Social Work (Thesis) (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 at McGill University prepares graduates for careers and leadership in the fields of social work and social welfare. In the M.S.W. program, students develop an understanding of a broad range of theories which inform practice, policy, and research. Envisioned as an opportunity to advance knowledge and skills, students are encouraged to immerse themselves in an area of scholarship and practice related to "Children and Families," "Social Care and Health Studies," and "Community and International Development." In addition, students investigate a subject matter of their choice in one of these broad areas of study through an independent study project or a master's thesis. Through the M.S.W. program, students develop critical and innovative approaches to practice competence and to policy analysis such that they may contribute to both established social services and to new and less developed areas of service provision.
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 (6 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. | ||
Complementary Courses (12 credits)
12 credits of SWRK courses at the 500 or 600 level; up to 6 credits in total may be taken outside the School of Social Work.