space permit.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Social Work Faculty

Social Work Faculty

Director
Nico Trocmé
Professors
Myriam Denov; B.A.(Tor.), B.S.W.(McG.), M.A.(Ott.), Ph.D.(Camb.)
Wendy Thomson; B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.), Ph.D.(Brist.) (on sabbatical)
James Torczyner; B.H.L.(Yeshiva), M.S.W., D.S.W.(Calif.)
Nico Trocmé; B.A., M.S.W., Ph.D.(Tor.) (The Philip Fisher Chair in Social Work)
Associate Professors
Sharon Bond; B.A.(Sir G. Wms.), B.Sc.(Montr.), M.S.W., Ph.D.(McG.)
Shari Brotman; B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Delphine Collin-Vézina; B.Sc., Ph.D.(Montr.)
Sydney Duder; B.Sc., M.S.W., Dipl. Adv. Soc. Wk. Practice, Ph.D.(McG.)
Jill Hanley; B.A., B.S.W.(McG.), M.A.(Tufts), Ph.D.(Montr.)
Nicole Ives; B.A.(Col.), M.S.W., Ph.D.(Penn.)
Julia Krane; B.A.(Ott.), B.S.W.(McG.), M.S.W., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Lucyna Lach; B.A., M.S.W., Ph.D.(Tor.)
Shadi Martin; B.Sc., M.A., M.A.(Health Serv. & Public. Adm.), M.S.W., Ph.D.(Utah)
David Rothwell; B.A.(Pitzer), M.S.W.(Tulane), Ph.D.(Hawaii)
Tamara Sussman; B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.), Ph.D.(Tor.)
Assistant Professors
Sarilee Kahn; B.F.A.(Utah), M.P.H., M.S.W.(Col.), Ph.D.(NYU)
Heather MacIntosh; B.A., Ph.D.(Ott.)
Katherine Mauer; B.A.(Minn.), M.S.W.(Hunter), Ph.D.(NYU)
Marjorie Rabiau; B.Sc.(Alta.), Ph.D.(McG.)
Vadna Sinha; B.A.(Utah), M.A., Ph.D.(N'western)
Faculty Lecturers
Karen Hetherington; B.A.(C'dia), M.A.(Montr.)
Marion Van Horn; B.A.(S. Fraser), B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.)
Coordinator of Field Education
Francine Granner; B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.)
Associate Coordinator of Field Education
Marilyn Rowell; B.S.W.(McG.)
Academic Associate
Michael Loft; B.S.W., M.S.W.(McG.)
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Qualifying Year of Study (for Entry into the M.S.W.)

Qualifying Year of Study (for Entry into the M.S.W.)

Applicants to the Qualifying year of study for entry into the M.S.W. program who have completed a bachelor's degree (DCS/DEC from CEGEP plus a minimum of a 90-credit or three-year university degree, or a high school diploma plus a minimum of a 120-credit or four-year university degree) with a high B average (GPA 3.2/4.0), and have a minimum of one year of paid or volunteer professional social work or related experience, are eligible for consideration. Prior to entry, applicants must also have completed the following prerequisite courses, achieving a minimum grade of B in each course:

  • one 3-credit undergraduate Research Methods course in the social sciences, completed within the last five years;
  • one 3-credit undergraduate Statistics course, completed within the last five years;
  • one 3-credit undergraduate course in human development, completed within the last five years;
  • three 3-credit (9 credits total) Social Science courses.

Applicants admitted to the Qualifying year are immersed, over two terms of full-time study only, in coursework and fieldwork. This full-time Qualifying year of study is comprised of 15 credits per term. Students who complete the one-year full-time Qualifying year of study at the School of Social Work are eligible for direct entry into the M.S.W. program (Non-Thesis only) provided they have secured a minimum B+ grade in each Qualifying year course and have successfully fulfilled all fieldwork requirements. Applications to the Qualifying year are accepted for Fall admission only, and for full-time study only, as this is an integrated program of study for the entire year that cannot be taken out of sequence.

For more information, please visit the School of Social Work website: www.mcgill.ca/socialwork.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)

Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.); Couple and Family Therapy (Non-Thesis) (60 credits)

This master's-level clinical program (non-thesis) emphasizes clinical understanding and training in couple and family therapy applicable to multidisciplinary clinical professionals in which family systems and related theories can inform clinical practice. The general objectives of the program are to train clinical professionals in couple and family psychotherapy...

For more information, see Master of Science, Applied (M.Sc.A.); Couple and Family Therapy (Non-Thesis) (60 credits).

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Thesis) (45 credits)

The School of Social Work at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ prepares graduates for careers and leadership in the fields of social work and social welfare. In the M.S.W. program, students develop an understanding of a broad range of theories which inform practice, policy, and research. Envisioned as an opportunity to advance knowledge and skills, students are encouraged to...

For more information, see Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) (45 credits)

The School of Social Work at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ prepares graduates for careers and leadership in the fields of social work and social welfare. In the M.S.W. program, students develop an understanding of a broad range of theories that inform practice, policy, and research. Envisioned as an opportunity to advance knowledge and skills, students are encouraged to...

For more information, see Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) (45 credits).

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) — Gender and Women's Studies (45 credits)

The Graduate Option in Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary program for students who meet degree requirements in Social Work and who wish to take 6 credits of approved coursework to focus on gender, sexuality, feminist, and women's studies and issues in feminist research and methods.

For more information, see Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) — Gender and Women's Studies (45 credits).

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.); Social Work (Non-Thesis) — International Partner Program (45 credits)

Joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with Integrated Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) / Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) (132 credits)

A joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with integrated Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program is offered by the School of Social Work and the Faculty of Law. Students complete 45 credits for the M.S.W. degree and 87 credits for the integrated B.C.L. and LL.B. degrees for a total of 132 credits.

For more information, see Joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) with Integrated Bachelor of Civil Law (B.C.L.) / Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) (132 credits).

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Social Work

(Offered jointly by McGill and Université de Montréal.)

For more information, see Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Social Work.

Faculty of Arts—2015-2016 (last updated Jul. 14, 2015) (disclaimer)
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