North Carolina Central University Social Work Programs

NCCU’s Social Work Programs prepare you to build a successful career in social work. You’ll be joining one of the top social work schools in the nation. NCCU ranks #163 among 1600 schools nationwide (top 15%) and is #10 in North Carolina, making it an excellent choice for aspiring social workers.

NCCU’s social work programs give you great options with both BSW and MSW degrees. The Bachelor’s in Social Work program will give you the skills you need for entry-level practice and has over 400 hours of hands-on internship experience. On top of that, the MSW program shapes advanced practitioners with convenient class schedules that meet just once a week during evenings or Saturdays. Keep in mind that BSW graduates from NCCU with a 3.0 GPA or higher can earn their MSW in just one year instead of two through the Advanced Standing option.

NCCU really shines when it comes to diversity and job opportunities. The program’s MSW graduates are 90% racial-ethnic minorities – that’s 46% above the national average. North Carolina offers strong career prospects too. Social workers can choose from over 11,600 positions in Child, Family, and School Social Work (average salary: $46,990) and 3,340 positions in Healthcare Social Work (average salary: $54,730). This piece helps you pick the NCCU social work program that best matches your career goals and personal situation.

Types of Social Work Degrees Offered at North Carolina Central University

NCCU’s School of Social Work features two accredited social work degree paths. Each path has specific requirements and outcomes that prepare students for different levels of professional practice.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program builds a strong base for generalist social work practice. Students learn core skills needed for entry-level positions. The BSW curriculum helps develop critical thinking abilities and practical knowledge about human behavior, social policy, and ethical standards. Students must complete liberal arts prerequisites before moving to professional courses in their junior and senior years.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program takes students’ skills to the next level with specialized training. This graduate program helps students develop clinical expertise and leadership skills needed for supervisory roles. Students can complete the standard MSW program in two years of full-time study. Part-time options work well for students who need to balance other commitments.

Field education stands out as a key MSW program feature. Students get hands-on experience under professional guidance. This practical training plays a vital part in their professional growth and career preparation.

Getting into these programs varies in difficulty. The BSW program needs a minimum GPA of 2.5 and social science prerequisites. The MSW program has stricter requirements. Students typically need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, relevant experience, and strong letters of recommendation.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits both programs. This ensures the curriculum meets national standards. Most states require degrees from CSWE-accredited institutions for social work licensure.

NCCU provides a supportive learning environment with reasonable faculty-to-student ratios. Students receive academic guidance throughout their educational trip at the university.

Degree Specializations

North Carolina Central University’s social work programs provide specialized pathways that meet different community needs.

The BSW program prepares students for generalist social work practice and focuses on serving vulnerable populations. Social and economic justice form the foundation of this bachelor’s program. Students develop skills in multiple intervention approaches through complete coursework that helps them create change at individual, group, organizational, and community levels. The curriculum gives you the tools to take on vital professional roles such as counselor, case manager, broker and to promote positive change.

The MSW program takes graduate students beyond this foundation to become advanced generalist practitioners. Students learn to deliver culturally competent services in systems of all sizes at local, national, and global levels. They gain specialized knowledge to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations through direct and macro-level interventions.

Qualified students can choose the Advanced Standing option – a one-year alternative to the traditional two-year MSW program. This accelerated track needs 35 credit hours: six credits in summer, 16 in fall, and 13 in spring including field practicum. Students must have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify.

Both programs have field practicum components that provide ground experience. Second-year MSW students can specialize in forensic social work, child welfare practices, mental health/substance abuse, or leadership/administration. This structured approach helps students develop skills that address complex social challenges while promoting social justice in a variety of practice settings.

Online and Hybrid Options

NCCU’s digital education options showcase the university’s steadfast dedication to accessibility and academic excellence. Rankings place NCCU’s online bachelor’s degree programs rank No. 9 in North Carolina and No. 2 among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) both statewide and nationwide. These rankings prove the exceptional quality of distance education at the institution.

Students can choose from a range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs through NCCU Online. The university employs Canvas as its learning management system. Students can access learning materials, develop their skills through communication, and track their achievements remotely.

NCCU offers comprehensive online programs, but the BSW and MSW programs remain campus-based primarily. Other institutions in North Carolina provide different options – UNC Charlotte offers a fully online MSW program, while UNC Pembroke uses a hybrid format. Students at UNC Pembroke attend classes on campus once or twice weekly with additional online instruction. NCCU’s social work programs don’t currently advertise fully online or hybrid options.

The university shows its expertise in hybrid education through other disciplines. Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Family & Consumer Sciences are available at partner institutions like Vance-Granville and Wake Tech.

MSW program students at NCCU can benefit from flexible scheduling. Classes typically meet once weekly during evenings or on Saturdays, as mentioned earlier. Working professionals pursuing advanced social work education find this format convenient, though not fully online.

Flexibility stands as a core value in NCCU’s educational approach. A student’s words capture this perfectly: “The most beneficial part of the program has definitely been the flexibility. I’m already into a career now… being able to complete the program online has definitely been beneficial for me”. This feedback shows how well NCCU understands its students’ needs for adaptable learning options.

Graduation Rates

NCCU’s completion metrics offer valuable insight to help you plan your education. Recent data shows that undergraduate students complete their degrees at different rates based on their timeframe and program choice.

The university’s graduation statistics show steady patterns. The four-year completion rates stay stable—ranging from 25.9% for the Fall 2018 cohort to 29.3% for the Fall 2019 cohort. These numbers improve at the six-year mark, reaching between 41.2% (Fall 2018 cohort) and 45.6% (Fall 2017 cohort).

Students who want to explore social work education at NCCU should look at these broader institutional metrics. The overall graduation rate is 44%, which puts NCCU in the bottom 40% of institutions nationwide. This rate represents students who finish their degrees within 150% of the standard time—six years for bachelor’s programs.

NCCU undergraduates need 4.59 years on average to complete their bachelor’s degree. This timeline helps BSW and MSW pathway students set realistic expectations for their academic experience.

Student demographics and enrollment patterns affect completion rates. Full-time students who aren’t first-time enrollees show a six-year graduation rate of 60%. This group includes transfer students and returning adults, and their success rate exceeds the national average of 53.83%.

White students lead the completion rates at 62%, while Black/African-American students follow at 53%. These numbers matter especially if you’re interested in NCCU’s social work programs with their strong diversity representation.

NCCU awarded 1,641 degrees in 2023. Women earned 74.2% of these degrees and men received 25.8%. Black or African-American students earned 1,156 degrees, making them the largest graduate group.

These completion patterns can help you choose between NCCU’s BSW or MSW programs that best match your educational timeline and career goals.

Career Outcomes

NCCU social work graduates have different career paths depending on their degree level and specialty area. A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) opens doors to professional practice in healthcare facilities, family service programs, mental health centers, social service departments, schools, and children’s programs.

Your BSW from North Carolina Central University creates two main career paths. You can start working right away as a case manager with non-profits, county social services, or public school systems. Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher can join Advanced Standing MSW programs to complete their master’s degree in just one year instead of two.

Money-wise, NCCU’s BSW graduates earn a median salary of $30,615, which is lower than the national median of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. MSW graduates earn about $46,470, though this doesn’t match the national median of $51,347 for similar graduates.

North Carolina offers many opportunities for social work professionals:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 11,610 positions (average salary: $46,990)
• Healthcare Social Workers: 3,340 positions (average salary: $54,730)
• Substance Abuse Social Workers: 2,470 positions (average salary: $50,270)
• Social and Community Service Managers: 2,540 positions (average salary: $69,640)
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: 3,090 positions (average salary: $44,710)

NCCU’s Career and Professional Development Center provides detailed services to help with career exploration, decision-making, skill development, and hands-on learning. These resources are a great way to get connected with potential employers during your studies and after graduation.

Student debt is something to consider. BSW graduates usually borrow a median amount of $24,192, which is more than the national average of $18,722 for social work students. Bachelor’s degree recipients can expect monthly student loan payments of about $197.

What’s Unique about the Social Work Programs at North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University’s social work programs have several unique features that make them different from other schools. NCCU, a historically Black university, puts a strong emphasis on helping diverse and underrepresented communities. This makes it a great choice for students who want to tackle social inequities.

The university’s student diversity numbers tell an impressive story. Racial-ethnic minorities make up 90% of MSW graduates – that’s 46% above the national average. Very few programs can match this level of diversity in their classrooms. Students learn from each other’s varied backgrounds and become ready to work with people from all walks of life.

NCCU knows its students have busy lives. The program schedules classes just once a week, either in the evening or on Saturdays. This helps working professionals advance their careers without giving up their jobs.

The Advanced Standing MSW option gives students another great advantage. Students who complete their BSW at NCCU with a 3.0 GPA or higher can finish their graduate degree in just one year instead of two. This saves money and speeds up career growth.

The faculty brings something special to the table. Professors combine their academic knowledge with real-life experience. Their mentorship helps students build a strong professional identity.

NCCU’s field education program works with many different agencies across North Carolina. These partnerships give students quality internships and often lead to jobs after graduation.

The program’s focus on social justice, diverse points of view, flexible schedules, faster degree options, experienced teachers, and strong community ties create an exceptional learning experience. Students become culturally aware practitioners who can help vulnerable populations effectively.