Departmental Information

Department History

The social work program at Buffalo State College was first accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1975. At that time, it was organized within the Department of Human Development, Family, and Community Relations. In 1977, the College reorganized and Social Work fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work. In 1986, Social Work became an autonomous department in the Faculty of Applied Science and Education. In 2005, the department was organized in the School of Professions. Accreditation was reaffirmed in 1980, 1987, 1996, 2002, and 2010.

We have the largest undergraduate social work program in the State University of New York and one of the largest programs on campus. Annual student enrollment averages about 300. Each year approximately 90 seniors do their field placement in social services agencies in western New York.

There are eight full-time and a pool of seven part-time faculty. A Community Advisory Board of social welfare professionals in western New York provides consultation to the faculty on issues related to departmental policies and curriculum. Download the Advisory Board Committee roster (PDF, 52KB).

The Student Social Work Organization sponsors educational programs and social activities for social work students. Members of the student organization are elected each year to serve on departmental committees.