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 2027 admissions will open on September 1, 2026. 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 2027” tab before proceeding to the “Application Instructions for September 2027” 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 electronic (or scanned) copy of ALL post-secondary academic transcripts (completed or in progress) and uploaded through your online application by deadline date. Official transcripts (hard copy or electronic) sent directly from the issuing institution to the School of Social Work (address above) will be required only if an applicant is offered successful admission.
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 five typed double-spaced pages expanding on your resumé and covering the following areas:
- What is the most significant issue facing the community with which you are connected or about which you care? Discuss this issue with reference to published literature (and include a reference list). Describe how your thesis research could support a better understanding or assist in addressing this issue.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The use of generative AI to create your statement of interest is not permitted.
Letters of Reference
A complete application includes two confidential letters of recommendation. Two academic references are expected, but one work* reference is acceptable if you are not able to secure two academic references and if the work referee is able to comment on your academic skills. Referees will be asked to 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.
*Note: Before you submit the invitation to your Referee, please check that you have chosen Reference Type “Academic”, or you will receive an error message at point of application submission.
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