MSW ADMISSION HANDBOOK SEPTEMBER 2015 Updated Version: August 1, 2014
Contents Philosophy of the School of Social Work... 1 Introduction... 1 Objectives of the MSW Program... 1 Program... 1 Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships & Bursaries... 2 Admission Policies... 3 Application Materials... 3 Application Withdrawal... 3 Admission Procedures... 3 Admission Deadline... 4 Application Materials & Supporting Documentation... 5
Philosophy of the School of Social Work As social workers, we operate in a society characterized by power imbalances that affect us all. These power imbalances are based on age, class, ethnicity, gender identity, geographic location, health, ability, race, sexual Identity and income. We see personal troubles as inextricably linked to oppressive structures. We believe that social workers must be actively involved in the understanding and transformation of injustices in social institutions and in the struggles of people to maximize control over their own lives. Introduction The purpose of this booklet is to inform potential students about the distinctive nature of the thesisbased, one-year (12 months) M.S.W. program. This booklet provides information to help students decide whether to apply for admission. The booklet contains a description of the program, an outline of the admissions criteria and procedures. Objectives of the MSW Program The primary objective of the program is to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills necessary for the critical analysis of social work, and to examine the challenges and possibilities of working toward more inclusive and just policies and practices in the future. Specifically, the program supports students development of: conceptual, theoretical and analytical skills in relation to social work practices and social policies an appreciation of the entanglement of fact and value, of material and discursive framings of social problems and the conceptualization and implementation of responses to them the ability to apply these skills and modes of understanding to substantive areas of interest and in their research practice the capacity to move from analysis of social work/social welfare issues or problems to consideration of the possibilities and limits of action and change in practices or policies. The program leads to a Master's degree; it is also suitable preparation for advanced study at the doctoral level. The M.S.W. program at McMaster University does not focus on clinical skill development per se. Applicants wanting to further develop their clinical skills may wish to apply to graduate programs of other Schools of Social Work. The program requirements include 18 units (six half courses) of course work and a thesis. This thesis gives students an opportunity to exercise the critical skills that the whole program seeks to foster. In a full-time sequence, it is the focus of students third (May-August) semester. Program Critical Analysis of Social Work 1
The School of Social Work offers a one year, thesis-based program leading to the degree Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). A commitment to critical analysis in the service of social justice underpins this program. Students will engage in analyzing social problems and policies, critique existing practices, challenge established knowledge, research alternative approaches and contribute to the development of innovative policies and practices. The program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). The MSW program prepares students for advanced practice grounded in the critical analysis of social work analysis understood as the crucial foundation of change processes aimed at fostering just practices and policies. Graduates exercise the critical conceptual abilities and research skills developed in the program in a wide range of agency and community settings, with an appreciation of the intersection of practice and policy at micro, meso and macro levels. Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships & Bursaries Applicants may apply for scholarships and fellowships. In particular, you may be interested in applying for an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, or Tri-Agency CGS-M Scholarship. Please consult SGS Major Scholarships & Awards website for a listing of all available awards and external agency links. * Please note agency guidelines and deadlines are subject to change at any time without prior notice. For complete and accurate information about external scholarship opportunities, please consult the external agency directly. Ontario Student Assistance Program Application forms and brochures can be obtained from the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office at McMaster University at: http://sfas.mcmaster.ca/osap.html Admission Criteria to the Master of Social Work Program Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the Master of Social Work Program, applicants are required to hold a BSW degree from an accredited social work program. In addition, admission requirements are: a) half course in introductory social research methods; b) B+ standing in senior level social work courses. 2
Admission Policies Following up on Documentation Applicants are responsible for ensuring a completed application package. The sooner your file is completed, the quicker you will be informed about your potential admission. Applicants are required to FOLLOW UP with referees and transcripts to make sure complete documentation reaches the graduate admissions secretary by the application deadline. Application Materials All written materials submitted in relation to application for graduate study in social work become the property of the School of Social Work, McMaster University and cannot be returned to the applicant regardless of the final decision regarding admission. Please be advised that all information submitted to the School of Social Work regarding your application will be read by at least one student of the graduate program and one faculty member. Application Withdrawal Applicants who decide to discontinue their application at any point after submission are required to notify the School of Social Work in writing of their withdrawal. Graduate Admissions Committee Decisions The recommendation concerning admission of an applicant by the Graduate Studies Committee is final and is subject only to review for administrative correctness. Admission Procedures Application Forms (online) McMaster University Graduate Studies Online Application is available at: https://gradapplication.mcmaster.ca/account/instructions.asp Each applicant is required to create an account by entering a valid email address. All fields must be completed. This account will allow you to save your application and continue it at a later date. Graduate Application Fee Each applicant is required to submit on-line payment by credit card in the amount of $100.00 (Note: If paying by cheque or cash, there is an additional $15.00 processing fee) Canadian payable to McMaster University. Applications will not be processed until the fee and full documentation have been received. References (form-fillable) Each applicant must arrange for two individuals to complete and mail the M.S.W. reference forms to the Graduate Administrative Assistant in the School of Social Work. Please list the names of the individuals on the on-line application form. Two academic references are preferred, but one work reference is acceptable if the person is able to comment on your academic skills. Please direct referees to our web site: http://www.socialwork.mcmaster.ca/graduate-program/admissions 3
Please ask the referees you have chosen to fill out the two-page MSW Reference Form under Documents Required, Item #1 (form-fillable), print, sign the application, and place in a signed/sealed envelope. Note: There is a limit to the number of characters in each text box. Feel free to write on the form if you require more space or attach additional page(s). Note: The MSW Reference form replaces the Confidential Report on Applicant for Admission to Graduate Studies at McMaster University form. Academic Record Applicants must arrange to have two official university transcript(s) sent to the Graduate Secretary in the School of Social Work. Applicants should ensure that a complete record of all university work is provided in the transcript(s) submitted. Partial transcripts cannot be used by the School of Graduate Studies when approving admissions. Applicants should note that regulations of the School of Graduate Studies require candidates to have attained an overall B+ standing in senior level social work courses. Supplementary Statement A written statement not exceeding 4 typed double-spaced pages, expanding on your resumé, covering the following areas: 1) What is the most significant issue facing the community with which you re connected or about which you care? 2) Work experience: we are particularly interested in examples of relevant experience which indicate a capacity for innovative and independent thinking, and in your reflection on opportunities you may have had 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) Your career plans and expectations of this program - indicate why you are interested in this program and how you expect it to help you in pursuing your career and personal development. 4) Brief description of any publications and unpublished papers 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. TOEFL Score If English is not your native language, 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 for the Faculty of Social Sciences. Admission Deadline: December 15 If you have questions regarding the completion of your application material or other administrative concerns, please contact Darlene Savoy, Graduate Secretary, (905) 525-9140, ext. 24596 or email: infomsw@mcmaster.ca 4
Application Materials & Supporting Documentation Please be sure to submit a Pre-Application Form so that we can verify your academic qualifications before you send a full application. The pre-application and on-line application forms/links are available at: http://www.socialwork.mcmaster.ca/graduate-program/admissions Click on MSW Admissions. Supporting Documentation 1) Two M.S.W. Reference forms 2) Supplementary Statement 3) Resumé 4) Transcript(s) 5) TOEFL Score (if applicable) Submit all documentation to: Darlene Savoy Graduate Administrative Assistant School of Social Work McMaster University 1280 Main St W, KTH-319 Hamilton ON L8S 4M4 5