Becoming a social worker in Canada: Academic pathways for Canadian students

The Master of Social Work is unique because many paths can lead a student to the program. While an obvious progression may be from a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree to a Master of Social Work (MSW), this is not the only option. In this article, I will discuss how to become an MSW student. 

Types of MSW Programs

It is important, firstly, to make a distinction between the types of MSW programs. Typically, there are two:

• Advanced Standing MSW: is a 1-year program for students with a BSW. 

• Regular Track MSW: is a 2-year program for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work.

I will discuss these programs further as they pertain to each pathway. 

Pathway #1: Bachelor of Social Work

As mentioned, a natural progression in the field is from a BSW to an MSW. A student with a BSW would apply to 1-year MSW programs, which will build on the knowledge they gained during their undergraduate studies. A benefit of taking a BSW is that it leads to a shorter graduate program, which means less money spent on tuition and an earlier career start. Typically, these programs are less competitive than 2-year MSW programs because only students with a BSW are eligible to apply versus applicants from many different backgrounds. 

Further, only some schools offer 2-year MSW programs, so earning a BSW will increase the number of schools a student can apply to. Students also leave the BSW program with social work practicum experience and a strong understanding of the field. Every school’s BSW program is different; some may allow applicants directly from high school, whereas others require undergraduate courses, experience, reference letters, or personal statements. It is essential to research each school of interest to determine their requirements. 

Pathway #2: Another Undergraduate Program 

Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in a different discipline can apply to 2-year MSW programs. The first year of this program will provide the foundational knowledge typically gained during a BSW. Typical programs related to social work are psychology, sociology, women’s studies, child and youth studies, or politics, but this list is not exclusive. If you are in a program that does not relate to social work, you may want to take electives that will give you more of a background in the field or related disciplines. It would also be helpful to seek employment or volunteer opportunities related to the field. 

This is the route that I took, as I did not complete a BSW. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Youth Care and an Ontario College Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and I am now completing my MSW. I chose this path because I knew I was passionate about working with children and wanted to understand children, youth, and families more deeply before pursuing social work. This also helped me gain experience working with this population, as both programs required placements. While some schools do not allow student placement hours to count toward hours of experience, many do, and regardless of hours, I gained valuable skills that I could articulate in my personal statement. 

Pathway #3: Social Service Worker Diploma

The journey to an MSW may also begin in a college program. Many colleges offer Social Service Worker (SSW) programs, which can then lead to third-year entry into university BSW programs. This may be an excellent option for someone who wants hands-on college experience and a foundation in social services before progressing to university. Another benefit of taking an SSW program first is that college is often more affordable than university.

Pathway #4: Another College Program

As previously mentioned, college programs can lead to an MSW if they are followed by completing a bachelor’s degree. Some examples of this may be taking a Child and Youth Care or Early Childhood Education program and transferring to a university program in a related field upon completion. Most college websites have a page on the pathways from their programs and their agreements with universities. Depending on your college program, you may be eligible to apply to BSW programs. For example, Wilfrid Laurier University allows Child and Youth Care students to apply to the BSW program for advanced standing. If a BSW does not follow your college diploma program, you apply to 2-year MSW programs. 

Pathway #5: Post-Degree BSW

Some schools also offer post-degree BSW programs, where students with a bachelor’s degree can earn a BSW and then apply to 1-year MSW programs. York, McMaster, and Waterloo are a few schools that offer this program, but many schools offer advanced standing as well. Lakehead University in Ontario has a unique HBSW program that is one year long and runs from July to July. 

You may wonder, is there a benefit to this? Why not just take the 2-year MSW program? The key benefit of this path is that, as mentioned, 1-year MSW programs are less competitive. While the MSW program is generally competitive, obtaining a post-degree BSW would allow you to apply to 1-year programs and improve your chances of acceptance. You would also gain social work experience through any placement opportunities and develop valuable foundational social work knowledge. A post-degree BSW may also be a good option for students with a 3-year bachelor’s degree, as most schools require a 4-year. These programs may also benefit those with degrees in unrelated fields, lower grades, or little experience.

In summary, the pathways to pursuing an MSW are as follows:

• BSW + Advanced standing MSW (est. time = 5 years)

• Any undergrad degree + regular track MSW (est. time = 6 years)

• Any undergrad degree + Post degree BSW + Advanced standing MSW (est. time = 6 years)

• College program + Third year entry to BSW + Advanced standing MSW (est. time = 5-6 years)

So, what is the best pathway to get an MSW?

In short, there isn’t one. Each pathway leads to an MSW, so they are all viable options. The best path is the one that feels right to you, which will likely differ from another person. Your choice will depend on what education you have obtained or are obtaining, how long you plan to be in school, and what your learning interests are. A good first step is to research and evaluate the different options in the context of your life. At the end of it all, an MSW is an MSW, and any path you take is valuable.