Social Welfare

Provides comprehensive education and training to prepare students for effective practice in the field of social welfare. The program equips students with a deep understanding of social policies, human behavior, and community resources, enabling them to address diverse social issues and promote social justice. Students will develop core competencies in assessment, intervention, and advocacy, gaining practical skills through internships and fieldwork experiences. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making. Graduates are prepared for careers in various settings such as healthcare, child and family services, mental health agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes multicultural competence, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of developing personalized approaches to client care. Students will explore topics including social inequality, poverty alleviation, mental health, substance abuse, family dynamics, trauma-informed care, and policy analysis. Faculty members are experienced practitioners and researchers committed to mentoring students and advancing social welfare practices. The program encourages interprofessional collaboration and leadership development. Upon completing the program, graduates will be eligible for professional licensure or certification, depending on regional requirements, and will have the skills necessary to contribute positively to society by fostering social change and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, accommodating diverse student backgrounds and career goals, with options for specialization or concentration areas within social welfare. Opportunities for research, community engagement, and international perspectives are integrated into the program to broaden students’ understanding of social issues globally and locally. Overall, the program aims to produce compassionate, competent, and innovative social work professionals dedicated to making a meaningful difference in individuals’ lives and across communities.

• Statistics I and II
• Research Methods I and II
• Qualitative Research
• Social Welfare Policy Analysis I and II
• Social Welfare Administration
• Knowledge Building in Social Work: The Philosophy of Applied Social Research
• Social Science Theory for Social Welfare
• Seminar and Teaching Practicum in Social Work Education
• Dissertation Seminar I and II

Also required are three electives (9 credits), a research practicum of 10 hours per week for two semesters under mentorship (6 credits), a comprehensive exam and the production and defense of a scholarly dissertation. Fifty four credits are required for graduation. In the first three years, students take three courses each semester. The full-time program is designed to be completed in a minimum of four years.

Once all coursework and the comprehensive exam have been completed successfully, students select a preliminary dissertation chair and committee and develop an approved dissertation proposal. The student is then advanced to candidacy and begins dissertation research. The fourth year is spent on completion of the dissertation and defense.

• A master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education*
• Academic promise as evidenced by superior achievement in undergraduate and master’s level education
• Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination
• A personal interview
• Professional competence as demonstrated through substantial experience in responsible social work and/or human services positions supported by three letters of reference including one, if possible, from someone familiar with the applicant’s capacity to conduct research
• A sample of writing in the form of a published article, a manuscript submitted for publication, a document completed for the applicant’s agency or in connection with a research interest, or a paper prepared in your previous graduate studies
• Applicant has distinct interest in policy, research, and theory with regard to social welfare
• Personal qualities indicating a potential for leadership, compatibility with the School’s mission statement, flexibility and openness to new ideas, maturity, a spirit of inquiry, and a commitment to furthering the knowledge base of the profession of social work
• Competence in quantitative skills as evidenced by performance on the Graduate Record Exam and a college level course in statistics completed with a grade of B or better

*Under special circumstances, applications from persons who do not meet all of these requirements will be considered. Applicants without the M.S.W. degree must have a master’s degree in a closely related field and must demonstrate a high potential for success in the program.

The Bachelor of Science in Social Welfare at Stony Brook University offers a comprehensive understanding of financial aspects related to social welfare programs and policies. Students gain insights into the funding mechanisms of social services, including federal, state, and local government finances, as well as private sector contributions. The curriculum covers topics such as budgeting, resource allocation, grant writing, and financial management within social service organizations. Students learn about the economic principles underlying social welfare programs and how these programs are financed to support vulnerable populations. Practical training includes analyzing case studies on funding strategies and developing skills to secure funding through grants and other sources. The program prepares students for careers in agencies that require expertise in managing budgets, understanding funding policies, and ensuring the sustainability of social welfare initiatives. Internship opportunities often provide hands-on experience in financial planning within social services. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the financial complexities of social work agencies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical financial management and accountability in social welfare practice, aligning with the broader goals of promoting social justice and economic equity. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to understand the implications of financial decisions on service delivery and client well-being, fostering a responsible approach to resource management. Overall, the program offers students a solid foundation in the financial dimensions of social welfare, preparing them for professional roles that require both social and fiscal expertise.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare at Stony Brook University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social services, policies, and practices aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program offers foundational courses in social sciences, psychology, sociology, and policy analysis, along with specialized coursework in social work, intervention strategies, community organization, and ethics. Students gain practical experience through internships and supervised fieldwork, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in social service agencies, community organizations, health care facilities, and government agencies, or for advanced studies in social work or related fields. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering socially responsible practitioners. Graduates of the program are equipped with critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of societal issues, enabling them to contribute effectively to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations. The social welfare program at Stony Brook is also aligned with national standards and collaborates with local agencies to ensure students receive relevant and meaningful experiential learning opportunities. With a diverse faculty specializing in various aspects of social work and public policy, students benefit from expert instruction and mentorship. Overall, the Social Welfare program aims to develop well-rounded professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.