Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work program at McGill University prepares graduates for specialized professional practice through two distinct streams: Practice with Individuals and Families, and International, Community, and Policy Practice. The curriculum combines advanced theoretical learning with experiential field education, equipping students to engage in micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. Core coursework includes Advanced Social Work Practice in Quebec, Anti-Racist Social Work Practice, and Research for Social Justice, emphasizing critical analysis of systemic inequities, social justice advocacy, anti-racist frameworks, and evidence-informed practice. Students also complete an intensive advanced field placement and seminar, integrating academic knowledge with supervised practice in professional settings.

The program offers a wide range of complementary courses that allow students to deepen their expertise in areas such as family treatment, couple therapy, adult and adolescent mental health, trauma and resilience, addictions, caregiving, aging, disability studies, youth justice, and Indigenous field studies. All courses are taught in English, with the option for students to complete assessments in French. Given the professional context of social work practice in Quebec, students planning to complete field placements within the province are encouraged to possess a working knowledge of French. The program’s interdisciplinary and community-centered approach fosters culturally responsive, socially engaged practitioners prepared to address complex social challenges in diverse settings.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor of Social Work or completed the McGill MSW Qualifying Year.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop advanced clinical and community-based social work practice skills across individual, family, and policy settings.
• Examine anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice approaches within social work practice and institutions.
• Apply research methods and knowledge mobilization strategies to support community advocacy and program development.
• Gain hands-on professional experience through intensive supervised field placements and advanced practice seminars.