Through the UB School of Social Work’s 3+2 partner programs, undergraduate students from universities other than UB can earn their bachelor’s degree and Master of Social Work (MSW) in only five years.
Thanks to these unique partnerships, you can complete two degrees — and start your career in practice — in less time and for fewer credits than if you earned the two degrees separately.
The 3+2 program is intended for high school graduates and individuals who do not already have a bachelor’s degree who are attending the institutions below. If you are enrolled in a different major at the schools listed below, or attend a different undergraduate institution, you can apply directly to one of our other MSW programs once you complete your bachelor’s degree.
Total program length: 5 years full time (3 years undergraduate + 2 years graduate)
The UB School of Social Work has agreements with the following schools and majors:
Canisius University
Hilbert College
If you are an undergraduate transfer student, the five-year timeline may not be possible based on your transfer credits. Meet with the department chair at your undergraduate institution to have your credits evaluated before applying to your BA or BS program to make sure this course of study and timeline will still work for you.
First, you’ll complete three years of undergraduate coursework towards your bachelor’s degree at Canisius University or Hilbert College.
The undergraduate portion of the Psychology BA and Human Services BS 3+2 programs are administered by Hilbert College. If you are not already a student at Hilbert, you will need to apply for admission.
For questions about undergraduate psychology or human services requirements/courses, contact Colleen Kumiega, assistant chair in the Division of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, at ckumiega@hilbert.edu or 716-926-8863.
Students start the 3+2 program application process during their third year of undergraduate study to ensure that all degree and prerequisite requirements will be successfully completed.
Step 1:
During your junior undergraduate year (or equivalent), meet with your department chair to begin the eligibility screening process. You must be on track to meet the following prerequisites by the end of your junior year:
If approved by your department chair, a screening form will be completed and provided to UB School of Social Work admissions. You may then move to step 2.
Step 2:
Complete an application to the UB School of Social Work 3+2 MSW program option. In addition to the above prerequisites, you must meet UB School of Social Work prerequisites. You will follow the same application process and requirements as our Traditional Full-Time MSW program.
The UB School of Social Work will issue a final decision after reviewing your graduate application.
If admitted to the graduate portion, you will be enrolled as a UB School of Social Work graduate student as you complete the two-year MSW program.
As a 3+2 student, you’ll follow the same curriculum as our Traditional Full-Time MSW students.
For the first three years of study, 3+2 students will pay the undergraduate tuition and apply for financial aid from their undergraduate institution. Once accepted to UB’s MSW program, you will be billed the MSW tuition rate and apply for financial aid as a graduate student at UB for your last two years.