Social Work (MSW)

MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work

The primary objective of the MSW: Critical Analysis of Social Work is to provide opportunities for students to develop knowledge and skills necessary for the critical analysis of social work, and to examine relation to social work practices and social policies. Students will develop: an appreciation of the entanglement of fact and value, of material and discursive framings of social problems and the conceptualization and implementation of responses to them the ability to apply these skills and modes of understanding to substantive areas of interest and in their research practice the capacity to move from analysis of social work/social welfare issues or problems to consideration of the possibilities and limits of action and change in practices or policies.

The program leads to a Master’s degree; it is also suitable preparation for advanced study at the doctoral level.

Program type: Thesis, Course-based

MSW: Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities

The primary objective of the MSW: Critical Leadership in Social Services and Communities is to foster progressive leadership in the community and social service sectors. Specifically, the program supports students’ development of:

• conceptual, theoretical and analytical skills in relation to social work practices and social policies
• appreciation of the changing conditions in social services and communities and the complexities and possibilities of ethical leading in the contemporary context
• the ability to apply these skills and modes of understanding to the practice of leadership

Students entering the MSW in Critical Leadership must have experience working in social services or community in order to be eligible for admission.

Program type: Practicum-based, Course-based

The MSW. program at McMaster University does not focus on clinical skill development per se. Applicants wanting to further develop their clinical skills may wish to apply to graduate programs of other Schools of Social Work.

Areas of Research

• Social work
• Critical practice & policy
• Social justice