Social Work — master's degree

Please note that the Foundational (non-BSW graduates) MSW option is currently paused for review.

QUICK FACTS

Apply online

Credential:
Master's degree

Duration:
2 years

How to apply

Start date:
September 2026 (Advanced option)

Location:
Abbotsford campus

Cost:
Details

FEATURES:

Practicum provides work experience and industry contacts
The MSW program includes a required 450-hour practicum with one of UFV's partner community organizations. Please note: The practicum is NOT open to PLAR or challenge.
Upon graduation, you meet the requirements to apply to register with the British Columbia College of Social Workers (RSW).
Program eligible for financial aid

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

UFV's two-year Advanced Master of Social Work (MSW) equips you with the advanced practice knowledge and skills you need to move into a leadership role. The Advanced MSW program involves five-semesters, 30 credits and includes a required 450-hour practicum. The Advanced MSW program is offered every two years in even years.

A statistics course (STAT 104 or 106, or PSYC 110) or equivalent must be taken prior to starting the program.

Please note that the Foundational MSW for non-BSW graduates is not accepting applications.

Applications are not open for the Fall 2025 semester. Please check back for updates.

Graduates who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work can apply to our Foundational Master of Social Work program.

UFV's three-year Foundational Master of Social Work (MSW) involves one-year of undergraduate social work courses, which involves three-semesters, 33 credits and a required 450-hour practicum. Students will then ladder into the MSW program, which provides an advanced practice knowledge and the skills you need to move into a leadership role. The MSW component of the program involves five-semesters, 30 credits and includes a required 450-hour practicum. The Foundational program is also offered every two years in odd years.

A statistics course (STAT 104 or 106, or PSYC 110) or equivalent must be taken prior to SOWK 704

A research course (SOWK 404) or equivalent must be taken prior to SOWK 704

Please note: The practicum in this program is not open to PLAR or challenge.

UFV's Master of Social Work program builds on the success of UFV's Bachelor of Social Work program, and draws on the expertise of the School’s experienced and diverse faculty members. Strong relationships and consultation with community agencies in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland enhance the delivery of the MSW, particularly in terms of practicum placements and supervision.

The program is CASWE–ACFTS nationally accredited.

View the Master of Social Work's (Advanced and Foundational) program outline in the UFV Academic Calendar

Program goals

The program goals include respect for Indigenous self-determination and a commitment to working in partnership with local First Nations communities. As well, the Master of Social Work encourages you to integrate principles of anti-oppressive and cross-cultural social work into your practice frameworks.

The program also emphasizes social work education through practices and partnerships that respect ethno-cultural diversity, development through research, and collaborative community work.

These goals are consistent with the principles of inclusion and social justice, and the mandates of UFV, the BC College of Social Workers, and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education.

CAREER EXPECTATIONS

The British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook identifies social work as a high opportunity occupation with excellent projected employment rate.

When registered, social workers who have completed a master's degree find increased opportunities to move into leadership roles in the field. They may work as administrators, teachers, case managers, or program developers in human services. They may also conduct research or work in the area of policy development for social or government agencies.

In fact, many graduates of the Master of Social Work program have done exactly that, and now work in leadership positions, private practice, or teaching positions in the local and surrounding communities.