University at Buffalo – The State University of New York Online MSW Program
University at Buffalo (SUNY) offers a part-time online Master of Social Work (MSW) program through its School of Social Work, available in two tracks: a Traditional Standing track open to applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field, and an Advanced Standing track for qualifying applicants who hold a BSW. Both programs are delivered 100% online with no time on campus required, and both incorporate an integrated trauma-informed and human rights perspective throughout the curriculum.
Traditional Standing students complete 60 credit hours and 900 hours of field practicum, while Advanced Standing students complete 35 credit hours and 480 hours of field practicum. Field placements are completed in person at organizations near the student’s home, and UB’s field placement staff work to match students with agency sites in their geographic area. Students who are working at a social service agency may also be eligible for an employment-based practicum option.
Prospective students should note that accepted applicants living 50 or more miles from campus are given priority for seats in the online program. Students who are a commutable distance from campus are encouraged to apply to the on-campus program options instead, due to the limited number of online seats available.
If your goals include obtaining a clinical social work license (LCSW), the program offers the 12 required clinical course credits needed to work toward that goal.
The University at Buffalo’s online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
University at Buffalo – The State University of New York Online MSW Programs: Overview
Department: UB School of Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Concentrations: Evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective
Program Structure: Online with field placements (no campus visits required)
Course Delivery: Courses may include a mix of synchronous (virtual live sessions) and asynchronous (independent) components. The number of required synchronous sessions varies by course. Synchronous sessions for foundation courses typically take place on weeknight evenings, Eastern Time. Students must have routine access to a computer with high-speed internet and audio/visual capabilities. Online MSW students must take all coursework fully online to be eligible for the lower online tuition/fee rate — registering for a seated or hybrid course in any semester results in the full on-campus rate being charged for all courses that semester.
Program Information – Traditional Students
Program Overview
- Phone: (716) 645-3381
- Program Contact: Lauren McGowan
- Application Fee: $100 (both tracks)
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 900 hours (420-hour foundation practicum + 480-hour advanced year practicum)
- Number of Credits Required: 60 credit hours
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-time only
- Program Length: 3 years
- Program Start Dates: Fall admission only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any undergraduate major
- GRE: Not required
Program Information – Advanced Standing Students
Program Overview
- Program Name: MSW Online Program – Advanced Standing
- Phone Number: (716) 645-3381
Program Requirements
- Field Education Requirements: 480 hours
- Number of Credits Required: 35 credit hours
Program Length
- Program Options: Part-time only
- Program Length: 1.5 years
- Program Start Dates: Spring admission only
Admission Requirements
- BSW Requirement: Students must have completed a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last six years
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 overall and in social work coursework
- GRE: Not required
The University at Buffalo SUNY’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.
If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.