Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree

 

In line with the School’s vision and mission, the master of social work program  embraces a critical and anti-oppressive , social justice approach to social work practice that includes an emphasis on critical analysis and theoretical perspectives, critical social policy, critical practice  and critical clinical approaches, research skills and professional values.  Students will be able to focus on areas of their choice (such as physical and /or mental health, substance use problems, trauma, community development, direct practice with individuals families and groups, social policy and social administration,  international social work and research) through core courses, elective offerings, research endeavors, thesis option in year two, independent studies and  field.  Please consult our website www.socialwork.dal.ca for updates to our MSW Degree program.

Note: In order to practice social work in Nova Scotia, all persons must have a social work degree (BSW or MSW ) AND be approved for practice by the Board of Examiners of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. Persons applying to the Board to practice social work should contact the address below for further information:

The Registrar of the Board of Examiners
Nova Scotia College of Social Workers
1888 Brunswick Street, Suite 700
Halifax, NS B3J 3J8
Telephone: (902) 429-7799

Program Objectives

The School of Social Work adheres to the principles of adult learning in its educational approach. This approach is applicable to students with special or concurrent professional social work experience. In the course of their study, MSW students are encouraged to identify and pursue their learning goals within the parameters of the curriculum and the objectives of the program, which include the following:

• Approaches to social work that reflect critical and anti-oppressive perspectives.
• Development of an understanding of the methods for critical appraisal and systematic inquiry related to existing practice theories, models of intervention and personal practice experiences and abilities;
• Application of these means to existing and new knowledge regarding practice contexts, practice-related issues, practice theories, models of intervention and personal practice experience and abilities;
• Acquisition of new knowledge with respect to practice contexts, theories and interventions, including an area of practice of particular interest to the student;
• Integration of the new knowledge acquired into practice situations which support the development of personal and social change.