1

TIME UNIVERSITY CONTACT 10:00 -10:45 am University of Western Ontario Susan Book 11: 00 -11:45 am Wilfrid Laurier University Michelle Corbett 11:45 -12:30 pm LUNCH 12:30 - 1:15 pm Ryerson University Ken Moffatt 1:30 – 2:15 pm University of Toronto Kristin Bishop 2:30 – 3:15 pm McMaster University Roy Cain 3:30 – 4:15 pm York University William Woolrich

Graduate Information Fair

York UniversityMaster in Social Work

(MSW)

3

Why choose York University?

Top scholars from across Canada and more than 100 countries pursue graduate studies at York University.

As Canada’s leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university, York brings together eminent scholars and professors from every discipline to tackle real-world issues

4

Why choose York University?

Graduate Success:

Over the past five years, over 6500 graduate students have successfully completed a graduate degree.

Student-Faculty ratio:

Low student-faculty ratio with 1300 grad professors to fewer than 5200 grad students. You get the assistance/attention you deserve.

Innovative research programs:

Research grants to York professors place York in the front ranks of Ontario and in the country. More research equals more knowledge.

5

Why choose York University?

Financial Support:

York graduate students received annual awards totaling more than $10 million.

York offers exceptional opportunities for financial support through scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, awards, prizes and external awards.

6

Why choose York for your MSW?

Recognized as having one of the most progressive and socially responsive social work programs in Canada

An intellectually challenging environment in which students and professors can critically reflect on contemporary social work practice

Promotes an integrated approach to social work so that social problems are understood within the context of socio-political and socio-economic welfare realities

An environment where social inequality is interrogated, particularly within the interplay of race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation and ability.

Engages in critical reflection on contemporary social work issues within local and international contexts.

7

York University Mission Statement

The mission of York University is the pursuit, preservation and dissemination of knowledge. We promise excellence in research and teaching in pure, applied and professional fields. We test the boundaries and structures of knowledge. We cultivate the critical intellect.

York University is part of Toronto: we are dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural. York University is part of Canada: we encourage bilingual study, we value tolerance and diversity. York University is open to the world: we explore global concerns.

A community of faculty, students and staff committed to academic freedom, social justice, accessible education and collegial self-governance, York University makes innovation its tradition.

8

SOWK Mission Statement

The School of Social Work, York University, is committed to social work education which develops practice strategies for human rights and social justice and thus affirms that personal experiences are embedded in social structures.

9

SOWK Mission Statement (continues)

Through research, curriculum, and critical pedagogy the school will:

address oppression and subordination as experienced and mediated through class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, and ability;

develop a critical appreciation of the social construction of reality;

promote an understanding of how values and ideologies construct social problems and how they construct responses;

prepare students to be critical practitioners and agents of change.

10

Interests of Social Workers

Questions Social Workers AskWhy do women earn less income less than men?

Why are people of colour underrepresented in government?

Why are people homeless?

How do people work effectively as agents of change?

11

How important are Social Workers?

MicroWork directly with people who are in some way disenfranchised by providing opportunities for growth

MezzoWork as leaders in NGOs that shape how services are delivered

MacroDevelop policy that shapes sectors asa whole

12

MSW vs. BSW

Deeper and more thorough understanding of social problems and how they are constructed

Increased breadth of employment opportunities

Higher average salary than undergraduate

13

Where can social workers be employed?

health and mental health facilitiesschools rehabilitation clinicsprivate practiceemployee assistance programscorrectional facilitiesprivate industry

nursing homesdomestic violence and homelesssheltershospices child welfare agencies community advocacy agencies.

14

MSW Fees per Term

DOMESTIC FEES (as of 2008)Full-time: $1827.94Part-time: $913.99

INTERNATIONAL FEES (as of 2008)Full-time: $3990.53Part-time: $1995.28

These fees do not include a registration fee of $15 per term and associated course fees.

15

We financially support our full-time students

When we make you an offer of admission to our graduate social work program, York has committed to a minimum level of funding for the duration of your full-time Social Work graduate program.

Amounts you can count on to help support your graduate education:Year One (2008-09) at least $10,000

(and at least $14,000 for top students)Year Two (if applicable) at least $10,000These are historical and levels of commitment do change from

year to year

Plus many more internal and external scholarships, bursaries and awards are available (http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/award_search/)

16

Graduate Assistantship

As part of your funding package

GAs are offeredValue: From $ 4,231.50 to $8,463 for a maximum of 270 hours over two terms

Students will normally be expected to assist a Faculty member in their research or to work on some other project or duties as assigned by the Director of the Program.

Students must not be asked to work as a GA for more than an average of 10 hours per week.

17

We support our part-time students

Offering bursaries that are specifically designated for part-time students, e.g., the Galin Bursary(http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/award_search/)

Ensuring the core and elective courses are offered in the evening

Providing opportunities for continuing education in the evenings (or making alternative formats available electronically)

Atkinson Centre for Mature and Part-Time Students

18

Our New Two-Year MSW

Even if you do not have a Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) you can still pursue a MSW degree at York in our new two-year

full-time program.

19

Minimum Requirements for two-year MSW

A Honours undergraduate degree in a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of B in the final two years of full-time study. Related disciplines may include Sociology, Women’s Studies, or International Development Studies.

Successfully completed an undergraduate research methods course.

Professional, volunteer or personal experiences that demonstrate a commitment to social justice and the potential for social work practice.

20

Already have a BSW?

You can apply for a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) MSW program. Both

program are referred to as “Advance Standing”.

21

Minimum Admissions Requirements for the Advanced Standing Program

BSW or an equivalent honours undergraduate social work degree from a recognized university with at least a B average in the last two years of study of full-time study

Related social work experience

22

Common Admission Requirements for all MSW programs

Written statement (2 pages)

The written statement must include the rationale for applying to the social work program at York University and a statement of areas of practice and research interests.

Curriculum vitae (resume)

Three letters of reference (one academic, one professional, one is your choice)

Official transcript

$80 application fee

For applicants whose first language is not English, a minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) or YELT Overall Band 1 is required.

23

Checklist when applying

24

Outline of all MSW Programs

The MSW programs involves a combination of: courseworka practicum a practice-based research paper.

The program also prepares those students who plan to continue to doctoral studies.

25

Example of 2 year (no BSW) schedule(5 terms)

YEAR 1

Fall Term Winter Term Summer Term

SOWK 5010 3.0

Introduction to Social Work Theories Part 1

SOWK 5011 3.0

Introduction to Social Work Theories-Part II

SOWK 5250 3.0

Graduate Research Seminar

SOWK 5020 3.0

From Charity to Social Transformation

SOWK 5030 3.0

Oppression & Intersectionality

SOWK 5040 3.0

Social Welfare & Social Policy

SOWK 5050 3.0

Understanding Organizations for Social Work Practice

SOWK 5310 3.0

Practicum – 450 hours

YEAR 2

Fall Term Winter Term

SOWK 5150 6.0

Critical Perspectives in Social Work

SOWK 6100 3.0 Practice-based Research Paper (PRP)

Due April 30

SOWK 5450 3.0 (approx twice a month)

Practice Research Seminar (PRS)

SOWK 5350 6.0 Advanced Practicum – 600 hours

PLUS 4 ELECTIVE COURSES ARE REQUIRED DURING THE 5 TERMS

Convocation would occur October for those eligible to graduate

26

Example of Full-time Advance-Standing schedule (3 terms)

Fall Term Winter Term Summer Term

SOWK 5150 3.0

Critical Perspectives

SOWK 5350 6.0

Advanced Practicum

SOWK 6100 3.0

Practice-based Research Paper (PRP)

SOWK 5250 3.0

Graduate Research Seminar

SOWK 5450 3.0

Practice Research Seminar (PRS)

(meets approx. twice a month)

PLUS 2 ELECTIVES TAKEN ANY TIME DURING THE 3 TERMS

Convocation would occur October for those eligible to graduate

27

Example of Part-time schedule (6 terms)

YEAR 1

Fall Term Winter Term Summer Term

SOWK 5150 3.0

Critical Perspectives in Social Work

SOWK 5250 3.0

Graduate Research Seminar

No required courses but students are expected to register and pay fees.

Electives available

YEAR 2

Fall Term Winter Term Summer Term

SOWK 5350 6.0

Practicum (min 2 days/week)

SOWK 6100 Practice-based Research Paper (PRP)

Due: June 30

SOWK 5450 3.0 (approx twice a month)

Practice Research Seminar (PRS)

PLUS 2 ELECTIVE COURSES ARE REQUIRED DURING THE 6 TERMS

Convocation would occur October for those eligible to graduate

28

Practicum

Provides experiential training

Must complete 450 hours

Our practicum you need to further develop your social work practice framework

29

Practice Research Seminar (PRS) SOWK 5450 3.0

Full-time MSW: Fall-Winter

Part-time MSW: Fall-Winter Year Two

2-Year MSW: Fall Year Two

The seminar will assist the development of proposals of your Practice-Based Research and analyses of the data

Meet approximately twice a month

30

Practice-Based Research PaperSOWK 6100 3.0

Full-time MSW: Summer of following year of admissionPart-time MSW: Summer two years following admissionTwo-Year MSW: Winter of second year

Elements of the Paper Builds on discussions, assignments and proposal undertaken in the

Practice Research Seminar course. SOWK 5450 3.0 May involve the collection of empirical and/or secondary data Must develop a theoretical perspective The paper should include an abstract, introduction, literature review,

methodology, findings, discussions, and conclusions. Findings and conclusions should be explored in relation to the advancement of social work theory, social work practice, and future research.

PhD Program

32

Requirements for Admission

MSW* with a minimum B+ average.Resume or CVStatement of interest (10-page maximum)Your reasons for choosing York (one-page maximum)Sample of professional or academic writing

*In exceptional cases, a master’s degree in a related discipline will be considered. In such a case, the applicant must demonstrate extensive experience in the field.

33

Program Requirements

Five graduate courses as follows:SOWK 7000 3.0 – Social Justice within a Social Work ContextSOWK 7010 3.0 – EpistemologySOWK 7020 3.0 – Seminar on Research Design and MethodologySOWK 7030 3.0 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data AnalysisSOWK 7040 3.0 – Doctoral Seminar

Three electives:from the series SOWK 5900 3.0 to 5999 3.0, or approved course from another Graduate Program

34

Schedule

Option 1 Option 2 Fall Year 1 Epistemology

Seminar on Research Design and Methodology

Elective

Epistemology Seminar on Research

Design and Methodology

Winter Year 1 Social Work and Social Justice

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

Elective

Social Work and Social Justice

Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis

Summer Year 1 Elective Elective Fall Year 2 Comprehensives Two Electives Winter Year 2 Comprehensive Exams Comprehensives Summer Year 2 Comprehensives Fall Year 3 Doctoral Seminar Comprehensive Exams

Doctoral Seminar Winter Year 3 Target Proposal Submission

Date January 31 Target Proposal Submission Date April 30

Summer Year 3 Research and Writing Research and Writing Fall Year 4 Research and Writing Research and Writing Winter Year 4 Research and Writing Research and Writing Summer Year 4 Fall Year 5 Potential February

Convocation

Winter Year 5 Potential June Convocation Summer Year 5

35

Comprehensive Exams

Either at end of 2nd year or beginning of 3rd

Two paper approx. 50 pages in length eachTwo questions chosen from three possible alternatives (per area) developed between you and your supervisorOne explores a general question or topic in your area of interestOther, explores specific question relevant to your area of studyReading list consists of approx. 50 readings drawn from core courses plus other relevant readingsOne week for each question to finalize paperIf two members of committee pass each paper, date for oral exam is setStudents may repeat oral examination once within six months

36

Dissertation

Establish supervisory committee within one month of beginning comprehensive period of study (can do it earlier).

Committee has 3-5 members appointed to FGS (one member outside SSW)

Dissertation proposal due to supervisory committee. For option one students by January 30 (Winter, Year 3), and April 30 (Winter, Year 3) for option two students

37

Dissertation

Committee meets with you at least three times prior to defense to provide guidance. Work is original research carried out by you.Dissertation must be orally defended by Examination Committee comprised of six members: three members of supervisory committee, one from York but outside SSW, one from outside York, and a Dean’s representative. Committee membership must be approved by GPD and FGS.

38

Funding

Total of 22 400.00$York graduate scholarship of 2000$ per term which accounts for 6000$Remaining portion will be comprised of GAship (in the summer) and other potsOther post-entrance funding opportunities are outlined in the program manual and at Student Financial Services (http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/award_search/)

39

Student Resources & Services

Bookstore Centre for Academic Writing Centre for Student Community

& Leadership Development Centre for Human Rights &

Equity Centre for Race & Ethnic

Relations Computing resources Career Centre Academic Advising Medical Clinic

Graduate LoungeOffice of the OmbudspersonPharmacyTwo childcare centres on the Keele campusStudent Conduct & Dispute ResolutionYork International (international student centre)York Women’s CentreOffice For Persons With Disabilities

40

Libraries

World class libraries provide rich collections, value-added services, excellent librarians, and knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Housed in 5 buildingsMore than 6.5 million items150 000 e-books20 000 online journals

Graduate Students receive extended library privileges.

PLUS: The Archives of Ontario is moving to York’s Keele campus. The building is scheduled to be completed in March 2009, which coincides with the University’s 50th anniversary.

41

On Campus Accommodations

On-campus apartment-style accommodation, both furnished and unfurnished, is available to York graduate students. There are 5 high rise building and a stacked Townhouse building.

A brand new community opened recently within the York University area with many units available for students off campus.

42

Student Life

We offer an impressive range of on-campus social activities.

Each year there are hundreds of art exhibits, concerts, plays and films for you to enjoy.

We also have 250+ student clubs, including the Graduate Student Association, social/cultural clubs, religious groups and political organizations

43

What our graduates say

"I will be forever thankful that I chose to do both my BSW and MSW at York University. The critical perspective that framed the groundwork of my learning at York has been absolutely essential for my current work promoting mental health recovery education and practice in the mental health field in Ontario." Ann Thompson (2003)

"The program has been reassuringly rigorous and comprehensive; overall, a challenging experience which has unquestionably boosted my confidence and employability." Penny Ramdeo (2002)

"I felt very supported and encouraged by my professors at all times. Today, I'm much more confident in my practice and at the forefront of my work is the critical perspective approach when responding to my client's needs."Heather Gordon (2004)

44

How to Apply

1. Go to York University’s homepage: www.yorku.ca

2. Click on “Graduate Studies”3. Read and understand the

requirements4. Click on “Apply Now”

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline in one single package (except transcripts).

DO NOT MISS THE DEADLINE OF DECEMBER 16, 2008