ErinCM

I like it. If you're used to a bigger city you may find it kind of quiet and boring, but there is actually quite a bit to do... at least when the province isn't in lockdown. There are also lots of nice parks and beaches to enjoy in the summer.

I am in Ottawa. Gatineau is definitely cheaper for rent, and if you live just over the bridge near Lebreton Flats you can grab the O-Train to Carleton which is pretty quick. However, if you end up working in Ontario your income taxes will be higher for working in a different province than you live in. Also, if you don't speak French it can be difficult living in Quebec.

I'm currently 2 semesters away from completing the non-BSW online program. It is mostly asynchronous which is useful for busy people because you have a week to do each module on your own time. There is some group work at times where you meet by zoom or Google meet or whatever platform you prefer. Every course has a discussion board you're required to post and respond to. It does require commitment and organization and isn't for everyone, but as a parent who works full-time the asynchronous learning has really worked for me. Some of the courses have written "lectures" and some profs have recorded videos of lectures for the students to watch. The program is still very insightful and engaging even being delivered asynchronously.

I got in to the very competitive 2-year MSW online at Laurier because I was an educational assistant. It is very valuable experience for applications.

I don't know much about Quebec schooling because I'm in Ontario, but I can tell you that macro social work is at the systemic level (so developing policy, doing advocacy work etc) while micro social work is working with individuals (clinical, case management etc).

I was a May start and I didn't hear until mid January.

I completed my BA in April and started my MSW at Laurier's online non-BSW program in May. My offer was conditional until I got a letter from the University where I completed my BA saying I had completed all requirements for graduation.

Have you checked out the online program at the University of New England? I was looking at it as a backup if I didn't get in to the Laurier program and they allowed Canadian students to do placement in Canada. I think they had an agreement with CASWE that made it possible. Not sure if it's still allowed as this was a few years ago, but worth a shot.

I don't know why the WLU advisor told you not to include the day camp facilitation in your hours. I did and I was accepted my first time applying. In fact, I was encouraged to include it by my advisor. It is absolutely relevant experience. There is crisis management, programming, behaviour intervention, and counselling occurring all the time in those programs. I would put it in and highlight those aspects of the position. I don't know if that helps you with the decision any...

I am halfway through the non-BSW program at Laurier and about to start my practicum. I am loving the program. I was glad that the program was online because the only part that was interrupted with COVID was placements. They are now allowing them to be in-person, hybrid or remote for the fall. It is an intense program because each course is 6 weeks and you do one course at a time so it's fast and there's a lot of reading and assignments in a short amount of time.

One thing that makes Laurier so popular and competitive is that it is the only University in Canada that offers an online MSW program for students who do not have a BSW.

I messed up translating my college GPA and took like 10% off the actual average. I was still accepted to Laurier.

If you go to the website and download the program document for the online program by filling out your info, an enrollment advisor reaches out pretty quickly. It was the same one who reached out to me initially that helped me through the whole application process and eventually emailed my acceptance. Hope this helps.

I don't know about the other programs, but the Laurier 2 year online program is incredibly competitive. Most of my classmates have at least 7 years experience. I had 10 years as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner and had 3.92 gpa for my BA with an A+ in my social research class and my independent study course. The research courses are the courses that they looked at individually so if you want to improve your application ensuring you have a really good mark in your research course would be a good start. I would suggest just rack up as much experience as you can and keep applying. You could also do your BSW first as the Advanced Standing programs tend to be less competitive. Good luck!

Honestly, I have not met anyone in the program with less than 6-7 years of experience. Most of us have about a decade. It doesn't mean they wouldn't consider it, but I think you would have to have an absolutely amazing application in all other areas. The enrollment advisors are very helpful so you could contact them and they will tell you if it is worth applying. Good luck.

Laurier is the only option for non-BSW route offered online in Canada.

Don't worry. I had not gotten a confirmation email from Laurier when the documents were all submitted. They would have emailed you if something was missing. The Loris page will look the same until a decision is made then the letter of offer will replace it if you get in. Hope this eases your mind some.

Laurier is the only program that offers a non-BSW tract online in Canada. They look at your previous 10 courses to determine you GPA. You can contact the admissions department and ask them what they suggest. The enrollment advisors are very helpful.

I started my MSW in May online at Laurier. I had a GPA of 93% in Child and Youth Care and approx 12000 hours of experience in the field. It seems that most of the students have at least 7000 hours. Hope this helps. Good luck.

I can tell you the 2-year online program is very competitive. They have been getting over 400 applicants and accept 40 per term. Most the people in my courses have about a decade of experience.

I started the 2-year online program at Laurier in May. I have been a Child and Youth Care Practitioner since I graduated college nearly a decade ago. I work for the school board where I have worked in a variety of classes including, mainstream, specialized programs for students with autism, developmental delays and dual diagnosis of low cognitive ability and behavior/mental health disorders, for the last 3 years I have worked in an Alternative High School program for Indigenous students. I previously worked for the City of Ottawa special needs department working in, then running therapeutic rec and day treatment programs for children with autism and children with mental health disorders. I did placements in a day treatment program for youth with mental health and a housing program for justice-involved young males. I graduated with my BA in Child and Youth Care with a 3.97 GPA. The program is excellent so far although there have been some growing pains and tech issues at times as the online program is still quite new.

I started the 2.5 year online program for non-BSW in May so I'm in the last week of my first course. The courses are intense I'm not gonna lie. Each course is 6 weeks and you do one course at a time so they have to fit a lot of material in a short amount of time. You do have to be committed to get everything done, but I work full time and have 3 kids so it is doable.

Hi, I have just started a Facebook group for the May cohort of the 2 year online MSW at Laurier. If you're interested in joining you can message me and I will invite you.

I haven't started. I start in May.

Last year was the first year of the program and they were very unorganized with the acceptances. The May cohort found out 2 weeks before they were supposed to start. I was accepted for this year's May cohort and found out the first week of January. Keep the faith that you will find out soon.