Laurentian MSW Application Guide

Are you thinking about applying to the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Laurentian University? This guide will walk you through everything you need to prepare a strong application.

Laurentian University's MSW program prepares students to work holistically and uphold human rights, while promoting social change and justice. The program builds on existing experience in social work practice, with a focus on the unique needs and conditions of Northern Ontario.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Laurentian’s MSW program only accepts new students for a September intake, and space is limited. 

• Application deadline: Laurentian’s MSW application deadline is January 15th each year.

• Admissions decisions: Sent out after review by the department and Graduate Studies

• Decision response deadline: Within three weeks of receiving your offer

Academic Requirements

There are two routes into the MSW program, depending on your background:

Standard Admission (BSW Pathway)

• You must hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a university accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE)

• GPA Requirement: You need a minimum average of 75% (B or higher) in your undergraduate studies

Qualifying Year Option (Related Degree + Experience)

If you do not have a BSW, Laurentian University allows a small number of students to complete a “qualifying year” before starting the MSW. This option is available for students who: 

• Hold a four-year degree in a related discipline (e.g., psychology, Indigenous studies, sociology)

• You have maintained an 80%+ average

• You have at least five years of professional experience in the human services field

• You will be required to complete upper-level courses in areas like social policy, research methods, or practice theory before starting graduate-level courses in social work, along with a 450-hour field placement.

*Please note that completing the qualifying year does not guarantee admission into the MSW program, rather, it prepares students for advanced study in social work. Once you successfully complete the qualifying year program, you can apply to the MSW program. The application for the MSW degree and qualifying year program are the same. 

What the Admissions Committee Looks For

Admissions decisions at Laurentian are holistic. You will be evaluated based on:

• Academic performance (GPA, relevant coursework)

• Professional experience (depth, relevance, leadership, community involvement)

• Personal qualities (social work alignment, maturity, motivation)

• Research orientation (your fit with the program’s strengths and mission)

All applications are reviewed by an admissions committee and then sent to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Apply Online

Start your application through the Laurentian Graduate Studies portal. After applying, you will receive login details for MyLaurentian, where you will upload documents and monitor your application status.

Step 2: Submit Required Documents

Be sure to include all of the following:

• Three Reference Forms
  Use the reference submission link in MyLaurentian. Strong references include academic professors, supervisors, or senior colleagues who can speak to your capacity for graduate work and social work readiness

• Applicant Essay
  Up to 2,000 words. This is a central component of your application

• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  Include relevant employment, education, volunteer experience, certifications, and professional development

• Official Transcripts
  Required from all post-secondary institutions you have attended

Step 3: Committee Review

Once your package is complete, the admissions committee reviews your application and forwards a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies. If approved, your Offer of Admission will be posted to MyLaurentian.

Step 4: Accept Your Offer

You must accept your offer within three weeks of receiving it on MyLaurentian. After this, you will begin the process of registering for courses.

Writing the Applicant Essay

The applicant essay is one of the most important parts of your application. It is an opportunity to go beyond what is stated in your resume and academic transcript to showcase who you are, what you bring to the program, and demonstrate your critical thinking skills and academic writing ability. This is your chance to stand out from other applicants. 

You will be asked to respond to the following:

1. What, from your socio-cultural perspective, do you bring to social work?

Consider aspects of your identity, lived experience, values, and community relationships. Show the committee what perspectives shape your approach to practice. Be sure you are specific and provide examples that help you to stand out from other applicants. It is also important to ensure that you are not simply stating your experiences, but that you are tying them back to how they align with the social work profession and how they will influence your social work identity. 

2. What contribution do you see yourself making to social work in northern communities?

Highlight your passion for working in rural, remote, Indigenous, or Francophone communities. Propose ideas, innovations, or areas where you hope to make an impact. Again, be sure you are providing specific examples. Ensure that the admissions committees sees that you are clear about your goals and that you need this specific degree to meet these goals and offer these contributions to northern communities. 

3. Indicate your current preference for a thesis or advanced practicum. As specifically as you can, explain what topic might you consider for a research thesis or advanced practicum. What are your thoughts on how you would go about accomplishing this project?

Indicate your current preference and outline a potential topic or area of focus. Be as specific as you can. What research questions interest you? What community issues do you want to address? How would you go about it? If you are interested in an advanced practicum, indicate what area you wish to work within in your practicum and why you are choosing this option. Be sure to align your preference with your professional goals as a social worker. 

This essay is assessed for clarity, specificity, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s mission, so ensure your ideas are well thought-out and clearly presented.

Recommended Resources:

• MSW Personal Statement Template (Free!)

• Personal Statement Writing Guide

Resume Tips for MSW Applicants

Your resume should emphasize relevant experiences and competencies in human services, advocacy, community work, or research. Be sure to:

• Use clear section headings (Education, Work Experience, Volunteerism, etc.)

• Highlight roles that show leadership, collaboration, and social justice involvement and include transferable social work skills for roles that are not directly related to social work practice 

• Include certifications 

• Add any research, writing, or public speaking experiences

Final Advice for Applicants

• Start early: Gathering transcripts and references can take time. Do not wait until the last minute

• Get feedback: Ask a professional editing service, professor, or trusted peer to review your essay

• Reflect deeply: Admissions reviewers want to see self-awareness, critical thinking, and thoughtful insight, not generic responses

• Stay connected: Reach out to the graduate studies office or attend an info session to learn more

Conclusion 

Applying to Laurentian’s MSW program is a competitive but rewarding process. If you are drawn to working with northern, Indigenous, or Francophone communities and want to deepen your impact as a social worker, this program is designed with those goals in mind. To begin your application or learn more about the program, visit the official Laurentian MSW Program website.

Applying to another Canadian MSW Program? Check out our other school guides here.