Business Administration and Social Work University at Buffalo

Overview

The Business Administration and Social Work programme at the University at Buffalo offers a unique dual-degree pathway for students aiming to lead in the social services sector. This collaborative initiative between the School of Management and the School of Social Work allows participants to earn both an MBA and an MSW in a reduced timeframe.

By merging economic principles with social work practice, the curriculum prepares graduates to manage effective service agencies and develop impactful public policies. The course is designed to address structural inequities while promoting human rights and social justice through a professional, trauma-informed lens.

Why Business Administration and Social Work at the University at Buffalo?

Students benefit from the combined expertise of two highly regarded schools within a single institution. The University at Buffalo provides a distinctive teaching environment that incorporates signature perspectives on human rights and power dynamics into every aspect of the dual-degree experience.

The programme is noted for its practical focus, including the Social Impact Fellows initiative and various professional development opportunities. Facilities and resources across the health sciences and management departments ensure that students receive a comprehensive, interprofessional education that is highly valued in the field.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 15140 per semester
• National fee: USD 15140 per semester
• Local fee: USD 7615 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to cover foundational and advanced topics in both disciplines. Modules may include:

First Year in Social Work

• Social Welfare History
• Theories of Human Behavior and Development
• Social Work Research and Evaluation
• Interventions I
• Field Instruction I
• Field Seminar
• Social Welfare Policy
• Power, Privilege and Oppression
• Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development
• Interventions II
• Field Instruction II

Second Year in Management

• Financial Accounting for Managers
• Organizational Behavior
• Team Skills
• Financial Analysis for Managers
• Entrepreneurship
• Management Communications
• Marketing for Managers
• Statistical Analysis for Managers
• Accounting for Management Decision Making
• Business Economics
• Operations Management
• Business Strategy
• It Management
• Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability

Third Year in Management and Social Work

• MBA Internship
• Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights
• Field Instruction III
• Advanced Interventions
• Community Social Work
• Field Instruction IV

Careers with Business Administration and Social Work

Graduates are uniquely qualified for leadership roles that require a balance of fiscal responsibility and social advocacy. Many find success as directors of non-profit organisations, social service managers, or policy analysts within government and private sectors.

The dual skillset allows alumni to transition between administrative environments and clinical settings with ease. Industries such as healthcare management, community development, and social entrepreneurship frequently seek professionals who understand both the human and financial aspects of service delivery.