Which Program is Right for You?
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.
When choosing which program is right for you it is important to consider:
- Which program you qualify for based on your academic background
- Whether or not you are able/willing to relocate to Buffalo
- How quickly you would like to complete the program
- Whether or not you plan on working while attending the program
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.
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 | |
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| Qualifications (Must meet ALL to apply) |
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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 field placements within their home region.
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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 | |
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| Course and Field Schedule |
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Master of Social Work Program Overviews
Preparing students to become licensed social workers, this track is for students with a bachelor's degree in any subject area.
This is a seated program, for individuals who learn best in a classroom setting, and who are able to come to our campus for class.
Fall start only
60 credits
2 years full time or
3 years part time
Preparing students to become licensed social workers, this track is for students with a bachelor's degree in any subject area.
This program can be completed without any required time on campus. The in-person field placement hours are completed at a location near the student. It is best for individuals who have experience learning online, are excellent time-managers, and live more than 50 miles from our Buffalo campus.
Fall start only
60 credits
3 years part time
(no full-time option)
Preparing students to become licensed social workers, this track is for students with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) only.
This is a seated program, for individuals who learn best in a classroom setting, and who are able to come to our campus for class.
Full time: summer start
Part time: spring start
35 credits
1 year full time or
1.5 years part time
Preparing students to become licensed social workers, this track is for students with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW) only.
This program can be completed without any required time on campus. The in-person field placement hours are completed at a location near the student. It is best for individuals who have experience learning online, are excellent time-managers, and live more than 50 miles from our Buffalo campus.
Spring start only
35 credits
1.5 years part time
(no full-time option)
Dual-Degree Program Overviews
This program is only for UB undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services program.
After completing the prerequisites, Interdisciplinary Health and Human Services students can apply to the MSW portion of the program their junior year, and if accepted, their senior year will count as the last year of their undergraduate degree as well as their first year of the MSW, saving time and credits.
5 years full time:
(3 years BA + 2 years MSW)
Apply separately to the BA and MSW portions of the program
This competitive dual-degree program is for highly motivated students who want to obtain both their MSW and PhD degrees. It is a seated, full-time program only, but both traditional and advanced standing tracks are available.
This is best for students who want to go on to become researchers and academics after earning their MSW.
Fall start for Traditional or
summer start for Advanced Standing
Full time only
Full funding for PhD coursework
This dual-degree program is for students interested in both law and social work. It is a seated, full-time program that offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks.
This program is best for students who want to become lawyers with a human rights or social justice focus, or social workers who want to focus on legal issues and advocacy.
Fall start only
Full time only
4 years for Traditional or
3 years for Advanced Standing
This dual-degree program is for students with an interest in both public health and social work. It is a seated, full-time program that offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks.
This program is best for students who are interested in healthcare policy, or who are passionate about the social issues surrounding healthcare access and delivery.
Fall start only
Full time only
3 years for Traditional or
2 years for Advanced Standing
This dual-degree program is for students interested in both business and social work. It is a seated, full-time program that offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks.
This program is best for students who want to become leaders of non-profit organizations or who want to open their own clinical practice.
Fall start only
Full time only
3 years for Traditional or
2 years for Advanced Standing
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 | |
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Doctoral Program Overviews
This program is for students who have already earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. It is a seated program that must be completed on our Buffalo, NY campus.
This interdisciplinary PhD is best for individuals who are seeking careers as researchers and academics. The highly customizable nature of the program allows students to tailor their coursework to their individual research interests.
Fall start only
Full time only
Fully funded
This program is for students who have already earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. It is an online, part-time program.
This Online DSW is best for individuals who are interested in bridging the gap between research and practice. It trains students to become advanced practitioners that are leaders within their organizations, helping to translate current research into best practices for evidence-based interventions.
Fall start only
39 credits
3 years part time
(no full-time option)
Still not sure which track is right for you?
Call Lauren McGowan, assistant dean for admissions and enrollment, to discuss your options:
716-645-1254