If you are searching for social work degrees in North Carolina to receive the training for opening professional career opportunities in this rewarding profession, then you will be glad to hear that there are numerous programs that have been given the gold standard for excellence by the highly respected Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the "Tar Heel State." Along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern region of the United States, North Carolina offers a vibrant mix of diverse cultures. As Raleigh and Charlotte continue to be named among the top ten fastest growing in the nation, there is expected to be a large demand for qualified social workers to respond to North Carolina's changing population needs over the next decade. Therefore, read on to find our final listing (T-Z) of social work degree programs focused on preparing students for practice with these diverse populations.
For the first two parts of our list see: Social Work Degree Programs in North Carolina (A-J) and Social Work Degree Programs in North Carolina (K-S).
Online Social Work Programs For You
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Social Work
Since being established as the nation's first public university in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has grown to become a major public research institution with over 29,000 students on its vibrant 729-acre campus in one of the country's best college towns. Regularly named the best value for academic quality in U.S. public education, UNC is currently ranked as the 30th best college and 5th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the School of Social Work is highly regarded for offering graduate students the 5th best social work degree program in America.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Focused on turning today's graduate students into tomorrow's leaders within a supportive academic environment, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed to educate social workers for advanced practice that strengthens individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. With 62 credit hours and up to 1,100 hours of field practice in diverse human service agencies, the program prepares graduates to provide leadership in the development of social and economic justice. Not only does the program enable students to concentrate their studies in direct practice, management, or community practice, but it also gives them the freedom to pursue their degree full-time, with advanced standing, or in a unique three-year distance education program.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
325 Pittsboro Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-1225
[email protected]
Program Website
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Department of Social Work
Located on a beautiful 1,000-acre wooded campus in the suburbs outside of Charlotte in one of America's fastest growing metropolitan areas, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a major vibrant public research institution that offers high-quality education to more than 26,000 students within three hours from the Atlantic Ocean. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UNCC is currently ranked as the 201st best college and 117th top public school in the entire country. Within the College of Health and Human Services, the Department of Social Work is also home to the nation's 66th best graduate social work degree program.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Rooted in the professional competencies for generalist practice to develop the social work values and ethics needed for success in today's increasingly global environment, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepare students to utilize multiple types of intervention with different social systems and client populations to increase well-being. The program is strongly focused on affirming the human rights of diverse populations, especially those at risk due to being historically oppressed by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or ability. As an upper-division professional program, the curriculum requires the completion of 44 credits in major social work courses before gaining employment in a variety of social service settings from the coast to the mountains of North Carolina.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Available with a generalist concentration in Advanced Interpersonal Practice to focus on working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is committed to embracing the field's commitment to social justice by giving special attention to the state's most at-risk populations. By selecting micro or macro practice, the program develops advanced social work practitioners with the skills to engage client systems at all levels in a manner that is consistent with professional ethics. While eligible students with an accredited BSW degree can complete the program with just 45 credits over three semesters, the program traditionally requires 62 credit hours completed in four semesters full-time or three years in extended study.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
9201 University City Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704) 687-0752
[email protected]
Program Website
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Department of Social Work
Centrally located on a 210-acre urban campus at the midway point between the major hub of Atlanta and our nation's capital in Washington DC, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a learner-centered public residential institution with over 17,500 students. Recently named to Princeton Review's "Best Colleges" for the 16th consecutive year, UNCG is currently ranked as the 190th best college and 108th top public school in America by the U.S. News and World Report. Through its collaboration with North Carolina A&T State University, the Department of Social Work is also highly regarded for offering the 109th best graduate social work program in the United States.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Featuring international study opportunities through the university's strong relationships with the Glasgow School of Social Work in Scotland and in Costa Rica, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to prepare undergraduates for beginning level generalist social work practice with the completion of 122 credit hours. While the first two years are grounded in liberal arts education, the second two years focus on the professional social work curriculum with two community-based volunteer placements and a two-semester field internship. Graduates may go on to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills with diverse client groups in community social welfare as case managers, counselors, advocates, and community educators or further their education in the university's Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) program.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1400 Spring Garden Street
Greensboro, NC 27412
(336) 334-5147
[email protected]
Program Website
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Department of Social Work
First established in 1887 as an American Indian university for the Lumbee tribe, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has since evolved into a comprehensive public teaching institution with a distinctly diverse student body of over 6,200 on a 200-acre rural campus in southern North Carolina. As one of the safest campuses in the university system, UNCP is currently ranked as the 80th best college, 38th top public school, and 20th best school for veterans in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Since 1982, the Department of Social Work has excelled in preparing students to become leaders in enhancing the well-being and social functioning for the citizens of the region.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Offered with optional minors in Substance Abuse and Social Welfare, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program builds upon the core values of the social work profession to prepare students for entry-level professional practice as leaders in enhancing the quality of life. In order to meet North Carolina's growing need for generalist social work practitioners in public and private agencies, the program follows a generalist model that specifically emphasizes working with rural and Native American indigenous populations. Within the 120-credit program, students will be assigned a supervised field setting to complete a minimum of 400 clock hours of field practicum by the end of the senior year.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Featuring an advanced 60-credit curriculum that can be completed over two years full-time or in three years with extended study, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program has been designed to help meet the urgent demand for advanced generalist social work professionals for assuming leadership roles in the mobilization of available resources for at-risk populations. Graduate students will gain hands-on experience working in public, private, and social service agency settings with a unique focus on helping rural, indigenous, and disadvantaged populations in the university's region. With full accreditation, students can expected to work with a distinguished faculty, become part of small class sizes, enter a dynamic exchange with peer practitioners, and learn from a rigorously advanced curriculum.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1 University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372
(910) 775-4090
[email protected]
Program Website
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
School of Social Work
As the state's coastal comprehensive public research institution with 13,500 students, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington is situated on a 661-acre urban campus between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River with an innovative culture rooted in the liberal arts. Recently awarded the top spot in the national ranking of the most military-friendly colleges by GI Jobs magazine, UNCW is currently ranked as the 15th best college and 6th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Students in the School of Social Work are also given the opportunity to join the nation's 89th best graduate social work degree program.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Rooted in the strengths perspective for generalist professional social work practice, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is focused on engaging undergraduate students in scholarly inquiry and community service to build the essential skills for ethical practice in empowering diverse populations across the state. Whether students are interested in social work careers in addictions, aging, child welfare, criminal justice, public welfare, healthcare, mental health, community organization, policy planning, research, or management, the program lays the groundwork for fulfilling various goals in this helping profession. All students must complete a minimum of 124 credit hours for degree completion, along with a two-semester field practicum placement experience with a licensed social worker.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Dedicated to the preparation of graduate students for a career in clinical practice to assist individuals, groups, couples, families, and communities in developing stronger social functioning, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program promotes equality and social justice to instill the values needed among practitioners in today's culturally diverse society. While upholding the ethics of the profession, the program teaches the critical thinking and analytical skills that social workers need to enhance the quality of life for all people. After completing the 62-credit program in four semesters full-time or six semesters part-time, graduates will be ready for advanced clinical practice in medical, child welfare, family service, and mental health social work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3872
[email protected]
Program Website
Warren Wilson College
Social Work Department
Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina on a vast 1,135-acre rural campus in the small town of Asheville, Warren Wilson College is driven by the Triad as a private comprehensive liberal arts institution of around 1,000 students. With a strong commitment to creating a holistic educational experience with experiential learning, WWC is currently ranked as the 167th best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report. The Social Work Department extends the college's mission for service to help students strengthen their social responsibility for helping people who are marginalized, oppressed, disadvantaged, and vulnerable.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
As one of the earliest college baccalaureate programs to become accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1978, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has a long distinguished history of following the council's rigorous academic standards in producing high-quality generalist social work practitioners for meeting the needs of diverse community environments. In preparation for entry-level positions, the program provides an academically sound, ethically principled, educationally challenging, and socially relevant education solidly framed by the liberal arts. With its unique global perspective to social work, the program allows students to complement their 120-credit degree with study abroad opportunities in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or Cuba to learn about cross-cultural exchanges.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
P.O. Box 9000
Asheville, NC 28815
(828) 298-3325
[email protected]
Program Website
Western Carolina University
Social Work Department
As home to more than 120 academic programs serving the learning needs of over 10,000 students in the University of North Carolina system, Western Carolina University is a comprehensive four-year public residential institution based on a 682-acre rural campus in Cullowhee near the foothills of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains. Recognized in the "Great Schools, Great Prices" section, WCU is currently ranked as the 39th best college and 16th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. In the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Social Work Department offers a personalized learning environment to train students with the most indispensible components of social work education.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Featuring an eight-semester plan of study, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has the primary educational objective of preparing undergraduate students for beginning generalist social work practice in a number of careers from public service to the private sector. Within the 134-credit program, students are engaged in a challenging curriculum that provides hands-on experience through participation in the mandatory field practicum internship. Students will also benefit from taking courses in a broad array of topics, including social policy, interviewing skills, social environment, life development, human behavior, social work research, community practice, diversity, substance abuse, child welfare, mental health, and more.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
At the graduate level, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to work in advanced social work practice in public agencies, private practices, and social service administration as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). While the program does not require a bachelor's degree in social work, it is strongly recommended that applicants have taken course prerequisites in psychology, biology, political, and economics. Students have the option to choose from three options of study, which are full-time, part-time, and advanced standing. With back-to-back block scheduling, courses are offered in Cullowhee during the first and last semesters and in Asheville for the intermediate two semesters.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
4121 Little Savannah Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7112
[email protected]
Program Website
Winston-Salem State University
Department of Behavioral Sciences
Nestled on a 117-acre urban campus within the state's fourth largest city in the Piedmont Triad region of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem State University is a public master's-level historically black institution with a diverse enrollment of more than 6,100 students. Known for offering more than 40 majors that meet the needs of today's fast-evolving job market, WSSU is currently ranked as the 62nd best college and 26th top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the nation's 17th best historically black university, the Department of Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to delivering a greater understanding of people, our interactions with others, and the societies in which we live.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program seeks to provide undergraduates with the broad-based generalist preparation for developing the critical thinking skills and professional competencies needed to work with diverse client populations. Due to the ethnic diversity of the university and the surrounding community, the program is specifically focused on preparing graduates to integrate their knowledge and ethical values with social work skills to become culturally competent practitioners. Within the interdisciplinary curriculum rooted in the liberal arts, students will be required to complete at least 122 credit hours with courses spanning human behavior, social work practice, history, sociology, music/art, research methods, psychology, economics, mathematics, and field education.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
601 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
(336) 750-8969
[email protected]
Program Website
Earning a bachelor's or master's degree in social work is the best career decision for obtaining the knowledge and skills needed to assume in-demand roles in the growing field of social work. Whether you are a native North Carolinian or are drawn to the growing regions of the "Old North State," do not forget to consider these top-notch social work degrees in North Carolina to get on the right track to helping the state's diverse populations in improving their social functioning.