6 reasons to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto

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Considering a degree in social work?  Here are six reasons to apply to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

World-renowned faculty and research

Research by the International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience (INQYR), led by Professor Shelley Craig (first row, centre), has informed policies and guidelines and received coverage in the New York Times.

Our esteemed professors lead global research for a just and sustainable future 

Our diverse, internationally recognized faculty bring a wealth of community practice experience and leading-edge scholarship to the classroom. FIFSW is home to internationally-recognized experts in building affirming care for 2SLGBTQ+ populations, addressing rising homicide grief in Black communities, drawing connections between climate change and sexual health, confronting elder abuse, improving access to abortion care, addressing anti-Asian racism, research in artificial intelligence for justice — and more. 

Read about the real-world impact of recent FIFSW research. View more stories on FIFSW research.  

Multicultural location, diverse practicum opportunities

Aerial view of the newly transformed St. George Campus looking south to the Toronto skyline beyond. The Landmark Project created a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly campus for generations to come.

Our campus is located in the heart of Toronto, Canada, one of the world’s most vibrant and multicultural urban regions. 

Toronto and the cities that surround it are home to diverse communities, leading health institutions, and innovative hubs of research, business, and culture.  FIFSW Master of Social Work students have access to a wide variety of high-quality practicum opportunities, which include positions in hospitals, government organizations, educational institutions, community services, and research.  Our practicum partners represent and work with a diverse range of communities, making a real difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. 

Learn more about our practicum sites and field instructors. 

Advanced skills training 

As a student, MSW graduate Shuruthii Thiyagasoruban explored her interest in palliative care and was the recipient of the Seydegart-Spears Fellowship in Palliative Care for People who are dying in hospice, in the home or on the street

Our Master of Social Work students specialize in one of six fields of study. 

FIFSW Master of Social Work students receive advanced skills training specific to the communities they choose to serve. Our program’s six fields of study include children and their families, human services management and leadership, mental health and health, social justice and diversity,  social work in gerontology, and Indigenous trauma and resiliency (ITR). Grounded in North American Indigenous values and inspired by Indigenous Traditions from around the globe, our unique ITR-MSW program was created in collaboration with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and the Middelton-Moz Institute.  

Learn about our  fields of study and our MSW-ITR program. 

Interdisciplinary expertise 

Students and faculty gather for a Combined Law and Master of Social Work (JD/MSW) program networking event in 2024

Our students have access to a rich variety of programs at University of Toronto, which is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world.  

U of T’s Interprofessional Education Curriculum brings together students across its professional  programs in the health sciences to develop their skills working in interprofessional team-based settings. Our combined Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work program is another example of how FIFSW leverages connections with U of T’s leading disciplines. Offered in partnership with U of T’s Faculty of Law, the combined JD/MSW program was developed  for students who wish to practice in areas where law and social work intersect. MSW students can also elect to pursue a collaborative specialization in fields such as sexual diversity studies, addiction studies, women and gender studies, public policy, and more.  

Learn about our combined programs. Explore our nine collaborative specializations. 

Innovative, experiential education 

The simulation program developed at FIFSW has been adopted by schools of social work around the world

Our education is grounded in a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-oppressive practices, and truth and reconciliation. 

Through in-person learning, assignments using real-world examples, engagement with community stakeholders, and a range of supports for academic success, we’re preparing our students to apply social work knowledge and skills in a wide variety of settings — from health and social services to education, policy development and advocacy, research, project administration and more. FIFSW is also a world leader in simulation-based learning, which is embedded throughout our program to build our graduates’ confidence and competence in social work practice 

Learn about FIFSW’s leadership in simulation. View our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation webpage. 

Alumni excellence 

For over twenty years, FIFSW’s Alumni Mentorship Program has been connecting graduating MSW students with alumni to ease the transition from being a student to being a professional social worker.

Our strong network of active alumni give back to our students as mentors, field instructors, sessional instructors and volunteers. 

Our alumni play an important role in our Faculty, in communities across Toronto — and beyond. Each year, our esteemed graduates organize an alumni lecture series, engage in fundraising, and act as mentors to our students. Experts in their field with a strong commitment to life-long learning and social justice, they contribute to our students’ education as field instructors, lecturers and volunteers.  

Learn how FIFSW alumni are making a difference in their communities and transforming the field. 

Pursuing a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto means joining a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and social justice.

Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful career.

Application deadline: November 28, 2024.

Read more: check out FIFSW students, alumni and research in the news.