42.1 Qualifications for Admission

1. Admission to the M.S.W. program is limited, selective, and competitive. Meeting the minimum criteria for admission does not guarantee acceptance to the program.

2. To be considered for admission, an applicant shall hold a Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree (or an equivalent professional undergraduate degree in social work approved by the M.S.W. Program Committee of the School of Social Work) from an institution recognized by the Senate, with at least second class standing, and an average of at least 70% in the last 60 undergraduate credit hours.

3. In addition to the stated academic requirements, the applicant must have completed, subsequent to obtaining the B.S.W. degree, at least two years employment in professional social work practice or in a comparable human service discipline or activity. Extensive relevant experience prior to undergraduate degree work may be recognized in full or partial fulfillment of this requirement.

4. For ten percent of seats per year, priority is given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry who meet the minimum criteria for admission. When the number of eligible applicants wishing to be considered under this clause exceeds the number of seats available, priority will normally be given to bona fide residents of Newfoundland and Labrador (see Qualifications for Admission). Applicants wishing to be considered under this clause shall complete the Educational Equity section of the Supplementary Information form at the time of application.

5. For an additional ten percent of seats per year, priority is given to applicants from other equity-seeking groups, based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, disability and/or being disadvantaged by their economic position/background and who meet the minimum criteria for admission. When the number of eligible applicants wishing to be considered under this clause exceeds the number of seats available, priority will normally be given to bona fide residents of Newfoundland and Labrador (see Qualifications for Admission). Applicants wishing to be considered under this clause shall complete the Educational Equity section of the Supplementary Information form at the time of application.

6. Not withstanding the above, and in keeping with the School’s commitment to achieving equitable representation in the student body, the M.S.W. Program Committee of the School of Social Work, at its discretion, may give preference to additional applicants of Indigenous ancestry and/or members of other equity-seeking groups who meet the minimum criteria for admission.

7. Not withstanding the above, and in keeping with the University’s special obligation to educate the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador, when the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of seats available, priority will normally be given to bona fide residents of Newfoundland and Labrador (see Qualifications for Admission).

8. Applicants will be deemed bona fide residents of Newfoundland and Labrador if at the time of application they are currently residing or have a permanent address in the province.