Admission Requirements
A four-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study:
- Undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Care, completed at a Canadian University; OR Applied undergraduate degree in Child & Youth Care from an Ontario College, OR
- Undergraduate degree in Family Studies, Child and Youth Studies from a Canadian University PLUS 2080 hours (1 year, full-time) of direct service experience in a child and youth serving settings (Note: Hours of direct service requirement is waived if student has a CYW/CYC Diploma from an Ontario College), OR
- An undergraduate degree in an allied discipline (psychology, sociology, social work, early childhood studies, cultural studies, gender studies, aboriginal studies) PLUS 4160 hours (2 years, full-time) of direct service experience in a child and youth serving setting (Note: Hours of direct service requirement is reduced to 2080 hours (1 year, full-time) if student has a CYW/CYC Diploma from an Ontario College).
Students with extensive professional experience, particularly in areas that may address issues of diversity and inclusion, will have such experience recognized even if it is not entirely accumulated in paid or professional contexts.
This is to recognize that many activities in particularly marginalized contexts do not unfold in professional or institutionalized settings but are nevertheless of enormous value to the field of child and youth care.
This provision seeks to ensure opportunities for admission to the program for individuals who meet the minimum academic requirements but have pursued non-traditional ways of involvement in being with young people facing adversity.
Applicants who fall into this category may be asked to attend (in person or by phone) an admissions interview so as to provide an opportunity to such applicants to make their case for eligibility.
International undergraduate degrees and professional experience is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
To be considered for scholarship funding, full-time domestic and international applicants must have a completed application submitted by January 20, 2023.
Part-time spaces are very limited; please apply by January 20, 2023 for first consideration.
The admissions committee will continue to review completed applications until the program is full.
Statement of interest
A well composed statement of interest must include the following three components:
- Core concepts, issues and themes in child and youth care practice
- Your aspirations for leadership in child and youth care practice
- Your potential Major Research Paper or Therapeutic areas of interest
Responses to each component must be between 400 and 600 words.
Current resume
A current resume (2-3 pages) detailing your work experience and any contributions to the field, such as publications, conference presentations, participation in professional groups or activities, membership in professional associations, etc.
Two references
Reference letters are a key component of your application package. Your application requires:
- Two academic references from faculty members of your undergraduate program OR
- One academic and one professional reference from a supervisor in an employment or field placement context
Referees will be contacted electronically with further instructions within two to three business days of your online application submission. Please ensure that the contact information you enter for your referees in your online application is accurate.
Transcripts
Transcripts for every degree granting institution you have attended. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for admissions/evaluation purposes. Official transcripts will be requested if an admissions offer is made. Please ensure when uploading your transcripts, to include both sides of the transcript, if applicable.
Proof of English language proficiency
Proof of English language proficiency for those whose previous language of instruction was not English.