Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding Admission Requirements...
The following disciplines count as Social Sciences:
We require the equivalent of three full credit courses in the social sciences, equivalent to six half-credit courses , to include a half-credit course in research methodology. The following disciplines count as Social Sciences:
Anthropology
Criminology
Economics
Family Relations and Human Development
Global Health
Immigration and Settlement Studies
Justice Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Social Development Studies
Social Work
Social Sciences
Women & Gender Studies
Plus any course designated as a Social Science by the university in which you completed your undergraduate degree.
Please review the listing of acceptable courses posted on our website at:
You can submit an electronic version of the course outline and required reading list to: admissions.fsw@utoronto.ca. The course information will be reviewed by the Associate Dean, Academic.
As long as all degree requirements are completed by August 16th, you can still apply for September admissions. If admitted, the offer would be conditional on the completion of your final year of full-time study with a mid-B standing and confirmation of degree conferral.
If you are applying for the two-year MSW Program, the GPA would be based on a full-course load of senior level credits, typically four or five full credits or equivalent, leading up to the awarding of your undergraduate degree. If it is necessary to go back to an earlier session, the Committee will review all the courses at the senior level in that particular session. If you are applying for the MSW Program with Advanced Standing, the GPA will be based on your final year of full-time study or equivalent.
Regarding the Application Process…
The Admissions Committee will only review three references, of which at least one must be ACADEMIC (university course instructor), and at least one must be from your WORK or VOLUNTEER SETTING. Personal references are not appropriate (e.g., relatives, friends). Please review the detailed reference instructions at: https://socialwork.utoronto.ca/admissions/msw/msw-application/
All references submitted must be current.
The academic reference should be from a professor who is able to comment on your academic ability. You should review our current reference form with the professor you are working with, and if they can comment on most of the areas, the reference should be acceptable. If not, we would recommend asking a former professor from your undergraduate program.
If you feel strongly that you cannot submit an academic reference, it is recommended that you include a cover letter with your Resume, explaining your choice of referees.
Yes: Referees will be permitted to upload the completed reference via the SGS online portal.
As an example, if you are only taking three courses from Sept – April, we will count back and include any summer courses you may have taken, and/or the previous Winter. In terms of how many credits – it must be the equivalent of a full-course load – minimum of four full credits at the senior level.
We do not accept late applications.
Admission offer letters will be posted on the SGS online application portal from mid-February to mid-April.
You may upload an unofficial transcript directly onto the SGS online portal, under the document: Updated transcript.
Deferrals of admission are only permitted for extenuating circumstances.
A valid institution or organization email address is necessary for a referee to upload their letter. Email addresses that are shared, anonymous, generic or not linked to an institution, organization or business are not acceptable (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo!). We strongly suggest you choose a referee who has a valid institution or organization email address. If an individual doesn’t have a valid email address, look at designating a different referee. If (despite your best effort) absolutely no alternative referee with a valid institution or organization email address is possible, you can enter a non-institution or non-organization email address in the online admissions application (it’s not necessary to contact us). Be aware this may delay review of your application as we must verify the authenticity of reference letters received in this manner. For every referee, enter a telephone number where they can be reached for our verification purposes.