Social Work and Human Services

Master of Social Work degree

The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is an academically-rigorous, five-semester graduate program comprised of 30 credits, including a 450-hour practicum and a major paper.

The program’s required and elective courses are designed to develop advanced social work competencies at a graduate level. The program includes an Advanced steam for BSW graduates and a Foundational stream for non-BSW graduates.

The MSW degree is offered part-time and ordinarily takes five semesters to complete, with a maximum of seven years permitted.

Entrance requirements (effective for Fall 2026 intake)

Option 1: Advanced (BSW graduates)

1. Bachelor of Social Work degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated on the last 60 credits of the BSW program.
2. A 3-credit course in introductory statistics (STAT 104, STAT 106, PSYC 110, or an equivalent course from another institution) and a 3-credit 300- or 400-level course in research methods, taken either within the BSW degree or through post-degree studies.
3. 3,000 hours of paid employment in social work, social services, or a closely related field.
4. Personal statement (for details, see the Additional documents section at ufv.ca/swhs/how-to-apply).
5. Three professional references: one academic, one supervisory, and one additional supervisory or academic (see How to apply for the MSW Reference Form).
6. An interview with the MSW committee may be required.
7. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Note: The program is offered every two years. Please see the School of Social Work and Human Services website for the next intake date.

Option 2: Foundational (non-BSW graduates)

Upon admission to the Foundational MSW program, students will be required to take undergraduate courses as outlined in the Program outline section below to fulfill the qualifying requirements of the program.

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
2. A 3-credit course in introductory statistics (STAT 104, STAT 106, PSYC 110, or an equivalent course from another institution) and a 3-credit 300- or 400-level course in research methods.
3. A combination of 3,000 paid and/or voluntary work experience in social services or a related field.
4. An interview with the MSW committee may be required.
5. Personal statement demonstrating an understanding of the nature of social work values, ethics, and practice (for details, see the Additional documents section at ufv.ca/swhs/how-to-apply).
6. Three professional references: one academic, one supervisory, and one additional supervisory or academic (see How to apply for the MSW Reference Form).
7. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Note: For inquiries, email mswinfo@ufv.ca.

When to apply

To be considered for admission in the following Fall semester (September), completed applications must be received by December 1 of the year of application. Applications received later will be considered as space permits.

How to apply

Applications must include the following items, or they will be deemed incomplete and not considered for admission. Visit ufv.ca/swhs to find the forms needed.

1. UFV application for MSW Graduate Studies (including the application fee).
2. Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements, including courses in-progress. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see Official Transcript Guidelines for details.
3. Detailed résumé organized chronologically, starting with most recent experience, including position title, name of immediate supervisor, start and end dates, and whether the experience was full- or part-time, paid, or voluntary. Please include research experience, publication lists, and related skills.
4. Experience hours summary sheet, clearly listing and totaling the number of hours worked in all social work and social service-related positions (paid and volunteer).
5. Three references including at least one from an academic referee, addressing the applicant's recent academic experience; and at least one from a supervisor, addressing the demonstrated skills and abilities in the applicant's recent related work experience. The third reference can be from an academic or professional referee. These references must be on the official reference forms for the MSW available at ufv.ca/swhs/how-to-apply.
6. Educational Equity declaration.
7. A personal statement of 400-500 words per question. (For details, see the Additional Documents section at ufv.ca/swhs/how-to-apply.)

Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Admission to the MSW is on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission (see General Regulations for Graduate Studies).

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. There will be additional costs for textbooks, and there may be associated travel and living expenses.

Dates and location

The Advanced MSW program uses a mixed delivery format that combines online and in-person classes on weekends. The 450-hour Advanced practicum takes place two days (14 hours) per week over two semesters.

The Foundational MSW program includes an additional year, completed before the Advanced MSW program, where classes are offered primarily in person. This additional year also includes a 450-hour Foundational practicum, which takes place four days (28 hours) per week over one semester.

Program outline

The MSW program consists of two streams, BSW graduates (Advanced stream) and non-BSW graduates (Foundational stream).

Advanced stream

Upon admission to the Advanced stream of the MSW program, students will take the 700-level Social Work courses listed below over five semesters.

MSW required courses

Note: A 3-credit course in introductory statistics (STAT 104, STAT 106, PSYC 110, or an equivalent course from another institution) and a 3-credit 300- or 400-level course in research methods, taken either within the BSW degree or through post-degree studies, is required prior to SOWK 704.

Foundational stream

Upon admission to the Foundational stream of the MSW program, students will take the undergraduate Social Work courses listed below.

After successfully completing the required undergraduate courses, students in the Foundational stream will continue on to the 700-level courses listed above. Foundational students are expected to complete their qualifying courses within three semesters of full-time study (five courses per semester), followed by five semesters of MSW courses.

Note: SOWK 431 is not open to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Practicum regulations

Under the Criminal Records Review Act, a record check completed through the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP) is required for post-secondary students working with children and vulnerable adults as part of a practicum. Students are responsible for completing this process and for providing payment; the School of Social Work and Human Services will provide details.

Students who are on Academic Warning or Academic Probation or subject to academic or non-academic student misconduct proceedings will not be permitted to register in the field placement.

SOWK 431 (MSW Foundational Year Practicum), is not open to Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

To register for a field placement, the following criteria and requirements must be met:

• MSW program GPA of 3.00
• Completion of prerequisites with a grade of B- or better
• Submission of the MSW Field Application Request form
• Submission of a résumé and cover letter in the required format
• Interview with the Field Education Coordinator
• Criminal record check clearance letter issued by the Criminal Records Review Program

To complete the practicum, students must be available weekdays during regular office hours. For SOWK 431, this is typically four days a week for a total of 28 hours per week (450 hours) For SOWK 730, this is typically two days a week for a total of 14 hours per week (450 hours). The School of Social Work and Human Services is not ordinarily able to facilitate evening or weekend placements. However, some placements do require evening and weekend work. Student schedule and availability needs should be discussed with the Field Education Coordinator during the field interview process.

Students need to be aware that practicum placements in specific areas, including health care, have limited availability. Certain placement sites may require the submission of an up-to-date immunization record and other documentation. Students are responsible for providing these records and obtaining any required boosters or additional immunizations. Agencies may not provide placements to students who do not submit proof of immunization records and other required documentation.

Some placement sites, such as MCFD and Health Authorities, will only consider MSW students who are in the final semester of the MSW program. Health Authority placements also require the completion of an extensive orientation process. Students are responsible for any costs associated with these Health Authority requirements.

Program requirements and continuance in program

To remain in good standing status as a MSW student and to continue in the program, students must maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.00. Credit towards the degree will not be available for any course in which the grade is less than a B-. Practica must be completed with satisfactory evaluations. The major paper must receive a Pass.

Transfer credit

Applicants who meets the MSW entrance requirements may request a formal evaluation of courses from other institutions/programs that have not been used in another credential to be considered for transfer credit, subject to residency requirements.

Residency

UFV's Credentials policy (64) requires that at least 75% of graduate program courses be taken at UFV. The practicum and major paper must be completed at UFV, and it is anticipated that most students will take all their courses at UFV. However, a maximum of two courses (25%) may be taken at another university for transfer credit to the UFV MSW program. This would require advance approval of the Director of the School of Social Work and Human Services and the Associate Vice-President of Graduate Studies and Research upon admission.

Graduation requirements

Candidates who qualify to receive a UFV graduate degree must be approved by Senate. Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30. See the Graduation webpage for more information.

Note: Students should also be familiar with the General Regulations for Graduate Studies.

Maximum length of time to complete program

Non-BSW graduates admitted to the program are expected to finish their qualifying courses within three semesters. All students must complete their entire MSW coursework within seven years.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.