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Online Master's in Social Work Programs in North Carolina: Reviewing Schools

If your career goals involve helping those in need and you’re ready to earn your master’s, an MSW program in North Carolina may be the right educational move for you. North Carolina’s governor Josh Stein pointed out the particular need for social work leaders in schools and for vulnerable populations during a proclamation on Social Work Month.

Our guide will help you learn more about standout online and hybrid programs for master’s degrees in social work, the various program types that are available, which educational institutions offer them, and what job opportunities await graduates of MSW programs in North Carolina.

Author: Mark Earnest
Editor: Adrienne Auclair
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Explore Traditional MSW Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina’s conventional MSW programs provide students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a different discipline with an introduction to social work. These programs take around three years to finish and involve a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience. Applicants must have a background in social services or a related field, such as psychology or sociology.

University of North Carolina – Pembroke

Diversity is the name of the game for the Master of Social Work program at this university, which offers online, hybrid, full-time, and part-time options for students. Even though there is a fully online option, an in-person practicum must take place for that option at UNC-Pembroke. One area of pride for UNC Pembroke’s MSW is its focus on the use of evidence-based practices in rural areas.

Duration: Two to three years, 50 to 62 credits

Mode: Online and Hybrid

Cost: $238-$963/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Social Work Practice with Individuals
  • Advanced Practice with Groups/Organizations in Rural and Indigenous Populations
  • Advanced General Assessment and Intervention
  • Advanced Generalist Practicum

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All About Non-GRE MSW Programs in North Carolina

Several schools are transitioning away from requiring applicants to take the GRE, as they don’t consider it a total reflection of achievement. Because preparing for the GRE can be both costly and time-consuming, programs that ignore it are becoming increasingly popular. As this is a trend in graduate programs throughout the nation, it is worth noting that no-GRE programs are just as respected, accredited, and valuable as their GRE-requiring counterparts

University of North Carolina – Charlotte

The curriculum and variety of choices at UNC-C’s online Master of Social Work program are tailored toward working professionals who want to advance in leadership or specialty in their field. Flexibility is key at UNC-C; plans of study are available that allow a full-time, two-year course of study, or going lightweight on course loads and taking up to three years.

A 16-hour per week internship is required, although all coursework is online and asynchronous. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA or higher, three recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.

Duration: Two to three years; 39-60 credits

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $289-$1,098/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • Social Work Research
  • Advocacy and Policy Change
  • Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals, Organizations, & Families
  • Reflection and Synthesis
  • Advanced Social Work Practicum
  • Social Work, Justice, & Diversity

Deep Dive: California’s Best Advanced Standing MSW Degrees

These are programs for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work. Because of that requirement, these degrees take about two years to complete on a more accelerated track. Students dive right into advanced coursework and build on their prior education by participating in advanced fieldwork experience.

Appalachian State University

Appalachian State Online hosts a part- or full-time Master of Social Work program. The field placement requirement takes place with an online seminar. Concentrations are offered in Individuals and Families, and The Community and Organizational Practice. Both evening synchronous and open asynchronous classes are offered to ensure flexibility.

Admission requirements include a 3.2 GPA or higher in past social work major classes, a personal statement, and three reference letters.

Duration: One to two years; 33 credits

Mode: Hybrid

Cost: $290-$1,217/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Practice in Individuals and Families
  • Social Welfare Policy Analysis and Practice
  • Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
  • Leadership in Health and Human Service Organizations
  • Program Development and Evaluation for HHS

Part-Time MSW Programs in North Carolina

Part-time MSW degree programs are ideal for students looking to transition careers while also maintaining employment as they pursue their master’s degree. Part-time MSW degrees in North Carolina still offer a comprehensive curriculum that teaches students the theoretical and practical aspects of social work. Required fieldwork is stretched out over an extended period.

East Carolina University

The part-time MSW program at ECU mixes synchronous online courses on Saturdays and asynchronous online courses that can be taken anytime. Required field education can take place at the student’s employer upon approval.

The curriculum emphasizes a person-in-environment structure to encourage leaders that provide varied services and become advocates for respectful social work within diverse communities. Admission requirements include transcripts that feature a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the student’s previous 30 semester hours.

Duration: Three years, 30 credits

Mode: Online

Cost: $290-$1020/credit, residency-dependent

Curriculum:

  • Critical Thinking in Social Work Research
  • Social Work Perspectives on Mental Health and Substance Abuse
  • Social Work Practice: Community Foundations
  • Advanced Practice: Individuals and Families
  • Group Practice with a Clinical/Community Relational Perspective
  • Trauma-Informed Practice with a Clinical/Community Relational Perspective

Quick Guide: FAQs for North Carolina MSW Students

What are the requirements for becoming a licensed social worker in North Carolina?

To receive a social work license in North Carolina, there are two levels: Certified Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. CSWs are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree, and a passing grade on the licensing examination.

The LCUSW requires an MSW degree and completion of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. It also requires the master level exam, and both state exams are from the Association of Social Work Boards, or ASWB.

Is fieldwork needed for an online MSW degree?

In short: yes. No matter how your classes are delivered, you will always need an in-person internship or practicum as part of your coursework. You’ll complete the same number of fieldwork hours as on-campus students, and most schools will help place you with an organization that will supply your hands-on training in your city.

What’s the difference between being a social worker and being a counselor, besides earning different types of master’s degrees?

While social work definitely has elements of counseling as part of everyday work, social workers who have earned an MSW mainly focus on client case management, advocacy, and systemic policy change to help communities. Some social workers at the master level also diagnose and help treat mental health issues while also connecting clients with federal, state, and local resources to help them meet their needs, improve their lives, and successfully adjust to changes and challenges in their lives.

An MSW also opens up leadership opportunities, as you may be in charge of other social workers with less experience or specialization.

What are some of the best traits of a successful social worker?

One of the most important traits to have is empathy, as you’ll need to understand the concerns of a person without being judgmental about his or her situation. Also important are important are a love of working with people from different backgrounds, a willingness to work outside of the office and go where you are needed most, and an ability to handle heavy caseloads with strong time management skills.

What types of roles are available to me once I earn a master’s degree in social work?

At the master level, some of the more prevalent roles are as a school social worker, where you can work with school administrators, parents, and students to help identify and solve issues among the student body. It is also ideal for becoming a mental health or substance abuse social worker, or working in other areas of healthcare such as family practitioners or home care as part of a larger team.

Earnings & Careers: MSW Graduates in North Carolina

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Show entries
Search:
Area ↕ Occupation ↕ 10th Percentile ↕ 90th Percentile ↕ Median ↕
U.S. Social Workers $39,580 $104,580 $63,770
North Carolina Social Workers $43,740 $103,540 $59,320
Asheville, NC Social Workers $43,740 $124,110 $94,910
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Social Workers $46,490 $106,680 $80,250
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Social Workers $47,190 $103,540 $86,280
Greenville, NC Social Workers $47,680 $91,100 $71,410
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Social Workers $42,240 $94,910 $43,740
New Bern, NC Social Workers $42,240 $82,910 $44,970
Raleigh, NC Social Workers $43,740 $88,770 $58,460
Wilmington, NC Social Workers $43,740 $91,100 $71,410
Winston-Salem, NC Social Workers $43,740 $105,190 $69,100

Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

Area ↕ Occupation ↕ Curr. Jobs ↕ Proj. Jobs ↕ New Jobs ↕ Growth % ↕
United States Social Workers 68,400 72,900 4,500 6.60%
North Carolina Social Workers 1,460 1,600 140 9.60%

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

North Carolina MSW Training & Resources

There are plenty of groups and organizations in North Carolina that can provide support, help, and research materials as you navigate education and career in the more advanced world of social work. Here are a few of the groups that can be of great assistance to you.

  • National Association of Black Social Workers
    With several chapters in North Carolina, this association is dedicated to empowering Black social workers. The group provides research, advocacy services, publications, and continuing education.
  • National Association of Social Workers – NC Chapter
    The North Carolina chapter of the NASW gives professionals the opportunity to network with each other during events in the state, as well as access to a career center and continuing education opportunities.
  • NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board
    The NC Social Work Certification and Licensure Board website includes details about first-time licensing and renewals for the various types available to state social work student graduates.
  • North Carolina School Social Workers Association
    This group caters to the unique needs of school social workers and provides resources and professional development services to help them succeed. The group also has ongoing advocacy programs in the state.
  • North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work
    Since its founding in 1979, the North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work has given professionals access to a variety of resources, such as workshops, education programs, and social events.

Best Online Options for MSW Programs in North Carolina

It’s important for North Carolina MSW students to do a lot of research before selecting a degree program, especially to see how it measures up to needs that are important to them, including costs, specific online offerings, career support, accreditations, and student-to-faculty ratios. This list of four-year-and-beyond schools provides those metrics as you do your research, using data volunteered by the schools themselves.

1

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina

Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Pembroke:
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) preparing students for generalist practice with focus on justice in rural and Native American communities, requiring 66 credits, specific prerequisites, a 2.50 GPA, and volunteer experience for admission. Graduates work in public, private, and social service agencies. The MSW program provides advanced generalist training through flexible formats, equipping graduates for roles in clinical practice, social administration, and public policy.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers available for eligible students based on financial need or special circumstances.
  • Merit-based scholarships often automatically awarded to talented out-of-state students.
  • Specialized career tracks and employer partnerships enhance job placement opportunities.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,280
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
2

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Why We Selected East Carolina University:
East Carolina University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for beginning professional generalist practice, requiring specific coursework (minimum 2.50 GPA) and introductory social work courses. Admission involves completing an application and meeting GPA requirements. The program includes a semester-long internship for hands-on experience. Graduates pursue roles as case managers, mental health providers, and advocates across communities, organizations, and government agencies. ECU offers an accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) with accelerated pathways for BSW graduates. Both programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, ensuring a foundation for professional licensure.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers significant tuition waivers, reducing educational costs for eligible students and making college more affordable.
  • It features strong employer partnerships, ensuring high job placement rates and direct pathways into desirable careers.
  • Students benefit from specialized career tracks tailored to in-demand fields, enhancing their marketability in competitive job markets.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,749
  • Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course74%
3

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina

Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Charlotte:
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program requiring 120 credits, including 60 upper-division credits and a 450-hour practicum. Tuition is approximately $189.48 per credit hour for residents and $348.32 for non-residents, with financial aid available. Admission involves completing Lower Division prerequisites before competitive Upper Division entry. Graduates are prepared for roles in child protective services, healthcare, and other settings, with eligibility for licensure.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers substantial tuition waivers for qualifying students, significantly reducing the cost of education for those in need.
  • Accelerated completion options allow students to finish their degrees faster, enabling them to enter the workforce sooner and reduce overall tuition costs.
  • Strong employer partnerships provide networking opportunities and job placement guarantees, ensuring students have a pathway to employment post-graduation.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,337
  • Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course69%
4

Appalachian State University

Boone, North Carolina

Why We Selected Appalachian State University:
Appalachian State University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced practice in social work, offering concentrations in Individuals and Families and Community and Organizational Practice. It is designed for those with a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program and can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time, with a practicum that includes face-to-face field work. Graduates are eligible to apply for clinical social work and social work manager licenses. Admissions include a personal statement and references; there are no required exams. Career outcomes include leadership roles in various social work settings.
Program Highlights
  • Tuition waivers reduce financial burdens for eligible low-income and hardship students by eliminating or reducing tuition costs.
  • Application fee waivers simplify access to elite institutions with minimal documentation required.
  • Employment-based programs offer tuition reimbursement benefits for part-time students working on campus.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,839
  • Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course60%
5

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Why We Selected Western Carolina University:
Western Carolina University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program requires 120 credit hours, combining 42 hours of liberal studies, 67 major-specific hours, and 11 electives. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.8 or higher and complete a supervised field practicum for hands-on experience in case management and clinical practice. Graduates pursue roles like discharge planners or child welfare social workers, with pathways to a Master’s degree for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) eligibility. Financial assistance is available. Prospective students declare a Pre-Social Work major before formal program admission.
Program Highlights
  • The program offers substantial tuition waivers for eligible students, significantly lowering their financial burden for higher education.
  • Students can benefit from specialized scholarships that cover not just tuition, but additional fees, enhancing affordability.
  • Partnerships with local employers guarantee job placement for graduates, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce.
School Details
  • AccreditationSACSCOC
  • Average Tuition$4,435
  • Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
  • % of Students in ≥1 Online Course54%
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Mark Earnest AUTHOR

Mark Earnest is from Reno, Nevada, and he loves words. He loves them so much that he’s made them his career, first as a sports, arts, and business journalist and then as a specialist in paid advertising and corporate communications. He’s also crafted words for hundreds of executives to help boost their resumes, social media content, and thought leadership. He even loves words set to really loud music, as he is the guitarist and singer for several rock bands in his hometown. SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE: Business, Health, Arts, Careers, Marketing, Communications, Technology

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Adrienne Auclair EDITOR

"Adrienne Auclair is a skilled editor with experience in content development, copy editing, and technical writing. With a Bachelor's in English and a strong eye for detail, they have worked extensively on refining written materials for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Their expertise includes line editing, fact-checking, and ensuring adherence to style guides across various types of publications. In addition to editing, Adrienne has experience formatting and designing layouts for both digital and print materials, collaborating with writers and designers to produce polished, publication-ready content. They have contributed to academic journals, training materials, and anthologies, managing projects from initial drafts to final production."

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