Buffalo Niagara Summer Institute
Developed in 1986, the Buffalo Niagara Summer Institute offers an intensive combination of single and multi-day workshops, as well as 1-credit MSW elective courses that can be taken on a degree or non-degree basis.
Buffalo Niagara Summer Institute workshop topics include trauma, addictions, child and adolescent mental health and more. Workshop presenters are regional, national and international experts who strive to inform and inspire new ways of thinking about social work therapies, techniques and client approaches.
Two ways to attend
CE Workshop
A workshop is a non-credit training that does not provide university graduate credits and cannot be used toward a degree. Workshop participants receive handouts on the first day of the training. Additional readings may be recommended but not required.
MSW Credit
Credit courses are credit-bearing university courses. Those offered in our Summer Institute are graduate courses, which means you must have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. Credit courses are graded by the instructor and include required readings, homework, exams and/or papers.
Multi-Day Workshops for Human Service Professionals
Join us for our 39th annual Summer Institute! Our online catalog allows you to view workshops, access trainer information and register for upcoming workshops. Space is limited so early registration is strongly encouraged!
MSW Students
UB School of Social Work students: Register through the Hub Student Center the same way you register for all other classes. For details on our summer semester course offerings, visit our Summer 2025 MSW Credit Course Electives.
Not a current UB School of Social Work student? Non-degree or non-matriculated students: Apply for non-degree status prior to registration. This may require proof of immunization status if not already on file at UB.
Tuition Waivers for Practicum Educators
Practicum Educators with SUNY Tuition Waivers may use the waivers to pay for tuition costs. Waivers do not cover standard course fees or the non-degree application fee. For more information, contact the Practicum Education Office at 716-645-1234 or sw-field@buffalo.edu.
Other Waivers
If you have another form of tuition waiver — for example, ACCESS VR, Seigal Educational Award or GI Bill — contact the UB Financial Aid Office via the Contact Us form or by phone at 716-645-8232.
Contact
For questions about our Summer Institute, email us or call 716-829-5841.
Late Arrival Policy
Participants should plan on arriving prior to the start of the training to allow time for sign-in, registration and training introductions. Full participation is required; no partial credit is given for partial attendance. Late arrivals or early departures will not be granted a certificate of completion.