The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Memorial was introduced in the late 1970s and first accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work (CASSW) in 1988. The program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE). MSW students are enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies at Memorial University. Students are admitted to the MSW program by the School of Graduate Studies on the recommendation from the School of Social Work. The School of Graduate Studies provides general information and regulations governing all graduate students.

In 2011, the School of Social Work introduced a new program focusing on creative approaches to critical thinking for leadership in diverse social work practices. This program emphasizes leadership, social justice, diversity, research, anti-oppressive practice, community development, social policy, and intervention with individuals, families and groups. This innovative and creative curriculum features the introduction of mentoring through PATHWAY and provides the program with a distinctive feature unique to MSW programs in Canada. PATHWAY enhances the quality of students’ learning as they work closely with faculty members in undertaking intensive advanced work in a specialized area of social work knowledge and practice.

The MSW Program is offered on a part-time and full-time basis. Part-time students can complete the program either in two (2) full academic years (6 semesters) or three (3) full academic years (9 semesters). On a full-time basis the program is completed in three (3) consecutive semesters over one (1) academic year (September to August). Full-time students completing a thesis may require additional semesters to complete their program.

Students may select a course or thesis route. The MSW program is offered on-line, however, students are required to be on the St. John’s campus for an institute component for three of the courses in the program. An institute consists of six to eight days of intensive classroom instruction and is mandatory. Course route students must complete all three institutes; thesis route students do two institutes. The mandatory 500 hour field practicum can be completed where a student resides, if supervision is available.