Master of Social Work (MSW) Course-based, Specialization in Clinical Social Work Practice (CSWP)

For application deadlines, see the Future Students webpage: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/social-work-msw-course.

In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Graduate Admission, the Faculty of Social Work requires:

a) A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree* or a four-year bachelor’s degree from another discipline. The undergraduate degree must be awarded prior to the start of the MSW program and must be from a recognized post-secondary institution.

*The Faculty of Social Work recognizes BSW and BISW degrees accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE), the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and international credentials deemed equivalent to a Canadian BSW degree by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).

b) A minimum GPA of 3.00 (on the University of Calgary four-point system). This is based on the last two-years of the undergraduate degree consisting of a minimum of 60 units.

c) The equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field.

d) A program proposal outlining the applicant's social work perspectives and educational goals.

e) For applicants required to present proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based) score of 97 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026) with no section less than 20 (4.5 for tests taken after January 21, 2026); IELTS score of 7.0 (Academic version with no section less than 6.0); a CAEL score of 70 (70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening); a PTE with a minimum score of 68 (Academic version); or Duolingo English Test score of 130 with no subscore below 110. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of “A-“in academic writing and oral communication courses and “B+” in other courses.

f) Two references, one academic and one professional. Applicants unable to provide an academic reference are advised to submit a second professional reference and provide rationale in the application.

MSW applicants are allowed to apply to only one specialization. Once admitted, students are not permitted to switch specializations and/or topics within their chosen specialization. Requests to defer an offer of admission are not normally considered.

Participation in Student Orientation sessions held prior to the start of the program is expected for incoming students.

Access to an electronic device, such as a tablet or computer, is necessary.