Online MSW Program (Part Time)
UB alumni Whitney Marris (Online MSW ’20), Kristen Hibit (MSW ’20) and Hector Chaidez Ruacho (MSW ’20), with CRISP President Dr. Charles E. Lewis Jr. at the CRISP Political Boot Camp and Media Training in Washington, D.C.
Our part-time, fully-online master's of social work (MSW) program does not require any on-campus time and is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Our curriculum statement articulates our commitment to the promotion of social justice, the protection of human rights and the necessity of addressing structural oppression and inequities in power and resources.
We offer two Online MSW programs: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
- Both programs incorporate trauma-informed and human rights perspectives.
- You can personalize your advanced-year coursework to focus on the populations and issues you are passionate about.
- If your goals include obtaining your clinical social work license (LCSW), you can easily earn the 12 required clinical course credits to work towards that goal through our program.
- Accepted applicants living 50 or more miles from campus will be given priority for seats in the online program. Due to the limited number of seats available, we encourage students who are a commutable distance from campus to apply to our on-campus program options instead.
Online Advanced Standing MSW
- For students with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program who meet the additional requirements
- 35 credits
- 480 total practicum hours (one 480-hour advanced year practicum)
- Only offered part time (1.5 years)
Part-time Online MSW courses may have a mix of synchronous (virtual live sessions) and asynchronous (independent) components.
How many synchronous sessions do I have to attend?
- The number of required synchronous sessions varies by course. Synchronous session dates will be posted by the beginning of the semester so you can plan ahead.
When do synchronous sessions happen?
- Synchronous sessions for online courses typically occur during weeknight evenings, Eastern Time.
What equipment do I need for the online MSW?
- Students must have routine access to a computer with high-speed internet and audio/visual capabilities, among other technology requirements.
- View all technology requirements
Online MSW students MUST take all of their coursework fully online to be eligible for the lower online tuition/fee rate. If online MSW students register for a seated or hybrid course, they will be charged the full on-campus rate for ALL courses that semester.
Your practicum hours are built right into the program requirements and are specialized training opportunities that allow you to explore the practice areas that interest you.
As an online student, you’ll complete these practicum hours in person at an organization near where you live, and you'll take an active role in identifying and planning your practicum experiences.
- Completed over the course of two semesters each
- Minimum of 15 hours per week
- Completed during weekday daytime working hours
- Students who are working at a social service agency may want to consider an employment-based practicum
- Due to the time and consistency required for your practicum experiences, students should not plan to relocate throughout the duration of study.
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Choosing the right MSW track depends on your academic background, location, timeline and ability to balance school with work. This list can help you determine whether the online or in-person options best fit your goals.
Online MSW
- For students far from Buffalo or unable to relocate
- Fully online classes
- Part-time
- Practicum in your home region
In-Person MSW
- For students local or able to relocate
- On-campus core classes; some online electives
- Full- or part-time options
- Practicum in Buffalo
Frequently asked questions about UB’s online MSW degree
For the Online MSW program, there is a nonrefundable application fee.
Absolutely. Students with a bachelor’s degree may take elective courses as non-matriculated students and can apply up to 9 credits to the MSW if later admitted.
Applicants must have a CSWE-accredited BSW, a major GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a degree earned within the past six years. All requirements must be met to qualify.
No. The MSW program does not require the GRE. Dual-degree programs may have separate testing requirements.
Upload copies of transcripts from every school where you earned college credits. Unofficial copies are fine for review. Official transcripts can be mailed or sent electronically if you prefer or once admitted.
You may transfer up to 6 elective credits (3 for advanced standing) from recent graduate coursework with a grade of B or better, or up to 30 credits from a CSWE-accredited MSW program. A syllabus, form and transcript are required for review.
Yes. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official scores that meet UB’s minimum requirements. Tests must be taken within the past two years.