Education and Training

Post-secondary education is required in the field of social work. Three different levels of preparation are available in Ontario universities.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) requires four years of university study. An additional year of graduate study is required for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Those holding a non-social work undergraduate degree must complete two years of study for a Master of Social Work degree. Completion of the MSW degree generally ensures greater job mobility.

Post-graduate study leading to a Doctoral degree in social work is often pursued by those who wish to teach at a university or who are involved in high-level research, social policy or large-scale administration.