Social Work (Thesis): Gender and Women's Studies (M.S.W.) (45 credits)
Offered by: Social Work (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Social Work
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The School of Social Work's M.S.W. Thesis – Gender and Women's Studies option is designed for students who have strong research interests and are particularly attracted to feminist theories and research methodologies. This program supports the development of advanced intellectual understanding and specialized research skills centered on gender, sexuality, feminism, and women in relation to "Children and Families," "Social Care and Health Studies," and "Community and International Development."
The thesis must be related to Gender and Women's Studies. The M.S.W. Thesis program includes graduate-level coursework and a research thesis. Students work closely with a Faculty supervisor. There is no field placement in the M.S.W. Thesis – Gender and Women's Studies program.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (27 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWRK 698 | Thesis Research 1. | 12 |
Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Independent research work under the direction of a supervisor. | ||
| SWRK 699 | Thesis Research 2. | 15 |
Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Independent research work under the direction of a supervisor. | ||
Required Courses (9 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWRK 605 | Anti-Racist Social Work Practice. | 3 |
Anti-Racist Social Work Practice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical exploration of ways anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism have shaped our institutions, health, culture, beliefs and the social work profession in Canada. The ways power and privilege are maintained and perpetuated within these institutions and communities. Examination of how Indigenous communities globally resist assaults on their lands and cultures, both historically and currently. | ||
| SWRK 653 | Research for Social Justice. | 3 |
Research for Social Justice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Integration of relevant research in social work practice to inform program design, development, and evaluation. Activist-researcher and practitioner-researcher roles in social work, research literacy and knowledge mobilization skills. Tools to design and propose research projects that contribute to justice practices with communities. | ||
| WMST 601 | Feminist Theories and Methods. | 3 |
Feminist Theories and Methods. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of feminist theories and research methods from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. | ||
NOTE:
While not a prerequisite for admission, possession of a working knowledge of the French language is important, not only to candidates who intend to seek admission to the Quebec Professional Order after graduation.
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
3 credits of 500- or 600- level courses in another department or discipline approved as a complementary course to the Option in Gender and Women's Studies by an MSW adviser in the School of Social Work.
6 credits of 500- or 600-level courses selected from the School of Social Work.
3 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WMST 602 | Feminist Research Symposium. | 3 |
Feminist Research Symposium. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Discussion and development of participants' research in gender and women's studies. | ||
OR 3 credits of 500- or 600-level WMST courses;