University at Buffalo Social Work Programs
The University at Buffalo shines as a leading educational institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. This flagship campus, established in 1846, has grown into a hub of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community participation. The university stands out because it delivers quality education in a variety of disciplines while staying affordable and accessible to students from all backgrounds.
The university spans three unique campuses in western New York—North, South, and Downtown. Each location provides specialized facilities and resources that match specific academic programs. The School of Social Work thrives with this strong foundation, giving students access to the latest educational tools and technologies.
Research drives the University at Buffalo’s approach to education, which proves invaluable for future social work professionals. Faculty members and students work together on projects that tackle ground social challenges and create innovative intervention strategies.
Students’ life at Buffalo goes beyond the classroom. Social work students can join many professional organizations and build their networks through various activities. These opportunities complement their academic learning and prepare them for the complex nature of social work careers.
The university builds strong ties with communities at local, national, and international levels. Strategic collaborations with social service agencies, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and government organizations create valuable field placements for social work students. These connections also help research initiatives and community-based projects that address critical social issues.
The university’s diverse student body and faculty create an enriching learning environment where different points of view enhance education. Social work students benefit greatly from this diversity as they learn to work with different populations in their future careers.
Students who want to study social work at the University at Buffalo receive detailed support through academic advising, career counseling, and financial aid assistance to help them succeed in their educational experience.
Social work programs offered
The University at Buffalo School of Social Work helps students build their careers through multiple educational paths. Students can choose from traditional and advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs that weave trauma-informed and human rights viewpoints into every course.
The Traditional MSW program welcomes students with bachelor’s degrees from any field. Students complete this 60-credit program with 900 practicum hours in 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time. Students who live far from campus can pick the Online Traditional MSW option. This program gives you the same detailed education from home and takes 3 years to complete part-time. You’ll need to live at least 50 miles from campus to qualify.
Students who already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) can join the Advanced Standing MSW. This streamlined 35-credit program takes just one year full-time or 1.5 years part-time. There’s also an Online Advanced Standing MSW option for remote learning.
The school’s dual-degree programs open up exciting possibilities. UB Health and Human Services students can save a year with the BA/MSW Joint Degree, finishing both degrees in five years instead of six. The MSW/PhD Dual Degree helps students who want research careers in social justice, cutting down the total time needed compared to separate degrees.
Students can blend social work with other fields through the JD/MSW (law), MPH/MSW (public health), and MBA/MSW (business) programs. These combinations let you build expertise in two connected fields.
The PhD in Social Welfare serves students aiming for academic careers. This small program promotes strong mentor relationships and helps students become independent researchers. Students get generous funding through assistantships and scholarships.
Each program lets you tailor your courses to match your interests. You can earn clinical course credits if you’re planning to pursue clinical social work licensure (LCSW).
Online program options
The University at Buffalo provides fully accredited online MSW programs through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students looking for flexibility in their educational experience will find these programs appealing. The programs need no campus visits, which makes them perfect for distance learners. More importantly, students who live 50 or more miles from campus get priority when seats are limited.
Students can choose between two online MSW formats: Traditional and Advanced Standing. The Traditional program needs 60 credit hours completed part-time across three years (nine semesters) and starts in Fall semester. The Advanced Standing option requires 35 credit hours over five semesters (1.5 years) and begins in Spring semester.
Course delivery combines both synchronous and asynchronous components:
- Foundation courses have synchronous sessions during weeknight evenings (Eastern Time)
- Advanced year synchronous schedules change based on selected topics
- Students receive live session dates when the semester begins
Students must complete in-person practicum hours at organizations near their homes. These practicums need 15 hours weekly across two consecutive semesters during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Foundation year students complete 420 practicum hours, while advanced year students need 480 hours.
Online students play an active role as they develop their practicum experiences. Many use their professional networks to find suitable placements. Human services professionals might qualify to complete practicums at their workplace.
The 12 clinical course credits needed for clinical social work licensure (LCSW) can be earned through either online program.
Admissions
The University at Buffalo School of Social Work welcomes applications through their online portal. Each program has its own set of prerequisites that students must meet.
Students applying to the Traditional MSW program need a bachelor’s degree in any field. They also need 24 credits in undergraduate liberal arts courses. The Advanced Standing program looks for candidates with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a social work GPA of at least 3.0.
The school accepts applications throughout the year. Fall semester deadlines are April 1st for domestic and April 3rd for international students. Spring applicants should submit by October 16th (domestic) or October 3rd (international). Summer programs accept applications until March 1st for domestic and February 15th for international students.
Your application needs three professional recommendations. These should come from faculty members, instructors, advisors, or employers. The school doesn’t accept personal references. You’ll also need to submit your complete application essay and transcripts from all schools you’ve attended. The application fee is $75 for on-campus programs and $100 for online options.
PhD candidates should know that GRE scores are no longer required as of fall 2023. International students must meet extra requirements, including a TOEFL score of 577 for paper tests or 90 for internet-based tests.
Students who want in-state tuition rates must show proof they live in New York State. This becomes a most important factor when you plan your education budget.
Tuition
Tuition costs are the most important factor students think about when choosing a social work program. The University at Buffalo School of Social Work’s 2025-2026 MSW rates show its value as part of the SUNY system, with different rates for residents and non-residents.
The semester rate for full-time MSW students comes to $8,199.86 for New York residents and $13,674.86 for non-residents. These amounts cover both tuition and required fees. Part-time students pay by credit: $765.83 for residents and $1,220.01 for non-residents.
Students in online part-time programs pay less: $711.16 per credit for residents and $820.16 for non-residents. Distance learners also get some fees waived.
The Master of Social Work program’s breakdown shows NY residents pay $6,540 in tuition and $1,659.86 in fees each semester. This adds up to the full-time rate mentioned earlier. DSW students invest more, with doctoral tuition at $9,600 plus fees.
Students need to plan for housing, meals, books, transportation, and personal expenses. The total yearly cost ranges from $22,492 for residents living with parents to $35,922 for those in campus housing.
Several scholarships help social work students with costs. The Donna R. Brott Scholarship ($6,000), Ellen Fink-Samnick Health Equity Award ($2,500), and other opportunities have application deadlines set for May 15, 2025.
Other information
The University at Buffalo School of Social Work stands among the nation’s elite institutions, ranking in the top 10% of social work schools according to U.S. News & World Report. The school achieved the No. 24 position nationally and ranks No. 13 among public universities. The school’s excellence makes it the highest-ranked social work program in both the SUNY and CUNY systems.
The MSW program has managed to keep continuous accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1934. This remarkable achievement puts the school among 3% of programs nationwide that have maintained 85+ years of unbroken accreditation. The program demonstrates a steadfast dedication to educational excellence through these decades.
The school serves as one of UB’s six health sciences schools. Students attend classes at 685 Baldy Hall, 205 Founders Promenade, Buffalo, New York 14260, on land that belongs to the Seneca Nation, a member of the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Confederacy.
Alumni can stay connected through various programs, including a mentoring initiative that pairs graduates with current students. This program helps build professional networks and gives students a chance to learn about practical applications from experienced professionals across the U.S. and Canada.