Graduate Admissions
Founded in 1934, the UB School of Social Work offers multiple graduate programs, including MSW, DSW, PhD and dual-degree programs. Explore admissions requirements, program options, application deadlines, funding and more to determine the path that best fits your goals.
UB School of Social Work at a glance
- Flagship institution of the State University of New York (SUNY) system
- Ranked among the top 10% of social work programs nationwide, according to U.S. News & World Report
- Top ranked SUNY social work master's program
- Current enrollment of about 700 graduate students
- Average class size of 25 students
Why choose a UB social work graduate program?
Our social work graduate programs allow you to live your values while actively working to solve the social problems you are most passionate about. At UB, you’ll join a close-knit, collaborative community, learning from experienced and diverse faculty and gaining hands-on experience through practicum, research and volunteer opportunities.
Graduate Programs and Tracks
With multiple program options and a curriculum grounded in trauma-informed and human rights perspectives, you can tailor your education to match your career goals and interests.
Offerings include multiple MSW tracks (full-time, part-time, part-time online and advanced standing), as well as PhD, DSW and dual-degree programs.
Learn more about UB School of Social Work admissions:
Tuition and Aid
Tuition and fees vary by program type and residency. View current rates and explore financial aid options to help manage the cost of your graduate education.
Information Sessions
Explore the UB social work experience and learn more about our graduate program offerings by viewing informational videos, live virtual information sessions and more.
How to Apply
Learn more about social work prerequisites, the UB application process, required documents and more based on your program of interest.
Application Deadlines
Find key deadlines for each program track, including Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW, DSW and PhD programs, to ensure you submit your application on time.
Connect with Us
Have questions about our graduate programs, tuition, financial aid or the admissions process at the UB School of Social Work? Email us or schedule an appointment.
Apply to UB Social Work
Ready to take the first step toward joining our close-knit and collaborative community? Apply to the UB School of Social Work today to get started.
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All Programs
UB’s MSW program is ranked among the top 10% of CSWE-accredited programs nationwide and UB has the top SUNY social work master's program.
To apply to a UB School of Social Work program, you must meet specific prerequisites and submit required materials that vary by program. Learn more about the requirements for your program of interest to get started.
Application deadlines for UB social work programs range from October to May, depending on the program. Learn more about the specific application deadline for your program of interest.
MSW Programs
To apply to the Traditional MSW program, applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, at least 24 undergraduate liberal arts credits and a preferred minimum GPA of 3.0.
Advanced Standing MSW applicants must also hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and meet a 3.0 GPA in the social work major.
Learn more about specific prerequisites for your program of interest.
Yes. A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is accepted for the Traditional MSW program. A BSW is only required for the Advanced Standing MSW track.
Tuition and fees vary by program type and residency. View current rates.
Application fees are nonrefundable and vary by program: $75 for on-campus MSW and BA/MSW programs, $100 for online MSW and graduate dual-degree programs.
Deadlines vary by program and start term. Application deadlines for the MSW programs range from October to May, depending on the program. Deadlines are significantly earlier for the online programs.
Doctoral Programs
DSW applicants must have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (or international equivalent), a 3.0 graduate GPA (3.0 preferred undergraduate), at least two years of post-MSW practice, a valid or waived social work license and access to a setting and target population for their capstone project.
PhD applicants must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (or an international equivalent) and have a preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
Learn more about specific prerequisites for each doctoral program.
Deadlines vary by program and start term. PhD applications for the fall are typically due late January or early February. Online DSW applications are typically due late February or early March; check the deadlines page for details.
Application fees are nonrefundable and vary by program: $75 for PhD programs and $100 for the online DSW program.