Overview

The Social Work and Social Welfare programme at the University at Buffalo offers an integrated pathway for students to transition from clinical practice to advanced scholarly research. This dual-degree track is designed for ambitious advocates who aim to influence social policy and improve practice through rigorous evidence-based analysis.

By combining the Master of Social Work with a PhD in Social Welfare, the curriculum ensures that graduates possess both the practical skills for direct intervention and the theoretical depth required for academic leadership. The programme is rooted in a commitment to human rights and the dismantling of structural inequities within society.

Why Social Work and Social Welfare at the University at Buffalo?

The University at Buffalo provides a distinctive learning environment through its School of Social Work, which is one of six health sciences schools at the institution. This positioning allows for unique interprofessional education opportunities and access to the Buffalo Center for Social Research.

Students benefit from a curriculum that explicitly incorporates trauma-informed and human rights perspectives across all levels of study. The university also offers competitive funding packages, including tuition coverage and graduate assistantships for students as they progress into the doctoral stage of their research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 12015 per semester
National fee: USD 12015 per semester
Local fee: USD 6540 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a foundation in social work practice before moving into advanced research and dissertation work. Modules may include:

Year 1

Social Welfare History
Theories of Human Behavior and Development
Social Work Research and Evaluation
Interventions I
Field Instruction I
Field Seminar
Social Welfare Policy
Power, Privilege and Oppression
Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development
Interventions II
Field Instruction II

Year 2

Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights
Field Instruction III
Advanced Interventions
Social Work Scholarship
Proseminar
Field Instruction IV
Advanced Topics
Advanced Analysis

Year 3

Social Work Scholarship
Research Internship
Proseminar
Advanced Analysis

Year 4 and Beyond

Comprehensive Exams
Dissertation

Careers with Social Work and Social Welfare

Graduates of this dual programme are highly prepared for leadership roles in research and higher education. Many alumni secure prestigious academic positions in Schools of Social Work at various renowned institutions across the United States.

Beyond academia, the skills gained in advanced analysis and social policy evaluation enable graduates to work as senior researchers, policy analysts, and directors within governmental and non-governmental organisations focused on social justice and welfare improvement.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Advanced Standing Seminar

Advanced Standing Research

Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights

Field Instruction

Advanced Interventions

Research Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

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Credits

72 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Buffalo, United States

Disciplines

Social Work Statistics Social Policy View 574 other Masters in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline from an accredited institution
Minimum of 24 credits of undergraduate liberal arts coursework. Of those 24 credits:

6 must be in the social or behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology, anthropology, political science)6 must be in the arts or humanities (e.g., history, English, foreign languages, philosophy, ethnic/gender studies)12 credits may be made up with any combination of the above or with courses from the natural sciences or mathematics

GPA of 3.0 preferred

Human biology undergraduate course (3 credits) must be completed prior to the advanced year MSW curriculum, if not fulfilled at the time of application

Three recommenders

Identify potential faculty mentors

Copies of academic transcripts

Resume or curriculum vitae

Statement of research interests and professional objectives

Your academic writing sample

Application fee

Interview (as requested)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

24030 USD / year

≈ 24030 USD / year
Out-of-State

24030 USD / year

≈ 24030 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

13080 USD / year

≈ 13080 USD / year

Living costs

Buffalo

United States

920 - 1560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Work and Social Welfare.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Buffalo

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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