Master of Social Work at Lakehead University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-03-25

Program overview

Lakehead University offers an innovative Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses. This program is designed to train advanced generalist social workers who can effectively engage with individuals, families, communities, and organizations across various contexts, including urban centers and rural areas. The curriculum emphasizes the essential knowledge, values, and skills required for professional practice in diverse environments, including First Nations communities. With a focus on advanced professional practice, students can choose between a project or thesis track, allowing for a tailored educational experience that aligns with their career goals.

Program structure

The Master of Social Work program at Lakehead University is structured to provide a comprehensive and individualized learning experience. Key features of the program include:

Program Length: Students must complete all requirements within six terms (2 years) of continuous registration.
Tracks: Students are initially accepted into the project track, with the option to switch to the thesis track after consultation with faculty supervisors.
Specialization: Students can select a field of practice to focus their coursework, field practicum, and project or thesis on, with potential areas including child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, and more.
Collaborative Specializations: Options for specialization include Gender and Women's Studies and Gerontology, which involve interdisciplinary learning and collaboration with other departments.

This program structure is designed to foster a supportive learning environment, allowing students to engage deeply with their chosen areas of interest while receiving guidance from approachable faculty members.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Social Work program at Lakehead University offers several unique experiences that enhance the educational journey:

Field Practicum: Students gain hands-on experience in real-world settings, applying their knowledge and skills in various social work contexts.
Project and Thesis Options: Students can choose between completing a project or a thesis, allowing for flexibility in how they demonstrate their learning and research capabilities.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program encourages collaboration with other departments, particularly for those specializing in Gerontology, providing a broader perspective on social work.
Specialization Opportunities: Students can specialize in areas such as Gender and Women's Studies, enhancing their understanding of gendered experiences in social work practice.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for the complexities of social work practice in diverse environments, ensuring they are well-equipped for their future careers.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Social Work program from Lakehead University can pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:

Clinical Social Worker: Provide therapy and support to individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, trauma, and life challenges.
Child Welfare Worker: Work with children and families to ensure safety and well-being, often involving intervention in cases of abuse or neglect.
School Social Worker: Collaborate with educators and parents to support students' emotional and social development within the school environment.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Develop and implement programs that address community needs, focusing on social justice and advocacy.
Gerontological Social Worker: Specialize in working with older adults, providing support and resources to enhance their quality of life.

These career options reflect the diverse opportunities available to MSW graduates, allowing them to make a meaningful impact in various sectors of society.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-03-25

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Lakehead University, applicants must meet specific academic requirements to be considered for admission. Here are the key points:

Applicants must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute.
A four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required, with at least a second class standing (B) based on the last 20 half courses or equivalent.
For applicants from countries with a British-patterned grading system, a minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
All candidates must hold a four-year undergraduate degree in social work with at least a "B" average.
Masters candidates are required to have completed a full 1.0 FCE (or two 0.5 FCEs) undergraduate research course(s).
Applicants interested in the thesis route must initially apply to the project route and indicate their interest in the thesis route in their Study Plan.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The School of Social Work offers a one-year HBSW degree for those already holding an undergraduate degree in another discipline, which may be used to gain the basic academic qualification for admission to the MSW program.

For international students, especially those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is recommended to have an overall standing of Second Class - Upper Division or higher. Additionally, applicants should include a copy of their institution's grading scale when submitting transcripts.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can cope with the language demands of an English language university and will be required to present proof of English language proficiency. Lakehead University may consider the following as proof of English language proficiency:

Language Tests:

To satisfy Lakehead University's English language proficiency requirements, applicants can complete one of the following recognized language tests with the required minimum scores:

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) or CAEL Online - Minimum Score: 60
Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) - Minimum Score: 176 (no individual score less than 169)
Duolingo English Test - Minimum Score: 120 (no individual sub-score less than 115)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Minimum Score: 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)
Michigan English Test (MET) - Minimum Score: 85
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Minimum Score: 58 (no component score less than 50)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Minimum Score: 80 (no component score less than 19) for Internet Based Test (iBT)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!