MA/MS in Social Work – Indigenous Knowledges

This Master of Social Work program centers Indigenous Knowledges and perspectives within advanced social work practice, examining Indigenous approaches to social justice and anti-colonial practice. Instruction is delivered entirely in person, with no distance or online option offered. Students complete thirteen courses and choose between a project or a thesis focus for their culminating work. Those entering without a Bachelor of Social Work first complete a foundation level of twenty-four credit hours plus six credit hours of field work before moving into the specialized Indigenous Knowledges coursework; applicants who already hold a BSW proceed directly into the specialized stream. A field-based component connects students with Knowledge Holders for mentorship and involves direct engagement with Indigenous communities as part of the practicum experience. Expected completion is two years for direct entry into the specialized stream, extending to as long as four years for students who begin at the foundation level. The program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous social workers who want to build practice grounded in Indigenous perspectives, whether they are already licensed practitioners seeking specialized preparation or newer entrants to the profession. It suits those aiming to work within Indigenous communities or organizations, or to bring anti-colonial and Indigenous-informed frameworks into broader social work settings.