Master of Social Work Programs in Toronto
Are you applying to MSW programs in Toronto but having difficulty figuring out which program might be the best fit for you? If so, this blog post is for you! Currently, 3 universities in Toronto offer MSW programs, including the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, and York University. In this blog post, we will review the differences between these 3 programs so that you can choose which one is the best fit for you and your goals as a future MSW-level social worker.
Understanding Your Options: MSW Programs in Toronto
If you have spent time researching the different Ontario MSW programs, no doubt you have come across at least one of the MSW programs offered in Toronto. Toronto hosts a rich environment for MSWs, given the number of opportunities the city offers. That being said, it can be difficult to sift through all of the program sites to find out the differences in these programs. That is why we at MSW Helper have created this guide – to help you sort through the different programs, the formats they offer, and the unique opportunities each Toronto MSW program offers.
So… let’s review the options.
University of Toronto (UofT): Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work
The University of Toronto is world-renowned for its research and innovation, consistently ranking high globally. The MSW program offered at UofT is, of course, no exception to this, with the program emphasizing both research and evidence-based practice. In addition to this, UofT has a wide network of field placements and connections, which can help connect students with practicums that suit their goals. If you are looking to hone your skills in clinical practice, mental health, and/or research, then this program is worth looking into!
*Note: UofT offers an interesting practicum matching process that is algorithm-based. In the spring before you start your practicum (for Advanced Standing), students rank their top 10 practicum choices based on the sites and programs UofT has affiliations with. From there, the UofT system tries to match each student with their highest choice possible. This is much different than other school field placement systems, so it might be something to consider when choosing programs.
Program Structure
The UofT program also offers both the Advanced entry (1 yr) and Foundational entry (2 yr) streams. The Advanced stream is for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree, while the Foundation stream is for those with a bachelor’s degree from any discipline. Students can also enrol on a part-time or full-time basis, making this program quite flexible for prospective students.
Interested in UofT? Check out our University of Toronto MSW Application Guide
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Toronto Metropolitan University is another amazing choice for students looking to complete their Master of Social Work in Ontario, specifically in Toronto. This program focuses on anti-oppressive and community-based practice with a critical lens on inequality and social change. If you’re interested in the mezzo and macro levels of social work practice, like grassroots work, advocacy, and serving marginalized communities, this program might be the right fit for you!
Program Structure
Toronto Metropolitan University offers an Advanced Standing MSW program only, so you can only apply if you have completed a Bachelor of Social Work.
The TMU program offers small cohorts, solely for students who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work and can only be completed on a full-time, on-campus basis. This makes the program a little less flexible, so this is important to consider when considering an MSW at TMU.
Interested in TMU? Check out our Toronto Metropolitan University MSW Application Guide
York University
Finally, last but definitely not least, we have the MSW program offered at York University. York’s school of social work is known for being one of the most progressive and socially responsive social work schools in Canada. With its focus on critical theory and social justice, if you are the type of student who wants to challenge systems and work towards systemic change, then York University’s MSW program will make you feel right at home.
Program Structure
The York MSW program structure offers both the Advanced Standing and Foundational program streams, making this program accessible for many students. You can also complete the York MSW program on a part-time or full-time basis, making it even more accessible. Not to mention, York prides itself on offering students robust funding packages, especially for those students who are completely in their program full-time, which is so helpful when navigating student life.
Interested in York University? Check out our York University MSW Application Guide
Choosing the Right MSW Program for You
First of all, if you are struggling with choosing the right MSW program, you are not alone. In fact, I was in this position not too long ago, and I really understand how stressful it can be to decide on a program. Through this process, please remember that although there are different school rankings and lists of ‘top’ programs, there really is no best MSW program, but rather there is only the MSW program that is the best fit for you! It may be helpful for you to spend some time really thinking about what skills you want to develop in this next chapter of higher education. This will help you get clear on what’s most important to you and will help you decide on a program that fits your personal goals, and no one else’s. At the end of the day, whichever school you decide on, you will graduate with an MSW degree – a huge achievement that will set you up for a variety of career paths. So, with that, I’m wishing you the best of luck as you decide which school to apply to and/or accept – it’s an exciting time, and I encourage you to remember that there is really no bad option.
