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Which social work graduate program is right for you?

MSW student, Promise, at Black Business Boom event.

The School of Social Work offers multiple MSW program tracks, including full-time, part-time, part-time online and advanced standing, in addition to our PhD, DSW and dual-degree programs. 

Choosing the right MSW program

When choosing which MSW program is right for you, it is important to consider:

  • Which program do you qualify for based on your academic background?
  • Are you able to relocate to Buffalo for the program? 
  • How quickly would you like to complete your MSW? 
  • Do you plan to work while completing your MSW?

View the comparisons below to help determine which MSW options will fit your goals best. You also may want to consider one of our dual-degree programs.  

Choose the Online MSW for flexible, fully remote coursework with practicums near your home, or the in-person option for on-campus learning and hands-on experiences in the Buffalo area.

Our seated programs require students to attend classes on campus, while all coursework in the online program can be completed without coming to campus. We also work with online students to develop their in-person practicums within their home region.

 

 Seated Program Online Program
Course Schedule
  • All classes are online through asynchronous and synchronous methods
Timeline
  • Offered as both full-time and part-time programs. 
  • Only offered as part-time program.
Practicum Education
  • Students are required to complete an in-person practicum within the Buffalo area.
  • Students are required to complete an in-person practicum within their home region. 
Living Considerations
  • Best for students who are local, can commute to campus or are willing to relocate to the Buffalo area.
  • Best for students who live 50+ miles away or cannot relocate to the Buffalo area.
Online MSW
In-person MSW

Advanced Standing is available to students with a CSWE-accredited Bachelor’s in Social Work and shortens the time to degree, while the Traditional MSW is designed for students from all academic backgrounds.

The advanced standing track has very specific requirements to apply, so if you don't meet all the qualifications, you must apply for one of the traditional program tracks (regardless of other graduate degrees or work experience). This chart highlights the biggest differences between the two tracks, but you should make sure you meet all of the application prerequisites before applying.   

 
 Advanced Standing Traditional
Qualifications
(Must meet ALL to apply)
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from CSWE-accredited program, earned within 6 years of starting MSW
  • 3.0 or higher overall social work major GPA
  • Bachelor's degree in any undergraduate major from a regionally accredited program
Traditional MSW curriculum
Advanced standing MSW curriculum

The biggest differences between full time and part time are how quickly you complete the program, the course load and the ability to work (or not) while completing the program.

 
 Full-Time Students Part-Time Students
Course and Practicum Schedule
  • Expected to take daytime classes
  • Typical schedule consists of 4 classes and 16 hours of practicum per week each semester.
  • Classes will be in the front of the week, i.e. mostly Monday and Tuesday, with two more 8-hour weekdays of practicum later in the week.
  • Able to take courses in the evening (have first opportunity to register for later classes)
  • Typical schedule consists of 2 classes per semester, which works out to be 2 nights a week (M, T or W) with practicum hours only completed during 4 of the 9 semesters.
  • During the 4 practicum semesters, 16 hours a week spent at practicum agency
  • Note that practicums will still be weekdays M-F during daytime hours.
Timeline
  • 2 years for traditional program, 1 year for advanced standing
  • 3 years for traditional program, 1.5 years for advanced standing
Employment Considerations
  • Full-time students are not able to work and successfully complete the full-time program simultaneously.
  • Students who plan on working full-time should apply to the part-time program.
Have specific questions?

Attend an upcoming info session or set up an individual appointment. 

Dual-Degree MSW Programs

Dual-degree MSW programs allow you to pursue social work alongside another graduate discipline, expanding your expertise and career opportunities through an integrated course of study.

JD/MSW
MBA/MSW
MPH/MSW
MSW/PhD

Choosing the right doctoral program

Our doctoral programs prepare students for different career tracks. View the comparison chart below to figure out which one will be a better fit for you.

 
 PhD DSW
Focus
  • Research-focused, interdisciplinary program
  • Students and faculty apply diverse research methods to a wide range of issues related to social work and social justice
  • Centered on becoming leaders in practice
  • Ideal for practitioners looking to strengthen their ability to bridge research and practice
Format
  • Full time
  • On campus
  • Part time
  • Online
Time to Complete
  • 4-6 years
  • 3 years
Funding
  • Tuition waiver for all seated coursework
  • Research-focused assistantship for 3 (or 4) years
  • Stipend support
  • Federal loans via the FAFSA

Learn more about our doctoral programs

PhD in Social Welfare
Online DSW in Social Welfare
Still not sure which track is right for you?

Call Tara Ganschow, Assistant Director for Strategic Admissions and Recruitment, to discuss your options: (716) 645-1030.