Are you interested in finding accredited social work degrees in North Carolina to get started on a career that is both service-oriented and recession-proof? Not only does the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict faster than average growth in social work nationwide by over 19% before 2022, but North Carolina also is facing a rising demand for qualified social workers. In fact, there are already an estimated 18,530 social workers employed in the "Tar Heel State" to help the state's diverse cultural groups alleviate social problems for enhanced well-being. If you want to join the ranks of licensed social workers serving communities in North Carolina, read on to find our list of the first third (A-J) of social work degree programs that have been accredited by the CSWE.
Online Social Work Programs For You
Appalachian State University
College of Health Sciences
As one of the 16 public research institutions in the University of North Carolina system that enrolls around 17,500 students, Appalachian State University offers a strong sense of community and an energetic campus life on 1,300 acres in rural Boone within the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Consistently named one of the "Best Values in Public Colleges" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, ASU is ranked as the 9th best college, 3rd top public school, and 5th best up-and-coming university in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the College of Health Sciences is proud to offer the 104th best graduate social work degree program in the United States.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
As an accredited undergraduate professional program, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree is designed to prepare students for working with diverse clients in a broad range of human service agencies with a strong commitment to advocating for human rights and social justice. With a focus on generalist social work practice, the curriculum challenges and encourages students as they grow professionally and personally. In order to provide valuable opportunities for students to integrate their learning with real-life experiences under the guidance of experienced social work field instructors, the program allows BSW students to complete block field placements in the last semester of their senior year. In addition to the traditional program in Boone, there is a full-time distance program in Morganton and a part-time distance program in Wilkes.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
At the graduate level, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program aims to train social workers who contribute to the growth and success of the profession through advanced clinical practice, leadership, education, supervision, community development, program planning, administration, and advocacy. Ideal for qualified graduate students seeking to provide advanced specialized social work practice, the program offers two concentrations for Individuals and Families or Community and Organizational Practice. Along with the regular 60-credit program available on-campus on a full or part-time basis, there is an advanced standing program of 33 credits for students who have earned an accredited BSW degree to earn full or part-time. Graduates will be well-prepared for advanced practice in a variety of human services settings that focus on social problems and social change.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
730 River Street
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-2299
[email protected]
Program Website
Barton College
School of Social Work
First established in 1902 as a four-year private Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, Barton College is home to more than 1,150 students on its 76-acre urban campus in the inviting community of Wilson within just 45 minutes from downtown Raleigh. With a close-knit atmosphere that emphasizes individualized attention, Barton is ranked as the 30th best college in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Fully accredited by the CSWE, the School of Social Work seeks to prepare graduates who have highly developed social consciences to be global citizens for enhancing life for others.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Designed to prepare undergraduate students for entry-level practice in social service settings, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program offers a comprehensive approach to delivering a rigorous professional foundation on diversity, social justice, ethics, human behavior, social environments, social welfare, social work practice, and research. Offered in a cohort style to build a beneficial group dynamic and positive learning environment, the social work program begins in the sophomore year with a wide array of electives. As part of the professional degree plan, students are required to complete 100 hours of service learning in the junior year as well as a 420-hour internship in the senior year. Graduates can go on to become generalist practitioners or specialize their career by earning a master's degree in social work.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
200 Atlantic Christian College Drive NE
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-6317
[email protected]
Program Website
Bennett College
Division of Social Sciences and Education
Nestled on a 55-acre urban campus in Greensboro near the Piedmont-Triad International Airport with just over 765 students, Bennett College is a small independent historically black liberal arts institution for women affiliated with the United Methodist Church. With a focus on delivering a greater appreciation for the history and culture of the African Diaspora, Bennett offers 16 majors that promote morally grounded education for purposeful public service. Within the Division of Social Sciences and Education, programs will encourage students' personal development, endorse their lifelong learning, and prepare them to meet the needs of citizens in today's ever-changing society.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Built with a liberal arts perspective and knowledge base, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program has been established to prepare undergraduate students for professional entry-level generalist social work practice as well as graduate study at other accredited institutions. The program stands as the only academic area at Bennett for training social and human service professionals with the skills needed to work with individuals, families, couples, groups, communities, and organizations for the resolution of social problems. Within the 124-credit program, students will be expected to complete a sophomore volunteer experience and a senior-level field practicum at an approved social service agency. For the purpose of professional socialization and skills development, the practicum requires at least 500 clock hours under the guidance of a licensed social worker.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
900 East Washington Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 517-1833
pbake[email protected]
Campbell University
School of Education
Through its affiliation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, Campbell University is a comprehensive four-year private Christian liberal arts institution situated on an 850-acre rural campus in Buies Creek in Harnett County within just thirty miles from Fayetteville. As home to more than 6,100 students, Campbell is currently recognized as the 27th best college in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within one of the "Best in the Southeast" named by the Princeton Review, the School of Education is committed to offering professional service-oriented degrees in education, psychology, and social work.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Featuring a very active Social Work Club and a chapter of the national social work honor society Phi Alpha Eta Kappa, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is designed to offer undergraduate students opportunities to work with others to prepare for the professional activities of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance their social functioning. With a focus on creating a better world with favorable societal conditions for all, the program is available for any qualified undergraduates who have chosen any of the varied career options for service to others in the years ahead. Within the 124-credit program, students will be expected to complete all general education requirements before starting the social work curriculum in the junior year and participating in the 450-hour field practicum.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
116 T.T. Lanier Street
Buies Creek, NC 27506
(910) 893-1630
[email protected]
Program Website
East Carolina University
College of Human Ecology
Named one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation with more than 27,000 students, East Carolina University is a comprehensive four-year public research institution with a focus on service learning on a vast 1,401-acre urban campus in Greenville on the Atlantic coast within just 80 miles from the state's capital city of Raleigh. According to the U.S. News and World Report, ECU is currently ranked as the 181st best college, 101st top public university, and 48th best school for military veterans in the entire United States. Along with the 141st best online bachelor's programs, the College of Human Ecology is recognized for having the 148th top graduate social work program in the nation.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
At the undergraduate level, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is available for those interested in pursuing entry-level generalist social work practice for immediate employment in a variety of social service settings working with individuals, families, couples, groups, organizations, or communities. Not only does the program equip students with the ability to become effective generalist practitioners upon graduation, but it also fulfills the academic requirements needed to pursue a graduate degree with advanced standing. For completion of the 124-credit program, students will need to complete a field education experience in preparation for professional practice by spending 32 hours a week in the field for a grand total of at least 448 clock hours during the final semester of their senior year.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Boasting personalized attention from experienced faculty members interested in their personal and professional development, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is offered to prepare graduate students for more advanced social work practice. With a single concentration in Clinical-Community Social Work from a Relational Perspective (CCRP), the program is strongly focused building upon the generalist practice to better understand how communities impact the development, capacities, and functioning of individuals and vice versa. While the full-time Regular MSW program can be completed with 60 credits in just two years and the Advanced Standing program can be finished in just one calendar year, there is also a Part-Time MSW available through an off-campus cohort format over a three-year period.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1001 East Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-5650
[email protected]
Program Website
Elizabeth City State University
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
As a public constituent institution of the University of North Carolina that offers bachelor's, master's, and professional degrees for a diverse student body of over 2,400, Elizabeth City State University serves the northeastern region of the state on a beautiful 154-acre rural campus in the historic small town of Elizabeth City. Ranked #1 for the second consecutive year among baccalaureate colleges in Washington Monthly, ECSU is named the 21st best college and 1st top public school in the South by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the nation's 18th best historically black university, the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences is focused on the academic and social preparation of undergraduate students to enter the workforce or graduate school.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
With full accreditation through the CSWE for providing professional social work education at the baccalaureate level, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for generalist social work practice to address a broad range of social problems affecting individuals, families, couples, groups, communities, and organizations. After completing general education requirements, students must apply for admission to the social work program before the end of their sophomore year. Students will then begin to focus their studies on social work practice, social welfare policy, human behavior, social statistics, research methods, African American history, sign language, and field experience. Along with weekly seminar classes, students in their senior year will be required to complete a total of 440 hours in field education.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1704 Weeksville Road
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
(252) 335-3973
[email protected]
Fayetteville State University
Department of Social Work
Since being founded following the Civil War in 1865 as the second oldest state-supported school in North Carolina for educating the African American community, Fayetteville State University has grown into a comprehensive public regional institution with its 156-acre urban campus in the heart of southeastern North Carolina. As home to more than 6,600 students, FSU is currently ranked as the nation's 25th best historically black college or university by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the Department of Social Work is nationally acclaimed for hosting the 148th best graduate social work programs in America.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Recently granted candidacy status by the CSWE for accreditation, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program was established in 2012 to prepare undergraduate students to practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations, especially in rural or military base settings. With a focus on generalist social work practice, the curriculum trains students to utilize ethical and evidence-based practice in the prevention and intervention of social injustice in order to promote enhanced human well-being across diverse populations. Through collaborative learning that brings students together with faculty, field instructors, and licensed social work professionals, the program fights today's common societal problems.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Renowned for being the first HBCU in the United States to collaborate with the U.S. Army to offer a master's degree in social work to active duty soldiers at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is designed in a full-time accelerated format. Designed to prepare graduate students for professional social work practice with leadership potential, the program focuses on social issues specifically concerning children, families, mental illness, and substance abuse to address today's most pressing social problems. Whether students are interested in practicing in urban, rural, or military settings, the program prepares them with the advanced skills needed to engage in prevention, treatment, intervention, clinical practice, research, and administrative roles that advocate for social justice to improve well-being.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
(910) 672-1210
[email protected]
Johnson C. Smith University
Department of Social Work
As a comprehensive private Christian liberal arts institution with around 1,500 students living out their HBCU traditions for diversity, Johnson C. Smith University is based on a 100-acre metropolitan campus in the "Queen City of the South," also known as Charlotte. With a national reputation for empowering tomorrow's diverse citizens and leaders in over 22 fields of study, JCSU is currently ranked as the 14th best historically black college or university in America by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Social Work is dedicated to offering accredited programs that have been specifically tailored to meet the demands of today's workplace.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
In order to make the world a better place by ensuring that each person has the basic needs necessary for living a healthy and happy life, the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares undergraduate students to help people meet these needs by focusing on the behavioral reactions and psychological reasons behind them. Featuring a comprehensive resource library with books, films, graduate school materials, and journals, the program strives to bring the education outside of the classroom to build the essential skills for becoming an effective social worker. Within the 128-credit program, students will also participate in internships that allow them to apply their learning to start on the path towards a rewarding career in human service.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
With the mission of preparing social work graduate students to engage in advanced culturally competent practice, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program strives to develop the professional competencies that are needed to work with individuals, families, small groups, communities, and organizations in today's rapidly evolving multicultural society. Due to the program's strong focus on the professional application of values to respect dignity and self-worth, graduates leave the program with a commitment to social justice. Available in a two-year format for full-time enrollment and a grand total of 60 credit hours, the program includes two semesters of field placement to compile at least 500 clock hours of direct client contact.
Accreditations
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact Information
100 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(704) 378-1094
[email protected]
Program Website
If you are looking for a career that will allow you to connect with your community, make a difference in someone's life, and pursue your pass for social justice on the front lines with a relatively short educational path, then it is highly recommended that you check out these accredited social work degrees in North Carolina to realize your potential as a social worker.
See also: Social Work Degree Programs in North Carolina (K-S) and Social Work Degree Programs in North Carolina (T-Z).