MSW Curriculum Statement

At the University at Buffalo School of Social Work, we are committed to promoting social justice, protecting human rights and addressing structural oppression. Our Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on trauma-informed and human rights (TI-HR) principles that emphasize racial trauma and reflect the school’s mission and values. 

Grounded in research and our TI-HR framework, our curriculum teaches students to identify, evaluate and address the conditions that contribute to trauma for individuals, families, groups and communities. We know trauma is both a cause and effect of oppression, an imbalance of power and the unequal distribution of resources.

Through theory, research and evidence-based practice, our curriculum prepares social workers to:

  • Analyze and address trauma at all levels — from direct practice with individuals and families, to leadership roles in organizations, to policy advocacy in communities.
  • Understand how trauma can stem from human rights violations.
  • Recognize how trauma intersects with such factors as race, gender and socioeconomic status.
  • Confront injustice and promote strength and resilience within systems of care.
  • Work to empower individuals, groups and communities.

MSW students will graduate from the UB School of Social Work with the knowledge and skills to promote healing, uphold human dignity and turn empathy into action as lifelong social workers.