Program: Social Welfare Online DSW - University at Buffalo

Apr 09, 2025

WORKING 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog

Our 39-credit DSW program is aimed at experienced social workers with a desire to advance their professional practice and address research-to-practice gaps through the application of implementation science. DSW students will learn to effectively integrate evidence into the practice setting to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our program incorporates the signature strengths of the school’s trauma-informed and human rights (TI-HR) perspective into the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based treatments with vulnerable populations.

As a part-time, fully online program, the DSW capitalizes on the latest digital technologies to innovate social work education and practice. Graduates are prepared to assume leadership in the implementation and dissemination of advanced social work practice and contribute to advancing equity and bringing a TI-HR perspective into practice.

Required Core (33 credits)

SW 620LEC - Technology, Human Behavior & Professional Practice Credits: 3
SW 621LEC - Concepts in Implementation Science Credits: 3
SW 622LEC - Evaluating & Using Evidence-Based Practices in Social Work Credits: 3
SW 624LEC - Methods in Implementation Science Credits: 3
SW 626SEM - Doctoral Seminar in Trauma & Human Rights Credits: 3
SW 627LEC - Organizational Characteristics & Implementing EBPs Credits: 3
SW 629SEM - Disseminating, Spreading/Scaling, & Sustaining Interventions Credits: 3
SW 631TUT - DSW Capstone I: Identifying Evidence-Based Interventions for Translation Credits: 3
SW 632TUT - DSW Capstone II: Designing Implementation Strategies Credits: 3
SW 633TUT - DSW Capstone III Testing Implementation Strategies Credits: 3
SW 635LEC - Methods in Implementation Science II Credits: 3

Electives (3 credits)

SW 628SEM - Teaching and Pedagogy in Social Work Credits: 3
Other graduate level electives may be seleted, with approval from the DSW program director.

Culminating Experience: Project (3 credits)

SW 634TUT - DSW Capstone IV Evaluating and Disseminating Interventions Credits: 3

Total Credit Hours: 39

3.0 Degree GPA required

Special Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or international equivalent.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).