BSW Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina’s BSW programs provide great pathways to start your social work career. You’ll find 25 schools that offer social work degrees throughout the state, and 23 of these schools have Bachelor of Social Work programs.

A BSW serves as your ticket to positions in public and private social agencies. While North Carolina requires a Master’s degree for licensure, starting with a BSW makes good sense. You can cut down your graduate school time by a full year with an Advanced Standing MSW program.

The career outlook for social workers in North Carolina looks bright. The state should become the seventh-largest in the US by the early 2030s, which means we’ll just need more qualified professionals. Healthcare social workers can expect job growth of 16.6% from 2022-2032, which is by a lot higher than the 10% national average. On top of that, it pays well too – you can earn between $52,640 to $68,270 based on your specialty and experience.

Many BSW programs in North Carolina now offer online options, so you can study even with a busy schedule. In this piece, we’ll look at 8 outstanding BSW programs throughout the state to help you begin a journey toward your perfect educational fit.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program prepares you to become a generalist social work practitioner. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited this program, which combines coursework, field experience, and community involvement at the university’s campus in Boone, North Carolina.

BSW Curriculum

The BSW curriculum builds on liberal arts foundations and includes specialized coursework in social work and human behavior theories. Students learn about social welfare policy analysis, research, and generalist practice that helps individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. This detailed approach equips you with the knowledge, values, and skills that are the foundations of strong professional practice.

Students must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 major GPA. You’ll need at least a “C” in all required social work and cognate courses. The curriculum splits into two phases:

1. Foundation Level Courses (15 hours): These cover Professional Social Work in Contemporary Society, The American Social Welfare System, Cultural Competence in the Helping Professions, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Basic Skills for the Social Work Profession.
2. Professional Sequence Courses (38 hours): These advanced topics include Social Welfare Policies, Research Methods, Practice with Individuals/Families/Groups/Communities, and Field Preparation.

Students also choose one social work elective from options like Social Work Practice with Substance Abuse, Health Care, Children and Families, or School Social Work. This curriculum prepares you for entry-level professional practice and possible admission to advanced standing MSW programs.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Field education is known as the “signature pedagogy” of Appalachian’s social work program. Your final semester includes a block placement at a human service agency. An experienced social worker supervises you as you apply theoretical knowledge to ground situations.

Students must submit their field placement applications to the Field Director by February 1 for fall semester placements or September 1 for spring semester placements. The placement requires about 32 hours weekly, totaling 440 hours for the semester. Students must also take SW 4690 Senior Seminar: Issues and Ethics for Field and Profession, which serves as the Social Work Capstone writing course.

This field experience connects classroom learning to professional practice. Students refine their social work skills while helping North Carolina communities’ well-being.

Tuition and Fees

The 2025-26 academic year at Appalachian State University comes with competitive tuition rates. In-state students pay $8,379 for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $26,541. Standard on-campus housing costs $7,458, and a standard meal plan adds $5,796. This brings the total annual cost to $21,633 for in-state and $39,795 for out-of-state students.

Appalachian State ranks as one of America’s best value colleges, making it a smart investment in your future. About 70% of students receive some form of financial aid. The university awards around $25 million yearly based on need, academic achievement, and athletic accomplishment.

Financial assistance options include grants, loans, and Federal Work-Study opportunities. Your financial need calculation comes from subtracting your Student Aid Index (from your FAFSA) from the Cost of Attendance.

Appalachian State University’s affordable tuition, detailed curriculum, and valuable field experiences create a solid foundation for your social work career in North Carolina.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers a detailed Bachelor of Social Work program in Greenville. The program trains generalist social work practitioners and builds strong professional knowledge, skills, and values. Students get ready for professional practice through classroom learning paired with hands-on field experience in this CSWE-accredited program.

BSW Curriculum

East Carolina University’s BSW program follows a well-laid-out curriculum that requires 120 semester hours minimum. Students must apply during the academic year before starting upper-division courses. Program requirements include:

• 32 hours of General Education credit completed
• 5 overall ECU GPA
• SOCW 1010 (Introduction to Social Welfare and Social Work) and SOCW 2010 (Introduction to Social Work Practice with Special Populations) completed with a 2.5 GPA minimum

Students must complete 57 semester hours in social work. The coursework covers human behavior, practice methods, policy, research, and field education. Students develop competencies in these essential areas:

• Ethical and professional behavior
• Assessment of families and groups
• Engagement with individuals
• Practice-informed research
• Evaluation and intervention strategies

Students transferring from other institutions should reach out to an academic advisor right away. The program follows the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, and students must maintain professional behavior accordingly.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Field education is a crucial part of ECU’s social work education. Students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings under qualified supervision. The final semester requires 32 weekly hours in placement, totaling 448 hours minimum.

The School of Social Work collaborates with agencies across eastern North Carolina and nearby regions. Students gain varied experiences that match the Council on Social Work Education’s nine core competencies. BSW students typically work in the field from Tuesday through Friday.

Students can work in various settings:

• Nursing homes, hospitals, and hospice care
• Mental health services and family service agencies
• Child welfare and youth services
• Domestic violence programs and homeless shelters
• Schools and substance abuse programs
• Aging services

Students develop practical skills in assessment, contracting, intervention, and evaluation while working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities.

Tuition and Fees

East Carolina University’s 2025-2026 academic year offers competitive rates. North Carolina residents pay $7,438 for tuition and fees, while non-residents pay $23,715. Room and board costs add $12,003, bringing the total to $19,441 for residents and $35,718 for non-residents.

US News data shows ECU’s resident tuition beats the national average of $12,201. Non-resident students also pay less than the national average of $29,084.

Students receiving need-based aid pay around $15,314 (in-state) and $32,104 (out-of-state) after financial aid. Social work graduates typically borrow $36,958 in student loans, higher than the national median of $18,722 for social work students.

ECU social work graduates earn a median salary of $35,745, slightly below the national average of $37,334. ECU’s Net Price Calculator helps determine your actual attendance cost, and FAFSA opens doors to financial aid opportunities.

ECU’s BSW program stands out among North Carolina’s BSW programs. It delivers quality education with strong practical experience at an affordable price.

UNC Charlotte

UNC Charlotte’s Bachelor of Social Work program is a CSWE-accredited program that gives you the essential skills for generalist social work practice. The well-laid-out program focuses on therapeutic relationships, diversity-affirming assessment, and strength-based approaches to enable positive change.

BSW Curriculum

The BSW curriculum spans four years, split between Lower Division (first two years) and Upper Division (final two years). Students need 120 total credits to graduate. The major requires 76 credits—50 in required SOWK courses and 23 in required courses from other disciplines.

Lower Division requirements include foundational courses such as:

• SOWK 1101 – The Field of Social Work
• SOWK 2182 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
• SOWK 2183 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
• Additional prerequisites in biology, political science, psychology, and statistics

Upper Division coursework follows a sequential structure across four semesters. Students start with professional ethics, diversity, case management, and social welfare foundations. The second year focuses on practice methods, research, and practicum experiences. Students must choose four courses about various population groups from approved departments like African Studies, Anthropology, Criminal Justice, and Women and Gender Studies.

UNC Charlotte has both on-campus and online options for their BSW programs. Check the respective course catalogs.

Fieldwork Opportunities

A big part of UNC Charlotte’s BSW experience is practicum education during the senior year. Students attend classes while participating in field placement through a concurrent model.

Practicum involves about 16 weekly hours in fall and spring semesters, reaching 225 hours each semester. Students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings under professional supervision.

The Practicum Office coordinates all placements—students must not contact agencies directly without approval. While students can share their priorities, they don’t pick specific placement sites. The office matches students with suitable agencies based on their interests and available spots.

UNC Charlotte collaborates with over 200 urban and rural placement agencies. This network offers experiences with vulnerable populations. Some agencies need specific requirements like background checks, drug screening, or immunizations.

Tuition and Fees

UNC Charlotte’s 2024-2025 academic year offers competitive rates. In-state undergraduates pay $7,020 for tuition, while out-of-state students pay $22,274. These rates are lower than national averages: $12,201 for in-state and $29,084 for out-of-state tuition.

The total cost with room and board reaches $24,228 for North Carolina residents and $38,890 for non-residents. After financial aid, the average net price becomes $16,011 for in-state students and $33,443 for out-of-state students who receive need-based aid.

Online program costs differ. Resident BSW students pay $189.48 per credit hour, while non-resident online students pay $800.40 per credit hour. The university offers various financing options to help make education accessible.

North Carolina State University

NC State University offers a BSW program that gives the ability to communities facing oppression. The program focuses on social and economic justice. Students get ready for entry-level professional work through detailed coursework and hands-on experience. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited this program.

BSW Curriculum

NC State’s BSW program puts human and social well-being first. It champions human rights and helps individuals, families, groups, and communities that face oppression and discrimination. You’ll learn to help diverse populations and understand what shapes client needs across North Carolina and beyond.

The degree requirements include:

• A minimum of 34 credit hours at NC State’s Department of Social Work
• Three practice courses (SW 320, SW 405, SW 408)
• Field preparation (SW 480)
• Field work and field seminar (SW 490 and SW 491)

Core courses include:

• SW 201: Introduction to Social Work (4 credits)
• SW 290: Development of Social Welfare and Social Work in the U.S. (3 credits)
• SW 300: Research Methods in Social Work (3 credits)
• SW 307: Social Welfare Policy: Analysis and Advocacy (3 credits)
• SW 310: Human Behavior Theory for Social Work Practice (3 credits)
• SW 312: Multicultural Social Work (3 credits)

The program teaches you values and knowledge needed to work with different client systems at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. This integrated approach prepares you for entry-level practice and sets you up for graduate education.

Fieldwork Opportunities

NC State’s social work education uses practicum education to meet fieldwork requirements. Your final semester includes a 420-hour Agency Practicum Internship and a three-hour weekly Practicum Seminar.

The field experience stands out as the most vital part of your social work education. Every accredited social work program requires at least one practicum placement before graduation.

Your placement helps you:

• Practice social work skills with expert supervision
• Build work experience before job hunting
• Use classroom knowledge in real-life situations
• Work with diverse populations in culturally-competent ways
• Learn to analyze social structures critically

You’ll work with the practicum coordinator to find your final placement. This experience connects theory with practice and prepares you to tackle complex social issues.

North Carolina State University tuition and fees

NC State’s tuition and fee structure for 2025-26 academic year looks like this:

Part-time students pay $272.29 per credit hour for in-state tuition, while out-of-state students pay $1,312.50 per credit hour. NC State’s in-state tuition costs less than the national average of $12,201, making it a budget-friendly choice among North Carolina’s BSW programs.

Students receiving need-based aid pay an average net price of $16,337 for in-state and $34,168 for out-of-state tuition. Various financial aid options can lower your actual costs by a lot.

The university provides several payment plans and financial aid options to make education more available. Graduates find careers in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, public welfare, addictions recovery, public schools, and various nonprofit organizations.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program helps you become an entry-level generalist practitioner. The program focuses on military families, rural communities, and behavioral healthcare. This BSW program stands out in North Carolina because of its special emphasis on military social work.

BSW Curriculum

Students need 120 credit hours to complete the well-laid-out BSW curriculum at Fayetteville State. The program aims to create competent, ethical social workers who can work in rural and military settings. Students learn about:

• Military families and behavioral health care
• Geriatrics and poverty in rural counties
• Advocacy for socio-economic justice

Program admission requirements include:

• A completed School of Social Work Undergraduate Admission’s Application
• A minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• A grade of ‘C’ or better in SWRK 230 (Introduction to Social Work)
• Two recommendation forms from non-family members
• A 2-3 page narrative on “Why I Want to Become a Social Worker”

The four-year curriculum starts with general education requirements and ends with specialized social work courses. Students take core classes in Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, Generalist Practice, and Research Methods. The program also includes electives in substance abuse, healthcare, aging, and child welfare.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Senior students complete an intensive block field practicum worth 10 credit hours along with a 2-credit integrative field seminar. FSU BSW students now provide over 36,000 hours of service annually in human services sectors of all types including mental health, child welfare, and substance misuse treatment.

This hands-on experience helps local communities and gives students real-world practice. This is a big deal as it means that the value of this service is $772,800 to the state and its residents.

Tuition and Fees

FSU’s tuition rates are much lower than national averages:

FSU has a fixed tuition policy – your tuition stays the same for four years with continuous enrollment. 83% of first-year students receive need-based aid, with average grants of $3,788.

The total annual cost for in-state undergraduates living on campus comes to about $20,423. This includes books, personal expenses, and transportation.

UNC Pembroke

UNC Pembroke offers a CSWE-accredited BSW program that focuses on addressing rural community challenges. The program received its accreditation in 1982 and has managed to keep its dedication to preparing students for generalist practice in rural settings since 1987.

BSW Curriculum

Students need 120 semester hours to complete the BSW program, with 51 hours focused on social work major requirements. Core courses include:

• SWK 2000: Introduction to Social Work
• SWK 3050: Success and Professionalism in Social Work
• SWK 3450: Human Behavior and Social Environment I
• SWK 3480: Social Welfare and Policies
• SWK 3800-4800: Social Work Practice I-III
• SWK 4900: Field Work (9 credits)

Students must apply for admission to the BSW program during their SWK 3050 course before they can enroll in advanced courses. The program requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of at least 75% of general education requirements, and two professional references. Students can choose specialized electives that focus on populations-at-risk, such as gerontological social work, child welfare, and practice with diverse populations.

Fieldwork Opportunities

Students complete 400 clock hours of supervised field experience in their final semester. This hands-on training exposes them to social work roles in a variety of settings like behavioral health agencies, community nonprofits, substance use disorder treatment programs, schools, and hospitals.

Faculty and field supervisors create personalized learning contracts to help students develop their generalist skills. This real-life experience connects theoretical knowledge with practical application and helps boost employment prospects.

Tuition and Fees

UNCP, as an NC Promise institution, provides remarkably affordable tuition rates. In-state undergraduates pay only $1,000 per year for tuition, while out-of-state students pay $5,000. Additional fees range between $2,490 and $2,571.

Room and board costs approximately $9,382-$11,858. The total estimated yearly cost comes to $15,499 for in-state students and $19,499 for out-of-state students. These rates are nowhere near the national averages of $12,201 for in-state and $29,084 for out-of-state tuition.

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University has managed to keep continuous accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. This makes it one of the longest-standing BSW programs in North Carolina. Students get complete education and hands-on field experience to prepare them for beginning generalist social work practice.

BSW Curriculum

The BSW program at WCU is 120 total credit hours. These hours split into 42 hours of liberal studies, 67 hours of social work required courses, and 11 hours of general electives. Students must complete all major courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better. Core requirements include:

• SOCW 151: Introduction to Social Work
• SOCW 251: Social Issues, Policy and Programs
• SOCW 253: Practice I: Interviewing and Ethics
• SOCW 334/354: Human Behavior and Social Environment courses
• SOCW 360/362: Social Work Practice courses

You’ll develop skills in case management, clinical practice, community advocacy, and research during your studies. The program’s main focus is to prepare you for entry-level positions in both public and private sectors.

Fieldwork Opportunities

BSW students complete a 400-hour block field placement in their final semester. This hands-on experience helps them develop practical skills with people from different backgrounds. WCU partners with over 200 organizations in Western North Carolina, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Substance misuse treatment centers
• Mental health agencies
• Advocacy centers and homeless shelters
• Schools and community organizations

Several placements serve communities of all types, including members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Students can complete field placements during fall and spring semesters, but not summer. All prerequisite coursework must be finished before starting placement.

Tuition and Fees

WCU offers some of the most affordable tuition rates as an NC Promise campus. In-state students pay $3,524.78 per semester for full-time study, while out-of-state students pay $5,524.78. These rates include book rental and health insurance, though students can waive the insurance. Social work majors pay an extra program fee of $175 per semester.

Campus housing costs range from $2,433 to $4,221 based on your choice of residence hall and room type. Students also pay a $92 residential technology fee. First-year residents can choose meal plans that cost between $2,424.62 and $2,819.45.

WCU provides quality social work education at costs that are nowhere near the national averages.

Online BSW Programs in NC

Many tudents now prefer online Bachelor of Social Work degrees because they offer more flexibility. Schools throughout the state have created resilient distance learning options that work for different types of students.

Top online BSW programs in North Carolina

UNC Wilmington’s online BSW program works great for students who completed their Associate of Applied Science degree at North Carolina community colleges. You can finish your bachelor’s degree in just five semesters.

Appalachian State University lets you choose between real-time classes and self-paced coursework. In-state students pay about $200 per credit hour. The program combines online learning with a hands-on internship in your final semester, usually close to home.

UNC Charlotte offers a two-year degree completion program for students who’ve finished their prerequisites and general education requirements. Their CSWE-accredited program will give a solid foundation in general social work practice while you study from home.

Methodist University’s online BSW program takes less than three years to complete and has an optional school social work licensure track.

Benefits of Online BSW Programs in NC

Flexibility stands out as the biggest advantage of these programs. You can study while managing your job and personal life without moving or driving to campus every day.

These online BSW programs also come with great features:

• Classes in the evening that work around your job
• Learn at your own pace with asynchronous courses
• Put your knowledge to work in your community
• You might do your field work at your current job

Accreditation and Flexibility of Online BSW Programs

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) must accredit your program. Without this accreditation, you won’t qualify for MSW programs later.

North Carolina’s online BSW programs require field practicums that you can complete in your local community under professional guidance. You’ll gain practical experience while enjoying the freedom of online classes.

Programs require between 225-420 hours of field work each semester, depending on the school. This shows that online programs are just as thorough as traditional campus-based ones.

Comparing NC’s BSW Programs

Start Your Path to a BSW in NC Today

The right BSW program can kickstart your social work career in North Carolina. Eight outstanding programs offer different paths that match your specific interests and circumstances. Each school brings something special to the table. Fayetteville State focuses on military families, UNC Pembroke emphasizes rural communities, and NC Promise schools stand out for their affordability.

BSW programs help you enter the workforce right away. They also create a path to speed up your graduate education through Advanced Standing MSW programs. This smart educational approach saves both time and money on your career path.

The future looks bright for social workers in North Carolina. The state will become the seventh-largest in the country by the early 2030s. This growth means more jobs for qualified professionals. Healthcare social workers can expect job growth of 16.6%, which beats the national average of 10%.

Money plays a big part in picking your program. Tuition costs vary a lot between schools. UNC Pembroke’s yearly in-state tuition is just $1,000, while other options can cost more than $9,000. Each program also has different field work rules, usually needing 400-450 hours in your final semesters.

Students who juggle multiple responsibilities can now choose online options. These flexible programs follow the same high standards as campus-based education. They maintain CSWE accreditation and detailed field experiences.

The comparison table helps you evaluate key features of each program side by side. Your final choice should factor in admission requirements, curriculum structure, and location along with cost. Pick a program that matches your interests, career goals, and the way you learn best.

Your BSW education starts you on a rewarding path. This career lets you support vulnerable people and tackle social challenges. Any North Carolina program you pick will give you key knowledge, professional values, and practical skills to change many lives for the better.