Why Social Work @ Memorial?

The School of Social Work at Memorial University has grown to become the largest east of Montreal since its inception in 1963 and its MSW and PhD programs are taught by an internationally recognized faculty. Memorial’s PhD in Social Work program is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The School promotes social justice by providing social work education, conducting scholarly inquiry, disseminating knowledge, and contributing to public policy and practice. These activities help address the needs and aspirations of the local and global communities with whom we collaborate and interact. The School of Social Work plays an important role in preparing graduates for service delivery within Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada, and internationally.

Description of programs

• MSW – The MSW program focuses on creative approaches to critical thinking for leadership in diverse social work practice. Both thesis and course route options are available. The MSW program is offered on a part-time basis (6 or 9 semesters over 2 or 3 academic years) and a full-time basis (3 consecutive semesters over 1 academic year.) MSW degree course route requirements consist of seven courses, a field internship, Pathway (a mandatory repeatable non-credit course) and Pathway Scholarship (completion of a scholarly product that reflects the student's learning). The thesis route consists of six courses, a field internship, Pathway, and a thesis embodying original research. Course route students are required to attend three on-campus institutes over 7–10 days; thesis route students must attend two on-campus institutes.

• PhD – The PhD in Social Work program provides regionally relevant and accessible, advanced, and specialized education in social work. The program is research-based, stressing critical thinking and the production of original and significant scholarship. The program focuses on advanced social work practice and social work education, emphasizing commitment to people and social justice. The coursework period includes two, six-week Spring semester residencies (which students must attend full-time on the St. John’s campus), as well as a fall reading course and an internship, both of which can be completed in students’ home communities.

Contact a faculty supervisor

Graduate applicants interested in research-based programs are strongly encouraged to connect with potential faculty supervisors at the time of application. Visit the School of Social Work website for areas for a list of faculty members, their research interests, and contact information. You may also use the Yaffle search application to find a supervisor you may wish to work with.

The School of Graduate Studies offers advice on how to search for and contact potential supervisors. Need more help? Try attending one of our webinars and information sessions for prospective graduate students.

Minimum admission requirements

• MSW – Bachelor's degree (minimum second class) in Social Work and two years post-bachelor’s experience

• PhD – Master's degree in Social Work and three years of professional practice

Note: All figures are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are approved by the University’s Board of Regents. In the event of a discrepancy between the fees approved by the Board and those published on this website, the fees approved by the Board will prevail. Financial policies are enforced through the Department of Financial and Administrative Services. For the complete and official list of all fees and charges, visit www.mun.ca/finance/fees/.