Requests for exemptions or substitutions must be made at the time of application and is part of the Statement of Interest form that is a required document in the application process.
Exemptions
With the exception of field courses, course exemptions may be granted based on prior graduate-level university courses up to a maximum of two half-credit core courses for the MSW Regular Track programs, and a maximum of one half-credit core courses for the Advanced Standing full-time and part-time programs. Additional requirements include:
- Consideration for exemptions is only given for similar graduate level courses completed within the last 5 years with a minimum final grade of B or higher.
- Consideration for exemptions is only given prior to admission to the program. Applicants must make the request and submit all documentation with their application.
- Applicants must submit a full course syllabus for each course they would like considered with their application. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a translated version.
- Initial recommendations regarding exemptions are made by the Associate Dean, MSW Programs and approved by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Substitutions
With the exception of field courses, course substitutions may be offered based on prior undergraduate-level university courses up to a maximum of two courses for the MSW Regular Track programs. Additional requirements include:
- Substitution is only given for similar courses completed with a minimum final grade of B or higher. Courses may include undergraduate level courses or may include graduate level courses taken more than 5 years ago.
- Students must provide a course syllabus for each course they would like considered for a substitution. Documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a translated version.
- Initial recommendations regarding substitutions are made by the Associate Dean, MSW Programs and approved by the Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Exemptions and Substitutions for MSW Field Courses
Exemptions and/or substitutions for field placement hours/courses may be considered for students who can demonstrate successful completion of an MSW field course from a social work program accredited by Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE).
The process for requesting a field exemption/substitution includes the following requirements:
- Submitting a transcript that indicates successful completion of the MSW field course;
- Submission of all placement evaluations; and
- Confirmation of hours from the assigned MSW field instructor and/or field coordinator.
Exemptions and/or substitutions for field placement hours/courses completed within any other graduate program, or undergraduate program (including undergraduate programs accredited by CASWE) cannot be considered. Exemptions and/or substitutions that
cannot be considered include: prior service, professional experience, volunteer experience, and hours completed within qualifying years of accredited programs.