Dalhousie MSW Application Guide
Dalhousie University is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and offers Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. If you are applying to multiple schools like I did, I know how time-consuming it can be to sift through the various program application requirements. This blog post will highlight the application process for the Master of Social Work program at Dalhousie University so that you can save time with the logistics and focus your time and energy on cultivating your best possible application.
Dalhousie MSW Overview
When starting the application process, it’s helpful to review the program website to learn if the school’s focus aligns with your area of interest. Once you complete this, you can then ensure that your application highlights your interest in the program specialty. It’s important in your application to highlight why you would like to complete an MSW at this school specifically, so this step is important!
Dalhousie University provides an MSW program that focuses on anti-oppressive social work practice with a particular focus on social policy, professional values, theoretical frameworks, and practice methods. If this sounds like an interesting focus for you, then you are definitely applying to the right program ☺
Master of Social Work Streams
Online MSW – open to BSW holders and Canadian residents only.
Dalhousie is popular as it offers both in-person and remote program delivery. I know many people who live across Canada who have completed this program by distance while still being able to work full-time. If you are interested in having some flexibility with class times and your academic schedule, this might be an interesting option. It’s important to note that the online program delivery is only offered to individuals who are Canadian residents. The online stream can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis, providing even more scheduling flexibility.
In-person MSW – open to those with any undergraduate degree
If you hold an undergraduate degree from a discipline outside of social work, then the in-person program will be the option for you! This stream is completed over two years, with the first year focusing on social work foundations. The in-person program, at least for the foundation year, can only be completed on a full-time basis – so it might be useful to factor this in when preparing your application!
Thesis Option
Dalhousie University also offers a thesis stream, which can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The thesis stream requires the completion of a research proposal as part of the application process, so make sure to consider this piece when completing your application ☺
A bonus to completing the in-person program at Dalhousie, you will get to spend two years living in the beautiful city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. I had the opportunity to live in Halifax for four years during my first undergraduate degree and loved every minute of living in this unique, coastal city!!
Application requirements
● 3.0 on a 4.3 GPA scale based on the last 60 undergraduate courses
● Suitability for the study and practice of social work
Statement of Scholarly Interest
The statement of scholarly interest is one of the most important parts of any Master of Social Work application. The Dalhousie statement of interest includes 4 questions.
In the Statement of Interest, applicants are asked to address all questions below in an essay format, and the suggested length is about 8 pages double-spaced.
Here are some tips for answering the four prompts:
Why are you pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work at Dalhousie University?
For this question, I recommend focusing on your personal, professional, and/or educational experiences that have led you to pursue an MSW degree at Dalhousie University. I would pay special consideration to why you are choosing Dalhousie, specifically. You could reference certain faculty members, courses offered, and the program focus.
What skills, experiences, and training do you bring to your prospective studies at Dalhousie? (These can be from your personal experience, work experience, different kinds of community involvement and engagement, and volunteer experience.)
Try not to be shy here – we all come from such rich backgrounds, and I encourage you to really highlight the strengths and skills you have developed through your various experiences, even if they aren’t specifically in the social work field. I like to suggest that applicants highlight the unique perspectives they will contribute to the MSW program and their MSW cohort.
Identify and discuss an area of interest relevant to social work which you would like to explore further through your studies at Dalhousie.
This question is interesting – the main focus here should be linking your area of interest to the social work program offered at Dalhousie. How will Dalhousie allow you to learn more about this area of interest? It’s helpful to be specific here ☺
Discuss the relationship of social oppression and social injustice in your area of interest
This question will have you draw on your critical thinking skills. You might consider how multiple systems interact to impact individuals/populations. How do these systems of oppression result in social injustice? Here, I suggest that you choose a topic and then do some research. Including academic sources to support your work will highlight your critical thinking skills even further for this section.
Related Resources:
· How to start your personal statement
· Personal statement writing guide
How To Format Your Statement of Interest
Dalhousie University specified that the statement of interest should be written in an essay format. Therefore, you should write your statement of interest according to APA 7 format. Check out our APA guide for personal statements here.
References
The reference process for Dalhousie University requires close attention, as the requirements differ depending on how long you have been out of post-secondary school.
● Completed an undergraduate degree in the last 3 years: two academic references
● Completed undergraduate degree 3-5 years ago: one academic reference and one professional reference OR two academic references
● Completed undergraduate degree more than 5 years ago: two academic references, one academic reference and one professional reference OR two professional references
Resume and Work/Volunteer Summary Forms
Dalhousie University does not specify minimum requirements needed to apply to their Master of Social Work programs. However, they do say that preference will be given to applicants who have two years of paid or volunteer social work or related experience.
When completing your resume or summary forms, it’s important to focus on transferable skills and insights you gained from past experiences, even if it’s not “social work experience”. For example, a role in customer service would have helped you develop skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, thinking quickly on your feet, etc. Avoid industry-specific skills, and instead focus on how your previous roles have prepared you for social work practice.
· 119 Skills for Your Social Work Resume
Conclusion
Dalhousie is a well-known university situated on Canada’s east coast. This school offers a Master of Social Work program that focuses on anti-oppressive practice and critical thinking of social policies, professional values, theoretical frameworks, and practice methods. If this is an area you are interested in, I recommend exploring this unique program further. You can set up a meeting with a student advisor, look into the specific courses offered, and potential financial support through their website.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this blog post, I hope it has been helpful and saves you some time during the stressful application process! I know it’s not always easy, but if you can, try and start this process as early as possible to alleviate some of the stress – and remember, you got this!!
Applying to another Canadian MSW program? Check out our school-specific MSW guides here.
