Public Health and Social Work University at Buffalo

Overview

The Public Health and Social Work programme at University at Buffalo offers a comprehensive dual-degree pathway for students dedicated to social justice. This integrated course combines the Master of Public Health with the Master of Social Work to prepare professionals for impactful roles in healthcare policy and community practice.

This collaborative initiative between the School of Social Work and the School of Public Health and Health Professions reduces the total credit requirements compared to completing both degrees independently. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises the protection of human rights and the necessity of addressing structural inequities.

The programme is delivered exclusively on campus in a full-time format, ensuring an immersive educational experience.

Why Public Health and Social Work at University at Buffalo?

University at Buffalo provides a distinctive environment where public health and social work are viewed as two sides of the same coin. The institution is one of six health sciences schools at the university, fostering a rich interprofessional learning atmosphere for all dual-degree candidates.

Students gain access to the Buffalo Center for Social Research and various specialised institutes that lead the way in social welfare innovation. The programme is designed to foster leadership, negotiation, and collaboration skills essential for modern health and social care environments.

The curriculum is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice and the dismantling of systemic oppression. By studying here, students join a community that values diversity and inclusion, supported by a faculty of experienced practitioners and researchers dedicated to global health equity.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 12015 per semester
• National fee: USD 12015 per semester
• Local fee: USD 6540 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:

Year 1

• Social Welfare History
• Theories of Human Behavior and Development
• Social Work Research and Evaluation
• Interventions
• Field Instruction
• Field Seminar
• Social Welfare Policy
• Diversity and Oppression
• Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development

Year 2

• Health Care Organization
• Study of Health Behavior
• Statistical Analysis
• Health Policy in the United States
• Leadership, Collaboration and Negotiation in Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Environmental Health
• Financial Management for Public Health Professionals
• Health Economics
• Public Health Teams and Practice
• Health Equity
• Health Behavior Change

Year 3

• Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights
• Field Instruction
• Health and Disability Social Work
• Crisis Interventions
• Culminating Project
• Program Planning & Evaluation

Careers with Public Health and Social Work

Graduates are uniquely qualified to address health disparities and influence healthcare policy at local and national levels. The dual expertise allows for diverse career paths in community health organisations, government agencies, and non-profit sectors.

Common roles for alumni include health service administrators, policy analysts, and clinical social workers specialising in public health settings. The programme prepares individuals to lead multidisciplinary teams and implement community-based interventions that improve population health outcomes.