Social Work, Indigenous Specialization (MSWI)
The Master of Social Work Indigenous Specialization (MSWI) program is shaped by the realities, priorities, and knowledge systems of researchers and practitioners working for and with Indigenous communities and organizations. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with Indigenous peers and faculty to cultivate learning environments rooted in relational, land‑informed, and community‑engaged approaches that strengthen cultural knowledge, responsibilities, and professional practice.
In the MSWI program, you have the choice of completing either a thesis or a 450‑hour advanced practicum, allowing you to tailor your learning through research or practice grounded in Indigenous contexts.
The program begins with a week-long, in-person institute at the University of Victoria, after which you will complete all coursework through distance education.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5 years | Yes | Yes |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study, Part-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus, Online, Blended
- Dynamic learning:
- Other: Practicum option available
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- examine the challenges, contributions, constraints and contexts for critical social work practice
- apply critical social work practice that is rooted in a vision of social justice
- gain accountable and anti-oppressive education, research and practice in the advancement of decolonization, Indigenous-focused, anti-racist, feminist and queer (among other) social justice struggles
- uphold the values of equity, diversity and inclusion in their living, learning and work environments
- emphasize social justice, Indigenous and anti-oppressive approaches to working with communities, families and individuals
Find a supervisor
You do not need to name a potential supervisor when you apply. We'll help you through this process after you've been admitted.
Program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Program details
Application deadlines
Apply by December 1
Note: International students should get their paperwork in order as soon as possible. Processing times are often lengthy and can delay your program entry.
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
Applicants to this program should hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
By the application deadline, non-Indigenous applicants must have a minimum of 6000 hours of human services experience in an Indigenous social services setting or a closely related field. Indigenous applicants must have a minimum of 3000 hours of human services experience in an Indigenous social services setting or a closely related field.
As part of your application, you must also submit:
- Updated CV. Please include education, employment, volunteer work and accomplishments or initiatives
- Statement of intent. The form will be available on the School of Social Work MSW application page during the application period
- Experience summary. The form will be available on the School of Social Work MSW application page during the application period
- Names and email addresses of three academic or professional references. One of these must be an Indigenous community-based reference
- Post-secondary transcripts
Program specific requirements
Applicants to this program should hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
By the application deadline, non-Indigenous applicants must have a minimum of 6000 hours of human services experience in an Indigenous social services setting or a closely related field. Indigenous applicants must have a minimum of 3000 hours of human services experience in an Indigenous social services setting or a closely related field.
As part of your application, you must also submit:
- Updated CV. Please include education, employment, volunteer work and accomplishments or initiatives
- Statement of intent. The form will be available on the School of Social Work MSW application page during the application period
- Experience summary. The form will be available on the School of Social Work MSW application page during the application period
- Names and email addresses of three academic or professional references. One of these must be an Indigenous community-based reference
- Post-secondary transcripts
Completion requirements
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
Funding & aid
Tuition & fees
Estimated minimum program cost*
* Based on an average program length. For a per term fee breakdown view the tuition fee estimator.
Estimated values determined by the tuition fee estimator shall not be binding to the University of Victoria.
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Related programs
Need help?
Contact Jordy Bater at swgrad@uvic.ca or 250-472-5622.