Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the deadline date for application?

February 1 of every calendar year

2. I have an undergraduate degree in another discipline - can I still apply to the MSW program?

All students must have an Honours Bachelor in Social Work (HBSW)  or a Bachelor of Social Work degree to apply to our program.

Lakehead offers a One Year HBSW program for students who have an undergraduate degree in another discipline - for more information please go to the Social Work webpage.

3. Do I need a research course in my undergraduate program to apply to the MSW?

Yes, a full 1.0 FCE (or two 0.5 FCEs) undergraduate research course(s) is a requirement.  The Four Year Undergraduate and One Year Post-degree HBSW programs at Lakehead University provide a research course that meets this requirement.

4. What are my MSW program options?

Lakehead University's School of Social Work offers a Master of Social Work program with two tracks:  (1) Project and Practicum Track; and (2) Thesis Track.  Students in the Project and Practicum Track will complete a 450-hour Field Placement.  Students accepted into the Thesis Track are not required to do a placement.  Please refer to the MSW Application Guide for more detailed information about these two options.

5. How long will it take to complete the MSW program?

Students have up to two years to complete the MSW degree.  Students can complete the program in 12 months; the average time to completion is 15 months.  The pace of the program is contingent on the time the student allocates to complete the project/thesis.

6. How many students are admitted each year?

Enrolment numbers can fluctuate from year to year, however, the base number of students admitted in each calendar year is twelve per campus.

7. Do I need to know my area of research prior to applying?

Please refer to the MSW Application Guide for detailed information regarding your study plan. Students are expected to or should try to align select areas or topics of research reflective of the faculty's interest or expertise.  This enables the highest quality of supervision.  All faculty supervisors have several areas of interest/research found on our website and in the application guide.  The proposed area of research should address a gap in the existing literature.

8. I am an undergraduate BSW student or have a BSW degree from outside of Lakehead University. How do I align my research interests with faculty. Can I contact a faculty member to discuss my research ideas?

The Lakehead University School of Social Work website has a listing of faculty members and their areas of research.  Most faculty members are also open to communicating via email, phone, zoom, or in person to discuss mutual areas of interest.  Students who reach out to discuss their interests with faculty members should be prepared to present their ideas for consideration, however, this does not secure an admission to the program.

9. I am interested in the MSW Program but would like to participate online. Does Lakehead University School of Social Work offer an online MSW program?

Currently, both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campus are full-time in-person programs.  MSW electives are currently offered online in the winter.

10. The program is available at the Thunder Bay or Orillia campus. How do I declare which campus I would like to attend?

On the Graduate Application Form, in the Program Selection section include Thunder Bay or Orillia campus.  Students who wish to apply to both campuses can select both options.

11. To complete the MSW program, I will have to relocate to Orillia or Thunder Bay. Is there housing available on campus or close to campus?

Lakehead University offers many housing options to help make your life at Lakehead as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.  Please refer to the Residence and Housing webpage for more information.

12. Is there financial assistance available?

Domestic students enrolled in full-time MSW studies will be offered a graduate assistantship.  There are other opportunities for financial assistance such as Bursaries, Awards and Scholarships.  Please visit the Graduate Studies webpage.

13. Do you have a part-time program?

The MSW program is offered on a full-time basis only; however, students have 2 years to complete the requirements and can spread the work out over the 2-year period.  A request can be made to Graduate Studies for an additional year of study.  However, full-time tuition fees are required for the two years of study.

Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be allowed to complete a master's program on a part-time basis, but these requests must be discussed with the Graduate Coordinator.

Part-time or "flex" students will not be considered for financial support from the University.

14. Please define an academic reference. Is this a reference from someone who has taught me? If so, I have not been back to school in many years. I have already secured professional/clinical references.

The references need to be from a credible professional who can comment on your potential for academic and research work.

15. What is the required English proficiency?

Applicants who native language is not English and who have not studied in an English language school system for more than three full years will be required to present proof of English proficiency for the master's level.  For more complete information, please refer to the Lakehead University Admission Requirements for Masters.