MSW On Campus Application & Program Frequently Asked Questions

If I am a University of Windsor student (current or graduate), do I still need to upload my UWindsor transcript?
Yes, please upload all transcripts from post-secondary institutions you have attended. The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that all applicants submit all post-secondary transcripts, including College transcripts.

Please ensure to add your UWindsor Academic history, along with all other post-secondary information, to your application when applying. Including this information, the system will create sections for you to upload all your required post-secondary transcripts.

The School of Social Work will not obtain your transcript on your behalf; you must provide your UWindsor transcript in UWinsite Student. Please make sure to add all post-secondary institutions attended when completing your application.

Please make sure your most recent transcript includes the following:
1) your name
2) name of the institution
3) the degree awarded (or currently enrolled in)
4) the credit weighting
5) the grade awarded for each class, up until the present semester

Including transcripts that do not contain all required information will delay the processing of your application.
 

Can I mail in my transcript?
No. Please upload a digital copy of your transcript into UWinsite.
We do not accept hard copies of any application documents for the MSW On Campus application.
 

What information needs to be included on my transcripts?
Your most recent transcript need to include the following information:
1) your name
2 ) name of the institution
3) the degree awarded (or currently enrolled in)
4) the credit weighting
5) the grade awarded for each class, up until the present semester

Including transcripts that do not contain all required information will delay the processing of your application.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that all applicants submit all post-secondary transcripts, including College transcripts.
Please note that only the grades available at the time you apply will be considered in your application. We do not review transcripts containing grades submitted after the application deadline.

Do I need to submit official transcripts during the application process?
No, please do not send any official documents to the University of Windsor during the application process. You are only required to upload electronic copies of your transcripts to the application portal (in PDF format).

When uploading your transcripts, they must include your full name, the name of the institution attended, program of study, credit weighting and grade awarded for each class or else your transcripts cannot be used to assess your application. Including transcripts that do not contain all required information will delay the processing of your application.
 

How do you calculate GPA to determine whether I meet the 73% minimum requirement for consideration in the MSW programs?
The cumulative GPA of your qualifying degree will be calculated. 'Qualifying degree' refers to the degree you need to have for admissions.
If you are applying for the MSW Advanced Standing On Campus program, it is your BSW degree. If applying for the MSW Regular Track On Campus program, it is your most recent four-year undergraduate degree.

GPA is calculated using the last 2 years of full-time study, from your qualifying degree. The last 2 years of full-time study equals the last 20 courses taken.

I’ve submitted my application and paid the $125 application fee. What are the next steps?
Once your application and payment have been processed, you will receive an application acknowledgement email. Note that it may take up to two business days to receive this email.
Please add gradadmit@uwindsor.ca to your safe sender list. Check your junk mail folder if you haven’t received this email within two business days.

Can the two-business day waiting period, between my payment being processed and receiving my confirmation email, be waived when I start the application process?
No, this cannot be waived; please keep in mind this turn around period, when starting the application process.


I am experiencing technical issues in UWinsite Student - how do I proceed?
If you are having technical issues in UWinsite Student, please create a ticket with our IT Services.

https://www.uwindsor.ca/itservices/support/ticket

Please notify the Graduate Secretary (gradsw@uwindsor.ca) of the issue, and update them accordingly.

It is imperative you advise the School of Social Work immediately of any technical issues prior to the application deadline.
Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in your email.


I did not receive my activation information- how do I proceed?
If you have not received your activation information, please contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist, for further assistance.
Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name. Copy the Graduate Secretary (gradsw@uwindsor.ca), so the Social Work department is aware of the technical issues as well.
Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in any email communication.


I am unable to upload my documents to UWinsite Student.
Be sure that you have waited at least 24 hours after you receive your confirmation email, as it sometimes takes that long for the system to be updated with your information.

If you have already accessed your portal, please check that you are uploading your forms in PDF format only.  Visit this ask.UWindsor article for instructions to upload your documents.

If your documents are double-sided, be sure to scan and submit both sides of each document. 

An automatic email will be sent out to referees, if required. 

If you are still having issues, please create a ticket with our IT Services.

https://www.uwindsor.ca/itservices/support/ticket

Please notify the Graduate Secretary (gradsw@uwindsor.ca) of the issue, and update them accordingly. Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in your email communication.
 

Can I upload Word Documents in UWinsite Student?
No, please upload all documents as PDFs.
Mac users, please note that if you submit a Pages document, we will not be able to retrieve and open the document.

Please submit ALL documents as PDFs.


How can I track my application in UWinsite Student?

Review this ask.UWindsor article for instructions on tracking your application in UWinsite Student. 

Does my referee automatically receive a reference link, and a copy of the School of Social Work referee instructions?

When you submit your application online, through the Faculty of Graduate Studies Application Website, your referees will receive an email to complete the required reference form.

In addition to the form, the School of Social Work has specific criteria we request referees to address in regard to each applicant. The reference form provides a section for your referees to do so. It is your responsibility to inform them of these requirements, which can be found on our website, or send them a copy. The School of Social Work does not send your referee the instructions.

Please refer to the Academic Referee Instructions and the Employer Referee Instructions.

References are due by the MSW Application deadline.

Do I need to have all my references completed before I submit my application?
No. You can submit your application while still pending receipt of your references. Your application will then go into a holding pattern until all references are received; at that point your application will move forward in the system for processing.

References are due by the MSW Application deadline.


If I have been out of school for an extended period, am I allowed to have two Employer References?
If you have been out of school for 10+ years, you are able to use two Employer References; otherwise an Academic & Employer referee are required.

Can I add an additional reference if I have another person who can write one for me?
We only include a fixed number of references in our ranking of applicants. Submitting an additional reference makes more work for the administration staff who have to pick the one to be excluded and it may not be the one you would choose.

I am having difficulty contacting one of my former professors for the Academic Referee portion of the application. What can I do to fulfill this requirement in the application?
This is not an uncommon challenge some of our applicants face. If you pick courses you did exceptionally well in, sometimes an instructor will agree to be a reference for you even if they don't remember you. They know how they mark in their course so just by looking at your grade they will be able to comment on your performance in their class. By looking at your overall transcript and resume, they will be able to comment on other aspects of academic significance.

The Referee link provides my Referee 20-45 days to complete their reference; does this mean they have past the deadline to submit their reference?
This is an automatically generated message that applies to all graduate programs but is not correct for the MSW On Campus program.
The date provided in the Referee Link email is NOT the deadline but is the expiry date for the referee link.

It is the applicant’s duty to communicate to their referee that all reference documentation is submitted by the application deadline. The School of Social Work does not send out reminder emails to Referees, it is the applicant’s duty to insure all application documents and references are submitted by the deadline.


My Referee Link is broken and/or they did not receive it- how do I proceed?
If your Referee’s link is broken, or they do not receive the email with their link; contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist for further assistance.

Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name. Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in all email communication.
Please copy gradsw@uwindsor.ca, so the Social Work department is aware of the technical issues as well.
 

When does my Referee receive their email link?
Your referee will receive their email link once your application becomes active in UWinsite Student. If your referee does not receive the email with their link; contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist for further assistance.

Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name. Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in all email communication.
Please copy gradsw@uwindsor.ca, so the Social Work department is aware of the technical issues as well.


My Reference Link has expired- how do I proceed?
If your reference link has expired, contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist for further assistance.
Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name.

Please copy gradsw@uwindsor.ca, so the Social Work department is aware. Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in all email communication.


How do I proceed: my Referee has advised they have submitted their reference, but it is not appearing in UWinsite Student and/or my Referee is having issues submitting their reference.
Sometimes errors or omissions occur when your referee completes the form, and when it is submitted the system does not accept it. Please remind your referees that they must ensure that pop-ups are enabled in their browser before completing the form; this will ensure that they will be able to see any errors that will prevent the form from being submitted. It is also recommended that they use either Chrome or Firefox browsers, and that they do not try to complete the form on a mobile device. Once the submission is accepted, you will receive an email confirmation that this has been completed.

If your referee(s) leave any portion of the form blank it will not upload.  All portions of the document must be completed. Forms should not be submitted from a cellular phone as this can cause an internal error as well.

If your referee is still experiencing technical difficulties, in any capacity, contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist for further assistance. Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name.

Please copy gradsw@uwindsor.ca, so the Social Work department is aware of the technical issues as well. Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in all email communication.


How do I proceed: I would like to change my Referee.
You may make changes to any referee information, including replacing a referee, as long as the reference has not yet been submitted and your application has not been reviewed by the University.

If you experience any issue make changes to your Referees, contact your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist for further assistance. Your Graduate and Professional Application Services Specialist is assigned alphabetically by last name.

Please include your name, student number, and program you are applying to, in all email communication.
Please copy gradsw@uwindsor.ca, so the Social Work department is aware of the change.

I only have volunteer experience that is one day here and one day there, does that count?
Relevant work experience is a requirement for admission. However, we do not have a specific amount required because we consider your whole application package. The more you have and more closely related to social work it is, the stronger your application will be.
Volunteer work that was only a day here and there should be included in the Professional Experience Form- allow us to be the judge of the degree to which the experience provided you with social work related experience.
You can assist us in making this judgement by describing in your personal statement how that experience has contributed to your motivation and skill development relevant to social work.

How do I apply?
Refer to the step-by-step instructions to begin your application.
Note that application fees are non-refundable.

Can I have credits transferred from a previous degree?
No. Due to the highly prescribed course sequencing of this program, we do not grant credit for prior learning.

I have submitted my MSW application and would like to update my transcript or add additional information to my application.
Please be advised we do not accept updated transcripts or accept additional information once an application has been submitted. Please be sure to review your application, in full, before submission, as we will not return applications once submitted.

We do not review transcripts containing grades submitted after the application deadline.

I have a three-year undergraduate degree. Am I eligible for admission?
No, applicants must hold a 4-year Honours degree or equivalent. If you possess a 3-year degree, you are not eligible for admission to the MSW On Campus Program.
The term 'honours' is used differently at different institutions. The 'honours' part of the requirement at the University of Windsor does not refer to your marks. It refers to the type of degree. If you have a four-year degree, then it is likely an honours degree as opposed to a three-year general degree.

Is there a thesis option?
There is no thesis option in this program, however, the MSW On Campus program at the University of Windsor is considered to be a research-based program.

I would like to complete the program on a part-time basis. Is this possible?
We do not offer a part time option.
As you will see on the program website, Master of Social Work Programs | School of Social Work (uwindsor.ca), the On Campus program courses are offered in specific terms and follow a set sequence. This is essential as completion of every course in one term is a pre-requisite for students to go on to the next term. This includes the timing of the Field Practicum.
There are no options in terms of changing the order or timing of courses.

In addition, it is important that students understand that the MSW On Campus programs are full time programs where students are expected to attend ALL classes and be available throughout regular work hours Monday- Friday.

I have submitted my application, when will it be reviewed?
Please be advised we do not offer rolling admissions.
Your application will be reviewed after the application deadline has passed.
 

What is the status of my application?

Find information at ask.UWindsor - What is my graduate application status?

It is important to note that most application decisions are made at the departmental level then verified and in some cases, overturned, at the office of Graduate Studies.

*Please note it is the applicant's responsibility to contact the School of Social Work with any questions they may have, and to notify the Department if they are experiencing any difficulties with their application. The deadline is strongly enforced by the School of Social Work.

The research course and/or statistics course I took is not on your pre-approved list- how do I proceed?
Please email gradsw@uwindsor.ca with a copy of your course syllabus and our MSW Coordinator can advise if the course satisfies the requirements.
A completed syllabus includes: instructor, assignment description, what the course covered and marking guidelines.


Do I need to have the research and statistics courses completed before I apply?
You are not required to have your research methods and statistic courses completed in order to apply to the MSW On Campus program. However, it is required for admission to the program. If you do not have these two courses you will be considered for admission with no disadvantage over applicants who do have the courses.

If your application is successful and you are deemed admissible into the MSW On Campus program, you will receive a conditional offer of admission which will indicate you must complete the course(s) required before you can start the MSW On Campus graduate program.


Do I need to have a research methods course AND a statistics course?
Yes, applicants are required to submit evidence of one undergraduate course in Research Methods AND one undergraduate course in Statistics.

Am I required to provide a copy of Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Applicants who have been out of school for a period of time and wish to demonstrate academic ability
beyond what is reflected by their academic transcripts are encouraged to write the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE) general test and submit the results with their application. GRE results will not
over-ride the GPA but will be considered as a supplement to the application.

What countries are exempt from providing English language proficiency examination scores?
Please review the Faculty of Graduate Studies website (https://www.uwindsor.ca/graduate-studies/346/admission-requirements); specifically the section ‘English Language Proficiency Examination Score Exemptions'

What testing am I able to provide regarding proof of English Proficiency?
Please review the Faculty of Graduate Studies website (https://www.uwindsor.ca/graduate-studies/346/admission-requirements); specifically the section ‘Tests (GRE/GMAT/English Proficiency)’

What are the English Language requirements for Graduate programs at the University of Windsor?
Review the information provided on the graduate admission requirements webpage.

What are the fees for the program?
Please refer to the University of Windsor’s online tuition estimator for the most current breakdown of fees: https://www.uwindsor.ca/finance/fee-estimator.

Input "Masters" under program; "Social Work" under major; "full time" under type.
Please note this does not include the cost of course materials such as textbooks or software licenses.

If you have any further questions please contact the University of Windsor Cashiers Office at (519) 253-3000 ext. 3307.

*Fees may change subject to the approval of the Board of Governors.

How do I find out my admission status?
It is important to note that most application decisions are made at the departmental level then verified and, in some cases, overturned by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Find information at ask.UWindsor - What is my graduate application status?

I’ve been admitted into the program. How do I accept my offer?

Congratulations, see the steps at ask.UWindsor - I have applied for a graduate program, and have been accepted. How do I accept my offer?

Is a deposit required upon accepting my offer into the MSW On Campus programs?
We do not require a deposit when accepting your offer.

Are the courses predetermined for the MSW On Campus programs?

Yes. Both the MSW Advanced Standing and MSW Regular Track program have predetermined course sequencing which is to be followed.

Please see the course sequencing for each program, below:

MSW Advanced Standing On Campus program course sequencing:

Summer
SWRK8521, Social Justice and Social Change
SWRK8547, Social Work Research: Practice Evaluation

Fall
SWRK8610, Advanced Direct Social Work Practice
SWRK8611, Advanced Indirect Social Work Practice
SWRK8622, Advanced Social Policy Analysis and Development
SWRK8630, Challenges in Child Welfare OR SWRK8631, Challenges in Health & Aging
SWRK8640, Program Design and Evaluation

Winter
SWRK8680, Advanced Internship Seminar (Online/Distance Education & held in real time)
SWRK8681, Advanced Practice Internship (450 hours completed four days per week full-time)

MSW Regular Track On Campus program course sequencing:

Fall, Year 1
SWRK8503, Comprehensive Social Policy Analysis
SWRK8504, Communication Skills in Social Work Practice
SWRK8547, Social Work Research: Practice Evaluation
SWRK8550, Social Work Values, Ethics and Anti-Oppressive Practice

Winter, Year 1
SWRK8521, Social Justice and Social Change
SWRK8531, Social Work Practice with Individuals
SWRK8532, Social work Practice with Groups
SWRK8533, Social Work Practice with Families
SWRK8534, Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities

Spring and Summer, Year 1
SWRK8570, Field Integration Seminar (Online/Distance Education & held in real time)
SWRK8571, Master of Social Work Foundation Year Practicum (450 hours completed four days per week full-time)

Fall, Year 2
SWRK8610, Advanced Direct Social Work Practice
SWRK8611, Advanced Indirect Social Work Practice
SWRK8622, Advanced Social Policy Analysis and Development
SWRK8630, Challenges in Child Welfare OR SWRK8631, Challenges in Health & Aging
SWRK8640, Program Design and Evaluation

Winter, Year 2
SWRK8680, Advanced Internship Seminar (Online/Distance Education & held in real time)
SWRK8681, Advanced Practice Internship (450 hours completed four days per week full-time)

What are the expectations regarding where I can complete my Field placement?
The field team will be connecting with our field partners for perspective placements following individual planning meetings with students. Students do not contact agencies. Students may work with the field team to secure a field placement in their home community within the province of Ontario .

What is the expected length of Field placement?
The general time frame for placements extends past the academic semester by 2-3 weeks. The field calendar must be adhered to.

Am I expected to complete Field placement during Reading Week?
Field placement continues through reading week.

What are the expectations regarding Field placement?
Field education is a credited course and tuition for all semesters registered is required.
Field education is not a co-op course. Students are not paid to complete the credits pertaining to field education.

Please also see the FAQ supplied by the Faculty of Graduate Studies: http://www.uwindsor.ca/graduate-studies/355/future-students-faq

Graduate Secretary
School of Social Work
University of Windsor
167 Ferry Street
Windsor, ON
N9A 0C5
Telephone: 519-253-3000 x 6096
E-Mail: gradsw@uwindsor.ca
 

*Windsor Hall is a locked building. Please contact the Graduate Secretary to discuss setting up a tour of the building. We are unable to give tours without an appointment.

*Please include your name, student number and program you are applying to in your email communication.