The Master of Social Work (MSW) with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies at Lakehead University is designed to deepen students' understanding of gender as a critical category of analysis in social work practice. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary instruction, allowing students to critically evaluate existing knowledge models in relation to gendered experiences. The aim is to foster the integration of gendered teaching, learning, and research within both the university and the broader community. Graduates will receive a degree that specifies their discipline while noting their specialization in Gender and Women's Studies.
Program structure
The Master of Social Work program with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience. The program typically spans a two-year period, allowing students to engage in both theoretical and practical aspects of social work and gender studies. Key features of the program structure include:
Program Length:Two years
Interdisciplinary approach combining social work and gender studies
Collaborative Master's program format
Opportunities for research and practical application
Integration of gendered scholarship into social work practice
Students may also have options for co-op placements or internships, enhancing their practical experience in the field.
Featured Experiences
The Master of Social Work program offers several unique experiences that enrich the learning journey of students:
Collaborative learning environment with interdisciplinary focus
Research opportunities in gender and women's studies
Field placements that provide real-world experience in social work
Access to workshops and seminars led by experts in gender studies
Networking opportunities with professionals in the field
These experiences are designed to prepare students for impactful careers in social work, emphasizing the importance of gender analysis in practice.
Career Options
Graduates of the Master of Social Work with a specialization in Gender and Women's Studies can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada. Here are some potential job options:
Social Worker: Provide support and resources to individuals and families facing challenges, focusing on gender-related issues.
Community Outreach Coordinator: Develop and implement programs that address gender equity and support marginalized communities.
Policy Analyst: Analyze and develop policies related to gender and social justice, advocating for systemic change.
Researcher: Conduct research on gender issues, contributing to academic and community knowledge bases.
Advocacy Specialist: Work with organizations to promote gender equality and support initiatives that empower women and marginalized groups.
These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, allowing them to make meaningful contributions to society through their expertise in social work and gender studies.
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.
Applicants for admission must be graduates of a recognized university, college, or institute as well as show evidence of scholarly achievement. Except where otherwise stated in the Admission Requirements of a particular program, degree students must have a four year bachelor's degree or its equivalent with at least second class standing (B) based on their last 20 half courses or equivalent.
For applicants from countries that follow a British-patterned grading system, please note:
Overall standings are normally reported in lieu of an average. The CGPA can be determined on the basis of 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 grading scale when uploading your transcripts.
An applicant holding a degree other than one in the discipline area to which admission is sought will be considered on the basis of courses taken and academic standing.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. No candidate will be admitted unless the academic unit recommends admission. All applicants will be advised by the Office of Graduate Studies in writing of their admission status.
View English Language Proficiency Requirements
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Program Specific Requirements
In addition to the general admission requirements for Master programs, the following requirements also apply:
Students will normally apply for acceptance to the Collaborative Program with Specialization in Gender and Women's Studies at the same time as they apply for admission to the graduate program of the collaborating academic unit
To be accepted into the Collaborative Master's Program with a Specialization in Gender and Women's Studies, students must first be admitted to the master's program in one of the six participating academic units: Education, English, Psychology, Social Justice, Social Work or Sociology. The student's application will then be reviewed by the Gender and Women's Studies Graduate Committee. Preference will be given to students who have a major or minor in Gender and Women's Studies, have taken undergraduate courses in Gender and Women's Studies or with Gender and Women's Studies content, or have relevant work or volunteer experience dealing with issues in Gender and Women's Studies
Links to Programs with a Gender and Women's Studies Specialization
Please use the following links to view program-specific admission requirements, application procedures and other important details of the Master's program of the collaborating academic unit:
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (MA)
Master of Science in Psychological Sciences (MSc)
Master of Arts in English and Cultural Studies (MA)
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)
Master of Education (MEd)
Master Arts in Social Justice Studies (MA)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Accepted tests and minimum scores:
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) or CAEL Online: 60
Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 176 (no individual score less than 169)
Duolingo English Test: 120 (no individual sub-score less than 115)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)
Michigan English Test (MET): 85
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 58 (no component score less than 50)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Institution Code 0888: 4.5 overall (no section below 4.0) for tests completed as of January 2026; Internet Based Test (iBT) 80 (no component score less than 19) for valid tests taken prior to January 2026
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.
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