Master of Social Work (MSW)
Alexandria (Hartman) Wabick, LMSW, MSW ’22, and Jeffrey Mann, MSW ’24, at Lake LaSalle on UB's North Campus.
Immerse yourself in a top-ranked MSW program that prepares you to create transformational change across clients and delivery systems.
Our curriculum statement articulates our commitment to the promotion of social justice, the protection of human rights and the necessity of addressing structural oppression and inequities in power and resources.
- CSWE-accredited MSW program with full- and part-time offerings
- Choose from traditional and advanced standing MSW program pathways
- Curriculum incorporating trauma-informed and human rights perspectives
- Top social work graduate program with a built-in, hands-on practicum experience
- Enhanced curricular opportunities available to expand learning
UB’s MSW program will equip you with a trauma-informed, human rights–oriented approach to social work that examines the deep connection between trauma, oppression and inequality. Grounded in research and real-world application, the curriculum prepares you to analyze trauma systemically and advocate for change across clinical, organizational and community settings.
With two program pathways that both integrate trauma-informed and human rights principles, you can personalize your advanced-year coursework to focus on the populations and issues that matter most to you. If you are pursuing clinical licensure (LCSW), you can also seamlessly earn the 12 required clinical course credits through our program.
Traditional MSW degree program
- For students with a bachelor’s degree in any undergraduate major
- 60 credits
- 900 total practicum hours (420-hour foundation practicum + 480-hour advanced year practicum)
- Offered full time (2 years) or part time (3 years)
Enhanced MSW program learning opportunities
You may choose to apply for a number of enhanced curricular experiences that deepen expertise and expand professional opportunities:
- Micro-Credentials in Excellence in Aging or Serious Illness Care
- Veteran and Military Family Focus via the Joining Forces-UB program
- Safe Exchange Fellowship
You may also complete the coursework required to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or participate in international opportunities.
Practicum is your opportunity to explore the practice areas that interest you most.
At UB, your practicum hours are built right into the MSW program requirements.
- Completed over two consecutive semesters
- Requires a minimum of 15 hours per week
- Scheduled during weekday, daytime working hours
- Option for an employment-based practicum for students already working in a social service agency
- Access to hundreds of placement sites across Western New York, including schools, hospitals, healthcare and clinical agencies, community organizations, government offices, research centers and more
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A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate degree that prepares students for professional social work practice, including clinical, community and policy-focused roles.
An MSW is the degree earned in graduate social work study. An LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) is a professional license that allows you to practice under state regulations. MSW graduates are eligible to pursue LMSW licensure.
MSW graduates can apply trauma-informed and human rights principles across diverse settings, including clinical social work, healthcare, schools, community organizations, leadership and policy advocacy.
UB’s MSW is CSWE-accredited, research-driven and trauma-informed, offering hands-on practicum experience, a flexible program and advanced standing pathways, and enhanced learning opportunities to prepare graduates for diverse social work careers.
