Steps to Apply

Step 1: Applying

• Regular Track programs require a bachelor’s degree; Advanced Standing programs require a BSW degree. See admission requirements for details.
• Step 1 (OUAC Application) must be completed by the application close date as noted below.

Note: Laurier reserves the right to close applications to the part-time online MSW programs at any time after the application open date without notice. Therefore, if you are interested in a specific entry term, plan to complete Step 1 as early as possible.

Step 2: Submitting Documentation

• All supplemental materials as noted in the MSW Application Checklist must be uploaded and submitted by the Supplemental Documentation due date.
  • Please use "Review" button to download a copy of your application and check your documents.
    • Ensure your transcripts are legible, documents are facing the right direction, scrutinize for typos, etc.
    • Fix and re-upload any document corrections.
  • When you are sure everything is correct and you are satisfied with your submission, click on “Submit my application.” After this point, changes cannot be made to your application.
• We encourage you to ask your referees to submit by the Step 2 Supplemental Documentation due date however, we will honour the full 14 days from the date they received the email request to submit the online reference without penalty to the applicant.
  • Reference Letter FAQs
• Applications missing documents after the Supplemental Documentation Due date and/or the referee 14-day window will be considered incomplete.
• Once your application is submitted, the application is received in real-time and no further confirmation of receipt of application is provided.

A list of required documents is listed in the MSW Application Checklist below. Please visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying, specific info on supplemental documents, FAQ’s, troubleshooting etc.

Deadlines

On-Campus Programs: Full-time, Fall Entry Only

Program application deadlines are firm. Late applications are not accepted.

¹ Target dates are noted but are subject to external factors.

² For MDiv/MSW program applicants: This program is jointly administered by Martin Luther University College and the Faculty of Social Work at Laurier. Applicants are required to apply to each area separately (Luther and Social Work) and to complete the application form and submit documentation and application fees as required for each area, by the specific deadlines for each program. When applying to the Faculty of Social Work, indicate in your personal statement that your anticipated program is the MDiv/MSW. Only applications for September (fall term) starts are considered.

Online Programs: Part-Time Only

For both the MSW Regular Track and MSW Advanced Standing programs, applications are accepted during the following time periods:

¹ Laurier reserves the right to close applications to the online part-time programs at any time after the application open date without notice. Therefore, if you are interested in a specific entry term, plan to complete Step 1 OUAC Application as early as possible.

² Target dates are noted but are subject to external factors.

Application Checklist

After you have submitted your OUAC application, paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from gradadmissions@wlu.ca advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration & Information System (LORIS).

An application for admission to all MSW programs must include:

• The Application Summary: this PDF is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it if you did not download it after submission).
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from universities as well as any degrees or diplomas from colleges, including those at which you were enrolled but did not complete a program. This includes institutions that may appear as transfer credits or exchange programs on your degree transcripts. You must submit a full and complete post-secondary academic history.
• Statement of Intent: Please use the personal statement form. This form includes:
  • Specific questions from the faculty. Read the instructions and answer questions thoughtfully and reflexively.
  • Graduate exemption requests for previous graduate work (if applicable).
  • Field Placement Agreement; Read and agree to the declarations.
• A completed summary of experience in human service organizations form. 
• A resume of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
  • There is no set format for this document however, we ask that you fully describe your duties for work and volunteer experiences that are particularly relevant to the social work field.
• Completed reference forms. Three references are required. One (1) Academic and two (2) Professional.*

*Note: Applicants who have been out of school for three or more years, and who cannot obtain an academic reference, will be required to submit an additional professional reference in its place. A professional reference is someone who can speak to your work and/or volunteer experience in human services. Do not include personal references from friends and family. Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded by the applicant.

Required only if applicable to the applicant:

• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS.
• For permanent Canadian residents, evidence of your status in Canada is required. You must provide a photocopy of your signed "Record of Landing" or photocopies of both sides of your permanent resident card.