Master of Social Work at Lakehead University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-12

Program overview

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 MSW program emphasizes a welcoming learning environment, facilitated by approachable faculty and smaller campus settings. The curriculum is tailored to equip students with the essential knowledge, values, and skills necessary for professional practice in diverse settings, including urban, rural, and First Nations communities.

Program Structure

The Master of Social Work program at Lakehead University is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a two-year period. Key features of the program structure include:

Students can choose between a project track or a thesis track, with all students initially accepted into the project track.
Individualized learning is emphasized, allowing students to select a field of practice that aligns with their interests and career goals.
Specializations are available in areas such as child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice, and gender and women's studies.
Students are required to complete all program requirements within six terms of continuous registration.

Additionally, the program offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in specializations like Gerontology, which involves working with multiple departments to enhance learning and research.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Social Work program at Lakehead University includes several unique features that enhance the educational experience:

Field practicums that provide hands-on experience in real-world social work settings.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, especially in specializations like Gerontology.
Access to faculty expertise in various fields, allowing for tailored mentorship and guidance.
Collaborative Master's program options that integrate gendered scholarship with advanced disciplinary research.
Supportive learning environment fostered by smaller campus sizes and approachable faculty.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Social Work program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Clinical Social Worker: Provides therapy and support to individuals and families dealing with mental health issues.
Child Welfare Worker: Works with children and families to ensure safety and well-being, often in collaboration with government agencies.
School Social Worker: Supports students in educational settings, addressing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Gerontological Social Worker: Specializes in working with older adults, focusing on their unique needs and challenges.
Community Development Worker: Engages with communities to promote social change and improve quality of life through various programs and initiatives.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to MSW graduates, allowing them to make a significant impact in various sectors of society.

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

Visit Lakehead University official website

Last updated on 2025-06-12

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Lakehead University must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Graduates 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 when completing their Study Plan.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. The School 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, particularly those from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, the following points are crucial:

Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined based on annual or overall standings as reported on the transcript or degree certificate.
A minimum grade of B, or Second Class, Upper Division, is required.
The National Diploma and Higher National Diploma are not recognized for admission to a graduate-level program.
Be sure to include a copy of your institution's grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

The application deadline is February 1st, 2025. Only complete applications will be reviewed. For any clarification and support, 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:

1. 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: 110
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 for Internet Based Test (iBT): 80 (no component score less than 19)

Applicants to Nursing, Juris Doctor, and the Two-Year Bachelor of Education program must successfully complete one of the recognized tests with the appropriate minimum scores in order to be considered for admission.

2. Medium of Instruction:

Applicants may meet the English language requirements by completing a certain number of years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction:

University Level: One year of full-time undergraduate/graduate-level study at a university where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
College Level: Two years of full-time diploma level study at a college where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
High School Level: Three years of full-time study at a high school where English is the language of instruction. English does not need to be the official language of the country.

Applicants must arrange to have a school administrator send a letter, confirming that their medium of instruction was in English, directly to Lakehead University. Alternatively, the official transcript must indicate the language of instruction was English.

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!