10 Best MSW Programs in North Carolina

Want to start your social work career in a state with amazing growth potential? North Carolina’s MSW programs are a great path forward. Healthcare social work jobs will grow 16.6% by 2032, which is by a lot more than the national average of 10%.

North Carolina shines with 13 accredited MSW programs. The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work ranks #5 nationally according to US News & World Report. Students who choose traditional or online MSW programs in North Carolina get complete training with 900 hours of ground experience. The state’s population will reach 11.7 million by the early 2030s, making it the seventh-largest state. This means social workers will be in high demand.

Want to see what’s available? Let’s take a closer look at the 10 best MSW programs North Carolina offers. Each program has unique specializations that can help advance your social work career.

Appalachian State University: Innovative Specializations and Flexible Learning

Appalachian State University’s MSW program stands out as one of North Carolina’s most flexible options. Students can choose from several paths that match their needs. The program builds expertise in both clinical practice and organizational leadership, equipping graduates to excel in social work settings of all types.

Program Overview and Accreditation Status

The Master of Social Work program at Appalachian has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through 2028. Located in the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the program offers two paths: a Regular Program for students without social work backgrounds and an Advanced Standing option for BSW holders.

Students in the Regular Program can attend full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) on campus. The Advanced Standing track takes just one year full-time or two years part-time, with both campus and online options available. The Online MSW Program earned CSWE approval on July 13, 2022 and now belongs to the fully accredited MSW curriculum.

Specialization Options and Curriculum Highlights

Students can choose between two main concentrations:

• Community and Organizational Practice – Students learn advanced practice skills to address social issues and create systemic change at community, organizational, and societal levels
• Individuals and Families – Students prepare for direct and clinical practice careers

The program’s unique crossover design lets students learn from both concentrations. To name just one example, students in the Individuals and Families track must take two courses from Community and Organizational Practice.

Students must also complete two graduate electives (5000 level or above) from any university department. They can earn specialized certificates in Addiction Counseling, Aging, Health and Society, or Non-profit Administration.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Regular MSW program applicants need an accredited baccalaureate degree. Advanced Standing spots go to candidates with a CSWE-accredited BSW earned in the last seven years and a minimum 3.2 GPA in major courses.

Students must submit:

1. A Graduate School application
2. Official GRE scores (unless waived)
3. A personal statement answering specific questions
4. Three references from college instructors, employers, or volunteer supervisors

The program waives GRE requirements for Advanced Standing candidates with a 3.2+ GPA, students with a 3.2+ undergraduate GPA, or those who have completed another graduate degree.

Field Education Opportunities

Field education is a vital part of Appalachian’s social work program. MSW students complete field placements across two semesters yearly, with 240 hours each semester. This adds up to 480 hours of hands-on training annually.

Students work with experienced social work field instructors at human services agencies. These placements help them develop professional skills. The experience connects classroom theory to real-life practice and shows how well students master core program competencies.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Top-Ranked

UNC Chapel Hill serves as the life-blood of social work education in North Carolina. The School of Social Work has earned national recognition because of its exceptional teaching and research outcomes.

Program Rankings and Recognition

UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work continues to shine in national rankings. The school tied for fourth place among 319 accredited social work schools in the United States. The program also ranks second among public universities nationwide. It leads as the highest-ranked social work school in the Southeast region. Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson has helped raise graduate programs since 2021. She modernized the curriculum and boosted student enrollment. The school has managed to keep its spot among the top 10 social work programs since 1997.

Direct Practice and Community Management Tracks

Students pursuing an MSW at UNC Chapel Hill can choose between two specialized concentrations:

• Direct Practice (DP) – Prepares students to work with individuals, families, and small groups in face-to-face settings. This includes private practice, clinical settings, hospitals, schools, or nonprofit organizations
• Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP) – Builds leadership careers in community organizing, administration, policy development, and advocacy

Students can earn their degree through several paths:

• 12-Month Advanced Standing MSW Program (for BSW holders)
• 2-Year MSW Program (traditional full-time option)
• 3-Year MSW Program (for working professionals)
• Online MSW Program

Students start their field education in their first semester. First-year students complete a Generalist practicum for 16 hours weekly. Second-year students take on a Specialization practicum for 24 hours weekly based on their concentration. Many students land jobs after graduation through these specialization placements.

Dual Degree Options

The school offers four unique dual-degree programs. Students can blend social work expertise with other professional training. Most students complete both degrees in four years. Current options include:

• MSW/JD (Law) – Prepares students for specialized legal practice in social welfare and policy
• MSW/MPH (Public Health) – Combines social determinants of health with intervention knowledge
• MSW/MDiv (Divinity) – Partners with Duke University
• MSW/MPA (Public Administration) – Develops administrative and policy implementation skills

Students must apply and gain acceptance to both schools separately. Each program has specific credit-sharing arrangements.

Alumni Success Stories

More than 6,000 social work professionals hold MSW and Ph.D. degrees from UNC’s School of Social Work. The school celebrates exceptional graduates through Distinguished Alumni Awards and Distinguished Recent Alumni Awards. These honors recognize leaders who show steadfast dedication to ethical standards. Recipients make innovative contributions to quality of life, show advocacy effectiveness, and create significant professional impact.

Alumni stay connected through the school’s monthly Impact newsletter, social media networks, and LinkedIn groups. Many give back by becoming field instructors, mentors, and financial supporters of current students. The program’s excellence spans over 100 years. It continues to produce graduates who advance equity, revolutionize systems, and improve lives throughout North Carolina and beyond.

East Carolina University: Clinical Community Focus

East Carolina University stands out with its clinical community approach to social work education. The program balances hands-on practice skills with a broader viewpoint on systemic change. Their graduates know how to tackle complex social issues at many different levels.

Program Structure and Specializations

ECU’s MSW degree comes with several paths that fit different student needs. The regular program takes two years with 60 semester hours, while BSW graduates can choose the advanced standing option with 42 semester hours in one calendar year. Students can pick from:

• Full-time campus-based programs (regular and advanced standing)
• Part-time online programs that take three years (both paths available)

ECU’s unique strength lies in its clinical-community focus, which builds on a relational viewpoint for advanced practice. This approach takes the person-in-environment concept to new heights. Their graduates work well in both rural and city settings. Instead of splitting into separate tracks, the curriculum blends clinical and community elements. This shows how relationship networks can drive both personal growth and social change.

Certificate Options in Specialized Practice Areas

The MSW program lets students add specialized graduate certificates to their degree. Popular choices include:

• Substance Abuse (combined with MSW)
• Gerontology
• Integrated Behavioral Health with Rural Youth [154]

Students can also pursue a guided path to school social work licensure in North Carolina. These certificates give students specialized knowledge that opens more job opportunities and helps them better serve specific populations.

Field Placement Network

Field education forms the heart of social work training at ECU. The program has clear field requirements:

• Students in the regular path complete 1,032 total field hours
• Advanced standing students need 672 total field hours
• MSW students put in 24 hours weekly at their placements, reaching at least 336 hours each semester

The Office of Field Education picks placement agencies and instructors who meet Council on Social Work Education standards. Students match with placements through interviews based on their learning goals. ECU might even let students complete their field hours at their current workplace if approved.

Student Support Services

ECU helps students succeed with strong support services. Students have access to:

• Dean of Students help for academic and personal needs
• Counseling and Student Development Center for therapy
• Department for Disability Support Services
• Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center for resources and community

The university provides round-the-clock crisis support through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and other specialized hotlines. These services show ECU’s commitment to creating an environment where MSW students can grow both academically and personally.

North Carolina State University: Advanced Generalist Practice

NC State University’s School of Social Work offers a complete MSW program. The program focuses on advanced generalist practice and helps graduates tackle complex social challenges at multiple levels of society.

Program Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

NC State’s MSW program builds on advanced generalist practice. Students gain deeper knowledge beyond foundation level, which helps them serve diverse client populations throughout North Carolina. The program’s core values rest on professional ethics, belonging, and community participation.

Students work toward these learning outcomes:

• Advanced assessment and intervention skills
• Interdisciplinary leadership abilities
• Social action knowledge to analyze and advocate policies
• Research skills to evaluate practice and programs

Traditional students need 60 credit hours over two years to graduate. Advanced standing students with BSW degrees complete 39 credit hours. The first year covers foundation courses, and the second year focuses on advanced practice.

Research Opportunities and Faculty Expertise

NC State ranks among the nation’s leading research universities and gives MSW students many research options. The Office of Undergraduate Research lets undergrads work with faculty mentors. Graduate students work together across disciplines to boost their career growth.

Faculty members bring expertise in a variety of areas. They focus on improving health, access, and well-being of historically oppressed communities. Their research covers sexual and reproductive health outcomes, HIV prevention, and racial equity in behavioral health.

Campus Resources for Social Work Students

MSW students get tailored advising support. Advisors help them learn about their interests and set academic goals. Students meet their assigned advisors by June’s end and build lasting partnerships to plan their academic journey.

Field practicum stands as the heart of social work education. Students apply their classroom knowledge in ground settings. Field preparation courses help them find their interests before matching with suitable agencies.

Career Development Support

The Career Development Center offers one-on-one career coaching, employer connections, and job search skills. The PackPros career readiness series runs free workshops that cover LinkedIn profiles and cover letters.

MSW students get specialized job search resources with networking opportunities and salary details. The Career Identity Program connects students with diverse alumni and employers. Students explore their identity, majors, and career paths through coaching.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte: Campus and Online

UNC Charlotte ranks among the top MSW programs in North Carolina. Its nationally-ranked curriculum focuses on social justice and prepares students to work in many practice settings at every level of society.

Advanced Social Work Practice Curriculum

UNC Charlotte’s curriculum takes a multisystemic approach that focuses on people, their environments, and how they interact. This framework helps create a fairer society by influencing organizations, communities, and social policy. Students become skilled at working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities through specialized courses. The program lets students tailor their education by choosing electives from the School of Social Work or other departments. The school’s mission aims to create leaders who understand cultural needs and work closely with communities to solve persistent social problems in fast-growing urban areas.

School Social Work Specialization

UNC Charlotte has a specialized path recognized by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction for students who want school social work licensure. Students learn about school social work, U.S. education’s history and culture, and strategies for direct and macro practice in schools. The program requires a dedicated school social work course plus a school-based elective like Special Education, Diverse Learners, or Crisis Counseling. Students must also complete their practicum in a school setting, which the university’s Practicum Office helps arrange.

Online MSW Program Features

UNC Charlotte stands out among NC’s MSW programs with three flexible online options:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW graduates can finish in three semesters (May-May)
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: Six-semester program for BSW graduates who need more flexibility
• 3-Year Online MSW: Nine-semester part-time program for students without BSW degrees

The online courses combine live and self-paced learning, with live sessions held during weeknights and Saturdays. While courses are online, students must complete their field practicum in person.

Student Organizations and Networking

The School of Social Work supports several student groups that make campus life better and help with professional growth. These include the Graduate Social Work Association, Phi Alpha honor society, and Advocates for Change. The 7-year-old Advocates for Change group tackles social justice issues on campus and throughout Charlotte. These organizations are a great way to get networking opportunities, professional development, and community service experience. Students build lasting relationships with their peers, faculty, and community partners that continue after graduation.

Western Carolina University: Rural Social Work

Western Carolina University stands out among North Carolina’s top MSW programs. The university’s specialized focus on rural social work practice prepares graduates to tackle unique challenges in non-metropolitan communities.

Advanced Generalist Curriculum with Rural Focus

Western Carolina University built its MSW program on an advanced generalist model specifically designed for rural practice. The university’s strategic location in Western North Carolina’s rural mountains shapes this curriculum choice. Social workers in rural areas need versatility to help a wide range of clients. They tackle complex social problems like high poverty rates, unemployment, and limited access to health services. The program equips students to provide direct services, handle administrative duties, and shape social policies that matter in rural settings.

Certificate Programs and Specialization Options

Students can enhance their MSW education with several specialized certificates at WCU:

• Addiction Studies Certificate Program – A 12-credit curriculum that meets Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) certification requirements
• School Social Work Certification – Prepares students to work in educational settings
• Child Welfare Education Collaborative – Leads to Department of Social Services certification
• Culturally-Based Native Health Certificate – A unique 12-hour program for professionals who serve Native populations
• Integrated Health Focus Area – Specialized training comes with a potential $10,000 stipend

Hybrid Learning Model

WCU goes beyond traditional classroom formats with flexible learning options. Students can choose full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) paths. Classes take place at both the main Cullowhee campus and Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville. Students complete 960 hours of supervised field practicum in various social work settings during their studies. The program uses synchronous streaming technology so students can join from different locations.

Community Partnerships

WCU’s steadfast dedication to rural communities shows through innovative partnerships like the Community Care program. This program pairs social workers with local police departments in rural Western North Carolina. Social workers help address underlying issues in non-criminal calls to law enforcement, such as mental illness, substance use, and homelessness. These partnerships create valuable field placement opportunities and help solve rural challenges. The program got a boost with a $140,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust.

Fayetteville State University: Military and Substance Abuse Focus

Fayetteville State University distinguishes itself among msw programs north carolina through its exceptional military social work focus. The university’s strategic location helps serve military communities across the state.

Children and Family Services Concentration

The Children and Family Services concentration prepares you to work directly with children, families, and communities. This specialized track gives you the skills needed for work in adoptions, schools, adult services, shelters, foster care, protective services, courts, and hospitals. You’ll become skilled at case management, advocacy, administration, and building community partnerships in rural and urban settings. The concentration teaches you to build partnerships with clients that promote human well-being while you engage in prevention, treatment, and intervention activities.

Mental Health Concentration

We designed the Mental Health concentration to prepare you for clinical social work practice with individuals facing psycho-social problems and serious mental illness. You’ll develop direct practice skills and learn advanced approaches including prevention, crisis intervention, brief problem solving, and treatment of mental disorders. This concentration is particularly useful if you want to work in community mental health centers, residential facilities, rehabilitation programs, in-patient psychiatric programs, or military settings.

Military Behavioral Health Certificate

FSU’s Military Behavioral Health Graduate Certificate makes it stand out among the best MSW programs in NC. Since 2012, this 18-credit program has provided specialized knowledge about military culture, programs, and services. Students learn about post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, traumatic brain injuries, and suicide assessment. Mental health professionals, family service workers, youth service providers, faith-based agencies, veteran centers, and healthcare workers can benefit from this certificate. The School of Social Work has established a unique contractual agreement that brings national recognition to military personnel’s MSW education.

Weekend and Evening Program Options

FSU offers various program formats to fit working professionals’ schedules. The Full-Time program runs classes Monday through Thursday. Monday classes start at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., while Tuesday through Thursday classes begin at 6:00 p.m.. The Weekend Part-Time program features classes on Friday evenings and Saturdays. Students can choose between full-time and weekend/part-time MSW programs, making it easier to balance work and personal life.

University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Clinical and Macro Practice

UNCW’s Master of Social Work program has been training skilled practitioners for 18 years. The program offers a detailed curriculum that prepares professionals to tackle pressing societal challenges at multiple levels.

Program Structure and Specializations

UNCW’s MSW program provides two distinct practice pathways that match different career goals. Students choose between clinical social work, which emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness through individual and group therapy, or macro social work, which focuses on advocacy, policy analysis, and systems change. Graduates work in settings of all types to address social, racial, economic, health, and mental health inequities. The program also offers specialized certificates in addictions, gerontology, and veterinary social work. Students can earn additional credentials in School Social Work and the Child Welfare Collaborative to prepare for child welfare work.

Global Social Work Opportunities

UNCW stands out among North Carolina MSW programs by offering exceptional international learning experiences. Students explore global social work through partnerships in London, Ireland, and India. These opportunities go way beyond the reach and influence of traditional study abroad programs. Students present their research at international conferences and build valuable connections within the field. This global involvement prepares graduates to practice in increasingly diverse and interconnected communities.

Field Education Network

Field practicum is the life-blood of UNCW’s MSW education. Students apply theoretical knowledge in ground settings. Weekly integrative, strengths-based seminars make discussion of field experiences easier. These seminars help students transition from academics to professionals through written and oral assignments that sharpen social work skills. UNCW’s partnership with Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center creates field experiences that benefit both students and patients significantly.

Student Success Metrics

UNCW ranks among NC’s best MSW programs with remarkable student outcomes. The program’s clinical specialization achieves 100% competency standard achievement across all nine CSWE competencies. The student body shows diversity with 75% White, 10.29% Black or African American, and 9.56% Hispanic/Latino students. Women make up 88% of enrollment while men account for 11%. These numbers reflect UNCW’s dedication to preparing a diverse workforce that meets North Carolina’s growing social service needs.

North Carolina Central University: HBCU

North Carolina Central University stands out with one of the most culturally rich MSW programs North Carolina has. The university’s unique heritage as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) shapes its social work education approach.

Advanced Generalist Practice Curriculum

NCCU’s MSW program prepares students through a complete advanced generalist framework that gives you the tools to work in multiple systems. Students learn problem-solving and interventions at micro, mezzo, and macro levels to address complex social issues. The program offers flexible schedules with classes meeting once weekly on Tuesday/Thursday evenings (6-8:30 p.m.) or Saturdays (9 a.m.-6 p.m.). Online options are also available.

The program’s mission centers on three goals:

• Training competent, ethical professionals who support individuals at all system levels
• Building leadership skills for practitioners, researchers, administrators, and policy-makers
• Creating graduates who enhance the profession through scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice

Field Education Requirements

Field experience is the life-blood of professional development at NCCU. Students develop their skills under supervision from social work professionals. The practicum combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in healthcare, aging services, schools, mental health, and community organizations.

First-year MSW students complete 224 hours each semester over two days weekly. Second-year students complete 336 hours each semester over three days. Students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs can take a simplified 35-credit curriculum with 672 total field hours.

Diversity and Inclusion Focus

NCCU’s learning environment reflects its HBCU status with 75% African-American students, 10% white, 6% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 6% from other backgrounds. The university encourages an inclusive community through student groups that support LGBTQ+, Asian, Hispanic, and rural students. Women’s and men’s support organizations add to this mix.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

MSW graduates from NCCU see significant career growth. They earn a median salary of $46,470, while BSW graduates earn $30,615. The program awarded 64 master’s degrees in 2021-2022 and ranked #150 nationally for social work master’s degree candidates. Women made up 89% of these graduates and men 11%, with 88% of graduates identifying as Black or African American.

Johnson C. Smith University: HBCU with Advanced Generalist Focus

Johnson C. Smith University’s MSW program is a high-quality yet affordable path for aspiring social workers. The program caters to students who need flexible learning options to balance their work and personal lives.

Program Overview and Unique Features

JCSU’s advanced generalist social work curriculum comes with two degree paths: Advanced Standing (1 year) for BSW holders and Traditional Full-Time (2 years). The program got its CSWE accreditation reaffirmation in 2019, proving it right’s dedication to excellence. The program stands out with its evening and weekend course schedule that works perfectly for working professionals. Students learn through graduate-level courses that cover cultural competence, human behavior, research methods, data analysis, and generalist practice with organizations and communities.

Field Education Partnerships

Field experience is the life-blood of JCSU’s MSW program. Students complete 900 clock hours (500 for advanced standing) and get hands-on experience through placements at approved social work agencies. These strategic collaborations help students use their classroom knowledge in real-life settings while they help Charlotte communities. The university’s resource library has books, films, and journals that students use as a skills lab for case presentations and simulations.

Student Demographics and Community

JCSU’s MSW program boasts a diverse student body with a strong African American presence (91.76%). Women make up most of the student population (91%), though recent trends show some changes – the 2022 master’s degree class had 24% men and 76% women. The program usually enrolls about 85 graduate students, which creates a close-knit learning environment.

Post-Graduation Employment Rates

JCSU built strong job connections, including a partnership with Red Ventures that gives qualifying graduates job opportunities. The university’s five-year strategic plan, Gold(en) Blueprint, focuses on creating smooth post-graduate paths for students. The program’s competitive credentials help graduates succeed in social work settings of all types, and they become valuable members of their communities.

Comparing North Carolina’s MSW Programs

Choose Your MSW Today

MSW programs in North Carolina excel with their unique specializations and steadfast dedication to quality education. Each program brings something special to the table. UNC Chapel Hill boasts a #4 national ranking, Fayetteville State focuses on military service, and Western Carolina emphasizes rural practice. These programs go beyond basic social work education by offering specialized paths that match your career goals and what communities really need.

Students can pick from several CSWE-accredited programs that fit their lifestyle. You’ll find traditional campus classes, online courses, or a mix of both. Real-world experience is the cornerstone of every program, with hands-on training that ranges from 480 to 1,032 hours based on your chosen school.

Healthcare social work jobs in the state are expected to grow by 16.6% through 2032, which means great opportunities for MSW graduates. On top of that, North Carolina’s growing population means more social workers are needed in clinical, community, and organizational roles.

Your path to the right MSW program comes down to what matters most to you – your specialty interests, where you want to study, schedule needs, and career dreams. These programs’ strong curriculum, expert faculty, and partnerships with local organizations will help you become a skilled social work professional who can make a real difference in North Carolina and beyond.