Appalachian State University Social Work Programs

App State’s Social Work Programs prepare you for a thriving field where job opportunities will grow more than 7% through 2032. The university ranks among the top 3 schools for innovation for 8 straight years in U.S. News & World Report. Forbes magazine also recognizes it among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25. Students get accredited social work education that creates real change.

App State MSW program stands out among NC options with its flexible completion paths. BSW holders can earn their master’s in just one year through the advanced standing program. The regular program takes only two years to complete. The online options are available to students anywhere. Your education investment pays off with bachelor’s graduates earning median salaries of $32,725 and master’s graduates making $47,504.

This detailed guide covers everything about App State’s social work programs. You’ll learn about application requirements, specializations, and online options. These CSWE-accredited programs have unique features that prepare you to help individuals, families, groups, and communities thrive.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University’s Department of Social Work has two degree paths that can shape your future as a social worker. These programs give you a customized education that aligns with your career goals and professional growth.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gets you ready for entry-level generalist practice. You’ll need to complete 122 total semester hours, with 53 hours dedicated to social work major courses. Your learning combines classroom studies with 440 hours of supervised field work in your senior year. Small class sizes with a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1:15 ensure you get individual attention throughout your studies.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program helps you step into advanced professional roles through two different tracks. You can take the Standard Program’s 60 credit hours over two years of full-time study. A faster option exists if you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school – the Advanced Standing track lets you earn your master’s with just 33 credit hours in one calendar year.

App State’s BSW and MSW programs share these key features:

• CSWE accreditation that validates your degree meets national professional standards
• A curriculum that emphasizes multiculturalism, social justice, and rural practice
• Field education connections with more than 300 agencies throughout North Carolina
• Faculty who specialize in mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, and aging

MSW students can specialize in working with individuals and families or focus on communities and organizational practice during their advanced year. This choice helps you build expertise in your preferred practice area.

You’ll need to apply through the university’s online portal. BSW students must first get into Appalachian State University before they can apply to the social work major as sophomores. MSW application deadlines change based on your chosen track, and early applicants receive priority review.

Starting your social work education or taking your professional credentials further, these structured paths at Appalachian State University will help you reach your career goals in this meaningful field.

Degree Specializations

Appalachian State University’s Social Work Programs let you customize your education path and build expertise in your chosen practice area through specialized options.

The Master of Social Work program gives you two distinct concentrations to shape your career path:

• Community and Organizational Practice: This concentration readies you to tackle social problems and create change at community, organizational, and societal levels. Your studies will center on community organizing, social planning, political action, nonprofit administration, and resource development. The path gives you skills to develop social programs and policies while leading communities and organizations.
• Individuals and Families: Students pursuing advanced direct and clinical practice will find this concentration valuable to work with clients in various agencies. The curriculum weaves social work values with professional relationships, theoretical views, clinical assessment, and evidence-based interventions.

App State MSW stands out with its crossover design that lets you pick one main concentration while taking courses from the other practice area. Students get broader preparation compared to other MSW programs in NC.

BSW students can choose from specialized electives like:

• Social Work Practice with Substance Abuse
• Social Work Practice in Health Care
• School Social Work
• Practice with Children and Families
• Death, Dying, and Living
• Programs and Services for Older Adults

MSW graduates can practice advanced social work and apply for clinical social work licensure or social work manager licensure. BSW graduates learn to help clients of all backgrounds in human service agencies while championing human rights and social justice.

Your field experiences match your specialization interests. These hands-on learning opportunities take place in mental health clinics, schools, healthcare facilities, and community development corporations. Students graduate ready to step into professional practice.

Online and Hybrid Options

Appalachian State University’s Social Work Programs let you complete your degree in ways that fit your location and life situation.

The BSW and MSW degrees are now fully online, making quality social work education available whatever your location. These programs employ a hybrid learning approach that blends scheduled virtual classroom sessions with self-paced coursework. Students benefit from a perfect mix of independent study and shared learning experiences.

The online BSW program combines:

• Scheduled meeting times in virtual classrooms
• Self-paced assignments you complete on your schedule

The online MSW follows this same format with virtual classes scheduled from Tuesday to Friday. This setup helps you balance work or family commitments while earning your degree.

Both programs include a vital hands-on component through required in-person internships. BSW students end their final semester with about 32 hours weekly (Monday-Friday) at a human service agency close to home. MSW students do their practicum in person along with online seminars.

Students with BSW degrees can take the Advanced Standing MSW program – a faster 33-credit hour track that takes just one year to complete, either on campus or online. The program starts with a transition seminar (SW 5001) in Summer Session II before moving to specialized courses.

The online MSW costs $8,778 total at $266 per credit. This price is nowhere near what other NC and national MSW programs charge. More importantly, with social and community service management jobs set to grow 15% through 2030 and median yearly wages of $69,600, your investment will open up many career opportunities.

Graduation Rates

App State’s graduation rates show promising results for students who choose social work education. The university’s overall graduation numbers are impressive and this is a big deal as it means that they exceed national averages. These results create strong foundations for academic success.

App State maintains a strong six-year graduation rate of 72%, which puts the school in the top 25% of colleges nationwide. This number represents students who finished their degree within 150% of expected time. The four-year graduation rate is 57-58%, placing App State among the top 30% of schools.

New data shows the university has already reached its 2025 performance target. The four-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor’s degree-seeking students (2020 cohort) has hit 61.70%. The school now sits just 1.13 percentage points away from its 2026 stretch goal of 62.83%. This achievement matters because timely graduation helps students limit their debt and saves money they might lose from staying enrolled longer.

Recent graduating classes from App State’s Social Work Programs show these patterns:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Out of 112 social work graduates in 2021-2022, about 9% were men and 91% were women
• Master of Social Work (MSW): From 51 MSW graduates in 2022, 6% were men and 94% were women

App State undergraduates typically take 4.31 years to earn their bachelor’s degree. The university also boasts an impressive 86% retention rate, placing it in the top 25% nationally. This means students who start at App State usually stay enrolled and move toward graduation.

These numbers show that social work students at App State receive strong support throughout their college years. This support helps them complete their degrees and prepare for professional practice.

Career Outcomes

App State’s social work degrees create opportunities in many professional settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social worker jobs will grow more than 7% through 2032. This shows a rising need for qualified professionals in this field.

Our graduates build successful careers in these settings:

• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Mental health centers
• Child and family service agencies
• Substance abuse programs
• Schools and correctional facilities
• Community development organizations
• Housing programs and shelters
• Domestic violence programs
• Legislative offices and advocacy agencies

BSW graduates from Appalachian State earn a median salary of $32,725, which creates a strong foundation for entry-level positions. MSW program graduates see their median earnings rise to $47,504. This increase reflects their advanced skills and graduate-level credentials.

We pride ourselves on our graduates’ success. Almost 90% of our 2022–23 alumni found employment or enrolled in higher education programs within their first year after graduation. Additionally, 30% of each undergraduate class pursues further education after completing their degree.

The university’s Career Development Center helps students succeed professionally. Students get access to resume reviews, career coaching, job search help, and networking events. Employers seek out App State graduates because they recognize their preparation and strong work ethic.

Your social work education at Appalachian State University prepares you for a meaningful career with steady growth potential. You’ll gain practical experience and academic knowledge that builds professional skills. These skills help you create positive change in communities and organizations throughout North Carolina and beyond.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University’s Social Work Programs stand out from other MSW programs in NC and nationwide. App State focuses on rural social work practice that prepares students to handle challenges in underserved communities with limited resources and complex social problems.

App State MSW keeps classes small with 20-25 students per cohort, unlike larger social work schools. Students build close relationships with faculty members who bring their ground experience to class. These experts specialize in child welfare, mental health, gerontology, and community development—with special focus on rural settings.

Social justice and advocacy spread through every part of the curriculum. Students learn to tackle systemic inequalities and uphold ethical standards through class discussions, field work, and community projects. The department backs student initiatives that address social issues at local and global levels.

The program’s steadfast dedication to interprofessional education sets it apart. Students work alongside peers from allied health, education, and public administration. This teamwork mirrors today’s social work practice needs.

The Department of Social Work’s strong community ties throughout western North Carolina are the foundations of meaningful field placements. Students put theory into practice under expert supervision. These 15-year-old relationships often lead to jobs after graduation.

App State’s social work master’s program costs nowhere near other CSWE-accredited programs. Students get exceptional education at much lower tuition rates than similar schools, without compromising quality.

Students looking for the best Master of Social Work programs with a personal touch will find it at App State. Faculty know each student’s name and provide guidance based on their career goals. This creates a balanced learning environment that combines academic excellence with supportive mentorship throughout their educational trip.