120 units total (Levels I to IV), of which 48 units may be Level I

30 units

From the Level I program. (See Admission below.)

12 units

• SOCWORK 2A06 A/B - Theory, Process and Communication Skills for Social Work
• SOCWORK 2BB3 - Social Work and Social Welfare: Anti-Oppressive Perspectives
• SOCWORK 2CC3 - Introduction to Community Practice

• (SOCWORK 2A06 A/B, SOCWORK 2BB3 and SOCWORK 2CC3 must be completed prior to enrolling in SOCWORK 3D06 A/B S and SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S)

12 units

• SOCWORK 3D06 A/B S - General Social Work I
• SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S - Field Practicum I

• (SOCWORK 3D06 A/B S and SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S must be completed prior to enrolling in SOCWORK 4D06 A/B S and SOCWORK 4DD6 A/B S)

12 units

• SOCWORK 4D06 A/B S - General Social Work II
• SOCWORK 4DD6 A/B S - Field Practicum II

15 units

• SOCWORK 3E03 - Individual Practice Across the Lifespan
• SOCWORK 3F03 - Social Work with Groups
• SOCWORK 4J03 - Social Change: Social Movements and Advocacy
• SOCWORK 4X03 - Social Work with Families
• SOCWORK 4ZZ3 - Social Welfare: Practice Implications and Advocacy

   

9 units

• Nine additional units selected from the Social and Political Context of Social Work courses

3 units

• Social Sciences Research Methods

3 units

• INDIGST 1A03 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies

  Note: If this course was taken in level I then students must complete three additional elective units

24-27 units

• Electives * A maximum of 12 additional units of Social and Political Context of Social Work courses can be taken as electives.

Program Notes

1. Course Groupings: There are two groups of courses in the Social Work program:

   • Foundation of Social Work. This category includes core courses which are required by social work students, most of which and are available to social work students only. Exceptions to this include SOCWORK 2BB3 and SOCWORK 2CC3 which have a limited number of seats for undergraduates in a Labour Studies program and SOCWORK 4J03 which has a limited number of seats for undergraduates in a Labour Studies program and undergraduates in Level III or above of a non-Social Work/Labour Studies program who have completed SOCWORK 1AA3 or SOCWORK 1BB3.

   • Social and Political Context of Social Work. Social Work students must take 9 units from the Social and Political Context of Social Work group of courses. Social and Political Context of Social Work courses except SOCWORK 4SA3 and SOCWORK 4SB3 are also available for elective credit by undergraduates in the Labour Studies program and undergraduates in Level III or above of a non-Social Work program who have completed SOCWORK 1AA3 or SOCWORK 1BB3. Registration in SOCWORK 4SA3 and SOCWORK 4SB3 is restricted to Social Work students who have received permission of the School of Social Work. All Social and Political Context of Social Work courses have limited enrolment.

   • Foundations of Social Work

     • SOCWORK 2A06 A/B - Theory, Process and Communication Skills for Social Work 
     • SOCWORK 2BB3 - Social Work and Social Welfare: Anti-Oppressive Perspectives 
     • SOCWORK 2CC3 - Introduction to Community Practice 
     • SOCWORK 3D06 A/B S - General Social Work I 
     • SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S - Field Practicum I 
     • SOCWORK 3E03 - Individual Practice Across the Lifespan 
     • SOCWORK 3F03 - Social Work with Groups 
     • SOCWORK 4D06 A/B S - General Social Work II 
     • SOCWORK 4DD6 A/B S - Field Practicum II 
     • SOCWORK 4J03 - Social Change: Social Movements and Advocacy 
     • SOCWORK 4X03 - Social Work with Families 
     • SOCWORK 4ZZ3 - Social Welfare: Practice Implications and Advocacy  

   • Social and Political Context of Social Work

     • SOCWORK 3B03 - Transnational Lives in a Globalizing World 
     • SOCWORK 3C03 - Social Aspects of Health and Illness 
     • SOCWORK 3L03 - Violence: Social Justice Perspectives and Responses 
     • SOCWORK 3O03 - Social Work and Sexualities 
     • SOCWORK 3Q03 - Indigenizing Social Work Practice Approaches 
     • SOCWORK 3S03 - Social Work, Disability and Dis/Ableism 
     • SOCWORK 3T03 - Poverty and Homelessness 
     • SOCWORK 4C03 - Critical Perspectives on Race, Racialization, Racism and Colonialism in Canadian Society 
     • SOCWORK 4G03 - Selected Topics 
     • SOCWORK 4I03 - Social Work and Indigenous Peoples 
     • SOCWORK 4R03 - Feminist Approaches to Social Work and Social Justice 
     • SOCWORK 4SA3 - Critical Child Welfare: From Theory to Practice Part I 
     • SOCWORK 4SB3 - Critical Child Welfare: From Theory to Practice Part II 
     • SOCWORK 4U03 - Immigration, Settlement and Social Work 
     • SOCWORK 4W03 - Child Welfare 
     • SOCWORK 4Y03 - Critical Issues in Mental Health & Addiction: Mad & Critical Disability Studies Perspectives for SW 
2. Progression Within Program: Students must achieve a minimum grade of C+ in each of SOCWORK 2A06 A/B, 2BB3, 2CC3, 3D06 A/B S, 3E03, 3F03, 4D06 A/B S, 4J03, 4X03 and 4ZZ3, a Pass in their field placements SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S and 4DD6 A/B S, and a GPA of at least 6.0. If a student fails to meet the minimum grade requirements in these required social work courses or a Pass designation in either field placement (SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S and 4DD6 A/B S), the student may not proceed in the program; however, the student may make a request in writing to the Director of the School of Social Work to be allowed to repeat the course in which the minimum grade or Pass requirement has not been met. Such requests will be reviewed by the Director of the School of Social Work in consultation with the Chair of the Undergraduate Studies Committee and/or the Chair of the Field Education Program and the course instructor. These courses and/or placements may only be repeated when approval is given by the Director of the School of Social Work following consultation as described above. Students who subsequently fail to meet the minimum grade or Pass requirement after repeating the course or placement may not continue in the program.
3. Students who were admitted to this program in 2017-2018 or later must complete INDIGST 1A03 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies. If this course was taken in level I then students will be required to take an additional 3 units of electives.
4. Students must complete three units of Social Sciences Research Methods (e.g. SOCIOL 2Z03, SOCPSY 2K03 or HLTHAGE 2A03). A statistics course may not substitute for a research methods course.
5. Graduation: The B.S.W will be granted only if the student has achieved a grade of at least C+ in each of SOCWORK 2A06 A/B, 2BB3, 2CC3, 3D06 A/B S, 3E03, 3F03, 4D06 A/B S, 4J03, 4X03 and 4ZZ3, a Pass in SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S and 4DD6 A/B S, and a GPA of at least 6.0.
6. Students are expected to assume the cost of travelling to and from field practice agencies and for any related expenses.
7. Students in the social work program must apply for third and fourth year field placements (SOCWORK 3DD6 A/B S and 4DD6 A/B S), and are able to rank their placements in terms of preference. While efforts are made to match placements with student preferences, the final assignment of placement settings is constrained by many factors, including the availability of settings and field and faculty resources. Students may therefore be required to complete a field placement in an agency that is not among their preferred options.

Students start in the Social Sciences Level 1 program and apply to the Social Work BSW Program at the end of their first year. 

Enrolment in this program is limited. Eligibility is dependent upon completion of any Level I program including six units of introductory Social Work or Sociology and and six additional units of introductory level courses from the Course List (or equivalent). Students who are interested in the Honours BSW are strongly encouraged to take both SOCWORK 1AA3 and SOCWORK 1BB3. Students are also encouraged to take INDIG ST 1A03: Introduction to Indigenous Studies, in level I as this course will be required for completion of the BSW. Admission requires, as a minimum, completion of any level I program with a grade point average of at least 6.0 and evidence of personal suitability which may be evaluated by one or a combination of written statements, tests or interviews.

Admission Notes

1. Students who have successfully completed the two-year College of Applied Arts and Technology Social Services Diploma with a minimum cumulative average Grade Point Average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (75%) are considered to have completed the equivalent of SOCWORK 1AA3 and SOCWORK 1BB3. Students who completed this diploma with a cumulative average of 3.4 - 4.0 (85%-100%) will receive 24 units of unspecified transfer credit upon admission to the program and are not required to complete six additional units of introductory level courses from the Course List to be eligible for admission.
2. An applicant must complete Level I by April of the year in which application is made.
3. Students who intend to apply for this program must follow the application instructions as found on the School of Social Work web site:www.socialwork.mcmaster.ca. Students who are unable to access this web site must consult the School of Social Work prior to the application deadline.
4. All applications for admission to the School of Social Work are considered annually and must be made directly to the School by February 1 for the Fall/Winter term.
5. Indigenous students (includes First Nations, Métis & Inuit) may select an alternate application process. Please see section below for full details. 
6. Applicants transferring from other universities (See Two-Tier Applications below) must also apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by January 12 and must normally complete a total of six units of Introductory Sociology or introductory Social Work and six additional units from the Course List. 

Application Components

Admission scores are based 50% on results from the Social Work Admissions Test (SWAT) and 50% on a student’s GPA. 

1. Social Work Admission Test (S.W.A.T.) - value 50%
   
   In accordance with the evaluation criteria of the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work, our admission procedures include assessment of personal suitability as well as academic capability. The S.W.A.T. is designed in an effort to draw on applicants' personal and professional experiences and preparatory study is not expected or necessary for the essay-style responses.  For information on the S.W.A.T. please see our S.W.A.T. information page.
   
   
2. Academic Record - value 50%
   
   Every candidate’s GPA is calculated on the most recent full year of university-level work, whether taken at McMaster or elsewhere.  If the applicant is currently registered in at least 24 units then those are used; if they are registered in fewer than 24 units, we will go to the previous session and select sufficient units to calculate the GPA.  If an applicant has received advanced credit based on community college work, we will use any university courses they have taken plus sufficient units from the community college advanced standing credit work.

Application Procedures

McMASTER STUDENTS - Honours B.S.W. Program

1. School of Social Work on-line Supplementary Application is now open for September 2023 admission.
   This application is mandatory and must be submitted to the School of Social Work no later than February 1, 2023.
   S.W.A.T.(Social Work Admissions Test)
2. When you complete the Supplementary Application you will select the date that you will write the S.W.A.T. from a list of 3 dates in February 2023. The S.W.A.T. will be written on-line through Avenue to Learn in February 2023. 
3. Transcripts
   The School of Social Work will obtain a copy of your official transcripts directly from the Office of the Registrar at McMaster. You need not initiate this process. 

NON-McMASTER STUDENTS - Honours B.S.W.

1. School of Social Work on-line Supplementary Application is now open for September 2023 admission.
   This application is mandatory and must be submitted to the School of Social Work no later than February 1, 2023.
   
   
2. Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), Form 105 is open for Fall 2023 applications. OUAC Application Link   (on-line form available after October 1, 2022 for September 2023 admission).
   Fee: $156 application fee + $90 assessment fee = $246.00  Please refer to OUAC Fees for up-to-date information.
   OUAC 105 form is mandatory for non-McMaster applicants and must be completed by January 12, 2023.
   
   
3. S.W.A.T. (Social Work Admissions Test)
   When you complete the Supplementary Application you will select the date that you will write the S.W.A.T. from a list of 3 dates in February 2023.  The S.W.A.T. will be written on-line through Avenue to Learn.
   
   
4. Transcripts
   Applicants must arrange for McMaster to receive official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended.  Currently registered students: submit transcripts as soon as final grades are available for each term (fall/winter).  Applicants whose studies are complete: submit final transcript(s) by March 1st.  Applicants should upload all transcripts to their SLATE Admissions Portal.  Please note: McMaster students do not have to submit McMaster transcripts.

Application Materials

All written materials submitted in relation to application for undergraduate study in social work become the property of the School of Social Work, McMaster University and cannot be returned to, or photocopied by, the applicant regardless of the final decision regarding admission.

Documents submitted by applicants who are ACCEPTED will be kept on file until October 15th of the year in which application is made, at which time all materials except the application form, scoring sheets and transcripts will be destroyed. Prior to this date, written materials may be reviewed for administrative accuracy by the applicant in the presence of a faculty member or the Administrator of the School of Social Work.

Documents submitted by applicants who are NOT ACCEPTED will be kept on file until July 15th of the year following application, at which time they will be destroyed. Prior to this date written materials may be reviewed for administrative accuracy by the applicant in the presence of a faculty member or the Administrator of the School of Social Work.

Subsequent applications by individuals not accepted into the School of Social Work or by individuals who withdraw from the application process will constitute NEW applications and will require re-submission of ALL documents. 

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.  Those who have applied through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) must also contact them to amend their program choice.

Notification of Acceptance

Normally, notification of final decisions will be emailed on or about June 15th. You must respond via email or call the School of Social Work to confirm your acceptance by the deadline provided in the offer letter date or your position will be forfeited. For those applicants who have also applied through OUAC, an official letter of acceptance from the Registrar's Office will be emailed to you and you must respond to OUAC as well.  Offers of acceptance cannot be deferred; students must complete a required Foundation course (SOCWORK 2A06, SOCWORK 2BB3, SOCWORK 2CC3, SOCWORK 3E03 or SOCWORK 3F03) in the year of admission.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing applications are considered only after formal acceptance has been issued. You are required to submit supporting transcripts and course outlines for those courses on which you wish advanced standing to be based and identify those courses in the School of Social Work for which advanced standing is sought. If you are including work experience as a factor in your request for advanced standing, please submit a detailed job description and an evaluation (form to be supplied by the School) completed by your immediate supervisor. Note that requests for advanced standing cannot solely be based on work experience. You will be notified in writing about the decision of the Advanced Standing Committee. 

Appeal Procedure

The recommendation concerning admission of an applicant by the School of Social Work Admission Committee is final and is subject only to review for administrative correctness.

Indigenous Students (Includes First Nations and Metis) Alternate Admissions Process and Criteria 

The Circle of Indigenous Social Work Action has designed an admission process in pursuit of the School’s commitment to enhancing the accessibility of the undergraduate social work program to First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants. Indigenous applicants may select the following Indigenous admission process or may opt for the process utilized by the general applicant population.

Admission via the Indigenous application process is based equally on the following criteria:

• Ability as measured by academic grades
• Personal Assessment, measured by the S.W.A.T.
• A letter from a community member that addresses the applicant's (1) readiness for the academic demands of the program, (2) alignment with values of social work and social justice, (3) involvement and identification with Indigenous community (historical, current, future). 

Given the colonial legacy of forced disconnection and dislocation from community, we do not require applicants to have an historical or current connection with Indigenous community. We seek the letter writer’s comments on the applicant’s Indigenous identity as they understand it, and their current and future intentions with respect to engagement with Indigenous communities.

You will find full details of the process in the Policy for Admission of Indigenous Students.

If you are interested, but not certain, you are welcome to say yes to the process on the Supplementary Application and we will be in touch closer to the S.W.A.T. test to discuss the process further.   Or, please reach out to Lorna O’Connell for more information.

Additional Information

Are you still wondering if you are eligible to apply to the Honours B.S.W. program?  Please complete our Pre-Application.

For more assistance in completing your application material or other administrative concerns, please contact:

Lorna O'Connell

Administrative Assistant

905-525-9140 ext 23795

Email: oconnell@mcmaster.ca

or

Tammy Maikawa, Administrator

905-525-9140 ext 23793

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance is available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

Social Work Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships

The Citizen Action Group Prize*

Established in 1984 by the Citizen Action Group, Hamilton, to honour Professor Harry L. Penny, founding Director of the School of Social Work and Board Member of Citizen Action Group.  To be awarded to the student in a program in Social Work who achieves the highest grade in SOC WORK 4O03.
Value:  $500.00

The Dr. Jean Jones Memorial Scholarship*

Established in 2005 by family and friends in memory of Dr. Jean Jones.  To be awarded to the full-time student who attains the highest cumulative average in either the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Work or the Bachelor of Social Work post-degree program.
Value:   $800

The Ontario Association of Social Workers Prize

Established in 1986 and augmented in 1992 by the Hamilton Branch.  Two prizes to be awarded to the graduating students, one first degree and one second degree, who successfully completes Social Work 4DD6 and attains the highest grade in Social Work 4D06 in the same session.
Value:   $200 each

The Harry L. Penny Prize

Established in 1984 in recognition of Professor Harry L. Penny, founding Director of the School of Social Work, for his outstanding contribution to the School.  To be awarded to the student with the highest Cumulative Average in a Social Work program.
Value:   $100

The Social Work Prize

Established in 1982.   To be awarded to the student who attains the highest grade in Social Work 2A06.
Value:  $100

The Anne Stein Memorial Prize

Established in 1971 by friends and colleagues of Anne Stein.   To be awarded to the student who successfully completes Social   Work 3DD6 and attains the highest grade in Social Work 3D06 in the same session.
Value:  $125 (one full-time, one part-time)

*An award name ending with an * indicates that the award is open to both full-time and part-time second baccalaureate (post-degree) students.

Students must meet eligibility requirements for these awards as set out in the “General Conditions” and “Terms of Awards” described in the McMaster University Undergraduate Calendar.   For further information or clarification, please consult the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Gilmour Hall Room 120 or 905-525-9140, Ext. 24319.

Social Work Bursaries

The Sidney L. Blum Bursary

Established in 1989 by friends and associates in memory of Sidney L. Blum.  To be granted on the recommendation of the Director of the School of Social Work, to any undergraduate student in good standing in Levels III or IV of the BA/BSW program or Level II of the BSW program.

The Kelly Dawn Lapp Memorial Bursary

Established in 1997 by family and friends under the McMaster Student Opportunity Fund initiative in memory of Kelly Dawn Lapp who received her BA/BSW degree from McMaster University in 1996.  To be granted to a student enrolled in the Social Work program who demonstrates financial need.  Preference will be given to a student who has volunteered or worked in programs related to violence against women and children, employment and affordable housing for women, advocacy and treatment of mental health patients, addiction treatment or prevention of cruelty to animals.

The Ewan Macintyre Bursaries

Established in 1999 by the Social Work Alumni Branch, the Citizen Action Group, the Social Work Students Association, faculty (past and present), staff, friends, alumni and various organizations association with McMaster’s School of Social Work as a tribute to Dr. Ewan Macintyre for his 29 years of service to the School, including 12 years of service as the School’s Director.  A variable number of bursaries to be granted to students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled in a Bachelor of Social work program.

The Marion Pearce Bursaries

Established in 1990 by Dr. Sally Palmer in memory of her aunt Marion Pearce (class of ’20).  Miss Pearce worked with New Canadians at the Beverly Street Baptist Church in Toronto.  A variable number of bursaries to be granted to students enrolled in the Social Work program who have demonstrated financial need.

School Of Social Work Endowment Fund

Established through the generous donations of alumni, family, friends and corporate sponsors, the School of Social Work Endowment Fund will provide support in such areas as faculty research projects, student support, new initiatives and special projects.  To apply for assistance from this fund, please contact Tammy Maikawa, Administrative Co-ordinator of the School of Social Work at millet@mcmaster.ca.

Other Awards and Bursaries

For information regarding other academic awards and bursaries not specifically for social work students, please consult the Awards Section of the Undergraduate Calendar or the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Gilmour Hall Room 120 or 905-525-9140, Ext. 24319.

Tammy Maikawa, Administrator and Academic Advisor
Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), Room 317

millet@mcmaster.ca

(905) 525-9140 ext.23793

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.