Master of Social Work in Gerontology (Thesis)

Lakehead University

Lakehead University offers an innovative Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at both campuses in the cities of Orillia and Thunder Bay. The School of Social Work established the MSW program to train advanced generalist social workers for practice with individuals, families, communities, and organizations in contexts, from major urban centres to northern, and rural areas. Our smaller campuses and approachable faculty provide a welcoming learning environment. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for professional practice in environments characterized by urban regional centres, rural and remote communities, large geographic distances, low population density, diverse First Nations communities and people, and a mix of formal services.Lakehead's MSW program emphasizes advanced professional practice, which is normally obtained by completing the project track. All students will be accepted into a project track. Early in their program, AFTER consultation with their faculty supervisors, students who prefer the thesis track may request a change from the Graduate Coordinator. The MSW program structure allows for specialized and highly individualized student learning. Each student selects a field of practice around which to focus his or her course work, field practicum and project or thesis.The Gerontology Program collaborates with five departments including Social Work, to provide students with an innovative, interdisciplinary learning perspective. Students have the opportunity to access multifaceted resources and work together with complementary disciplines. Research and theory in Gerontology is reviewed, and the thesis or major project taken in the collaborating academic unit will have a gerontological focus.