Admissions for Master of Social Work (MSW)

To be considered for admission to TMU’s Master of Social Work (MSW), you must meet the minimum program requirements:

• A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an institution that meets the guidelines of the International Association of Schools of Social Work (external link) , or is accredited by a national body of accreditation. TMU's MSW program is a one year full time program only. One-year MSW programs are considered “Advanced Standing” programs, and are offered to eligible students who have already completed a Bachelor in Social Work program. If you do not have a BSW, you do not qualify for our program.

• A minimum 3.0/4.33 (B or equivalent) average in the last two years of study.  

When making admissions decisions, the committee will take into consideration all aspects of your application.

Applications for Fall 2026 will open at the beginning of October.

Our Vision

The School of Social Work is a leader in critical education, research, and practice with culturally and socially diverse students and communities in the advancement of anti-oppression/ anti-racism, anti- colonialism/decolonization, feminism, anti-capitalism, queer and trans liberation struggles, issues in disability and madness, among other social justice struggles. Our vision is to transform social structures into more equitable and inclusive social, economic, political, and cultural processes of society.

Our Mission

The School of Social Work’s mission is to prepare graduates for critically engaged social work practice with marginalized populations and communities; and to develop leadership and innovation in social work education, at the undergraduate and graduate level, through teaching, scholarship, research and community service.

1) Statement of Interest

Your 3-4 page statement (double-spaced, one-inch margins) should address the following:

• Community Concerns & Social Work’s Role: Identify a social issue. As a social worker, how will you  impact these concerns through policy and practice (including but not limited to research)?
• Alignment with Vision and Values: How have you, or how will you, incorporate the School’s values into your practice, advocacy, research, community engagement, and/or professional development?
• Contribution to Learning Environment: How will your admittance help foster an inclusive and transformative learning environment?

Optional Augmentation 

In addition to the written response to all the above questions, applicants may also share their experiences through alternative formats (examples below).

• Video submissions: Maximum 2 minutes (link only)
• Arts-based formats: Poetry, artwork, or narrative (maximum 1 page to be added to your statement)

2) Resume template

Please include the following information:

• Name
• Email address
• Education (Please list all degrees and academic qualifications with dates of completion or expected completion)
• Work experience (For each entry please list EITHER the length of term and average hours per month [i.e. March 2015-December 2015, 40 hours/month] or the total hours [i.e. thirty-hour contract]):
  • Paid social work/social service experience
  • Unpaid social work/social service experience (placements, internships, etc.)
  • Paid non-social work experience
  • Relevant volunteer work
• Additional information (for example: awards, publications, additional training received/completed, workshops or conference papers presented)

3) Two reference letters

Reference letters are a key component of your application package. Your referees should be able to speak to your academic, research and/or professional abilities. This may include your academic strengths and capacity to conduct research.

As a part of your online application, you will be asked to provide contact information for two referees. It is your responsibility to contact your referees before filling out the online application form to confirm their availability.

Refer to the Document Checklist for more required documents. Find out how to submit your:

• Reference letters
• Transcripts
• English language proficiency (if applicable)

At TMU, all graduate applications are submitted online. Visit Apply online to learn more about:

• Submitting your application through OUAC
• Uploading your documents
• Monitoring your application