8 Best Online MSW Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina’s online MSW programs give you a flexible way to advance your career in this faster growing field. The state currently offers 13 CSWE accredited MSW programs, and you can complete 6 of them entirely online.

Getting your MSW online in NC makes sense when you look at the job market. Healthcare social workers will see their job opportunities grow by 16.6% from 2022-2032, which moves substantially ahead of the 10% national average. On top of that, mental health social worker positions will grow by 15.1% in the same timeframe, adding to the 2,400+ professionals already working in the state. North Carolina’s population will reach 11.7 million residents by early 2030s, making it the seventh-largest state in the nation.

Your MSW degree from an online NC program can lead to better pay. Social workers who hold MSW degrees typically earn 25% more. North Carolina’s child, family, and school social workers earn around $59,010 yearly, while those in administration make even more at $68,270 per year. The state’s average social work salary stands at $52,600 annually – matching or beating many southeastern states. This makes online MSW programs in NC an excellent path to a rewarding career with strong growth potential.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill’s MSW program ranks among the nation’s top social work schools. The program blends evidence-based education with hands-on field experience.

Program Overview

The School of Social Work enrolls about 300 students each year. Students can choose between two specialized tracks. The Direct Practice (DP) track prepares you to work with individuals and families. The Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP) track develops leaders in policy and advocacy. The school offers four flexible paths: a 12-Month Advanced Standing Program for BSW holders, a traditional 2-Year Program, a 3-Year Program for working professionals, and a new Online MSW Program.

Online Format

UNC launched its online MSW program in January 2024. This program helps address workforce shortages, especially in rural areas. Students learn from the same outstanding faculty and curriculum as on-campus students. The format combines live instruction with self-paced coursework. The program started with 30 students and aims to reach 215 by 2027. This option works well for students who can’t move to Chapel Hill because of work or family commitments.

Admissions Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your field of study doesn’t matter. Your application should include:

• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
• A 4-5 page statement of purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current resume or CV

Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last seven years. They must have a “B” or higher GPA in their final 60 credit hours.

Tuition and Costs

In-state tuition is $9,003, well below the national average of $12,201. Out-of-state students pay $41,211, which is a big deal as it means that the national average of $29,084. The School of Social Work helps with more than 30 merit- and need-based scholarships. These include the Berg Scholars Award for CMPP concentration leaders and the Ellen Black Winston Scholarship. UNC Chapel Hill meets all their students’ financial aid needs.

Field Placement

Field education is a vital part of UNC’s program. Students complete a Generalist practicum at 16 hours weekly, followed by a Specialization practicum at 24 hours weekly. Placements spread across 50+ North Carolina counties. This gives students experience in various settings. UNC social work students contribute over 130,000 hours yearly to different agencies. These services are worth about $1.20 million to North Carolina communities.

Who is UNC Chapel Hill Best For?

The program suits aspiring social workers who want strong academic training and extensive field experience. It’s perfect for those ready to tackle North Carolina’s workforce shortages in child welfare, aging, disabilities, and mental health services. The program’s flexibility and reputation make it great for career-focused people seeking advancement. Social workers with master’s degrees typically earn 25% more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

East Carolina University

The MSW program at East Carolina University blends clinical expertise with community involvement through a unique relational view approach. The program sits within the College of Health and Human Performance and creates practitioners who serve in a variety of populations while championing social justice.

Program Overview

East Carolina University provides a specialized Clinical Community Social Work Practice from a Relational Perspective curriculum. Students learn through a person-in-environment framework that creates practitioner leaders who help client healing and wellness. The program offers a 60-credit hour regular pathway or a 42-credit hour advanced standing option. Social work jobs will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than other occupations. This makes ECU’s program valuable. The university started social work education in the early 1970s, and the graduate program is 39 years old.

Online Format

ECU’s part-time MSW program runs completely online over three years. Students attend synchronous online Saturday courses and complete other coursework at their convenience. Working professionals can choose between regular pathway and advanced standing options. This makes ECU one of the most available online MSW programs in NC for students who balance work and studies.

Admissions Requirements

Program requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA overall or in your final 30 semester hours
• Completed coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and mathematics
• For Advanced Standing: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the past 7 years

Life experience or previous work experience don’t count toward credit. The program accepts applications until January 15, followed by rolling admissions until seats are filled.

Tuition and Costs

ECU’s online MSW program offers competitive rates:

Full-time in-state graduate students pay approximately $7,658 yearly, while out-of-state students pay around $20,807.

Field Placement

Field education forms the core of ECU’s social work program. Regular pathway MSW students need 1,032 hours of field education, while advanced standing students complete 672 hours. Students spend 24 hours weekly in field placements and gather 336 hours each semester. ECU works with agencies across eastern North Carolina. Students might complete field education at their current workplace if approved. Field work includes assessments, treatment planning, individual and group interventions, and program development.

Who is East Carolina Best For?

Working professionals who want flexibility and quality education will find ECU’s MSW program perfect. Professional social workers work in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and many other settings. The program’s clinical-community focus prepares students for various career paths. Students interested in substance abuse, gerontology, or school social work can benefit from specialized certificate options. ECU stands out as one of the most economical and complete MSW programs in NC online, giving students excellent value and flexibility.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte offers a nationally-ranked MSW program that gets you ready to help people in urban and rural communities. You can choose from multiple paths to complete your degree in a program that champions social justice and intervention at every level of society.

Program Overview

Ranked among the top 20% of social work programs nationwide, UNC Charlotte’s MSW program has grown by a lot since it started in the 1970s. The program gives you skills to help diverse communities and focuses on social work in growing urban areas, with Charlotte serving as a real-world example. You can choose to specialize in Mental Health Research and Practice, School Social Work, Child Welfare, or Integrated Behavioral Health. Students become skilled professionals and leaders through comprehensive education that they can customize with electives and hands-on experiences.

Online Format

The online MSW program lets you choose from these flexible paths:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online (for BSW holders)
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online (for BSW holders)
• 3-Year Online MSW (for those without BSW)

Classes happen online with most virtual meetings scheduled on weekday evenings or Saturdays. Students in the 1-Year Advanced Standing need 39 credit hours (33 classroom, 6 practicum), while 3-Year students complete 60 credit hours (48 classroom, 12 practicum). You can earn your degree at your own pace and keep your current job.

Admissions Requirements

You’ll need these to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Three recommendations
• Resume
• Statement of purpose that answers specific questions

Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW from an accredited program in the last seven years. The main application deadline is January 15, but the school accepts applications after this date if spaces remain.

Tuition and Costs

Your tuition depends on where you live:

• Resident: $288.82 per credit hour
• Outside of NC Non-Resident: $536.98
• Non-Resident: $1098.21

The Tuition & Fees Advisory Board reviews all rates yearly, and the North Carolina legislature sets the final amounts. In-state and out-of-state students pay different amounts.

Field Placement

At UNC Charlotte, you’ll take classes and do your placement at the same time. This means about 16 hours each week throughout the school year. The university works with almost 200 urban and rural agencies that help vulnerable populations in the area.

Who is UNC Charlotte Best For?

Working professionals who want to advance their careers without moving will find this program perfect. It works great especially when you have interest in urban social work practice or want to specialize in mental health, child welfare, or school settings. The online MSW program also gives you a great balance of flexibility and academic excellence.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains and runs a distinctive MSW program that combines academic excellence with rural social work experience. BSW graduates looking for advanced credentials will find this program among the most available online MSW programs in North Carolina.

Program Overview

The Beaver College of Health Sciences houses App State’s CSWE-accredited MSW program. Students can choose between two concentrations: Individuals and Families for clinical practice and Community and Organizational Practice for macro social work. US News and World Report ranks App State among the Top 3 Regional Universities in the South, with both campus-based and online study options. The program gives you the tools to practice advanced social work while building strategic collaborations with Appalachian and global communities that tackle complex social problems.

Online Format

App State is the only North Carolina institution currently offering an online advanced standing MSW program. Students attend synchronous evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Wednesday evening classes starting Fall 2024. The program maintains high standards through a hybrid approach. Program materials state that “The online program includes a 100% face-to-face field placement with an online seminar”. Advanced standing students can finish in one year (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Admissions Requirements

Advanced standing applicants must meet these criteria:

• A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the past seven years
• A minimum 3.2 GPA in BSW coursework
• Completion of a week-long seminar before fall coursework

Regular program applicants need an accredited bachelor’s degree. The GRE requirement exists, but waivers are possible.

Tuition and Costs

Students pay around $8,081 for annual in-state tuition, making App State one of North Carolina’s most affordable online MSW programs. Graduate tuition rates for 2024-25 are:

These rates don’t include specific program fees and may change yearly.

Field Placement

Advanced standing students complete 480 hours of field education. Regular program students do 920 hours through four 240-hour placements. Students work in human service agencies under experienced social work professionals’ supervision, which helps them connect theoretical knowledge with ground application.

Who is Appalachian State Best For?

Students who want rural social work experience or have interest in Appalachian communities will find App State’s MSW program ideal. BSW graduates searching for a quality advanced standing online option will benefit greatly. The program offers dedicated elective pathways and certificate options that help students specialize in school social work, addiction counseling, or child welfare. Students choosing on-campus study enjoy the mountain setting’s beauty, making their educational experience unique compared to other North Carolina online MSW programs.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke stands among the nation’s most diverse universities. Their MSW program weaves inclusivity and cultural competence throughout the curriculum. The program excels at preparing social workers to serve rural areas and indigenous communities.

Program Overview

UNC Pembroke’s MSW program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education follows an advanced generalist model of practice. Students learn evidence-based practices for rural areas and indigenous communities, including clinical and healthcare settings. The program prepares graduates through anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to champion social, economic, and environmental justice. Core courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, Advanced Practice with Groups/Organizations in Rural and Indigenous Populations, and Advanced Generalist Assessment and Intervention.

Online Format

Students can choose from several flexible completion options: fully online, hybrid, part-time, or full-time formats. Working professionals can advance their education while keeping their current jobs through the online option. Students typically complete the program in 24 months (full-time), 36 months (part-time), or 12 months (advanced standing full-time).

Admissions Requirements

The online program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students need a 2.75 GPA for the hybrid program. Advanced standing candidates must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within 5 years with a 3.2 GPA. Required documents include:

• Three professional recommendations
• Admission essay (4-5 pages)
• Official transcripts

Tuition and Costs

Tuition costs range from $238 to $963 per credit hour, based on residency status. UNC Pembroke’s status as an NC Promise campus makes it one of North Carolina’s most affordable graduate programs.

Field Placement

Students must complete all field practicums in-person within North Carolina. Traditional program students finish 930 total hours across two placements – 430 hours in the generalist year and 500 hours in the advanced year. Advanced standing students complete 500 practicum hours.

Who is UNC Pembroke Best For?

Students passionate about rural social work practice or indigenous community service will find great value here. The program’s unique learning environment as a historically Native American Serving Institution offers valuable insights for future social workers.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University’s online MSW programs stand out in North Carolina. The program’s military behavioral health focus and detailed field education component prepare social workers to excel in clinical practice and leadership roles.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at Fayetteville State University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Students learn advanced social work practices with emphasis on children, families, mental health, and substance abuse. The 61-credit hour curriculum lets students choose between two concentrations: Children and Family Services, and Mental Health. Students can also earn certificates in Advanced Clinical Practice, Substance Abuse Studies, or Military Behavioral Health. FSU has created a distinctive program through a nationally recognized agreement that serves military personnel seeking MSW degrees.

Online Format

Students can choose from several program formats. The traditional campus-based MSW program runs as a full-time, two-year option with weekday classes. A part-time, three-year option offers classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Working professionals can earn their degree without career interruption thanks to this weekend schedule.

Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2.5 GPA overall or 3.0 in last 60 hours
• Liberal arts background with courses in biology, English, humanities, and social/behavioral sciences
• Three recommendation forms with three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement limited to 5 double-spaced pages

Advanced Standing candidates must have earned their BSW within the last five years with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Tuition and Costs

Graduate tuition rates for 2024-2025 are:

These amounts cover books, housing, food, and other expenses for the academic year.

Field Placement

Field education plays a vital role in the program. Regular MSW students complete minimum of 960 hours of field instruction. Foundation students fulfill 460 clock hours while advanced students complete 500 hours. BSW and MSW students provide over 36,000 service hours each year in human services sectors, valued at $772,800.

Who is Fayetteville State Best For?

This program suits students interested in military social work. Students learn the nuances of military life and develop skills to help service members, veterans, and their families. The program also benefits those wanting specialized training in substance abuse or mental health treatment through its certificate programs. The military behavioral health certificate needs 18 credit hours, while the substance abuse studies certificate requires 12 credit hours.

University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNC Wilmington’s Master of Social Work program sits in a bustling coastal community. The program prepares graduates to tackle complex social issues through clinical and macro practice approaches.

Program Overview

UNCW’s MSW program has created engaging learning experiences since 2005. Students participate in meaningful field placements and shared projects that emphasize belonging and integrity. The program gives students three paths to choose from: a three-year hybrid part-time option that works well for professionals, a traditional two-year full-time program, and a one-year advanced standing program designed for BSW graduates. Students can specialize in clinical social work to learn assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness, or choose macro social work to focus on advocacy and policy development.

Online Format

The part-time program features a hybrid delivery format. It blends online coursework with in-person sessions, which works perfectly for working professionals, military-affiliated students, and anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. UNCW launched North Carolina’s first fully online BSW program, which could lead more students toward their online MSW program.

Admissions Requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA to apply. Students seeking Advanced Standing must have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last 7 years. The application package should include three recommendations, a resume, and a statement of interest.

Tuition and Costs

Here are the graduate tuition rates per semester for 2024-2025:

Distance education comes at a lower cost: $2,951 for residents and $10,994 for non-residents.

Field Placement

Field practicum lets students learn, apply, and test their social work skills in real-life settings. Full-time and part-time students must complete 900 hours of field placement, while Advanced Standing students need 600 hours. Students attend weekly seminars with their placements to discuss their experiences and work on assignments that enhance their skills.

Who is UNC Wilmington Best For?

This program stands out for students who want certification in addictions, veterinary social work, or school social work. Students interested in global viewpoints can take advantage of study abroad opportunities in London, Ireland, and India. The program prepares you to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, or Certified Social Work Manager.

Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University stands out among online MSW programs in North Carolina by offering evening and weekend classes. This setup works well for professionals who want to pursue graduate education. The university’s Charlotte campus, a historically Black institution, takes a hands-on approach to social work education.

Program Overview

The School of Social Work gives students two choices: complete the degree in one year through advanced standing or take the traditional two-year path. Both options ready graduates for clinical work through a well-laid-out curriculum. The MSW program builds expertise in cultural competence, research methods, and working with organizations and communities. Students get quality education at an affordable price through this CSWE-accredited program that blends theory with ground application.

Online Format

The university plans classes during evenings and weekends to help busy professionals. Students can keep their jobs while earning their degree. The university’s materials state, “We offer evening and weekend course schedules that allow our students to continue to work while earning their graduate degree”. This flexibility helps non-traditional students balance their many responsibilities.

Admissions Requirements

You need these items to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree with liberal arts foundation from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Personal statement (3-5 double-spaced pages)
• Three recommendations (1-2 academic references preferred)

The program doesn’t ask for GRE scores. JCSU clearly states they “DO NOT require the GRE nor grant social work course credit for life experience or previous work experience”.

Tuition and Costs

Graduate tuition costs $20,770 for 2024-2025. This price offers great value compared to the national average of $51,147. Here are other expenses:

Field Placement

Field experience is the life-blood of JCSU’s MSW program. Standard program students complete 400 hours in their first year and 500 hours in their second year. Advanced standing students finish 500 hours in one year. These placements are a great way to get hands-on experience under professional guidance.

Who is Johnson C. Smith Best For?

JCSU’s program fits working professionals who want flexible classes without compromising on quality. Charlotte’s urban setting makes this program perfect for students interested in city-based social work. The program’s clinical focus helps students develop advanced assessment and intervention skills they can use in a variety of settings. JCSU’s status as an HBCU brings a valuable cultural view that matters in today’s diverse practice settings.

Comparing NC’s Online MSW Programs

*Base tuition rates shown here may change and don’t include additional fees or costs. Actual rates depend on your chosen program format.

Choose an Online MSW in North Carolina

Picking the right MSW program is a crucial move to advance your social work career in North Carolina. This piece highlights ten outstanding programs that each bring their own approach to social work education. The field shows promising growth – healthcare social work positions will grow 16.6% through 2032, while mental health social work jobs will rise by 15.1%.

Each program has its own strengths based on your goals. Some excel at rural social work training, while others focus on military behavioral health, urban settings, or indigenous communities. You’ll find options that arrange with your work and family life through fully online, hybrid, evening/weekend, and traditional on-campus formats.

Field education is the life-blood of these MSW programs. Hours range from 480 to 1,032 depending on whether you take advanced standing or traditional paths. On top of that, tuition costs vary between universities – in-state rates start at $238 per credit hour and can reach over $20,000 per year.

An MSW degree pays off well. Social workers with master’s degrees earn 25% more than those with just bachelor’s degrees. North Carolina’s child, family, and school social workers earn $59,010 annually on average. Administrative roles bring in even more at $68,270 yearly.

Look beyond just program format and cost when making your choice. Think over specialization areas, field placement opportunities, faculty expertise, and program reputation. Each program’s unique focus should match your career goals. North Carolina offers MSW programs for every path – whether you want clinical expertise for direct practice or policy knowledge for administrative roles.

The comparison table helps you weigh your options easily. The best program depends on your situation, career goals, and learning priorities. You’ll end up well-positioned for success in this growing, rewarding profession with an MSW from any of these accredited North Carolina schools. These programs are a great way to get started in a career dedicated to improving lives and communities.