Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work program at Dalhousie University is a highly competitive and accredited program that emphasizes advanced, anti-oppressive, and social justice–oriented approaches to social work practice. It prepares students for leadership roles in health care, community development, and social policy through a strong foundation in critical analysis, theory, and applied practice. The program supports both on-campus study in Halifax and online learning across Canada, offering flexible pathways for students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds.

Students can choose between a one-year program for those holding a Bachelor of Social Work and a two-year program for applicants from related undergraduate disciplines. The curriculum combines coursework in policy analysis, research, and critical theory with a mandatory 450-hour field placement, typically completed within the student’s local community for distance learners. With options for course-based or thesis study, as well as part-time and online formats, the program is designed to be adaptable while maintaining a strong focus on professional development and socially engaged, anti-oppressive practice.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop advanced, anti-oppressive social work practice grounded in social justice and critical theory.
• Strengthen leadership, policy analysis, and research skills for complex health and community systems.
• Apply theoretical knowledge through a 450-hour supervised field placement in real-world settings.
• Build specialized expertise in areas such as mental health, trauma, child welfare, and community development.