MSW/PhD Dual Degree Program
Parker Hall, South Campus, home to the PhD student lab
Evaluating social issues, affecting policy and improving practice -- it's how social researchers help to grow social knowledge. Our MSW/PhD program prepares ambitious social justice advocates for a career in conducting research of consequence.
Course of Study Options
We offer two program tracks:
- The Advanced Standing track for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
- The Traditional track for students without a BSW.
You will first earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in a program rooted in evidence-based practice and trauma-informed and human rights perspectives before moving on to the advanced analysis and research opportunities of the PhD program.
Advanced Standing Track
Curriculum Overview
PhD courses other than the social work-based proseminars and research internship may be taken in sequence and in any department at UB.
| Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Summer MSW only | 2 Advanced Standing Seminars* 1 Elective* | |
| Year 1 MSW and PhD | Trauma and Human Rights* Advanced Interventions* Field Placement* Scholarship Proseminar Research Methods | Advanced Topics Analysis* Field Placement* Professional Development Seminar* Proseminar Advanced Analysis |
| Year 2 MSW and PhD | Scholarship Proseminar Proseminar Advanced Analysis 2 Electives* Research Internship | Scholarship Proseminar Proseminar Advanced Analysis 2 Electives Research Internship |
| Year 3 | Comprehensive exams and Dissertation | |
| Year 4+ | Dissertation | |
*Courses required for the MSW
Funding Overview
All accepted MSW/PhD students are offered a funding package. Shown below is the base package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
| Period | Curriculum | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | MSW courses | Self-funded |
| Year 1 | MSW & PhD courses | Tuition waiver¹ |
| Year 2 | MSW & PhD courses | Tuition waiver + Assistantship² |
| Year 3 | Comprehensive exams & dissertation | Tuition waiver³ + Assistantship |
| Year 4+ | Dissertation | Self-funded⁴ |
¹Tuition waiver = full tuition coverage at in-state rate for domestic U.S. students (out-of-state rate for international students) for up to 47 credits.
²Assistantship = 20 hours per week; 12-month appointment; $16,000 per year.
³Tuition waiver in year 3 applicable only if students have not reached the 50 credit limit.
⁴Beginning in year 4, students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Traditional Track
Curriculum Overview
| Year | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 MSW only | Social Welfare History and Policy* Theories of Human Behavior* Scientific Methods* Interventions I* Field Placement* | Diversity and Oppression* Theories of Organizational Behavior* Evaluation in Social Work* Interventions II* Field Placement* |
| Year 2 MSW and PhD | Trauma and Human Rights* Advanced Interventions* Field Placement* Scholarship Proseminar Research Methods | 2 Advanced Topics Analysis* Field Placement* Professional Development Seminar* Proseminar Advanced Analysis |
| Year 3 PhD only | Scholarship Proseminar Proseminar Advanced Analysis Elective Research Internship | Scholarship Proseminar Proseminar Advanced Analysis Elective Research Internship |
| Year 4 | Comprehensive exams and Dissertation | |
| Year 5+ | Dissertation | |
*Courses required for the MSW
Funding Overview
All accepted MSW/PhD students are offered a funding package. Shown below is the base package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
| Period | Curriculum | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | MSW courses | Self-funded |
| Year 2 | MSW & PhD courses | Tuition waiver¹ |
| Year 3 | PhD courses | Tuition waiver + Assistantship² |
| Year 4 | Comprehensive exams & dissertation | Tuition waiver³ + Assistantship |
| Year 5+ | Dissertation | Self-funded⁴ |
¹Tuition waiver = full tuition coverage at in-state rate for domestic U.S. students (out-of-state rate for international students) for up to 47 credits.
²Assistantship = 20 hours per week; 12-month appointment; $16,000 per year.
³Tuition waiver in year 4 applicable only if students have not reached the 50 credit limit.
⁴Beginning in year 5, students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Learn More
Schomburg Fellowship Opportunity
Fellowships are available for academically outstanding students who contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage. These awards come with a tuition scholarship and annual stipend. View details on our funding page.
