10 CSWE Accredited Programs in North Carolina: Campus and Online Options

Looking for CSWE accredited programs in North Carolina to pursue your social work education? You’ll find plenty of excellent options.

North Carolina offers a wide variety of degree programs for future social workers. The state has 25 schools offering social work degrees, which include 23 BSW, 13 MSW, and 2 PhD programs. Students can choose from 13 CSWE accredited MSW programs in North Carolina, and 6 of these programs offer 100% online MSW options. The state’s prestigious institutions like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, and North Carolina State University provide excellent CSWE accredited MSW programs. These programs come with flexible online options and part-time formats that adapt to your schedule.

This piece gets into the top 10 CSWE-accredited programs in North Carolina and compares campus-based learning with online alternatives. This information will help you make smart choices about your social work education trip.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill ranks among the highest-ranked academic programs in social work across the United States. This CSWE-accredited program welcomes core values of social work, which include equal access to services, respect for individual worth, and human dignity.

Program overview

Students can choose from several paths to earn their MSW degree at UNC Chapel Hill. The traditional 2-Year MSW Program starts in August. Students complete two years of fall and spring coursework and graduate in May. The 3-Year MSW Program works well if you have prior commitments and can’t spend two full academic years studying. This option helps professionals who are already hired in helping roles. Students with a BSW can choose the 12-Month Advanced Standing MSW program that runs from May to May the following year.

UNC has also launched a state-of-the-art Online MSW program to meet workforce needs. This flexible option lets changemakers build their community roles while keeping their current jobs. The program helps fill urgent workforce gaps by reaching talent from underserved areas in North Carolina and beyond.

MSW concentrations

Second-year students pick between two concentrations based on their career goals. The Direct Practice (DP) concentration prepares you to work with individuals, families, and small groups in face-to-face settings. After graduating, you can start private practices as counselors or work in clinical settings at hospitals, schools, public agencies, or nonprofit organizations.

The Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP) concentration, also known as macro social work, prepares you for leadership roles. You can work in community organizing, human services administration, policy development, or advocacy. This path suits those who want to develop policies that affect populations or pursue social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Field education

Field education serves as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education at UNC Chapel Hill. Students use their classroom knowledge in ground settings through practicum assignments. They learn about career paths and build key skills. Each year, students work in more than 250 different agencies throughout North Carolina. They contribute over 130,000 hours of service, worth about $1.20 million.

Students start their field experiences in the first semester and continue throughout the program. They work in various settings like social services departments, mental health providers, hospitals, hospices, domestic violence agencies, homeless shelters, and public schools. The school uses a proven matching system that lines up each student’s practicum experiences with their professional goals.

Admission requirements

You must submit your materials through the UNC Graduate School admission portal. The average GPA for new students ranges between 3.2 and 3.4, though no specific GPA requirement exists. The admissions committee looks at all submitted materials to make decisions.

Different programs have different deadlines:

• 12-Month Advanced Standing: January 14
• 2-Year MSW: February 11
• Online MSW (Summer): February 15
• 3-Year MSW: March 11
• Online MSW (Fall): May 13

Your application needs:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
• Unofficial transcripts from each college/university attended
• Statement of purpose (4-5 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current resume or CV

Social work experience isn’t required, but related coursework and volunteer or professional experience help your application. Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Performance has one of North Carolina’s most available CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Students can choose between in-person and fully online options that work best for their needs.

Program overview

The ECU Master of Social Work program shines with its flexible options that match different student schedules and career goals. Students who choose full-time study can finish the traditional MSW in 2 years on campus. BSW graduates need only 1 year of in-person study through the Advanced Standing option. The university also provides part-time online programs for both traditional and Advanced Standing students that take 3 years to complete.

In-state on-campus students pay an affordable tuition of $7,658 per year, while online students pay less at $5,213 annually. Students receive personal attention from faculty members who stay involved in their professional growth.

The program aims to create competent, ethical social workers who serve communities well at all levels in both rural and urban areas. Students who graduate can practice anywhere in the continental United States because the program meets every state’s licensure requirements.

MSW concentrations

ECU stands out from other programs by offering a focused specialization in Clinical-Community Social Work Practice from a Relational Perspective. Students learn both clinical skills and community work, which helps them handle individual needs and bigger system challenges.

Students start with basic foundation courses and move on to specialized practice work that emphasizes a relational view for advanced professional practice. Regular pathway students need 60 semester hours to graduate, while Advanced Standing students complete 42 semester hours.

Special courses include “Trauma Informed Practice with a Clinical-Community Relational Perspective,” “Group Practice,” and “Advanced Practice: Community Partnerships”. This combined clinical-community approach prepares graduates to work as counselors, probation officers, and marriage and family therapists.

Field education

Field education forms the heart of ECU’s teaching approach. Students spend about half their time getting hands-on experience in field agencies. Regular pathway students must complete 1,032 hours of field education, and Advanced Standing students need 672 hours.

Students can find field placement opportunities throughout eastern North Carolina and nearby regions. A typical schedule includes 24 hours weekly in placements, with students completing at least 336 hours each semester. Full-time students usually work in the field Wednesday through Friday, while part-time students follow different schedules.

MSW internships involve activities like intakes, assessments, treatment planning, individual and group interventions, community development, program assessment, and clinical interventions. Students might get approval to complete their field education at their current workplace.

Admission requirements

ECU’s MSW program looks for qualified candidates who meet these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in final 30 semester hours
• Completed undergraduate coursework in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and mathematics with at least a C (2.0) grade
• Three professional references
• Resume and statement of purpose

BSW holders who want Advanced Standing must have their degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last 7 years. Students should apply by the January 15 priority deadline, though applications stay open until all spots fill up.

ECU makes the application process simpler by not requiring the GRE. The program also maintains high academic standards by not giving social work course credit for life experience or previous work.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University sits in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The university’s CSWE-accredited MSW program combines regional mountain expertise with affordable tuition. Students find a supportive community in the Department of Social Work, where faculty members are committed to social and economic justice.

Program overview

App State’s MSW program offers two concentrations: Individuals and Families and Community and Organizational Practice. Students who choose the Individuals and Families track learn to analyze problems in settings like schools and hospitals, with a focus on advanced clinical practice. The Community and Organizational Practice track helps students become advocates for policy change at human services agencies.

Students can choose from these paths:

• Regular Program: 60 credit hours completed in 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
• Advanced Standing: 33 credit hours for BSW holders, completed in 1 year (full-time) or 2 years (part-time)

BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can apply for Advanced Standing if they earned their degree in the last seven years.

Hybrid format

Students can earn their degree at the ASU Center at Hickory in two years through the hybrid format. This program combines scheduled online classroom meetings (synchronous) with self-paced coursework (asynchronous). Scheduled classes usually meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays.

The hybrid format includes summer courses, mainly electives based on your concentration. Students take courses like Advanced Social Work Practice with Adults, Leadership in Health and Human Service Organizations, and Advanced Community Social Work Practice.

Field education

Field education is the cornerstone of App State’s MSW program. Students complete field placements during two semesters each year, with 240 hours required per semester. Experienced social work field instructors supervise students as they develop professional skills and apply classroom knowledge to ground practice.

Students gain hands-on experience at human services agencies throughout North Carolina. The practicum (internship) combines face-to-face work with an online seminar component.

Admission requirements

You’ll need:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• An undergraduate liberal arts background
• 0 GPA in your last earned degree (or 2.5 GPA with qualifying test scores)
• GRE scores (waived with 3.2+ GPA in BSW courses, 3.2+ cumulative undergraduate GPA, or completed graduate degree)
• A personal statement
• Three professional letters of recommendation
• A resume

The program reviews applications monthly from November through April. The priority deadline is January 15, and the final deadline is April 15.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

UNC Charlotte runs a nationally recognized CSWE-accredited MSW program ranked #51 by U.S. News & World Report. This ranking places it among the top 20% of MSW programs nationwide. The program stands out as the highest-ranked MSW program in the United States without an affiliated social work doctoral program.

Program overview

The MSW Program equips social work professionals who enhance health and wellbeing through innovative, hands-on learning. This 24-year-old program received reaccreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2016, valid through 2024. Students learn through foundation and advanced components that build knowledge, values, skills, and critical thinking approaches.

The program takes a comprehensive view by focusing on people and their surroundings simultaneously. It shapes organizations and communities while building a fairer society. Students take advanced courses in working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. They can also choose specialization areas through elective courses.

Online options

Working professionals can choose from three online MSW paths:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW graduates can complete this fast-track option in three semesters (summer, fall, spring), starting in May
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Distance Education: BSW holders who want a balanced pace can finish this six-semester program starting each May
• 3-Year Distance Education: Students without a BSW can complete this program in nine semesters

Online classes combine “live” sessions and self-paced learning. Live sessions happen during weeknights and Saturdays. North Carolina residents and those from nearby areas get priority enrollment.

Field education

Field education plays a crucial role in the program. Students spend 464 hours yearly in approved practicum placements. This means about 16 hours weekly at social work agencies under MSW-qualified supervision. The School works with nearly 200 urban and rural agencies that help vulnerable populations throughout Charlotte.

Students start with basic practice situations like interviewing and case planning. They then move to specialized practice matching their focus areas. The Practicum Office helps match student interests with suitable agencies through teamwork.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these requirements to join the program:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 0 GPA minimum (extensive work experience might help if your GPA is lower)
• Three electronic recommendations from faculty or human service professionals
• Resume showing relevant experience
• Statement of purpose answering specific questions

Submit your application by January 15th to get full consideration. Later applications might work if spaces remain. Advanced Standing needs a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last seven years.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

UNC Pembroke, a historically Native American Serving Institution, offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that focuses on serving indigenous and rural communities. This program distinguishes itself from other MSW programs in NC through its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program overview

The Master of Social Work program at UNC Pembroke prepares students for professional practice through an advanced generalist model. The program helps graduates work with indigenous community members and use resources available in rural areas. Students learn about historical and current social issues in a global context.

Students can choose from several program formats:

• Full-time traditional (24 months)
• Part-time traditional (36 months)
• Full-time advanced standing (12 months)
• Part-time advanced standing (24 months)

These programs come in fully online or hybrid formats. Students who choose the hybrid option attend in-person classes one day per week from 3:00-8:30pm.

Rural focus

The program’s curriculum centers on two key practice areas that align with the university’s mission:

• Rural communities practice that tackles challenges in less populated regions
• Native American indigenous communities practice that builds on the university’s historic ties to the Lumbee Tribe

Students can also earn additional credentials with their MSW. These include School Social Work licensure through the NC Department of Public Instruction or a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) credential.

Field education

Field education plays a vital role in the curriculum. Traditional program students complete 930 hours of fieldwork, while advanced standing students need 500 hours. All field placements must be in North Carolina.

The field practicum offers specialized experiences where students apply their master’s level coursework in various settings. Students work in different social work roles at behavioral health agencies, community nonprofits, substance use disorder treatment programs, schools, hospitals, and social services.

Admission requirements

Each program format has specific admission criteria:

• Fully Online Option: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with minimum 3.0 GPA overall/major or graduate degree with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Hybrid Option: Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.75 GPA overall/major or graduate degree with minimum 2.75 GPA
• Advanced Standing: BSW from CSWE-accredited program within past 5 years with minimum 3.2 overall undergraduate GPA

The application process requires an essay with two parts: a 2-3 page autobiographical statement and a 2-3 page social problem analysis. Applications must be submitted by February 15.

North Carolina State University

NC State University’s School of Social Work offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that champions professional ethics, social justice, diversity, and community involvement. The program earned its first accreditation in 2009 and managed to keep its prestigious status. It received reaccreditation for eight years in February 2021.

Program overview

NC State’s MSW program gives aspiring social workers two paths to choose from:

• Traditional MSW: A two-year, full-time course that needs 60 credit hours
• Advanced Standing MSW: A 12-month intensive program that needs 39 credit hours (only for BSW graduates)

Students must attend classes on campus full-time. The program prepares students to handle social, economic, cultural, demographic, and political contexts that shape North Carolina and beyond.

MSW specializations

NC State delivers a detailed Advanced Generalist Practice specialization instead of multiple concentrations. This approach helps students build deeper knowledge, skills, and values they need for effective multi-level practice. Students become experts in:

1. Advanced assessment and evidence-supported intervention methods
2. Interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership
3. Social action knowledge for policy analysis and advocacy
4. Research skills for evaluating practice and programs

Students can focus on specific areas like children/youth/families, behavioral health, or school social work through elective courses.

Field education

Field education stands as the life-blood of the MSW curriculum. Students work alongside experienced professionals in partner organizations. First-year students complete foundational practicum experiences. Second-year placements focus on advanced practice skills. Students track their hours through structured timesheet coverage and can take part in remote activities when appropriate.

Admission requirements

Traditional MSW students need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (students with 2.5-3.0 must submit GRE/MAT scores)
• Biology and statistics prerequisite courses
• Four social sciences courses and three humanities courses with grade C or better
• Three references (two professional, one academic)
• Experience in human services (paid or volunteer)

Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. They need a minimum 3.5 GPA and B grades or better in all social work courses.

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program gives working professionals a flexible path to advance their credentials in social work practice.

Program overview

The MSW program at Fayetteville State University helps you become skilled at social work with a special focus on children, families, mental health, and substance abuse. You’ll learn to work effectively in rural, urban, and military settings with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Students need 61 semester credit hours and must complete 960 hours of field practicum. The program starts with foundation courses in social welfare policy, human behavior, and diversity. Students can then choose between two concentrations:

• Children and Family Services
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse

BSW graduates who qualify can get Advanced Standing status, which reduces the program to 35 credit hours. Most students finish this track in one year.

Weekend format

The weekend part-time program works well for professionals since classes run on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Students complete the three-year curriculum in stages:

• Foundation Year 1: 9 credits each in fall and spring semesters
• Foundation Year 2: 13 credits in fall, 10 credits in spring
• Advanced Year 3: 10 credits each in fall and spring semesters

Students can keep their jobs while moving forward with their education and career goals.

Field education

Field education stands as a crucial part of the MSW curriculum. Students get hands-on experience in professional settings. Foundation year students must complete 460 clock hours. Advanced year students need 500 hours. These real-world experiences help students build professional skills by connecting classroom knowledge with practical work in a variety of settings.

Admission requirements

The program needs these items from applicants:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 2.5 GPA overall (or 3.0 in last 60 hours)
• 18 semester hours in social/behavioral sciences
• 3 semester hours each in Human Biology and Humanities
• Three recommendations from professors or professionals
• Personal statement (maximum 5 pages)

Of course, you don’t need GRE scores to apply. The deadline for both full-time and weekend part-time programs is March 28.

Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University, nestled in Western North Carolina’s mountains, offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that excels in advanced generalist practice. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations in a variety of settings.

Program overview

The MSW program at Western Carolina is 54-62 semester hours, with possible waivers available. Students build their social work practice competency through classroom learning and field practicum internships. The curriculum helps them become skilled at research while covering direct practice, community organization, social policy, mental health, substance abuse, integrated behavioral health, and child welfare.

Students can earn specialized credentials through these learning paths:

• Substance Abuse Studies Certificate Program leads to Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS)
• School Social Work curriculum provides certification as a School Social Worker
• Child Welfare Collaborative offers certification in Child Welfare

Field education

Field education stands as a cornerstone of Western Carolina’s MSW curriculum. Students must complete 900 hours across two placements. The Foundation placement takes 300 hours during spring semester of the first year. The Specialization placement follows with 600 hours split between fall and spring semesters of the final year.

The Social Work Department collaborates with over 200 organizations throughout Western North Carolina. Students typically spend 20 hours weekly at their placements. WCU’s program stands out by allowing students to earn money during field placement through employment-based placements or stipends.

Advanced standing

Students with exceptional performance and BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs can complete their MSW in just one year through the Advanced Standing program. This fast-track option waives first-year foundation requirements. Candidates must have earned their BSW within the previous five years.

The program requires 33 credit hours, including a three-credit summer bridge course. Students who complete this course with a ‘B’ or above join the regular MSW class for concentration year courses.

Admission requirements

Students need these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 0 GPA for Traditional program; 3.2 GPA for Advanced Standing
• Three recommendation letters (one must be academic)
• Supplemental essays
• Strong undergraduate preparation (18 semester hours across liberal arts, humanities, physical sciences, diversity, and behavioral sciences)
• Experience in human services-related work

North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that equips students to become advanced generalist practitioners. The curriculum focuses on cultural competence and social justice principles.

Program overview

NCCU’s program adapts to students’ different needs. You can choose between a traditional two-year full-time program and a one-year advanced standing option for qualified BSW graduates. The class schedule is simple and predictable. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:30pm or Saturdays from 9:00am-6:00pm. Online courses make the program accessible to more people.

The program helps practitioners boost wellbeing at multiple levels. Students learn to create social change through problem-solving. They work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations using direct and macro-level interventions.

MSW generalist practice

The complete curriculum gives you advanced knowledge to work with vulnerable populations. Students learn an advanced generalist approach that works in local, national, and global settings.

NCCU’s program aims to:

1. Create competent, ethical professionals who support individuals at micro, mezzo, and macro levels
2. Build leadership skills for practitioners, researchers, administrators, and policy-makers
3. Graduate professionals who strengthen the field through scientific research and evaluation of best practices

Field education

Field education plays a vital role in your professional growth at NCCU. First-year students complete 224 hours each semester (about 16 hours weekly). Second-year students do 336 hours per semester (around 24 hours weekly). Students work in various settings like medical facilities, schools, mental health centers, and community organizations.

The department works with more than 80 agencies. Their dedicated social workers guide students’ professional development and help build competency.

Admission requirements

You’ll need a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, three recommendation letters, official transcripts, a narrative statement, writing sample, and professional resume. Advanced standing students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and 3.25 major GPA. The GRE isn’t required. Submit your application by February 1.

Johnson C. Smith University

Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte provides a high-quality yet affordable CSWE-accredited MSW program that works well for students who balance work and personal life. This private, 150-year-old historically Black institution gives students a unique social work education experience.

Program overview

The program offers two flexible degree paths that match your schedule:

• Advanced Standing (1-year) for BSW graduates
• Traditional full-time (2-year) program

Students can take evening and weekend courses to keep working while getting their graduate degree. The curriculum has graduate-level courses in cultural competence, human behavior, research methods, data analysis, generalist practice, and electives that match your interests. JCSU stands out by making cultural competence one of its most important specialization areas.

Field education

Field experience is the life-blood of JCSU’s MSW education. Students get exceptional chances to apply their skills in real-life settings through approved social agencies. This hands-on experience helps you use classroom knowledge to make meaningful community contributions. Traditional students need 900 clock hours of field experience, while advanced standing students complete 500 hours.

Advanced standing

BSW graduates can finish their MSW in just one calendar year through the Advanced Standing option. This quick path starts in summer and continues through fall and spring semesters. You’ll need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program to qualify. The program starts with a summer bridge course and moves into specialized coursework and field placements.

Admission requirements

The program has these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• 0 minimum GPA (preferred)
• Personal statement (3-5 double-spaced pages)
• Three recommendations (1-2 academic references recommended)
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• $40 application fee

The program doesn’t need GRE scores or give credit for life/work experience. Application reviews happen three times yearly with deadlines on October 1, February 1, and April 1.

Comparing CWSE-Accredited Programs in NC

Become a Social Worker in NC Today

North Carolina is a great place for future social workers. The state has ten CSWE-accredited MSW programs that fit different career paths and learning styles. Each school brings something special to the table.

These programs share some basics. They all have CSWE accreditation, complete field education, and options for both new and experienced students. Each program also has its own unique features that might work better for you.

Look at what each program specializes in. UNC Chapel Hill lets you choose between Direct Practice and Community Management. East Carolina focuses on Clinical-Community Social Work Practice. UNC Pembroke stands out with its focus on rural and Native American communities. These choices might line up better with your career plans.

Your schedule matters too. MSW programs in North Carolina now come in different formats. You can study full-time, part-time, hybrid, or fully online. Johnson C. Smith University and Fayetteville State make life easier with evening and weekend classes.

Field education plays a big role in your choice. Programs need between 500-1,032 total field hours at partner agencies across North Carolina. This hands-on experience turns what you learn in class into real skills.

Each program has different admission rules. GPA requirements range from 2.5 to 3.4. Some schools don’t need GRE scores at all. Advanced Standing options help BSW graduates finish their MSW in about half the time.

The right MSW program should match your situation, goals, and how you like to learn. You might prefer UNC Chapel Hill’s historic reputation, Johnson C. Smith’s cultural focus, or UNC Pembroke’s rural emphasis. North Carolina has a CSWE-accredited program that fits your needs. You can start your social work education whatever your location, schedule, or interests might be.