Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosure

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Per U.S. Federal Regulations, §668.14 and §668.43 and in compliance with the SARA Policy Manual version 25.2, December 16, 2025, the University at Buffalo provides the above disclosures related to the educational requirements for professional licensure and certification for academic programs leading to professional licensure to meet the educational requirements for licensure in states where UB students reside. These disclosures do not provide any guarantee that any particular state licensure or certification entity will approve or deny your application. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable state certification and licensure requirements. Furthermore, these disclosures do not account for changes in state law or regulation that may affect your application for licensure and occur after these disclosures have been made.

As such, this attestation outlines the responsibilities of UB and students in our Master of Social Work (MSW) program. 

The University at Buffalo offers the MSW program leading to licensure in New York State as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). After supervised practice hours are met (the number that varies by state), graduates are also eligible to apply for the credential of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Our MSW program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and registered with the New York State Office of Professions. Successful completion of our program enables students to sit for the LMSW exam through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Upon passing the LMSW exam, completing typically a minimum of three years or 3,000 hours of appropriate post-MSW supervised experience (the amount varies by state), and meeting clinical course requirements and any other unique state requirements, our graduates have the opportunity to obtain the LCSW credential in New York State or their home state.

Therefore, students enrolling in the MSW program while residing outside of New York State should be aware that:

  • UB cannot guarantee the MSW program meets all the requirements for licensure in a student’s state of residence or any state.
  • If a student seeks the LMSW or LCSW license in a state other than New York, it is the student’s responsibility to determine that state’s specific licensure requirements beyond the curricular requirements for UB’s MSW program and to seek additional guidance from their state’s licensing board. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website provides a comprehensive directory of licensing requirements by state. Students are also instructed to consult with the MSW program director and department leadership for assistance with this process. 

Disclaimer: The University at Buffalo cannot provide legal advice or guarantee professional certification or licensure eligibility in any state. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable state certification and licensure requirements. UB is not a state licensing authority and cannot guarantee that a student will be issued a professional license or professional certification in any state.