Social Work

This degree is incredibly versatile and prepares you to work as a case manager, care manager, a community organizer, or in policy work. Non-profit, for-profit, and government/ public organizations all hire social workers.

The list is endless! Social workers work with individuals of all ages, couples, families, communities, and government agencies. 

Social workers are found in: 

• Medical facilities: mental health and substance abuse clinics, medical offices, children’s hospitals, cancer care, psychiatric care, nursing homes, public health agencies 
• Criminal justice system: courts, prisons, police departments, legal aid agencies, victim services, juvenile probation, re-entry programs 
• Environmental & animal-related organizations: veterinarian offices, environmental advocacy agencies, emergency response to natural disasters
• Schools: social workers, guidance counselors, support for students with disabilities, college support, after-school programs, childcare
• Government agencies: Veterans, Social Services, New York State, Congressional staffers, Board of Education
• Basic needs organizations: food pantries, shelters, rental assistance programs, advocacy, residential facilities, foster care

The Social Work Department has several student organizations, including:

• Bengals Vote Coalition: a collaboration of Buffalo State advocates, student organizations, academic departments, and the Katherine S. Conway-Turner Office of Civic and Community Engagement, committed to engaging, educating, and mobilizing the Buffalo State community to be active voting citizens.
• Child Advocacy Studies Student Organization: for students interested in learning more about child abuse and maltreatment and increasing knowledge about local agencies that address these issues. 
• Kappa Omega Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society: a national social work honor society with members are inducted annually, based on GPA.
• NAMI on Campus: Supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Buffalo and WNY organization, NAMI on Campus works to raise awareness about mental health. 
• Student Social Work Organization: give back to the community through volunteer projects and gain outside-the-classroom learning experience. 

Other opportunities through United Students Government-recognized student organizations are available.

All students complete a year-long internship (field placement) their final year in the program. Students work closely with their field coordinators to identify an appropriate year-long internship, ensuring students are well-prepared to practice social work upon graduation.

Many social work classes include course projects partnering with community agencies and guest speakers. The department hosts several campus events throughout the academic year and also partners with community agencies to provide students with opportunities to get involved.

• National Association of Social Workers: Members attend networking events and receive discounts to publications such as NASW News, Social Work, and NASW JobLink.
• NYS Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program: Social work students are eligible to apply for this paid, two-year program as juniors. Students work to understand and address access to quality health care; training, services, and meeting attendance are required. 
• Youth Peer Advocates (YPA): Students can apply to receive course credit to complete training to become a paid YPA in the community through our partnership with Mental Health Advocates (MHAWNY).
• Study in Rwanda: Social work students may apply to study abroad with the Anne Frank Project to facilitate story-based learning, participate in cultural expeditions, and immerse themselves in Rwanda’s reconciliation process following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
• Capitol Action Day: At this annual advocacy event hosted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) NYS chapter, students learn about policies and speak with legislators about issues that matter.
• Global Youth Leaders: Through independent study, students work with multi-cultural Buffalo youth to provide information on civic engagement, social justice, leadership, mental health, and college and career exploration. This program is a collaboration with the Katherine S. Conway-Turner Office of Civic and Community Engagement Office.
• Student Research and Creativity Conference (SRCC): Facilitated by the Undergraduate Research office, students conduct poster presentations on chosen research topics. Social Work faculty members also mentor students in the paid Early Undergraduate Research Opportunity (EURO) program and the paid Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowship Program.

• SUNY/OMH Mental Health Scholarship Pipeline Program: The Office of Mental Health, in partnership with the SUNY Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and SUNY schools, has created a seamless pipeline that attracts, retains, and graduates students trained in various mental health professions and who demonstrate potential for positively affecting the quality of mental health care for all New York State residents, with a focus on service to those individuals who may have historically lacked quality mental health care. This funding covers tuition, fees, and other expenses for up to 3 years, beginning sophomore year.
• SUNY Internship Program: SUNY provides a stipend for travel and associated expenses for students completing internships. 
• Loan forgiveness: Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Licensed Social Worker Loan Forgiveness (LSWLF) Program provide opportunities for social workers to eliminate student loan debt.
• Research: The Undergraduate Research Office supports student research initiatives through stipends. 
• NYS Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program: a paid, two-year program where students work to understand and address access to quality health care.
• Buffalo State: Buffalo State offers more than 160 scholarships.