CJackson15

This is one of the most competitive programs and it’s said people typically only get acceptance with decades of experience. I was waitlisted with 6-years full time social services experience and a 3.97/4.0 gpa from my psyc degree and didn’t make it off the waitlist. I know other people who had the same experience. You’re only edge might be diversity - something about you or your experience that stands out from the rest.

Hi everyone! Anyone know of paid MSW placement opportunities in Ottawa? TIA

It should say on the schools website, as deadlines are up to each individual school. But I’ve found the application is usually due the previous fall/winter.

I’m thinking clinical programs might be somewhat more helpful to obtaining competitive employment, especially positions where clinical skills are required. Overall, I don’t think it matters so much what MSW program one attends, more so on the applicant and the employment goals. Some of us will complete our MSW with years experience already in the field. But students going directly from their undergrad to MSW should be able to accumulate some experience through volunteer work and summer employment. I know plenty of people who started working front-line or in research before they even graduated.

I have a coworker/friend in this position so she decided on a 2-year BSW option, after which there will be more options for MSW advance standing! She’s doing the program through Manitoba.

Laurier’s online program has approx 25-30 from what I remember

Thank you so much for the info! I did find out the only funding that could be affected is a RA (which I don’t have). I guess I just assumed where it’s associated with OSAP, they have access to the info you report to Service Canada, so thought they would find out that way!

Carleton U 2-yr MSW - if you accepted your offer, there is a discord group for us to connect https://discord.gg/6DAKrGuE

Carleton U 2-yr MSW - if you accepted your offer, there is a discord group for us to connect https://discord.gg/6DAKrGuE

It could matter a little if you plan to stay in the Toronto area, as some employers might have their preferences/opinions. But I think outside the city especially, it’s just that you have the MSW that will matter, and some experience in the area you want to work. You could take a look at the alumni profiles to see what people have gone on to do after graduating!

Sent you a message

Hey there! One or two year program? I got accepted to the two year, and can share my funding with you. I didn’t get a TA role (they said there are very few to offer), but I may apply for one.

Hmm… I got into Carleton U for the 2-year MSW, and I don’t have any connections nor did I help my references with their submissions (though I did send them some information). Mind you, I did not get into Laurier’s online program last year. I wasn’t surprised because I didn’t have a social worker as a referee at the time, and I was told I just needed more experience. I know that Carleton also looks at life experience, identity, and career experience and interests in order to have a diverse class. So sometimes I think it’s just a matter of the applicant pool and who makes the final decisions. Because you can be put in the “acceptable” pile, but you’re just not making that “top 25” or whatever number they choose. A piece of advice for your statements… whether you have experienced significant barriers in life or you haven’t (and have privilege), recognize it and own it. It’s not about feeling bad for yourself, or feeling guilty about your privilege. It’s being candid about your growth and your willingness to keeping growing. That’s part of being a social worker, is having that level self awareness, and knowing how your experiences shape you.

Just checking back in to see who else has been accepted to Carleton’s 2-year MSW program?

I would start by messaging schools with 2-year programs to see if they will accept your degree and if they have taken students in the past with your background. Some programs also have course prerequisites, like research methods and statistics. And the requirements for references vary, and if they want professors, you’d need professors that can make a case for you enter social work. You may want to check out options for 3rd year BSW entry. You are doing the right thing to start researching this while ahead of application dates! Good luck.

If you don’t mind me chiming in, 2-year MSW programs are for people with degrees outside social work. Typically, they are looking for something related, which will probably be in the humanities or sciences. To be a competitive applicant, you will need social work related experience and references who can speak to your readiness/skill for the social work field.

Thank you! Joined

Oh, please do let us know what they say when you hear back! I learned about OGS from applying to grad school a few years back, after not applying. The deadline is around the same time as the program application, so many prospective students miss it.

That’s what I was hoping for as well! Could start a Facebook group to keep up with one another

I feel that a lot of online programs don’t offer scholarships if the expectation is that you self-fund through FT work.

I’m sorry to hear. A lot of programs don’t provide feedback, and while they don’t have to, it’s a huge disservice to people trying to further their education. Sometimes it comes down to the applicant pool and who’s making the decisions that time around.

Hi all! I was admitted to Carleton’s 2-year MSW program and will be accepting my offer for fall 2022. I would love to hear any feedback on the program from alumni, and to connect with any new classmates! I am also wondering what to expect in terms of school/work/life balance. I don’t expect the course load to be easy, but I would like to gage if it’s going to be possible to manage a casual PT job off-campus without compromising my academic experience. I also applied for the OGS and am waiting on results. Does anyone know how accepting this award would affect the funding package I was offered? With the OGS I realize I can only work 520 hours in that year, and it may not make financial sense for me to accept the OGS if it’s going to impact the funding package I was offered in addition to work income. As you can tell, most of my concerns are financial right now, but I am very pleased to have been accepted

Hi All - From the website, Carleton U's MSW program sounds competitive. I want to apply to the two-year program with foundational year, as my background is psychology. I meet all the standard requirements. I have WELL over the recommended hours to be considered competitive - I've been working in human services full-time for almost 6-years. However, I am still nervous to apply to a competitive program after being waitlisted for Laurier U's MSW program. I would expect Laurier's program is more competitive because it's distance education, but I'm still wondering if anyone could weigh in on this? Carleton also asks for reflection on personal identity and how it helps understand self and society... does this mean they give special attention to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities? (To be honest I HATE writing about my personal struggles because it always leads me to question if my struggles or identity are significant enough...) Right now, I'm thinking I want to apply to Carleton and University of Manitoba's distance program. I am hesitant to re-apply for Laurier, as I was told I met all requirements, just needed more experience. Thank you all in advance for your input and experience!