Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Online
Become a social work leader and advance your professional practice with a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in Social Welfare from the University at Buffalo.
UB’s part-time, online DSW program is the first and only DSW program in the State University of New York (SUNY) system and one of about 40 across the United States.
UB’s 39-credit online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program helps experienced social workers to advance their practice, strengthen leadership skills and close research-to-practice gaps through the application of implementation science. The curriculum will prepare you to integrate evidence into real-world settings and apply trauma-informed and human right perspectives across diverse and vulnerable populations.
What makes UB’s online DSW program unique
- Uses implementation science to translate research into best practice interventions. Through applied implementation science, you can address barriers to service delivery and identify strategies to sustain evidence-based programs — at all levels of practice, in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
- Small cohort-based program with high-touch, high-support from faculty, including mentorship throughout every phase of the capstone process.
- Incorporates trauma-informed and human rights perspectives to interventions to truly transform social work practice.
What you learn with our DSW
As a UB DSW student, you will gain advanced knowledge, skills and expertise in:
- Implementation science and applying research to practice.
- Integrating evidence-based interventions into agency and community settings.
- Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion and accessibility in clinical and organizational practice.
- Applying trauma-informed and human rights perspectives to assessment, treatment and program evaluation.
- Leading practice innovation and disseminating effective models of care.
- Leveraging technology to advance interventions, program evaluation and evidence-based care.
- Part time and fully online, designed for busy working professionals.
- Delivered using digital technologies that support flexible, interactive learning.
- Mix of synchronous and asynchronous components — and you’ll know the expectations before each course begins so you can plan ahead.
- Synchronous sessions are live virtual meetings at a scheduled time, typically weeknights between 6-9 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Asynchronous work is completed independently on your schedule within set deadlines.
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Approved tuition rates for fall 2026 are as follows:
DSW students can apply for financial aid via the FAFSA.
New York Residency
To qualify for the in-state tuition rate, admitted students must provide proof of New York State residency. Visit the accepted student information page for details.
A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate for experienced social workers who want to:
- Advance clinical practice and leadership skills
- Apply research to real-world settings
- Promote equity, inclusion and trauma-informed care
UB’s online DSW program for clinical practice emphasizes implementation science and applied evidence-based methods.
Both the PhD and DSW are doctoral-level credentials in social work, but they support different goals and professional lives.
- DSW: Focuses on advanced practice, leadership and translating research into applied social work
- PhD: Focuses on research, theory and academic careers
Choose a DSW if your goal is to influence practice, policy and organizational outcomes.
UB’s online DSW program is designed for social work professionals who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Ideal candidates are those who:
- Have significant experience in social work practice and want to advance their leadership skills
- Seek to apply research and evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes in real-world settings
- Are motivated to address systemic challenges and promote equity and inclusion in their organizations
- Wish to lead innovation, implement change and influence practice at the organizational or community level
Our DSW program is best suited for practitioners who are committed to shaping the future of social work and making a measurable impact in their field.
Graduates can:
- Lead clinical, organizational or policy initiatives
- Implement and evaluate evidence-based programs
- Serve as faculty, consultants or program managers
- Drive meaningful change in social work systems
Common career paths include:
- Clinical director or program manager in agencies or nonprofits
- Policy advisor or consultant in government or community organizations
- Academic faculty or applied research roles
- Leadership positions in hospitals, schools and social service organizations
