Master of Social Work

The Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Regina is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE).

Fundamental to our program is an emphasis on integrative analysis as a means of understanding the manner in which social research, direct social work practice, social policy development, and social administration are interrelated.

Meet with FSW Virtually

Virtual office hours of Associate Dean Research & Graduate Program for current MSW students:

Click here to Join (every Thursdays 1-2pm)
Meeting ID: 963 9965 4380 Password: 335061

Career Options

Graduates with a Master of Social Work often find careers in the following areas, among others:

• providing clinical practice/advanced direct practice/counseling at accredited counseling and other social service agencies
• policy and research work
• consulting services
• supervision/management
• the health regions (which have often posted positions requiring a minimum of an MSW)
• private practice
• government agencies

Program Description and Delivery Method

Candidates for the MSW program must hold a BSW degree. In this program students will develop advanced social work techniques, gain a deeper knowledge of modes of social intervention, and become aware of broader aspects and issues of service delivery, social policy analysis, and social welfare research.

Classes are delivered in person or using hyflex, hybrid, and blended methods. Hyflex and hybrid courses allow students to attend class in person or participate virtually via a live streaming platform such as Zoom. Students are expected to participate in courses that have both asynchronous (online access to course materials in their own time) and synchronous (participating in live sessions during scheduled class time via live streaming platforms such as Zoom) course delivery methods.

All students admitted to the MSW program must have access to computer and high speed internet for the duration of their program of studies in order to participate in courses delivered by web based learning, and for program administration purposes. Students are also expected to participate in an online orientation prior to program commencement, and attend online seminars held each semester.

Program Admission

MSW Application Criteria includes:

• Attainment of a BSW
• A qualifying graduating average of 70%
• At least two years demonstrated professional experience in the human service field
• Two written references, preferably one professional reference and one academic reference

Program Completion Options

Diverse course offerings in the MSW program include research methods (qualitative and quantitative), social policy, direct practice, Indigenous perspectives, and social justice. Students are encouraged to advance their professional knowledge base, particularly in the areas of social policy and social justice. By undertaking a thesis or practicum, students may increase their research or direct social work practice skills through engagement with individuals, families, groups, communities, or organizations.  MSW students are given the option of completing our program requirements with a thesis or practicum (30 credit hours). The thesis requires six courses including two research courses, a Thesis Proposal course, two electives, and a thesis. The practicum option requires six courses, including two research courses, four electives, and a field or research practicum.

The MSW Program is offered through the Faculty of Social Work but it is formally a program of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.  Please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research website, or contact the MSW Office for further information, including application details.