The first year of your MSW
If you don't have a Bachelor of Social Work, you'll apply as a Foundation student. You can apply to either our Calgary or Edmonton campus.
Information on this page is for applicants with a non-social work degree
Offers of admission are valid for the term to which you apply.
The foundation year provides you with the crucial concepts, theory and knowledge you'll need to pursue graduate-level, social work education. Have a look at what your first year will look like, then explore our unique-in-Canada specializations at the bottom of the page.
If you don't have a Bachelor of Social Work, you'll apply as a Foundation student. You can apply to either our Calgary or Edmonton campus.
In Calgary the foundation year features daily, in-person classes, regardless of the specialization you choose.
The foundation year for Edmonton's Clinical Social Work Practice specialization features online learning, blended with block week classes each term. Working full-time during the foundation year is not recommended. Edmonton only admits to the foundation year during even-numbered years (i.e. 2022, 2024 etc.)
Once you've applied to the MSW program with your chosen specialization, you can't change it at a later date. So be sure to apply for the specialization at the campus location you're interested in.
For example you can't apply to International and Community Development with Calgary residencies, then decide you want to do Clinical Social Work Practice in Edmonton after your first (foundation) year.
Regardless of the campus you choose, during the first year of your program you'll be required to complete a full-time, 3-5 days per week, 450 hour practicum. This field education experience is during the final semester of the foundation year.
Practicum hours are generally during regular business hours.
Clinical Social Work Practice:
International and Community Development: Foundation year + 2 year specialization = 3 years
Leadership in the Human Services: Foundation year + 2 year specialization = 3 years [No Spring 2023 admission]
Thesis students have an additional year to conduct research and defend their thesis.
Not sure if you'll get in? For some students a BSW may be a better option.
Learn to conduct therapeutic assessments and interventions with individuals, families, and groups in a range of settings. Learn to conceptualize client problems and solutions within a framework that values each client's life context.
Leadership in the Human Services
Leadership in the Human Services
Get the tool kit you need to lead. Learn strategic planning, budgeting, human resources, and how to transform your organization to achieve its mandate. Get the hands-on skills and theoretical foundation to become a practical and transformational leader.
No Spring 2023 admission.
International & Community Development
International & Community Development
The world is waiting for you! Grads from this program have gone on to work in international and Canadian settings with international organizations, NGOs, Canadian development agencies, and immigrant populations here in Canada.
You can watch the recordings here: