MA in Drugs, Health and Society

UB’s MA in Drugs, Health and Society gives you a rare opportunity to study drugs and addiction from multiple perspectives. You will explore the science of drug use, the social and political forces that shape policy and treatment, and the impact these issues have on people and communities. This broad perspective helps you understand a complex public health challenge and prepares you to make a difference in many professional settings.

As a flagship public research university, UB brings together faculty who work across many disciplines. You will learn in a collaborative environment where experts share their latest research and students from many backgrounds contribute their own perspectives. You will also build skills through applied projects tied to your interests, whether you want to focus on treatment, research, policy, community work or communication.

Buffalo’s affordability, welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community make it a supportive place to study issues that directly affect public health and everyday life.

• Interdisciplinary learning: Courses draw from multiple UB departments, giving students a 360-degree view of drugs, health and society
• Two concentrations: Choose a focus in Science and Health or Society and Politics
• Expert faculty: Learn from researchers, clinicians and policymakers leading innovation in addiction science and public health
• Hands-on experience: Engage in applied research or community-based projects tied to your concentration

This MA is built to give you both breadth and focus. You will learn the core science and social frameworks around drugs and addiction, then tailor your path through one of two concentrations.

Students graduate ready to understand and address drug use and addiction at both individual and societal levels. By the time you complete the MA in Drugs, Health and Society you will be able to:

• Build knowledge of the sciences of drugs, drug use and addiction, including biomedical, psychological and public health perspectives
• Gain familiarity with major approaches to addiction treatment and prevention, and understand how they are used in real settings
• Develop critical thinking and communication skills for analyzing and explaining the social and political dimensions of drug use, policy and treatment

These outcomes prepare you to talk about drugs and addiction with clarity and nuance, whether you are working with clients, shaping policy, writing for the public or conducting research.

Graduates of UB’s MA in Drugs, Health and Society program are prepared for diverse careers where understanding addiction and drug policy is key.

Common career paths include:

• Addiction treatment or prevention specialist (with further training and credentialing)
• Research associate in public health, psychology or biomedical science
• Policy analyst or advocate in government or nonprofit sectors
• Health educator or community outreach coordinator
• Journalist, writer or content creator focusing on health or science communication
• Enhancement of opportunities in existing careers in helping professions
• Preparation for doctoral study in psychology, public health, social work or related disciplines

UB’s multidisciplinary training equips graduates with both scientific knowledge and social insight—skills that are in growing demand across healthcare, policy and community organizations.

Ready to advance your understanding of drugs, health and society?

For more information, please reach out to us!