The MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work curriculum has three main components:

1. Required courses that provide the content and methodological skills necessary for policy and practice analysis
2. Elective courses that enable students to deepen their knowledge of practice and policy in the inner workings of social agencies and in social change efforts at the community level
3. A Thesis, designed to integrate analytical and evaluative skills and to contribute to the critical analysis of policy and practice

Note: All courses are half or one-term courses (Fall or Winter), except SOCWORK 739 which runs over all three terms (Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer).

Three required Courses:

• 700 / Epistemology & Social Work Practice
• 701 / Social Policy: Critical Frameworks
• 739 / Critical Approaches to Social Work Knowledge and Research Methods

Two Elective Courses:

1. At least one of:
   • 721 / Changing Communities: Tensions and Possibilities for Citizenship and Social Justice
   • 740 / Changing Social Service Organizations: Implications for Workers and Service Users
   • SOCSCI 708 / Critical Approaches to Community Based Research
   • OR a graduate level course linked with the student’s program of study offered by Social Work OR by another department or academic unit (provided that permission has been obtained from those departments or academic units, and School of Social Work’s Graduate Chair).
2. One additional elective

Additional Information:

MSW students who transfer in from other accredited Schools of Social Work would be assessed for transfer credit on an individual basis. Students entering either stream of the MSW program who have successfully completed the Community-Engaged Research and Evaluation or the Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities graduate diploma may receive 3 units of advanced credit if approved by the School of Social Work’s Graduate Chair.

Please review all information below before applying to the MSW Critical Analysis.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to the MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work stream, applicants are required to hold a BSW degree from an accredited* social work program. In addition, admission requirements are:

• Half course in introductory social research methods;
• B+ standing in senior-level social work courses.

Application Materials

In order for your application to be considered complete, it must include the following items:

• Online Application Form and Fee.
• Statement of Interest (applicant uploads pdf directly).
• Resumé (applicant uploads pdf directly. Please include work/practicum experience using template below).
• Referee Reports (referees complete online report directly using e-referencing system – due by January 5th at 11:59pm).
• Transcripts (applicant uploads unofficial transcript directly). Original transcripts must be sent directly from issuing institution*.
• English proficiency requirements, if applicable (applicant uploads unofficial copy directly). Original documents sent directly from issuing institution*.

*Note: Transcripts and English Proficiency documents must be sent directly from issuing institution(s) to:

Darlene Savoy, Director’s/Graduate Administrative Assistant
School of Social Work, McMaster University
1280 Main Street West, Kenneth Taylor Hall, Room 319
Hamilton ON L8S 4M4
dsavoy@mcmaster.ca

Timelines for Application

The deadline for applications is DECEMBER 14th Review of applications will begin in December and admissions will be made to outstanding candidates as early in the new year as possible. Applicants will upload an unofficial copy of their transcript(s) and English Language Proficiency (if applicable) by the deadline date so that we may expedite assessment of their qualifications.

Offers of admission and financial assistance are normally sent out mid-January to end of April.

Application Form & Fee

The portal for September 2025 admissions is now open! Application forms must be completed online. Please read this webpage thoroughly before proceeding to the How to Apply instructions on the School of Graduate Studies website.

On the application portal, first review the “Prepare your Application for September 2025” tab before proceeding to the “Application Instructions for September 2025” tab with detailed guide which will lead you through the online application process. Then proceed to the Start Your Application page. Please note the search criteria on application portal for “Filter by Faculty” is “Social Sciences”; then scroll down list of “Programs Open for Application” and click “Apply Now” button beside description “Social Work – Critical Analysis of Social Work MSW”, then click on “Create an Account” link if you are a first time user OR separate link for returning user. For “Course Type” you may choose “full-time” or “part-time” studies. In the “Upload Documents” section, in addition to your CV & Statement of Interest, please also upload Unofficial Transcript(s) and TOEFL (if applicable).

A non-refundable $150 (CAN) application fee is applied to all applications. The fee can be paid on-line by valid debit or credit card.

Transcripts

Applicants must provide one official transcript of university academic work completed to date, sent directly from the issuing institution to the School of Social Work (address above). Note: Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded by deadline date; original transcript(s) will be accepted after the deadline date.

Resume

Any relevant work/practicum experience should be included using this work experience template, which can be uploaded separately or added to your resumé.

Statement of Interest

A written statement, maximum of four typed double-spaced pages, expanding on your resumé and covering the following areas:

1. What is the most significant issue facing the community with which you are connected or about which you care? Describe how your thesis research could support a better understanding or assist in addressing this issue.
2. Discuss how your experience, including research experience, employment or volunteer work, training or teaching experience, life experience and/or your practicum – inform your desire to participate in the MSW in Critical Analysis. Note: we are particularly interested in examples of relevant experience which indicate a capacity for innovative and independent thinking, and in your reflection on previous opportunities to participate in research projects, program planning, practice development, organized advocacy or administration. Your description should reflect the length, range, and diversity of your experience.
3. Please discuss your expectations of this program – indicate why you are interested in the MSW in Critical Analysis program (including why you are interested in writing a thesis) and how you expect it to help you in pursuing your career and personal development goals.
4. Please provide a brief description of any publications and unpublished papers, reports or proposals. The supplementary statement is assessed based on comprehensiveness, clarity of presentation, and ability to abstract from experience. The declaration of your area of interest and your ability to connect it to the School’s areas of expertise is important.

Letters of Reference

A complete application includes two confidential letters of recommendation. Two academic references are preferred, but one work reference is acceptable if the person is able to comment on your academic skills. Referees will be asked to describe work you have been involved in that they have direct knowledge of, and comment on a) your potential – in terms of knowledge and skills – for critical analysis of social work practice and/or social welfare policies, and b) your ability to incorporate concerns for social justice into critical analyses. McMaster University uses the Electronic Referencing System. You must enter the email addresses of your referees as part of the on-line application form. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an eReference immediately after the ‘Send to Recommender’ button is clicked. You may wish to click on this button just before you submit the application. If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so through the Applicant Portal. Referees complete online report directly using e-referencing system – deadline is January 5th at 11:59pm.

English Proficiency Requirements

If applicable, an official copy of your TOEFL score, or other evidence of competency in English is required. A minimum TOEFL score of 580 (or 237 on the computer-based TOEFL test) is needed.

Additional Information

Please complete our Pre-Application form so that we can verify your academic qualifications before you send a full application.

The School of Graduate Studies policy with regard to students with disabilities can be found in section 6.6 of the School of Graduate Studies Calendar. The full policy and further information may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies or the Student Success Centre (905) 525-9140, ext. 28652 or e-mail studentsuccess@mcmaster.ca. For further information, consult McMaster University’s Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with Disabilities.

Apply for a MSW in Critical Analysis Here

Ontario Student Assistance Program

Application forms and brochures can be obtained from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at McMaster University. Application to OSAP can be made online.

General Bursary & Internal Awards

Students can apply for the General Bursary by going to AwardSpring, which is accessed through the tile on their Mosaic Home page. Award Spring is a new and simpler platform for students to apply for aid and internal awards. With AwardSpring, you can complete one common application that matches you with aid and internal award opportunities you’re eligible for. It also tracks your completion of any additional requirements on a user-friendly dashboard.

Internal School of Social Work Awards

No application required. MSW students are automatically considered for these awards.

The Judge Hugh C. Arrell Memorial Prize in Social Work

This prize was established through the generosity of friends and associates of the late Judge Hugh C. Arrell, formerly Judge of the Juvenile and Family Courts, Hamilton. An award will be made annually at Fall Convocation on the recommendation of the Director of the School of Social Work, to the MSW graduand who submitted the best Thesis to meet the requirements of the program.

The Sidney L. Blum Bursary

Established in 1989 by friends and associates in memory of Sidney L. Blum. To be awarded by the School of Graduate Studies, on the recommendation of the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, to any graduate student in good standing in the Master’s program of the School of Social Work.

The Social Work Alumni Anniversary Award

Established by the Alumni of the School of Social Work in 1993, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the School. The award is designed to promote social work study at the graduate level in the fields of practice and policy. The successful recipient will be a graduate of McMaster’s BSW program, have received the highest mark in the Personal Statement section of the application process, and have been admitted as a full-time student in the MSW program.

External Scholarships

Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) and Ontario Graduate Fellowships (OGF)

• School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website (Under “Provincial Awards”)
• Students who apply for a CGS-M (details below) through McMaster University will automatically be considered for an OGS at McMaster. For incoming Master’s students who apply for a CGS-M, please remember to choose McMaster as one of the three universities to where you would like to submit your CGS-M application.

Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s (CGS-M)

• School of Graduate Studies Scholarships website (Under ‘Government Awards” and click “Learn More”)

Applicants apply directly via Research Portal.

• Deadline: December 1 (8:00pm)

Further information on scholarships and fellowships tenable at McMaster University, please consult the School of Graduate Studies website.