The Master of Social Work for Working Professionals
This is an Online Synchronous program. Students are expected to attend all classes and be available during class times. All applicants must refer to the program schedule available online to ensure that they can attend orientation which is mandatory.
Master of Social Work for Working Professionals Brochure
Ready to Apply?
Please see "How to Apply" for more information.
Available Intake
Regular Track & Advanced Standing - FALL 2026 - application portal is now open. The deadline to submit a complete application package (including all references) is February 1, 2026.
Advanced Standing - WINTER 2027 - application portal will open in January 2026. The deadline to submit a complete application package (including all references) is July 1, 2026.
All reference letters must be submitted by the deadline date, regardless of the expiry date on the referee link.
Mandatory Student Orientation
Regular Track and Advanced Standing - Fall 2026
Mandatory orientation will be held over two days in August 2026 for our Fall 2026 students.
Advanced Standing - Winter 2027
Mandatory orientation will be held over two days in November/December, 2026 for our Winter 2027 students.
Advanced Standing - 16 months - BSW required to apply
Applicants who, at the time of registration, have at least 2500 hours of social service work experience and hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Social Work program accredited by the Canadian Association of Social Work Education or the Council on Social Work Education are eligible for the Advanced Standing option. This is a 16-month online weekend only option that starts in September and January.
Regular Track - 32 months - 4-year honours undergraduate degree in any discipline to apply
Applicants who, at the time of registration, have at least 2500 hours of social service work experience and hold a four-year undergraduate degree from an accredited undergraduate program are eligible for the Regular Track MSW for Working Professionals option. This is a 32-month online weekend only option that starts in September.
Admission Requirements
1. Candidates for admission into the MSWwp Regular Track program require a 4-year honours undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
2. Candidates for admission into the MSWwp Advanced Standing program require a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited program.
3. Both programs require a GPA of 73% (B average) or above, based on the last two years of the qualifying degree.
4. Proof of completion of one (1) undergraduate course in statistics and one (1) undergraduate course in research methods.
A list of pre-approved courses can be viewed at MSW/MSWwp Approved Research Methods & Statistics Courses | MSW for Working Professionals
5. Minimum of 2500 hours of experience in a helping profession or social service setting.
6. Three letters of Reference are required: 1) Current Supervisor - from your current employment. 2) Helping Professional - helping professional could be someone from several different professions, including social work, medicine, nursing, another allied health provider, a teacher, a student placement supervisor, a volunteer supervisor, someone you sit on a board with, etc. It can be anyone that works in the capacity of helping others but is not your direct supervisor, a friend, family member, or subordinate. 3) Academic Reference OR Additional Supervisor - if you have graduated from your qualifying degree within the last 5 years of your application, it is expected of you to have an academic reference; those who have been out of school for more than 5 years can submit an Academic or an Additional Supervisor. Please refer to our posted Instruction for_Referees_2025-2026.pdf, as this lists the points that we want your references to speak to. Choose your references based on who can speak to each point in the most detail.
Application documents required can be viewed and downloaded at http://www.uwindsor.ca/msw/410/how-apply
English Language Requirements: https://www.uwindsor.ca/graduate-studies/346/admission-requirements
Though the program is online, all practicum placements must be completed in Ontario. Each candidate is expected to take a leave from their current position for the term of the placement (13 weeks).
If applicants are offered admission into the program, they are agreeing to conduct their placement in the Province of Ontario.
*The School of Social Work reviews applications with a holistic approach*
Possession of the minimum requirements does not ensure admission. The actual admitting average varies and can be competitive depending on the program. It is important to note that lack of Faculty resources due to program over-capacity or similar reasons could also result in rejection and is not related to the merit of the student applying.
UWindsor Statistics Course (SWRK 2000 Statistics for Social Workers)
- Must have a passing grade of 60% or above in the course to be admitted into the MSWwp Program.
- Next available intake - InterSummer 2026
- Please contact msw@uwindsor.ca for more information or refer to our FAQ page.
International Students: Applicants applying to the MSWwp Program will require proof of Canadian Citizenship or permanent residency as defined by the Immigration Act (Canada) or eligibility for employment in Canada.
Additional questions? Please contact our office at msw@uwindsor.ca