All Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Canada
Last updated: March 2026 Note for SpaceCat: Programs marked with [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] accept applicants with a BA (no BSW required). Programs marked with [BSW ONLY] require a Bachelor of Social Work for admission.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
1. University of British Columbia — Vancouver
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Vancouver, BC
- Duration:
- Advanced Standing (BSW holders): 1 year
- Foundation/Two-Year (non-BSW): 2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Two-year foundation track for those with a non-SW bachelor’s degree
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations/Fields of Practice: Health and Social Care; Family and Children’s Services; Social and International Development
- URL: https://socialwork.ubc.ca/graduate/masters-program/
2. University of British Columbia — Okanagan
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) — Clinical Focus
- City: Kelowna, BC
- Duration:
- Advanced One-Year Track (BSW holders): 1 year
- Foundational Two-Year Track (non-BSW): 2 years (60 credits including two 6-credit practica)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundational Two-Year Track; preference given to social science and behavioural science backgrounds
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Clinical social work (counselling, mental health, human development)
- URL: https://socialwork.ok.ubc.ca/msw-program/
3. University of Victoria
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSWA / MSWF / MSWI)
- City: Victoria, BC
- Duration:
- MSWA (Advanced, BSW holders): ~1 year
- MSWF (Foundation, non-BSW): ~2 years (qualifying foundation year + advanced year); delivered full-time on-campus as a cohort over 3 consecutive terms in the first year
- MSWI (Indigenous Specialization, BSW holders): ~1 year
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundation (MSWF) program requires an undergraduate degree (non-BSW) plus at least 2 years full-time human services experience (~3,000 hours)
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (foundation cohort model); advanced year may have some flexibility
- Specializations: Indigenous Social Work specialization (MSWI); general advanced practice (MSWA)
- URL: https://www.uvic.ca/health/socialwork/future/msw/index.php
4. University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Prince George, BC
- Duration:
- Advanced Year (BSW holders): 1 year
- Foundation Year + Advanced Year (non-BSW): 2 years (66 credit hours)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundation Year entry requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area plus 2 years (24 months full-time equivalent) human service experience
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time available; thesis or practicum option
- Specializations: Social work in northern and remote areas; Indigenous peoples; women and the human services; community practice and research
- URL: https://www.unbc.ca/social-work/graduate
5. University of the Fraser Valley (UFV)
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Abbotsford, BC
- Duration:
- Advanced MSW (BSW holders): 5 semesters / ~2 years (30 credits + 450-hour practicum); offered every 2 years in even years
- Foundational MSW (non-BSW): 3 years (33 credits of undergrad SW courses over 3 semesters + 450-hour practicum, then advanced program); offered every 2 years in odd years
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundational stream for non-BSW graduates
- Full-time / Part-time: Mixed delivery model (online + flexible evening/weekend classes)
- Specializations: Supervision and leadership; anti-oppressive and cross-cultural practice; social policy; advanced assessment
- URL: https://www.ufv.ca/programs/social-work-master/
ALBERTA
6. University of Calgary
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) — Course-based or Thesis-based
- City: Calgary, AB (delivered online with short in-person residencies in Calgary or Edmonton)
- Duration:
- BSW holders: 24 months (course-based) or 36 months (thesis-based)
- Non-BSW: 12 months of foundation courses + 24 months course-based (36 months total) or 12 months foundation + 36 months thesis (48 months total)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Separate entry route for non-social work degree holders
- Full-time / Part-time: Primarily online with required in-person residencies; part-time possible
- Specializations: Clinical Social Work; International and Community Development
- URL: https://socialwork.ucalgary.ca/future-students/master-social-work
SASKATCHEWAN
7. University of Regina
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Regina, SK
- Duration: ~1-2 years (thesis or practicum option)
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — Requires a BSW with a graduating average of at least 70% and 2+ years professional experience in human services. The only accredited MSW program in Saskatchewan.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Research-focused; thesis or practicum options
- URL: https://www.uregina.ca/academics/programs/social-work/master-social-work.html
8. First Nations University of Canada
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) — offered in partnership with University of Regina
- City: Regina, SK
- Duration: Similar to U of Regina
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — BSW required (CASWE-accredited BSW or equivalent)
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Indigenous-focused social work
- URL: https://www.fnuniv.ca/ (program delivered through partnership with U of Regina)
- Note: This program is listed separately by CASWE but is delivered collaboratively with the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work.
MANITOBA
9. University of Manitoba
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Winnipeg, MB
- Duration:
- Advanced (BSW holders): ~1-1.5 years
- Foundation (non-BSW): 2-2.5 years full-time (1 year foundation + 12-18 months advanced)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundation level for students with a 4-year undergraduate degree (not a BSW)
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Students specialize by population, issue, or type of practice. Also offers a separate MSW based in Indigenous Knowledges program for Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers.
- URL: https://umanitoba.ca/graduate-studies/admissions/programs-of-study/social-work-msw
ONTARIO
10. University of Toronto
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Toronto, ON
- Duration:
- Two-Year Program (non-BSW): 2 years full-time
- Advanced Standing (BSW holders): 9 half-courses (4.5 FCEs); full-time or part-time
- MSW Indigenous Trauma and Resiliency (ITR): 2 years (distance/blended format)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Two-Year Program designed for non-BSW bachelor’s degree holders
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time options (varies by stream)
- Specializations/Fields of Study: Gerontology; Children and Their Families; Mental Health and Health; Human Service Management and Leadership; Social Justice and Diversity. Collaborative programs in Addiction Studies, Sexual Diversity Studies, and Community Development.
- URL: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/programs/msw/
11. York University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Toronto, ON
- Duration:
- Two-Year Program (non-BSW): 2 years / 5 semesters full-time
- Advanced Standing (BSW holders): 1 year
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Requires an honours undergraduate degree in a related subject (social sciences, sociology, political science, public policy, gender studies, etc.) plus relevant experience; minimum B+ in last two years
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only (two-year program)
- Specializations: Critical social work; social justice; anti-oppressive practice. Career areas include child welfare, international social work, gerontology, diversity, family support, direct practice, community development, and social policy/planning.
- URL: https://www.yorku.ca/gradstudies/socialwork/programs/msw/
12. Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Toronto, ON
- Duration: 1 year (12 months / 3 terms)
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — Advanced standing only; BSW required. If you do not have a BSW, you do not qualify.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only
- Specializations: Anti-oppression; critical approaches to practice; social justice
- URL: https://www.torontomu.ca/social-work/graduate/
13. McMaster University
- Program: Master of Social Work — Critical Analysis of Social Work; Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities
- City: Hamilton, ON
- Duration: 12 months full-time; up to 3 years part-time
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — Both MSW streams (Critical Analysis and Critical Leadership) require a BSW from an accredited social work program. No foundation year or alternative pathway for non-BSW applicants. (Corrected March 2026 — previously listed incorrectly as accepting non-BSW.)
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Critical Analysis of Social Work (thesis or course-based); Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities (practicum-based, requires 5,000 hours experience). Emphasis on social justice, equity, and anti-oppressive practice (not a clinical program).
- URL: https://socialwork.mcmaster.ca/programs/masters-of-social-work-critical-analysis
14. Carleton University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Ottawa, ON
- Duration:
- Two-Year Foundation Program (non-BSW): 2 years (6.0 credits year I + 5.0 credits year II)
- One-Year Advanced Program (BSW holders): 1 year
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Foundation Program requires a 4-year undergraduate degree, research methods/stats course, and competitive applicants typically have ~3,500 hours social work-related experience. In-person, Monday-Friday in Ottawa.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (in-person, on campus)
- Specializations: Two practicums or one practicum + thesis option
- URL: https://carleton.ca/socialwork/master-of-social-work/
15. University of Ottawa / Universite d’Ottawa
- Program: Master of Social Work / Maitrise en service social
- City: Ottawa, ON
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Accepts bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Health; Childhood and Family; Social Policy Development
- Note: Primarily offered in French. Bilingual institution but French proficiency expected.
- URL: https://catalogue.uottawa.ca/en/graduate/master-social-work/
16. King’s University College at Western University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) — Direct Practice
- City: London, ON
- Duration:
- Two-Year Program (non-BSW): 24 months
- One-Year Program (BSW holders): 12 months
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — 2-year program designed for students with a 4-year degree in a different discipline
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Direct Practice (non-thesis); foundational + advanced social work courses
- Degree awarded by: Western University
- URL: https://socialwork.kings.uwo.ca/msw/
17. Wilfrid Laurier University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Waterloo, ON (online delivery)
- Duration:
- Advanced Standing (BSW holders): online, part-time
- Regular Track (non-BSW): 32 months, online, part-time
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Regular track for non-BSW degree holders; 32 months part-time online
- Full-time / Part-time: Part-time (online, asynchronous); self-directed placement planning
- Specializations: General social work practice; placements can be done in students’ home communities
- URL: https://www.wlu.ca/programs/social-work/graduate/social-work-msw/index.html
18. University of Windsor
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Windsor, ON
- Duration:
- Regular Track full-time (non-BSW): 20 months, starts September
- Advanced Standing full-time (BSW holders): 1 year (3 terms, starts May)
- MSW for Working Professionals — Regular Track: 32 months, weekends only
- MSW for Working Professionals — Advanced Standing: shorter duration, weekends only
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Regular track (20-month full-time or 32-month weekend working professionals). Requires 4-year honours degree, stats + research methods courses, 2,500 hours experience in helping profession.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (on-campus) and part-time (weekend working professionals program, online)
- Specializations: General social work practice
- URL: https://www.uwindsor.ca/socialwork/386/master-social-work-program-options
19. University of Waterloo / Renison University College
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Waterloo, ON (distance education with 5-day in-person block in August)
- Duration: ~1-2 years (advanced standing)
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — BSW from an accredited program is mandatory. No exceptions. Non-BSW applicants are directed to complete a BSW first or apply elsewhere.
- Full-time / Part-time: Distance education (primarily online with one 5-day in-person block)
- Specializations: Advanced social work practice
- URL: https://uwaterloo.ca/school-of-social-work/master-social-work
20. Lakehead University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Thunder Bay, ON
- Duration:
- BSW holders: 1 year
- Non-BSW: 2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Two-year program available for students without a BSW
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Advanced generalist practice; emphasis on northern, rural and urban contexts. Faculty expertise in child welfare, health care, mental health, family services, gerontology, Indigenous issues, community development.
- URL: https://www.lakeheadu.ca/programs/departments/social-work/msw
21. Laurentian University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Sudbury, ON
- Duration:
- BSW holders: 1 year (12 months)
- Non-BSW: Qualifying year + MSW program (~2 years total)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Via qualifying year program. Requires a 4-year degree in a related discipline, 80%+ grades, and at least 5 years professional experience in human services. Completing qualifying year does not guarantee MSW admission.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (on campus in Sudbury)
- Specializations: Northern and rural communities; multicultural community practice
- URL: https://laurentian.ca/program/social-work-msw/details
QUEBEC
Note: Most Quebec programs are offered in French. Practicing social work in Quebec requires demonstrating French language proficiency to the OTSTCFQ (Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des therapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Quebec).
22. McGill University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW) — Non-Thesis
- City: Montreal, QC
- Duration:
- MSW Non-Thesis (BSW holders): 3 terms (45 credits)
- MSW Qualifying Year (non-BSW): 2 terms qualifying year (30 credits) + 3 terms MSW = ~2 years total
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Via the MSW Qualifying Year (MSWQY), a 2-term, 30-credit sequence of courses and field internship
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Practice with Individuals and Families; International, Community, and Policy Practice. Optional Gender & Women’s Studies concentration.
- Language: English
- URL: https://www.mcgill.ca/socialwork/prospective/msw
23. Universite de Montreal
- Program: Maitrise en travail social (M.Trav.soc.)
- City: Montreal, QC
- Duration: 2 years (with stage/practicum or memoire/thesis option)
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program — typically accepts related degrees through a qualifying pathway
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Research, teaching, or professional practice in social services
- Language: French
- URL: https://admission.umontreal.ca/programmes/maitrise-en-travail-social/
24. Universite Laval
- Program: Maitrise en travail social (M.Trav.soc.)
- City: Quebec City, QC
- Duration: 2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program — the master’s diploma grants access to the social worker title regardless of undergraduate pathway
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Intervention project stream; Thesis (research) stream
- Language: French
- URL: https://www.ulaval.ca/etudes/programmes/maitrise-en-travail-social
25. Universite de Sherbrooke
- Program: Maitrise en service social (M.Serv.soc.)
- City: Sherbrooke, QC
- Duration: 45 credits / ~2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (main campus); part-time for employed social workers
- Specializations: General social work practice
- Language: French
- URL: https://www.usherbrooke.ca/admission/programme/642/maitrise-en-service-social/
26. Universite du Quebec a Montreal (UQAM)
- Program: Maitrise en travail social
- City: Montreal, QC
- Duration: ~2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: General social work practice and research
- Language: French
- URL: https://etudier.uqam.ca/programme?code=1847
27. Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi (UQAC)
- Program: Maitrise en travail social
- City: Chicoutimi (Saguenay), QC
- Duration: ~2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Practice and research in social work; practicum or thesis option
- Language: French
- URL: https://www.uqac.ca/programme/3763-maitrise-en-travail-social/
28. Universite du Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue (UQAT)
- Program: Maitrise en travail social
- City: Rouyn-Noranda, QC
- Duration: ~2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Intervention thesis component
- Language: French
- URL: https://www.uqat.ca/etudes/travail-social/maitrise-en-travail-social-intervention/
29. Universite du Quebec en Outaouais (UQO)
- Program: Maitrise en travail social
- City: Gatineau, QC (also Saint-Jerome campus)
- Duration: ~2 years
- Accepts non-BSW: UQO offers a DESS (graduate diploma) that can serve as a bridge to the MSW for those without a BSW
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Specialization in a domain of choice; deepening understanding of social issues
- Language: French
- URL: https://uqo.ca/dep/travail-social/maitrise-travail-social
NEW BRUNSWICK
30. St. Thomas University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Fredericton, NB
- Duration: 1 year (full-time)
- Accepts non-BSW: [BSW ONLY] — Requires a BSW from a recognized university with minimum 3.0/4.3 GPA
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time only
- Specializations: Advanced clinical practice with a structural lens; structural social work theory
- URL: https://www.stu.ca/msw/
31. Universite de Moncton
- Program: Maitrise es arts (travail social)
- City: Moncton, NB
- Duration: 2 years (full-time, research/thesis-based)
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program — research-focused program
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time
- Specializations: Research-focused; thesis required
- Language: French (students must speak French and functional English)
- URL: https://www.umoncton.ca/umcm-fass-travailsocial/node/145
NOVA SCOTIA
32. Dalhousie University
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: Halifax, NS
- Duration:
- BSW holders: ~1-2 years (campus or distance)
- Non-BSW: Year 1 on campus full-time + Year 2 (campus full-time/part-time OR part-time distance)
- Accepts non-BSW: [ACCEPTS NON-BSW] — Requires a 4-year undergraduate degree (120 credit hours) in a related field; preference given to applicants with 2 years social work-related experience. Year 1 must be on-campus full-time.
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time (Year 1 required on campus for non-BSW); Year 2 available full-time, part-time, or via distance education
- Specializations: Anti-oppressive social work practice; social policy; professional values; theoretical frameworks
- URL: https://www.dal.ca/faculty/health/socialwork/programs/master-of-social-work.html
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
33. Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)
- City: St. John’s, NL
- Duration:
- Full-time: 3 consecutive semesters
- Part-time: 6 or 9 semesters
- Accepts non-BSW: Check with program — primarily designed for BSW holders but verify with admissions
- Full-time / Part-time: Full-time and part-time
- Specializations: Creative approaches to critical thinking for leadership in diverse social work practice
- URL: https://www.mun.ca/socialwork/programs/master-of-social-work-msw/
SUMMARY: Programs That Accept Non-BSW Applicants (BA holders like SpaceCat)
| # | University | Province | Duration (non-BSW) | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of British Columbia — Vancouver | BC | 2 years | Full-time, in-person |
| 2 | University of British Columbia — Okanagan | BC | 2 years | Full-time, in-person (clinical focus) |
| 3 | University of Victoria | BC | ~2 years | Full-time, in-person (cohort) |
| 4 | UNBC | BC | 2 years | Full-time/part-time, in-person |
| 5 | University of the Fraser Valley | BC | 3 years | Mixed (online + evening/weekend) |
| 6 | University of Calgary | AB | ~3 years | Online + in-person residencies |
| 7 | University of Manitoba | MB | 2-2.5 years | Full-time/part-time |
| 8 | University of Toronto | ON | 2 years | Full-time/part-time |
| 9 | York University | ON | 2 years | Full-time only |
| 10 | Carleton University | ON | 2 years | Full-time, in-person (Ottawa) |
| 11 | University of Ottawa | ON | 2 years | Full-time (primarily French) |
| 12 | King’s/Western University | ON | 2 years | Full-time |
| 13 | Wilfrid Laurier University | ON | 32 months | Part-time, fully online |
| 14 | University of Windsor | ON | 20 months FT or 32 months PT | Full-time or weekend (working professionals) |
| 15 | Lakehead University | ON | 2 years | Full-time/part-time |
| 16 | Laurentian University | ON | ~2 years (qualifying year + MSW) | Full-time (high bar: 80%+, 5 yrs experience) |
| 17 | McGill University | QC | ~2 years (qualifying year + MSW) | Full-time (English) |
| 18 | Dalhousie University | NS | 2 years | Year 1 on-campus; Year 2 flexible |
Programs That ONLY Accept BSW Holders
- McMaster University (ON) (corrected March 2026 — previously listed incorrectly as accepting non-BSW)
- Toronto Metropolitan University (ON)
- University of Waterloo / Renison (ON)
- University of Regina (SK)
- First Nations University of Canada (SK)
- St. Thomas University (NB)
Programs Where BSW Requirement Is Unclear (Verify with Admissions)
- Memorial University (NL) — likely BSW required but verify
- Universite de Montreal (QC)
- Universite Laval (QC)
- Universite de Sherbrooke (QC)
- UQAM (QC)
- UQAC (QC)
- UQAT (QC)
- UQO (QC) — offers a DESS bridge program for non-BSW
- Universite de Moncton (NB)
ONLINE / DISTANCE MSW PROGRAMS IN CANADA
For SpaceCat’s reference, these programs offer online or distance delivery:
- Wilfrid Laurier University — Fully online, asynchronous, part-time (32 months for non-BSW) [ACCEPTS NON-BSW]
- University of Calgary — Online with short in-person residencies [ACCEPTS NON-BSW]
- University of Windsor — MSW for Working Professionals (weekend/online) [ACCEPTS NON-BSW]
- University of Waterloo / Renison — Distance education with 5-day in-person block [BSW ONLY]
- Dalhousie University — Year 2 available via distance [ACCEPTS NON-BSW]
- University of Victoria — Some virtual options for advanced year students in Northern BC [ACCEPTS NON-BSW for foundation]
All programs listed are CASWE-ACFTS (Canadian Association for Social Work Education) accredited unless otherwise noted. Source: CASWE accreditation directory lists 33 accredited MSW-granting institutions.