The School of Social Work’s master’s of social work (MSW) program has been granted full, eight-year reaccreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), placing the school among the 800 accredited social work programs in the U.S.

UB is among only 22 schools, or 3%, that have been continuously accredited for 85 years or longer.

“Accreditation is not only an indication of the quality of our education, but more importantly, of the commitment of our faculty to keeping the field of social work on the leading edge, our students’ competencies current and our practice evidence-based,” says Nancy J. Smyth, dean of the School of Social Work. “For 85 years, UB’s School of Social Work has maintained this standard of excellence and we will continue it for the next 85.”

CSWE’s accreditation review, which occurs every eight years, examines each educational institution for a level of quality, academic improvement and public accountability that entitles them to the confidence of social work students, the educational community and the public they serve. For social work students, graduation from an accredited institution is required to qualify for professional social work licensure in every state.

CSWE sets and maintains national accreditation standards for baccalaureate and master’s degree programs in social work by promoting faculty development, engaging in interprofessional and international collaborations, and advocating for social work education and research.

CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories.

The reaccreditation is effective through October 2027.