Lakehead University - Faculty of Graduate Studies

Social Work (M.S.W.)

Lakehead University - Faculty of Graduate Studies

Degree:Master
Field of Study:Social Work
Thesis Based:Yes
Length:2 Year(s)
Cost per year:*
Provincial: $5,388
National: $5,388
International: $15,334

Please see the Lakehead website website for more information on tuition and fees.

Careers:Managers in Social, Community and Correctional ServicesSocial WorkersCommunity and Social Service Workers

Description:

Lakehead University offers an innovative Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at both campuses in the cities of Orillia and Thunder Bay. The School of Social Work established the MSW program to train advanced generalist social workers for practice with individuals, families, communities, and organizations in contexts, from major urban centres to northern, and rural areas. Our smaller campuses and approachable faculty provide a welcoming learning environment.

The curriculum focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for professional practice in environments characterized by urban regional centres, rural and remote communities, large geographic distances, low population density, diverse First Nations communities and people, and a mix of formal services.

Prerequisites:

Grade for Entrance Previous Year (%)*70
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.

    • Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined on the basis of annual or overall standings as reported on the transcript or degree certificate.
    • A minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
    • The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma are not recognized for admission to a graduate-level program.
    • Be sure to include a copy of your institution grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
    • An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.

    Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status. In addition to the general admission requirements for Master programs, the following requirements also apply:

    • All candidates must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in social work with at least a "B" average
    • Masters candidates are required to have completed a full 1.0 FCE (or two 0.5 FCEs) undergraduate research course(s).
    • Applicants interested in the thesis route must apply to the project route, initially. Be sure to include your interest in the thesis route when completing your Study Plan.

    It should be noted that satisfaction of basic admissions requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. The School offers a one-year HBSW degree for those already holding an undergraduate degree in another discipline, which may be used to gain the basic academic qualification for admission to the MSW program.

    * The entrance grade may change from year to year. Please contact the school for further information.

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

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    Modified on September 17, 2025

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