Master of Social Work in Gender and Women Studies (Project) in Toronto Canada | Lakehead University

Lakehead University provides a cutting-edge Master of Social Work (MSW) program available at its Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses. The School of Social Work designed this MSW program to prepare advanced generalist practitioners for work with individuals, families, communities, and organizations across diverse settings, from metropolitan areas to northern and rural regions. With intimate campus sizes and accessible faculty, students enjoy a supportive academic atmosphere. The program curriculum equips students with the essential knowledge, values, and competencies for professional practice in varied contexts including urban hubs, remote communities, expansive geographical areas, sparse populations, Indigenous communities, and mixed service delivery systems.
Lakehead's MSW program prioritizes advanced professional development, typically achieved through the project pathway. All admitted students begin in the project track. During their initial studies, following discussions with faculty advisors, those preferring the thesis option may petition the Graduate Coordinator for a track change. The program's flexible structure enables tailored learning experiences, with each student choosing a practice specialization to guide their coursework, field placement, and final project or thesis.
Lakehead's Gender and Women's Studies Department is committed to advancing gender as a crucial analytical framework in academic research. Through cross-disciplinary education, students critically examine how current knowledge systems represent gendered experiences and academic perspectives.
The program strives to foster the growth and incorporation of gender-focused teaching, learning, and research both within the university and broader community. This collaborative Master's option enables students to merge specialized disciplinary study with interdisciplinary Gender and Women's Studies scholarship. Graduates receive a degree that identifies their primary discipline while recognizing their Gender and Women's Studies specialization.