7 Best Part-Time MSW Programs in North Carolina

Social work employment shows promising growth of 7% from 2023 to 2033. Part-time MSW programs in North Carolina provide a perfect way to advance your career while keeping your current job.

Working professionals often find it tough to balance their jobs with higher education. Several North Carolina universities offer flexible part-time MSW programs tailored to busy schedules. These programs come in various formats – from online to hybrid learning models that adapt to your learning style and time constraints.

North Carolina’s MSW programs offer diverse pricing options. East Carolina University’s fully online program costs $5,213 per year, while Fayetteville State University provides weekend classes at $3,438 annually for in-state students. UNC Charlotte’s distance education program takes 3 years to complete, and some programs offer faster tracks for students with prior credentials. Let’s get into the 7 best part-time MSW programs in NC that will help shape your educational journey.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University sits in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and runs one of North Carolina’s most adaptable part-time MSW programs. The program will give you advanced practice and intervention skills to create positive community changes while you keep your current job.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at Appalachian State University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and lives within the Beaver College of Health Sciences. You’ll learn advanced social work practice with individuals, families, organizations, and communities through coursework that puts social justice and teamwork first.

After graduating, you can apply for clinical social work licensure and/or social work manager licensure. The program also connects you to professionals in health disciplines of all types, including nutrition, nursing, health care management, and more.

Program Formats

You can choose from several part-time MSW program formats that work around your job:

• Regular Part-Time Program: Takes 4 years with daytime courses (on-campus only)
• Advanced Standing Part-Time Program: Takes 2 years for qualified BSW graduates (on-campus or online)

Advanced Standing needs a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited university earned in the last 7 years with a 3.2 GPA in BSW courses. Students must take an Advanced Standing Transitional Seminar in Summer II before Fall courses and score a ‘B’ grade or higher to move forward.

Specializations at Appalachian State University

Students can pick from two main concentrations:

1. Individuals and Families Concentration

• Readies you for advanced direct and clinical practice
• Centers on agency-based practice with diverse populations
• Blends theoretical perspectives with advanced clinical assessment

2. Community and Organizational Practice Concentration

• Tackles social problems and change at community and organizational levels
• Builds social programs and policies based on social work values
• Focuses on community organizing, social planning, and nonprofit administration

The program stands out with its crossover design. You can choose one concentration while taking courses from the other practice area.

Tuition and Affordability

The MSW program comes with competitive rates:

• In-state tuition and fees: $5,954 per year for part-time students
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $17,068 per year for part-time students
• Online program in-state tuition and fees: $4,165 per year
• Online program out-of-state tuition and fees: $15,279 per year

Students receive about $25 million yearly based on need and academic achievement. Graduate students can also try for assistantships and program-specific scholarships.

Online Learning

The online MSW program mixes live and self-paced learning. Live classes might run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, based on your schedule. Starting Fall 2024, Wednesday evening classes might be available.

While you complete coursework online, practicum (internship) happens face-to-face with an online seminar. This mix of virtual learning and hands-on work will give a solid foundation in both theory and practice.

Why Appalachian State University is Great for Working Professionals

The MSW program offers several key benefits for working professionals:

• Flexible Schedule Options: Part-time formats help balance work, life, and education
• Evening Classes: Online courses run in the evenings to fit work schedules
• Crossover Curriculum Design: Builds broader skills you can use right away at work
• Field Education Integration: Practical experience that might match your current job

A graduate shares: “Appalachian’s hybrid program allowed me to obtain my degree with once-weekly evening classroom meetings and online assignment coordination. I obtained my MSW while working full-time and raising three children”.

This mix of flexibility, real-world experience, and focused concentrations makes the program perfect for professionals who want to grow their social work careers without leaving their jobs.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University’s School of Social Work stands out with its clinical-community focus in Greenville. Students prepare themselves for careers in various settings. The program smoothly combines hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge and works especially well for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Program Overview

East Carolina University provides a Master of Social Work program with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn clinical-community social work practice from a relational viewpoint. This preparation helps them serve at all system levels in both rural and metropolitan areas.

Social work is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which exceeds the average for all occupations. Graduates become part of the nation’s largest group of mental health services providers. They work in hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, senior centers, private practices, and many other settings.

The program aims to educate competent, ethical social workers who provide services that promote client healing and wellness through clinical and community practice. Students learn to support social, economic, and environmental justice while appreciating cultural diversity.

Program Formats at East Carolina University

ECU meets your professional and personal needs with multiple program formats:

• Full-Time Regular Pathway: A two-year, 60-credit program with face-to-face classes at the Greenville campus
• Full-Time Advanced Standing: A one-year, 43-credit accelerated program for qualified BSW graduates
• Part-Time Regular Pathway: A three-year, 60-credit program in hybrid format with some face-to-face classes at Greenville, New Bern, or Rocky Mount campuses, plus online instruction
• Part-Time Advanced Standing: A two-year program with hybrid delivery options

Working professionals find the part-time MSW program especially suitable. It combines synchronous online courses on Saturdays with asynchronous online courses that fit your schedule.

Specializations at ECU

The program emphasizes Clinical Community Social Work Practice from a Relational Perspective. This specialization teaches you to:

• Provide healing and wellness services through combined clinical and community practice
• Support social, economic, and environmental justice
• Respect cultural significance and human diversity
• Find innovative approaches to addressing problems using community resources and technology

Students can earn specialized certificates through elective coursework in:

• Substance Abuse
• Gerontology
• School Social Work

Tuition and Affordability

ECU’s MSW program comes with competitive tuition rates:

The MSW program includes an additional fee of $45 per credit hour. This makes ECU one of NC’s most economical options for part-time MSW programs.

Students can potentially complete their field education at their current workplace with approval. This option helps reduce the financial impact of earning your degree.

Online Learning Options

ECU’s part-time online MSW program uses both synchronous and asynchronous learning:

• Synchronous sessions: Saturday classes offer real-time interaction with faculty and peers
• Asynchronous components: Self-paced learning provides maximum flexibility

The 100% online part-time programs take three years to complete for both regular pathway and advanced standing students. Field education remains a vital part, with regular pathway students completing 1,032 hours and advanced standing students completing 672 hours of supervised practice.

Why East Carolina University is Great for Working Professionals

ECU’s MSW program benefits working professionals in several ways:

1. Flexible Schedule: Saturday synchronous classes and self-paced coursework fit around full-time employment
2. Field Placement Flexibility: Options for field placement at your current workplace, with approval
3. Practical Curriculum: Clinical-community focus prepares you for advanced practice while applying concepts in your current role
4. Complete Benefits: ECU students access valuable work-life and wellness programs, educational assistance, and other university resources
5. Career Advancement: The program’s person-in-environment framework develops leadership skills that promote varied services and advocacy in diverse communities

Working professionals who want to advance their social work careers while maintaining their jobs will find ECU’s part-time MSW program offers the right mix of rigor, flexibility, and practical application.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University, established in 1867, Is the second oldest university in North Carolina. The university provides one of the most budget-friendly part-time MSW programs tailored for professionals who want to advance their careers while keeping their current jobs.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program has earned [full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn advanced social work practice and leadership skills that focus on children, families, mental health, and substance abuse. The curriculum builds expertise needed for professional practice in rural, urban, and military environments.

This program will give you the knowledge, skills, and social work values to reduce oppression, poverty, and discrimination in our multicultural society and global community. Students develop expertise in ethical and evidence-based practices that promote human well-being through prevention, treatment, intervention, clinical practice, research, and administration.

Program Formats

Students can choose from three program formats based on their professional needs:

• Weekend Part-Time Program (3 years): Classes run Friday evenings and Saturdays – perfect if you work full-time
• Full-Time Program (2 years): Evening classes Monday through Thursday (4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. start times)
• Advanced Standing Program (1 year): BSW graduates from the last five years with a 3.0+ GPA can apply

The weekend part-time program spans three years: Foundation Year 1 (18 credits), Foundation Year 2 (23 credits), and Advanced Year 3 (20 credits).

Specializations

The MSW program features specialized training in:

• Children and Family Services: Students learn direct social work practice with children and families
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: The focus lies on clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and small groups

Graduate certificates include:

• Military Behavioral Health: 18 credit hours of military-specific training
• Substance Abuse Studies: 12 credit hours of specialized education
• Advanced Clinical Practice: 21 credit hours to build clinical expertise

FSU’s location near Fort Bragg strengthens its military behavioral health program. Social workers learn to help veterans and active-duty soldiers dealing with PTSD and other mental health challenges.

Tuition and Affordability

FSU leads North Carolina with the most affordable MSW program:

Financial aid helps 81% of students, making the program available to many candidates. North Carolina residents benefit from the Fixed Tuition Program – they pay the same rate throughout their studies if they maintain continuous enrollment and finish within the set timeframe.

Online Learning

Students can choose between on-campus and online formats. Campus-based programs include hybrid elements to help working students. Field education plays a vital role in both formats. Students complete internships across human services sectors like mental health, child welfare, and substance misuse treatment.

Why Fayetteville State University is Great for Working Professionals

The MSW program stands out because it offers:

• Weekend Schedule: Classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays fit around full-time work
• Affordable Tuition: North Carolina’s lowest in-state MSW tuition at $3,438
• Practical Impact: Students provide 36,000+ service hours yearly, valued at $772,800
• Military Focus: A unique contract brings national recognition to military personnel’s MSW education
• Flexible Start Dates: Multiple entry points with application deadlines through March

Applications are open for summer and fall 2025 admissions. Students join a supportive community where faculty, field instructors, social work professionals, and peers learn together.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte runs a nationally-ranked Master of Social Work program that champions social justice through its curriculum. Students learn to help people at every level of society. The program shines with its broad network of practicum placements and flexible class schedules. This makes it a perfect fit for anyone looking at part-time MSW programs in North Carolina.

Program Overview

The MSW program at UNC Charlotte will help you become a social work professional who leads in community-focused practice, policy, and research. You’ll get comprehensive social work education with the freedom to shape your studies through electives and hands-on experiences. Your career path could lead to schools, hospitals, hospice centers, health departments, trauma centers, shelters, and domestic violence facilities. On top of that, you can qualify for state licensure or certification to boost your professional credentials.

Program Formats

The program has several flexible options that work well for professionals:

• 3-Year Online Plan: Perfect for students who can’t attend full-time graduate school. You’ll complete 60 graduate credit hours (48 in classroom, 12 in practicum) over three academic years
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs in the last seven years need 39 graduate credit hours
• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: A fast-track option for qualified BSW graduates

Online students take the same courses as traditional students but at a pace that fits their work life.

Specializations

The program takes a different approach from other MSW programs. Instead of specific concentrations, it gives you broad, advanced generalist social work education. This gives you skills that work in a variety of settings. You can focus your expertise through:

• Three graduate electives (nine credits total) from approved fields like Child and Family Development, Criminal Justice, Counseling, and Women’s and Gender Studies
• Field placements that match your career goals
• Optional programs like the North Carolina Child Welfare Education Collaborative

Tuition

The program’s tuition rates are competitive and vary by residency status and format:

Lightcast data shows UNC Charlotte MSW graduates earn about average annual salary of $66,800. This proves the program’s value for money.

Online Learning

The online MSW program combines live and self-paced learning:

• Most classes meet virtually on weekday evenings or Saturdays
• You can complete all coursework online
• Field practicums happen in person at approved locations

The university partners with more than 200 urban and rural practicum agencies that serve vulnerable populations around Charlotte. This ensures you get relevant hands-on experience.

Why UNC Charlotte is Great for Working Professionals

The MSW program at UNC Charlotte stands out for working professionals:

The program works around your schedule with classes on weekday evenings and Saturdays. You can keep your full-time job while earning your degree.

You can spread your studies over three years instead of two. The curriculum stays the same but moves at a more manageable speed.

The school’s faculty are known for being available, welcoming, and dedicated to student success. Many professors work with students on research and publications, offering valuable guidance.

The program has practicum experiences where you use classroom knowledge in real-life settings. You’ll work with instructors and faculty who make sure you develop key skills. Sometimes, your current job might count as a field placement if approved.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke ranks among the nation’s most diverse universities. The university’s Master of Social Work program helps adult learners balance their career goals with flexible learning options. The program brings a unique educational view to social work professionals, building on its heritage as a historically Native American Serving Institution and Minority Serving Institution.

Program Overview

UNC Pembroke’s MSW program teaches social workers through an advanced generalist model. The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the curriculum. Graduates learn to serve rural areas and indigenous communities, including clinical and healthcare settings. Students learn to practice within the NASW Code of Ethics guidelines. The program teaches through anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to promote social, economic, and environmental justice.

Program Formats

Students can choose from these flexible program options:

• Part-Time MSW Program: Takes 36 months (3 years) to complete
• Extended Part-Time: Students can finish in 4 years
• Part-Time Advanced Standing: BSW graduates can complete in 24 months

The part-time study plan balances course loads each semester. Students take 9 credits in fall, 12 in spring, and 6 in summer during their first year. Second-year students complete 9 credits in fall and 6 in spring. Third-year students finish with 10 credits in fall and 8 in spring.

Specializations at UNC Pembroke

Students start with generalist social work practice foundations and advance to specialized areas:

1. Rural Communities Focus: Students learn to serve clients in rural regions where practitioners handle multiple roles
2. Indigenous Communities Emphasis: Students receive specialized training to work with Native American populations

The program also lets students earn credentials in school social work or the Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS).

Tuition

Graduate tuition rates at UNC Pembroke rank among North Carolina’s lowest:

Financial aid supports 81% of students. The EMPOWER MSWs Scholarship Program helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Online Learning

Students can choose fully online or hybrid delivery options. Field practicum requirements need in-person completion at North Carolina locations. Online program students can pick between a 12-month accelerated path or a self-paced option.

Why UNC Pembroke is Great for Working Professionals

Working professionals benefit from several program features:

• Diverse Completion Timelines: Accelerated or self-paced options fit different work schedules
• Career Versatility: Graduates can work in clinical practice, administration, policy, research, and specialized fields
• Supportive Environment: Regional diversity shapes the program’s varied perspectives
• Comprehensive Benefits: University support systems help maintain work-life balance

Graduates can practice in various settings with diverse client populations. They learn to use resources in rural areas and handle challenges when working with indigenous communities.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

UNC Wilmington has offered a standout MSW program since 2005. The program features a rare Macro social work track that you won’t find at other schools in the state. Students can prepare themselves for clinical practice and policy-level advocacy work.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program creates a welcoming environment where students learn through meaningful field placements that emphasize belonging and integrity. What started as Wilmington College in 1947 has grown into a doctoral research institution with almost 19,000 students. The faculty brings real-world experience to help graduates tackle society’s problems like social, racial, economic, health, and mental health inequities. Graduates now work in settings of all types and help people throughout their lives.

Program Formats

Students can choose from several flexible formats:

• Full-time Clinical MSW (in-person): 2-year program
• Part-time Clinical MSW (hybrid): 3-year program designed for working professionals
• Advanced Standing Clinical MSW (in-person): 1-year program
• Full-time Macro MSW (in-person): 2-year program
• Part-time Macro MSW (hybrid): 3-year program

Students in the full program complete 62 hours of coursework and 900 hours of field placement. BSW graduates in Advanced Standing need 39 hours of coursework and a 600-hour internship.

Specializations

The program stands out with two main concentrations:

Clinical Social Work helps students learn assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and behavioral disturbances through individual, group, and family therapy.

Macro Social Work teaches client-system interactions, advocacy for vulnerable populations, policy influence, research, organizing activists, and supporting legislation.

Students can also earn certificates in addictions and veterinary social work, plus credentials in School Social Work and the Child Welfare Collaborative.

Tuition

Here are the graduate tuition rates for 2024-2025:

Students in part-time hybrid courses pay distance education rates with reduced fees.

Online Learning at UNC Wilmington

Part-time hybrid programs blend online and face-to-face learning to give working students more flexibility. Students can finish the program in three years while keeping their full-time jobs. In spite of that, all field placements must happen in person.

Why UNC Wilmington is Great for Working Professionals

The part-time hybrid format works well for students juggling full-time jobs and family duties. Strategic collaborations in London, Ireland, and India let students learn about global perspectives while staying in their careers. Students can also choose dual specializations to prepare for different career paths, from clinical practice to policy advocacy—skills that matter more than ever in today’s job market.

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University, a historically Black institution, has a Master of Social Work program that excels in diversity and cultural competence. The MSW program helps social workers serve diverse communities and offers flexible paths for career growth.

Program Overview at NCCU

NCCU’s Advanced Generalist Practice MSW program comes with full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn to create social change through problem-solving that helps individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. They become leaders who deliver services at local, national, and global levels. The department focuses on student success, retention, and preparation to excel in the workforce.

Program Format

Students can choose between two main formats:

• Traditional Full-Time: A 58-credit program takes two years with four 336-hour field practicums that add up to 1,334 hours of field education
• Advanced Standing: BSW graduates from the past seven years can complete this in one year with two 336-hour practicums totaling 672 hours. They need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 3.2 GPA in social work courses

Classes meet weekly on Tuesday/Thursday evenings (6-8:30 p.m.) or Saturdays (9 a.m.-6 p.m.). This schedule works well for working professionals.

Specializations

The program focuses on Advanced Generalist social work practice. Students learn both macro and clinical practice skills that help them work in different settings with diverse populations. The curriculum has specialized areas in:

• Child and family services
• Juvenile justice

Tuition at NCCU

NCCU keeps its tuition rates competitive:

NCCU awarded 75 MSW degrees in 2019-2020, and 92% of graduates were racial-ethnic minorities. This shows the program’s strong commitment to diversity.

Online Learning

NCCU didn’t offer fully online MSW options before 2023. The department now plans to develop an online part-time option for the MSW program. Some classes already use online components, which gives students with work commitments some flexibility.

Why NCCU is Great for Working Professionals

NCCU’s MSW program stands out for working professionals because it offers:

• Evening and weekend classes that fit work schedules
• Transforming Social Work Through Mentoring (TSTM) program that links students with alumni mentors
• A strong network of over 80 field placement agencies
• Cultural competence training that’s vital in today’s diverse workplaces
• Graduates can apply for clinical social work licensure to advance their careers

Comparing Part-Time MSWs in NC

Making Your Decision

The right part-time MSW program should match your career goals and fit your life. Seven exceptional programs in North Carolina let you advance your career while keeping your current job. Each program comes with its own benefits.

These schools have different price points. Fayetteville State University costs the least at $3,438 per year for in-state students. UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington give part-time students great per-credit-hour rates. Most students finish in 3-4 years with regular part-time study. BSW graduates can finish faster with advanced standing options.

Each program specializes differently. Appalachian State focuses on individuals, families and community practice. UNC Wilmington stands out by offering both clinical and macro social work paths. East Carolina puts its energy into clinical-community practice. UNC Pembroke’s specialty lies in rural and indigenous communities. You can pick the program that best fits your career goals.

These seven programs share flexibility. Weekend classes, evening sessions, and online/hybrid formats help you balance work and study. Field placements range from 672 to 1,334 hours and give you hands-on experience. Some programs even let you complete your placement at your current workplace.

These degrees open doors to many careers. You could work in clinical practice, administration, policy development, or specialized roles. Hospitals, schools, mental health facilities, and community organizations need MSW graduates. Most programs prepare you for licensure too. The field should grow 12% through 2030.

Your final choice depends on what matters most to you – location, cost, specialty, or schedule. You might love Appalachian State’s mountain setting, ECU’s clinical focus, or Fayetteville’s military emphasis. Each program gives you a path to grow your social work career while keeping your day job.

FAQs

Q1. What are the most affordable part-time MSW programs in North Carolina? Fayetteville State University offers the most affordable part-time MSW program in North Carolina, with in-state tuition at $3,438 per year. Other affordable options include UNC Pembroke at $4,280 annually and East Carolina University’s online program at $5,213 per year for in-state students.

Q2. How long does it typically take to complete a part-time MSW program? Most part-time MSW programs in North Carolina take 3 years to complete. However, some universities offer extended options of up to 4 years, while advanced standing programs for BSW graduates can be completed in 1-2 years part-time.

Q3. Which North Carolina universities offer online or hybrid MSW programs? Several universities in North Carolina offer online or hybrid MSW programs, including Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Pembroke. These programs combine online coursework with in-person field placements to accommodate working professionals.

Q4. What specializations are available in North Carolina’s part-time MSW programs? Specializations vary by university but include clinical social work, macro social work, children and family services, mental health and substance abuse, rural communities, and indigenous communities. Some programs, like UNC Charlotte, offer an advanced generalist curriculum.

Q5. Are part-time MSW programs in North Carolina designed for working professionals? Yes, many part-time MSW programs in North Carolina are specifically designed for working professionals. They offer evening and weekend classes, flexible scheduling options, and sometimes the ability to complete field placements at current workplaces, allowing students to balance their education with full-time employment.