Master of Social Work Advanced (MSWA)

University of Victoria’s Master of Social Work Advanced (MSWA) program is designed for experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of socially just social work practice. Grounded in principles of equity, critical reflection, and social justice, the program encourages students to examine the social, cultural, political, and practical dimensions of their professional work. Through advanced study, learners strengthen their ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to complex social issues while integrating critical and community-informed perspectives into practice.

The program is delivered primarily through distance education, providing flexibility for working professionals, and includes one mandatory on-campus institute held each August. Students complete advanced coursework along with either a thesis or course-based completion option, allowing them to tailor their studies to research or practice-focused interests. The curriculum emphasizes academic rigor, critical analysis, and alignment with the program’s mission and objectives, preparing graduates for advanced roles in leadership, policy, research, education, and specialized social work practice.

Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor of Social Work degree.
• Minimum of two years of full time, or equivalent (approximately 3000 hours), post-BSW human services experience.

What You’ll Learn

• Develop advanced social work knowledge grounded in social justice, critical reflection, and ethical practice.
• Examine the social, cultural, political, and practical dimensions of professional social work.
• Strengthen research, policy, leadership, and advanced practice skills through coursework and thesis or course-based options.
• Build flexible, community-informed approaches to addressing complex social issues in diverse settings.