Why University at Buffalo (SUNY)?
This online Master of Social Work degree is offered by the State University of New York at Buffalo. The University at Buffalo (SUNY) is a large public research university in Buffalo, New York. Applicants to the program should hold an undergraduate degree with a 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) and 12 credits may be made up with any combination of the above or with courses from the natural sciences or mathematics. All applicants should have also completed an undergraduate course in Human Biology.
Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3 is expected.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | University at Buffalo (SUNY) |
| Location | Buffalo |
| State | New York |
| Niche.com Grade | A- |
| Name of Degree | Master of Social Work |
| School or Department Administering Program | School of Social Work |
| Credits | 60 |
| Cost per credit | $1,120.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $67,200 |
| Test Requirements | No |
| Minimum GPA | 3 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | 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. Human Biology undergraduate course. |
| Campus Visit Required? | No Visit Required |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall |
| Program Concentrations | Concentration in evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective |
| Synchronous Classes | Some Yes |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | No |
| Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship? | Yes |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | part-time only; trauma and human rights course |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities |
| Program Description | This 60-credit program has stringent admission requirements and a curriculum focused on human rights and trauma-informed practice. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. The program is part-time only. |
What will I Learn?
Like all programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program at SUNY-Buffalo emphasizes an ethical and evidence-based approach to social work practice. Students learn to intervene with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations, from assessment to treatment to reflecting on the treatment process. Students engage with diverse populations and issues of diversity and difference. The approach throughout the program is influenced by an understanding of human rights and social, economic and environmental justice.
Students in the program follow required courses that blend theory and practice. Theoretical Foundations are covered in Scientific Methods in Social Work, Theories of Human Behavior and Development and Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development. Students learn key professional skills in Evaluation in Social Work, Interventions I, Interventions II, and Advanced Interventions. Students debate complex issues in Diversity and Oppression, Social Welfare Policy and History, and Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights. The required practicum work is accompanied by Field Instruction courses I through IV and two Field Seminar courses.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3 years and pay $1,120.00 per credit for a total of 60 credits, or just over $67,000.
How does the program fit into my life?
Some classes are asynchronous, meaning that students complete coursework on their own schedule each week. Some classes are taught synchronously, meaning that students meet weekly at a set time for a “live” class session. No campus visit is required. Most students complete the program within 3 years. Students can enter the program only each Fall. The program is offered only on a part-time schedule. Fall part-time only; trauma and human rights course
Summary
Offering a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing human rights and a trauma-informed approach to practice, the online Master of Social Work at the State University of New York at Buffalo offers students access to the resources and faculty of this large state university. The program is at the higher end of the scale in terms of cost, but students may find the prestige associated with this school is worth the cost. In addition, the flexible part-time schedule, and the mix between asynchronous and synchronous classes may offer a perfect balance for some applicants.
