About PhD Program,
The PhD in Social Welfare program is guided by our objective of graduating social work scholars and educators who:
- Deepen our understanding of social problems and their solutions
- Create and implement innovative methods for studying complex issues
- Conduct rigorous and original analyses
- Engage in conversation and collaboration across disciplines, professions and communities
- Uphold social work ethics and a commitment to social justice
- Engage in creative and effective strategies to disseminate and impart knowledge in social work and related disciplines
In the program, you will:
- Create an individual, fully interdisciplinary program of coursework and scholarship
- Benefit from a small-by-design program that facilitates meaningful connections with peers and mentors
- Participate in the intellectual exchanges and scholarly collaborations fostered by UB’s many research centers and institutesand community partnerships
- Engage with our diverse, dedicated and growing faculty, with particular expertise in trauma, veterans’ issues, aging, social policy, technology in social work, and refugee and immigrant communities
- Access diverse research opportunities, facilities and support through the Buffalo Center for Social Research
- Receive stable, generous funding through assistantships and scholarship programs
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA
Our PhD program is for those with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program or international equivalent. If you do not have an MSW, we offer a dual-degree program leading to the MSW and the PhD in social welfare.
- Minimum of 47 credits
- Full time (4+ years) and on campus only
- Program start: Fall semester only
- Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution or international equivalent
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred
PhD Funding Coverage,
All accepted PhD students are offered a competitive standard funding package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
All PhD students are guaranteed a graduate assistantship for four years. Assistantships are 10-month appointments, 20 hours per week with a base stipend of $23,000 per year.
Students also receive full tuition coverage for up to 47 credits. This typically covers the required courses for four years.
If students continue past four years (or 47 credits), students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Fellowship Opportunities
Presidential and Schomburg Fellowships are available for academically outstanding new PhD in Social Welfare students. These awards come with a substantial stipend. PhD students will be considered for these at the time of admission.
Application Requirement,
1. Complete the electronic graduate application
2. Identify three recommenders
3. Identify potential faculty mentors
4. Upload copies of academic transcripts
5. Upload your resume or curriculum vitae
6. Upload your statement of research interests and professional objectives
7. Upload DEI and perseverance statement
8. Upload your academic writing sample
9. Pay the application fee
10. Interview (as requested)
International Applicant
1. A photocopy of your passport page
2. Copy of Current I-20 and Visa
3. Official English Proficiency Scores
4. Transcript Evaluation (recommended)
5. International Applicant Financial Form and Bank Documents
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee
The application fee is nonrefundable. PhD $75
