North Carolina A&T Social Work Programs
NC A&T State University’s Social Work Programs stand on a powerful foundation of social justice. The university made history in 1960 when four freshmen sparked a national sit-in movement. They challenged segregation at a Greensboro lunch counter. The university hasn’t wavered from its mission of driving positive social change through quality social work education.
Students looking at social work programs in North Carolina will find NC A&T’s BSW and MSW degrees deliver strong results. The BSW program builds your skills through classroom learning and field work. You’ll learn to practice ethical, evidence-based social work. Senior students spend a full year in field internships that give them real-world experience. The university’s MSW program, run jointly with UNC Greensboro, has kept its Council on Social Work Education accreditation since 2000. These degrees open doors to rewarding careers – BSW graduates earn a median salary of $27,508, while MSW graduates take home $46,563.
This piece will walk you through everything about these programs. You’ll learn about specializations and career paths to help you choose the right social work education path.
Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University’s Department of Social Work gives students two paths to make a difference in society. Each program offers a unique learning experience that prepares students for different professional roles.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives you the knowledge and skills you need for entry-level positions. Students learn generalist practices to help individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program blends classroom learning with field experiences so students can apply concepts in real-life settings. BSW students develop their critical thinking abilities and learn ways to tackle social justice issues.
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is perfect if you want to take on leadership roles in social work. This graduate program is a partnership between North Carolina A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. Students benefit from a strong educational experience that combines both universities’ strengths.
The MSW program has two tracks based on your background. Students with a BSW from an accredited program can choose the Advanced Standing option and complete it in one year of full-time study. The Traditional track serves students with bachelor’s degrees from other fields and takes two years of full-time study.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits both programs. This accreditation is vital because it allows graduates to pursue licensure—a requirement for many social work positions in North Carolina and other states.
North Carolina A&T’s social work programs stand out because they prepare culturally aware practitioners who understand the needs of different populations. Students learn about cultural diversity, social justice advocacy, and evidence-based methods that address today’s social challenges.
Degree Specializations
North Carolina A&T State University Social Work Programs offer more than simple education. Students get a chance to choose specialized paths that prepare them for careers of all types.
The BSW program helps students become skilled at generalist practice through coursework that builds critical thinking skills, values diversity, and upholds high ethical standards. Students learn to work at micro, macro, and mezzo levels of practice. The program’s four core goals match social work’s values and purpose, especially when championing human rights and social justice.
MSW specializations follow a well-laid-out two-part curriculum. The generalist curriculum has 30 credits that cover key areas such as social welfare policy, human diversity, practice with individuals and groups, family theory, and clinical foundations. The specialization curriculum adds 30 more credits to build clinical expertise. Students complete:
- Two advanced clinical practice courses
- Advanced research methodologies
- Organizational practice from a clinical viewpoint
- Two semesters of specialized field instruction
- Two graduate-level electives approved by their educational advisor
BSW graduates can take the Advanced Standing Option, a faster track that needs 42 credits instead of 60. This path starts with a 12-credit summer bridge program that links undergraduate knowledge to graduate specialization.
The joint MSW program with UNC Greensboro gets students ready for multicultural clinical practice. This shared approach shows how multicultural partnerships work while preparing students to help communities of all types.
First-semester seniors in the BSW program can join a unique Global Exchange opportunity. They study abroad while finishing the first half of their required field internship. This international experience gives them a broader viewpoint on global social issues and makes them more versatile professionals.
Field experiences stay at the heart of both programs. Students develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, getting a full picture of what they need to tackle professional challenges in social work settings of all types.
Online and Hybrid Options
North Carolina A&T State University makes learning easier for students who juggle education with work or family commitments. The university has built resilient infrastructure for distance learning that meets student needs.
Students can choose from many online educational programs at North Carolina A&T. The university now offers 10 online undergraduate degree programs, 10 online graduate degree programs at the M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. levels, and three online certificate programs. These options create multiple paths for social work education.
North Carolina A&T’s Master of Social Work program teams up with UNC Greensboro to deliver a hybrid model. This approach combines the best of traditional and online learning. Working professionals find this format ideal because it gives them the flexibility to earn advanced social work credentials.
Students in online and hybrid MSW programs get the same support as students on campus. Faculty members stay equally involved with all students, whatever the delivery method. This gives everyone access to top-tier instruction. Distance learners get the same high-quality education as their on-campus peers.
Traditional and online MSW programs each come with their own benefits:
Traditional programs offer:
- Classroom-based learning environments
- Local networking opportunities
- In-person collaboration with peers
Online/hybrid programs provide:
- More flexible schedules
- Learning from anywhere with internet access
- Lower costs by cutting travel expenses
- The option to work while studying
The hybrid MSW program focuses on multicultural clinical practice. This prepares you to help diverse communities effectively. The program reflects North Carolina A&T’s long-standing commitment to social justice while meeting today’s professional requirements.
These distance learning options are a great way to get quality education for social work students who want flexibility. North Carolina A&T helps you reach your educational and career goals through these available program formats, no matter where you live.
Graduation Rates
Student completion rates are a great way to get insights about how well programs work. Recent data from North Carolina A&T State University Social Work Programs shows graduation trends that help future students make informed decisions.
The university awarded 50 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022, showing a small 4% drop from last year’s 52 degrees. NC A&T also saw 26 students complete their master’s degree in social work in 2022. These numbers show steady program completion despite recent challenges.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted graduation patterns by a lot between 2020-2022. Current indicators show positive progress in academic departments. Male students’ improvement stands out with a rise of more than 6% in four-year graduation rates. This upward trend shows NC A&T’s students and academic programs’ resilience.
Program structure is a vital part of these outcomes. The social work department uses several strategies that support graduation success:
- Clear progression policies and graduation requirements create a direct path through the program
- Senior students participate in yearlong Joint Social Work Field Internship experience that connects academic learning with practical skills
Students get detailed support throughout their academic trip because of these structured approaches. The programs maintain solid completion rates even during tough times due to this steadfast dedication to student progress.
These numbers represent real students ready to work as qualified social workers. BSW social work and MSW program graduates from North Carolina help address critical community needs.
Graduation rates should be part of your decision when choosing bachelors in social work programs or advanced degree options. Program quality, specialization options, and career outcomes matter too – areas where North Carolina A&T shows ongoing dedication to student success.
Career Outcomes
A social work degree from North Carolina A&T State University opens doors to many career paths. The BSW program gives you the skills you need to start working right away as a generalist in the field. Your degree prepares you to work in:
- Departments of social services
- Mental health agencies
- Centers on aging
- Non-profit organizations
- Advocacy services
- Social justice organizations
- Criminal justice system roles
BSW graduates earn a median salary of $27,508, while MSW graduates take home $46,563. This salary gap shows why many students choose to pursue their MSW degree in North Carolina.
North Carolina A&T stands out as one of the top 10 best colleges for jobs in North Carolina. The numbers speak for themselves – 91.62% of graduates find jobs. This success rate proves how well the university prepares students for their careers.
Your coursework helps you build practical skills that lead to meaningful careers. You’ll learn to:
- Handle new and challenging situations
- Solve real-world problems using both qualitative and quantitative methods
- Write and speak effectively
The BSW program shapes you into a social worker who champions human rights. The MSW program takes this further by preparing you to work with people from all backgrounds. Both programs help you make a real difference in promoting economic and social justice across North Carolina.
Your BSW degree also sets you up for graduate studies in law, social work, or public administration. This degree from North Carolina A&T gives you both immediate job opportunities and a strong foundation to grow your career.
What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University’s social work programs stand out with their unique features in social work education. These programs create exceptional learning experiences by combining their rich history with modern teaching methods.
The university’s deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement add authenticity to its social work education with a steadfast dedication to social justice principles. This heritage shapes how students learn about systemic inequalities and ways to promote marginalized communities.
The MSW program’s partnership with UNC Greensboro creates a unique model in social work education. Students benefit from combined resources, expert faculty, and different views from both schools. This collaboration creates a richer learning experience than either university could provide alone.
BSW students get a remarkable chance through the Global Exchange program. Senior students can study abroad during their first semester while completing their field internship. This experience helps them see social work from an international view.
The Joint Social Work Field Internship lasts a full year and provides hands-on experience that surpasses many similar programs. Students develop professional relationships and skills through extended training instead of short-term placements.
Both programs focus on multicultural clinical practice, showing North Carolina A&T’s grasp of today’s social needs. Students learn to work with people from various backgrounds – a crucial skill in modern social services.
The programs’ 91.62% employment rate proves their success in preparing students for work. This number shows how well the curriculum connects theory with ground application.
North Carolina A&T’s social work programs blend their civil rights heritage with innovative teaching methods. Students don’t just prepare for a career – they learn to make meaningful changes in society.
Your choice of social work program depends on several key factors. Students who want to learn about North Carolina A&T State University Social Work Programs can take specific steps to make their final decision.
Start by looking at where you want your career to go. The BSW program builds a strong foundation for newcomers to the field and gives you the basic knowledge you need for entry-level positions. If you have a bachelor’s degree already, the MSW program takes you further with advanced training that leads to better pay and specialized clinical roles.
Your schedule plays a big role in this decision. Online and hybrid options make it easier to earn your degree while managing work or family responsibilities. These available formats deliver the same quality as traditional programs and work well with different lifestyles.
Take a good look at what makes these programs special. Students get hands-on training through a yearlong field internship. BSW students also get a rare chance to join the Global Exchange program, which adds an international view to their education.
Money matters when it comes to education decisions. Look at the tuition costs and compare them to the big salary gap between BSW ($27,508 median) and MSW ($46,563 median) graduates to find your best path forward.
Each program has different application deadlines. Check these dates early so you can get your transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements ready on time. Getting started early helps you meet all application deadlines easily.
North Carolina A&T provides detailed social work education based on social justice principles that leads to real career success. Their graduates’ high employment rate shows how well the programs prepare students for work. Whether you choose the BSW or MSW path, you’ll be part of a school that has both historical importance and current impact on social welfare.