Master of Social Work (MSW)

University of Calgary’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is a nationally accredited degree designed to prepare students for advanced professional practice in a range of social work settings. The course-based route supports those pursuing direct service roles and provides a structured pathway to develop specialized knowledge and applied competencies. Students engage in rigorous academic training that strengthens their ability to respond to complex social issues through ethical, evidence-informed, and client-centred practice.

The program offers multiple specializations, including Clinical Social Work Practice, International and Community Development, and Leadership in the Human Services, allowing students to align their studies with their professional goals. Depending on prior academic background, students complete either foundational courses followed by the full MSW curriculum or proceed directly into the advanced program if they hold an accredited Bachelor of Social Work degree. All students participate in a required residency in Calgary or Edmonton, ensuring integration of academic learning with professional engagement and applied practice in real-world contexts.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree.
• Minimum of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop advanced, evidence-informed social work practice skills for clinical and community settings.
• Gain expertise in areas such as clinical practice, leadership in human services, or international and community development.
• Learn to apply ethical, client-centred, and culturally responsive approaches to complex social issues.
• Strengthen applied learning through required residency experiences and structured coursework pathways.