USA MSW Programs that Accept Canadian Students

Introduction 

As a Canadian, there are many reasons you may be considering applying to USA-based MSW programs. Whether you’re interested because of the variety of specializations and program options, or you want to relocate to a new city, a USA-based MSW program could be an option for you. 

In this post, I’m outlining whether Canadians can apply to USA-based MSW programs, some popular programs in the USA, common admission requirements, and answering some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Can Canadian Students Apply to USA-Based MSW Programs?

The short answer to this is that YES, Canadians can absolutely apply to USA-based MSW programs. Many programs will accept international applicants, and schools will typically make this clear somewhere in the admissions section of their website. 

For applicants who completed their bachelor’s degree in Canada (whether that be a BSW or non-BSW), schools will typically accept this for admissions, though you may be required to submit proof of an equivalency evaluation. Be sure to confirm any specific requirements with the school before applying! 

USA MSW Programs that Accept Canadian Students

As mentioned above, there are a ton of MSW programs offered in the USA, most of which accept international students. I’ve highlighted a few popular options here, but you can also check out the full list of CSWE-accredited programs for more options! 

Columbia 

• In-person and online options, regular track and advanced standing options 

Boston University 

• In-person and online options, regular track and advanced standing options 

NYU

• In-person and hybrid options, regular track and advanced standing options

USC

• In-person and online options, regular track and advanced standing options  

University of Michigan

• In-person and online programs, regular track and advanced standing options

These examples barely scratch the surface of what is available for students considering USA-based MSW programs. For more information on specific programs, we have a variety of resources on our blog, like school-specific guides, information on online programs, and tips for your MSW applications!

Admission Requirements for Canadian MSW Applicants

Applications for USA-based MSW programs are typically very similar to those for Canadian MSW programs. Typically, applicants are required to submit: 

• an application form, often through the school’s online application portal

• undergraduate transcripts 

• academic and/or professional references

• a resume or CV

• a personal statement or statement of purpose

As with Canadian MSW applications, the personal statement is one of the most important pieces of your MSW application, as it serves as an academic writing sample and is often used in place of an interview for prospective students. 

If you’re looking for some support getting started with your personal statement for your MSW application, check out our free MSW personal statement template to help as you brainstorm your experience, insights, motivations for applying, and more! 

Pros and Cons 

When considering whether an American MSW program is right for you, there are a few pros and cons to consider. 

Pros: 

• Number of programs: Given that there are hundreds of MSW programs in the USA, there are tons of options for prospective students to choose from, and this can also mean that programs may be less competitive to get into compared to Canadian options.

• Variety of specialties: There are many American MSW programs with specific specializations for students to choose from. These can include specialties such as gerontology, forensic social work, children and families, clinical social work, and many more. This means that applicants can choose a degree that fits well with their interests and career goals. 

• Ability to work in Canada post-degree: Generally, MSW students who have completed a CSWE-accredited program are able to register as a social worker if they return to Canada post-degree, thanks to the Agreement of Mutual Recognition of Accredited Degrees between CSWE and CASWE-ACFTS. However, we still recommend confirming this with your province to double-check that the degree you are applying for will be accepted! 

Cons: 

• Cost: Tuition for American MSW programs tends to be much higher than for Canadian programs, especially for international students. Due to this, finances could be a barrier for some students considering USA-based MSW programs.

• Funding options: As an international student, there may be limited funding options available to you. While you may still be able to apply for Canadian student loans, the amount of funding you are eligible for may be lower than if you were completing a Canadian program. Because of this, you may need to explore other options for funding your schooling, such as scholarships or other funding sources. We recommend you do some research on the student loan options available to you through your province or territory before applying!

FAQs

Q: Are USA-based MSW programs competitive? 

A: Yes, American MSW programs tend to be competitive, though there are a few factors that go into this. As an MSW is a graduate-level degree, the application process is rigorous and typically requires that the applicant meet certain GPA requirements, submit references, complete a personal statement, etc. That said, because there are a much greater number of MSW programs in the USA, these programs can be less competitive than Canadian ones, depending on the school.

Q: Can I work in Canada with an American MSW degree?

A: The answer is typically yes! As long as you have completed a CSWE-accredited program in the USA, your degree will typically be accepted by the provincial regulatory bodies, as highlighted by the Canadian Association of Social Workers. However, we recommend confirming this with the provincial regulatory body you intend to work with. 

Q: Is it easier to get into a USA-based MSW than a Canadian one? 

A: While USA-based MSW programs aren’t typically “easy” to get into, American MSW programs can be a bit less competitive than Canadian programs simply because there are far more programs being offered in the USA. Given this, admission rates can be higher at American MSW programs compared to Canadian ones, though this can vary widely between schools. 

Q: What GPA do I need for USA MSW programs? 

A: While GPA requirements can vary between programs, many schools require around a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale, which tends to be around a mid-B average. However, some schools will accept students with a lower GPA, so it can still be worth looking into if you’re not sure whether you meet the requirements! 

Q: Do I need a visa to do an MSW in the USA? 

A: Canadian students studying in the USA will need to get an F-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa specifically for students studying at college or university. Once accepted to a program, students will need to get an I-20 form completed by the school, and then they can apply for an F-1 visa. More details on visa requirements can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. 

Note: If you are applying to online MSW programs and will not be going to the campus during your studies, a visa may not be required. 

This is not legal or immigration advice. Please consult with an immigration lawyer for information about visa requirements when studying at universities in the USA.

Conclusion

If you’re a Canadian thinking about applying for a USA-based MSW program, there are a lot of factors to consider, like program choice, tuition costs, and funding options. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your MSW applications, we are here to help. Feel free to book a 1:1 consultation, and we can chat more about your applications and goals!