Delivery method and course plan
The MSW Indigenous specialization is delivered primarily through distance education. Students in the MSWI complete 15 units comprised of course work and one of two completion options: thesis or course-based.
MSW INDIGENOUS SPECIALIZATION PROGRAM FLOW
On-campus institute
The first term of study begins with a mandatory 5-day on-campus institute, which is normally scheduled in the last week of August. This on-campus experience gives students the opportunity to visit the UVic campus, meet face-to-face with faculty, staff, and peers, and begin SOCW 521 and SOCW 523, the first two courses of the MSWI program. Both courses will continue online via distance education after the institute concludes. The remainder of the MSWI courses are offered via distance education.
The exact dates for the on-campus institute will be emailed to all admitted MSWI students. Please also refer to the Academic Calendar for other official dates.
MSWI core course requirements
Students are required to complete all core course requirements (10.5 units). These units are made up of 7.5 units of SOCW course work and 3.0 units of elective course work. To access electives, please review the Elective Credit Information Below.
SOCW course requirements (7.5 units)
- SOCW 510 (1.5) Policy Context of Practice
- SOCW 516 (1.5) Research Methodologies
- SOCW 521 (1.5) Indigenous Perspectives on Knowledge and Research *
- SOCW 523 (1.5) Self-conscious Traditionalism in Indigenous Social Work Practice Seminar *
* part of the on-campus institute
Elective requirement (3.0 units)
- Electives (3.0 units)
- For further information about elective selection and registration, please see the
Elective Credit Information PDF
- For further information about elective selection and registration, please see the
Course-based option
The MSW Indigenous Specialization course-based option requires a minimum of 15 units. The 15 units are made up of 7.5 units of core courses, 3.0 units of electives, and a 4.5 unit MSWI field education placement.
Field education requirement (4.5 units)
- SOCW 506A (4.5) MSWI Practicum
Additional course requirement (1.5 units)
- SOCW 571 (1.5) MSW Capstone
Thesis option
The MSW Indigenous Specialization thesis option requires a minimum of 15 units. The 15 units are made up of 6.0 units of core courses, 3.0 units of electives, and a 6.0 unit thesis.
Thesis requirement (6.0 units)
Optional additional course (1.5 units)
- SOCW 517 (1.5) Research Seminar (supervisor's recommendation required)
MSWF students interested in joining the MSWI program
As part of prioritizing access for Indigenous students to Indigenous-specific graduate education:
- Indigenous-identified MSWF students may elect to ladder directly into the MSWI program following the completion of all MSWF requirements. These students must indicate their intention to ladder by November 30 during the first semester of their MSWF studies, and they must successfully complete all MSWF program requirements before commencing MSWI studies the following year.
- Non-Indigenous MSWF students interested in joining the MSWI program are invited to apply through the standard competitive MSWI admissions process. The application package must include an MSWI Statement of Intent, a resume, required references, an MSWF transcript, and an Experience Summary. Applications are due by November 30 during the first semester of MSWF studies. If offered admission, applicants must successfully complete all MSWF program requirements prior to commencing MSWI studies the following year.