Where to Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Ontario

Top Accredited Programs Across the Province

Ontario hosts several universities offering the Master of Social Work (MSW), all accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Most are two-year, full-time programs with diverse specialization streams. Here are five leading options.

1. University of Toronto (Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work)

Canada's largest and highest-ranked program. Specializations: Child & Family, Community Development, Mental Health, Policy & Advocacy, Social Justice, Trauma & Disaster Relief.

2. York University (School of Social Work)

Strong critical/structural focus. Specializations: Child Welfare, Community Development, Health & Mental Health, Immigration & Settlement, Indigenous Social Work, Justice & Law Enforcement, Social Policy.

3. Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)

Urban, practice-oriented. Specializations: Child & Youth Services, Disability Studies, Global Social Work, Health Equity & Social Justice, Indigenous Social Work, Mental Health & Addictions.

4. University of Ottawa (École de service social)

Bilingual (French/English) context. Specializations: Child Welfare, Community Development, Health & Mental Health, Immigration & Settlement, Indigenous Social Work, Justice, Social Policy.

5. Wilfrid Laurier University (Faculty of Social Work)

Known for field education. Specializations: Child & Youth, Community Development, Health & Mental Health, Indigenous Social Work, Justice, Social Policy.

Key Admission Notes

• A four-year honours BSW or equivalent is typically required (or a bridge program for other degrees).
• Applications usually open in fall for the following September.
• Field practicums are a core, mandatory component.

Prospective students should verify current admission requirements and specialization availability directly on university websites.