In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the Faculty of Social Work requires the following:
a) A Master of Social Work or equivalent graduate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum grade point average of 3.50 on a four-point scale.
b) A program proposal which includes the applicant鈥檚 reasons for pursuing doctoral education in social work; educational goals and career expectations; prior research course work and experience; and a research proposal outlining the research problem the applicant hopes to investigate, the preliminary ideas regarding methodology, and the potential contributions to social work research, practice, policy, and education.
c) A minimum of two years full-time post-master鈥檚 social services practice experience.
d) A sample of written work, such as a published or unpublished scholarly paper or a professional report.
e) Three references, two of which should come from a person who can speak to the applicant鈥檚 academic performance and ability, and one professional/work reference.
f) For applicants required to present proof of proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based test); IELTS score of 7.0; a CAEL score of 70 (70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening); or a PTE with a minimum score of 68 (Academic version). This requirement can also be met by completing the with a minimum grade of 鈥淎-鈥 in academic writing and oral communication courses and 鈥淏+鈥 in other courses.
Note: Completing a PhD degree does not qualify an individual to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW). Please visit for additional information.
Requests to defer an offer of admission are not normally considered.