13 Best BSW Programs in North Carolina
Want to kickstart your social work career with a BSW program in North Carolina? You’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
The state currently hosts 23 Bachelor of Social Work programs. These programs give you a detailed education in human behavior, family dynamics, social welfare policy, and cultural diversity. Students worried about time can opt for accelerated BSW programs to finish their degree faster. The CSWE accredited online BSW programs also let you balance your work and studies effectively.
A BSW degree is a vital qualification to start your professional practice in public and private social agencies. The right program choice will shape your future success, whether you’re a fresh student or switching careers.
This guide will get into the 13 best BSW programs available in North Carolina. You’ll learn about each school’s strengths, fieldwork opportunities, accreditation status, and admission requirements that will help you make the right choice.
1. Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University’s Bachelor of Social Work program prepares you to work in a variety of settings as a generalist social worker. The program, based in Boone, North Carolina, blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience to create competent social work professionals.
Program overview
The BSW program builds on liberal arts foundations and adds specialized coursework in social work theories, human behavior, social welfare policy analysis, and research. Social and economic justice principles guide the curriculum. Students learn to work with clients from different backgrounds and promote human rights. The professional sequence ends with preparation to work in human service agencies or pursue advanced standing in graduate programs.
You’ll experience both challenges and encouragement that help shape your professional and personal growth. Students work alongside Appalachian and global communities to help vulnerable populations, which shows the program’s steadfast dedication to social justice.
Fieldwork opportunities
Your final semester includes a block placement at a human service agency. Here, an experienced social worker guides you as you apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.
Students spend about 32 hours each week at their placement site, totaling 440 hours per semester. The Field Director accepts placement applications by February 1 for fall semester and September 1 for spring semester. This hands-on experience helps refine your social work skills while you serve North Carolina communities.
Accreditation
The BSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the nation’s accrediting body for social work education. This recognition means the program meets high educational standards and gives graduates full professional status. It also opens doors to advanced standing master’s degree programs in social work.
Appalachian State admission requirements
The professional sequence requires:
- A 2.5 cumulative GPA and a 2.5 social work GPA
- At least a “C” grade in all foundation courses
- An online application with a personal statement based on self-assessment
Students can apply by November 1 for fall semester and April 1 for spring semester. Once admitted to the professional sequence, you must maintain required GPAs and earn satisfactory grades in field courses.
2. East Carolina University
East Carolina University runs one of America’s oldest accredited social work programs. The BSW program received its Council on Social Work Education accreditation in 1974. ECU has built a strong reputation over the last several years by preparing skilled generalist practitioners who serve communities of all types.
Program overview
The BSW program at East Carolina University will prepare you for entry-level professional practice and graduate studies in social work. The curriculum has courses in human behavior and diversity, social work practice methods, assessment, critical thinking, social policy, and research. Students benefit from hands-on and experiential learning approaches along with traditional teaching methods, which sets this program apart.
BSW graduates can work in various settings such as:
- Human service agencies and governmental organizations
- Medical and mental health facilities
- Child welfare and family services
- Correctional facilities and adult protective services
- Community organizing and policy development
ECU helps students get their school social work license through three specific courses and a one-semester internship in a public school setting.
Fieldwork opportunities
Field education plays a central role in ECU’s social work education. Your final semester requires 32 hours weekly in field placement, which adds up to 448 hours of supervised practice. Students work at their placements from Tuesday through Friday.
East Carolina offers placements throughout eastern North Carolina and nearby regions. Students can work in nursing homes, hospitals, mental health services, child welfare agencies, domestic violence programs, schools, and substance abuse treatment centers. The placement helps you develop practical skills in assessment, intervention, and evaluation while working with different client systems.
Accreditation
ECU’s BSW program has managed to keep its Council on Social Work Education accreditation since 1974, making it one of America’s oldest accredited social work programs. This accreditation shows that the curriculum meets national standards and helps students master the nine core areas set by CSWE.
Admission requirements
The BSW program at ECU requires:
- Completion of 32 semester hours of general education credit
- Overall GPA of 2.5
- Completion of SOCW 1010 and SOCW 2010 with at least a 2.5 GPA in these courses
Students must submit applications by February 15th to preregister. Change of majors and transfer student applications are accepted until June 30th. Transfer students should apply for spring or summer admission to build the required ECU GPA before submitting their BSW application.
3. UNC Chapel Hill
Unlike long-running programs, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is creating a new Bachelor of Social Work program. The earliest launch date will be Fall 2027. This innovative addition responds to North Carolina’s rising need for qualified social workers.
Program overview
The new BSW program at UNC Chapel Hill will prepare students through an intensive curriculum based on their nationally renowned MSW program. Students will start the degree in their third year. They must complete 45 credits of social work coursework that ends with capstone internship placements matched to their interests. Full-time professors teach small classes to ensure personal attention.
UNC Chapel Hill will start offering introductory social work courses in Spring 2026. These courses will help undergraduates understand the social work field. Students will learn core values, ethics, and how social work helps solve society’s challenges.
The faculty voted in November 2024 to approve the BSW implementation plan. The School wants to expand its reach and student numbers. These goals match both UNC System objectives and the School’s strategic plans. Social work jobs in North Carolina should increase by 12% by 2030, creating over 2,000 job openings each year.
Fieldwork opportunities
Practical training forms the foundation of the BSW program. UNC’s MSW program currently places students in more than 250 agencies throughout North Carolina. Students provide over 130,000 service hours every year—worth about $1.20 million.
The School will use this reliable network for BSW students. They’ll get hands-on experience in social services departments, community organizations, schools, hospitals, and other human service agencies. A special committee now works to use AI technology and fresh approaches to find more practicum opportunities across the state.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation has accredited the current UNC School of Social Work. The new BSW program needs approval from UNC-Chapel Hill, the UNC System, and CSWE accreditation.
CSWE accreditation proves programs meet quality standards. It shows the program’s quality and student competence. BSW students find it easier to enter advanced standing MSW programs with this accreditation. This can substantially reduce their graduate education time.
Admission requirements
The School hasn’t finalized specific admission requirements for the BSW program yet. Both UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate and transfer students can apply to the BSW major. Transfer students qualify if they complete more than 36 credit hours by their third semester’s end and maintain good academic standing.
The program will include UNC-CH IDEAS in Action undergraduate requirements in its general education component. The BSW program plans to accept about 150 students once fully running.
4. UNC Charlotte
UNC Charlotte offers a detailed BSW program that teaches generalist social work practice. The program helps students build therapeutic relationships with clients and assess situations from a diversity-affirming view.
Program overview
The BSW program prepares students for generalist practice through a curriculum based on professional social work values and ethics. Students learn multiple intervention approaches to work with different client populations. The program strongly supports human rights of various groups, particularly populations-at-risk and historically oppressed communities.
BSW graduates can work in child protective services, substance abuse treatment, hospitals, youth services, criminal justice, adoptions/foster care, hospice, and this is just a part of it.
Fieldwork opportunities
The program’s practicum education plays a vital role in student development. Senior year students spend about 16 hours each week at a community agency during fall and spring semesters. This model helps students blend their classroom knowledge with ground practice.
Students must submit an application that the Practicum Office reviews to find suitable placement settings. The office ensures all placements provide generalist practice learning opportunities that meet the school’s BSW practicum instruction requirements.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited UNC Charlotte’s BSW Program. The Board of Accreditation renewed this status in June 2025, with the next review set for June 2032.
Admission requirements
Upper Division (BSW Program) entry requires:
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- At least 60 completed credits
- Grade C or better in prerequisites: BIO 1110, BIO 1110L, POLS 1110, PSYC 1101, STATS 1222, SOCY 1101, SOWK 1101, SOWK 2182, and SOWK 2183
The Upper Division accepts applications from December 15 to July 15 each year through a competitive process. Students who apply by March 1 receive priority consideration.
5. UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Social Work program has earned recognition through its steadfast dedication to preparing students who make meaningful changes in their communities. Students become skilled entry-level social workers through a combination of rigorous academics and hands-on experience.
Program overview
The BSW program follows a unique professional structure. Students build their liberal arts foundation in the first two years. The final two years focus on professional curriculum. Students learn to work with people from different backgrounds, considering culture, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, and class.
The program requires 120 semester hours, and 41 credit hours go toward major coursework. Students become part of a purposeful, shared community that values diversity and champions social justice and human rights. The program’s success shows in its results – 80% of graduates find jobs in social work within their first year after graduation.
Fieldwork opportunities
The practical field experiences make this program stand out through:
- A two-semester Field Internship Program in the final year
- Over 500 hours of community-based service during undergraduate studies
- The chance to use theoretical knowledge with different client groups
UNCG and North Carolina A&T State University have worked together through a Joint BSW Field Instruction Program since 1972. Students from both schools attend field seminars with faculty from both campuses.
Accreditation
The BSW program has managed to keep continuous Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation since 1973. This recognition confirms that the program meets professional practice standards. The program also holds membership in the National Association of Social Workers.
Admission requirements
Students who want to join the Social Work Program must:
- Complete SWK 215 with a minimum grade of C
- Keep a minimum university GPA of 2.5
- Complete 51 semester hours
- Be enrolled in both SWK 310 and SWK 311 or finish these courses with a C or higher
- Submit a complete application package
Students transferring from other CSWE-accredited BSW programs need to write an additional essay for admission. Students must maintain good academic standing and finish all field experiences to complete the program successfully.
6. UNC Pembroke
UNC Pembroke’s Bachelor of Social Work program has equipped students for professional practice since 1982. The program focuses on improving life quality for people in rural and indigenous communities. Students become leaders who tackle unique challenges these communities face by finding solutions to rural problems and social injustice.
Program overview
The BSW program equips you for entry-level professional social work practice. The curriculum covers social work practice, social policy and justice, human diversity, populations-at-risk, human behavior, ethics, and research. You’ll be ready to work in healthcare, child welfare, mental health, or community settings after graduation. The program teaches you skills to implement solutions to rural problems and advance social justice.
UNC Pembroke also offers specialized tracks. These include school social work licensure that prepares you to help children and families in North Carolina public schools.
Fieldwork opportunities
Your education centers around field practicum, which needs successful completion of 400 clock hours in one semester. This hands-on experience helps you apply classroom knowledge in real-life settings under licensed social workers’ supervision.
The field experience blends with every part of the curriculum. During your practicum, you’ll handle a caseload and work across micro, mezzo, and macro systems. This helps you develop key skills for professional practice.
Accreditation
The Social Work Program has managed to keep full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education since 1987. A peer review process confirms that the program meets or exceeds quality criteria. This accreditation ensures program quality and graduating students’ competence.
Admission requirements
To join the program, you must:
- Submit an application while enrolled in SWK 3050
- Complete 40 hours of volunteer experience
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 overall GPA
- Submit two reference letters
- Be accepted by the BSW Program Committee
- Complete all foundation year courses with minimum grade of C
You need to complete 75% of your General Education requirements before applying. Fall applicants must submit by November 15 and spring applicants by April 15.
7. UNC Wilmington
UNCW’s Bachelor of Social Work program gives students the professional knowledge and skills they need to succeed in social service settings of all types. UNCW started as Wilmington College in 1947. Today, it is a respected research institution serving nearly 19,000 students.
Program overview
The BSW program uses a generalist model that emphasizes strengths-perspective social work practice. Students learn to recognize their client’s resilience while getting a well-rounded social work education. The curriculum smoothly combines professional knowledge and values through courses in human behavior, social environment, generalist practice models, research, policy, and cultural diversity.
Your senior year field practicum ends with a demonstration of your acquired knowledge and skills. BSW graduates can work in social services departments, school systems, medical facilities, nursing homes, and human service agencies of all types.
Fieldwork opportunities
The field practicum creates a vital learning environment where students test their social work skills and professional values. Students attend a weekly integrative, strengths-based seminar that helps them move from student to professional life.
These seminars let students share field experiences and complete assignments that sharpen their skills. The BSW Field Manual offers detailed information about course content and field admission criteria.
Accreditation
The School of Social Work’s baccalaureate program holds full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education. This accreditation will give a curriculum that meets rigorous national standards.
Admission requirements
BSW program requirements include:
- Complete 45 university credit hours
- Maintain an overall UNCW GPA of at least 2.5
- Complete required collateral courses (BIO 105/160/201/240, SOC 105, PSY 105, PLS 101)
- Submit application documentation by posted deadlines
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required social work courses and maintain a 2.50 GPA to qualify for field placement admission.
8. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University offers a challenging BSW program from its beautiful mountain campus in Western North Carolina. Students become skilled practitioners ready to tackle complex social challenges.
Program overview
The BSW program combines detailed coursework with practical experiences to prepare students for careers that help people facing poverty, abuse, addiction, and other challenges. Students develop interviewing, case management, and intervention skills while learning about psychological, political, economic, and social conditions affecting vulnerable populations. The curriculum goes beyond standard requirements with specialized courses in child trauma, school social work, substance abuse, and gerontology. Faculty members actively conduct community-based research and have secured grants like a $1.10 million initiative to boost substance abuse prevention workers in Western North Carolina.
Fieldwork opportunities
Students complete 400-450 hours in a block placement during their final semester. The university collaborates with over 200 regional organizations, including hospitals, treatment centers, and advocacy agencies. These placements happen during fall or spring semesters after students finish all coursework.
Accreditation
The program has managed to keep continuous Council on Social Work Education accreditation since 1974.
Admission requirements
Program entry requires:
- A minimum 2.80 GPA
- 35 credit hours including SOCW 151
- Completion or enrollment in SOCW 251 and 253
- Proven capability in professional standards
Students must maintain a 2.8 GPA with grades of C or better in all social work courses after admission.
9. Winston Salem State University
Winston Salem State University offers a nationally recognized Bachelor of Social Work program that excels in undergraduate social work education. Students receive hands-on training that promotes strong ethical foundations for their future practice.
Program overview
WSSU’s Department of Social Work provides a nationally accredited BSW degree to develop beginning generalist practitioners. This professional program gives you the transferable skills needed for careers of all types. Students learn about human behavior, research methods, social policy, cultural diversity, advocacy, ethics, and interprofessional collaboration. The program’s success speaks for itself – 92% of students who applied to MSW programs gained admission in 2019, and 80% received advanced standing status.
Fieldwork opportunities
Students face challenges in ever-changing community agencies under skilled field instructor supervision. Their practicum experience connects classroom knowledge to ground situations and prepares them for direct service positions.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the program. This accreditation meets educational requirements for professional social work certification and licensure across all states.
Admission requirements
Students must apply while taking SOW 3363 (Introduction to Social Work). The program’s requirements include completion of 36 credit hours in general education, a 2.0 GPA minimum, official transcripts, reference letters, volunteer hours, and dedication to NASW’s Code of Ethics.
10. North Carolina State University
NC State’s Bachelor of Social Work program has trained students for over 30 years and is one of the nation’s first accredited programs. Students learn professional ethics, develop a sense of belonging, and participate in community work while preparing for today’s social work challenges.
Program overview
The BSW program at NC State prepares students for entry-level professional work with people from various backgrounds. Students learn everything in human behavior, social welfare policies, and ethical standards through classroom learning and real-world experience. The program builds a strong foundation in social work practice, human behavior and diversity, community social services, social policy, and research methodology. Graduates qualify for state licensing or certification.
Fieldwork opportunities
Students complete a comprehensive 420-hour Agency Practicum Internship in their final semester. They work at one of 250+ partner agencies across the Triangle area. Students experience a wide range of challenges and opportunities under experienced social workers’ guidance. They begin with observation and gradually take on more counseling appointments as their skills develop.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited the program through February 2029. This recognition will give students confidence that the program meets professional practice standards.
Admission requirements
Program requirements include:
- A minimum GPA of 2.5
- Prerequisite courses completed with a grade of C- or better
- 34 credit hours minimum at NC State’s Department of Social Work
NC State graduates enter the job market with practical experience, valuable skills, and professional connections that make them stand out.
11. Fayetteville State University
The School of Social Work at Fayetteville State University shapes compassionate practitioners who want to create a more just society through its CSWE-accredited BSW program. The program excels with its unique emphasis on rural and military settings.
Program overview
We designed this program to prepare generalist practitioners who work with children, families, and tackle mental health and substance abuse issues. The curriculum will give you the tools to reduce oppression, poverty, and discrimination in multicultural settings. Students learn critical thinking and evidence-based practices that promote professional development.
Fieldwork opportunities
Field education is the cornerstone of Fayetteville State’s social work education. BSW students contribute over 36,000 hours of annual service to human services sectors. This service represents about $772,800 in value to North Carolina communities.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education accredited the BSW program in 2013. This accreditation ensures the program meets professional practice standards.
Admission requirements
The program requires you to:
- Keep a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Score a ‘C’ or better in SWRK 230 (Introduction to Social Work)
- Write a 2-3 page narrative on “Why I Want to Become a Social Worker”
- Submit two recommendation forms from non-family members
- Sign a code of ethical behavior statement
Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 and a social work GPA of 2.75 after admission.
12. North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University trains social workers to boost community well-being in systems of all types. The BSW program excels at preparing students who want to work with children, juveniles, and families in different practice settings.
Program overview
The BSW program equips you with generalist professional social work skills through a complete curriculum. Your studies include coursework in social welfare systems, professional ethics, social policy analysis, human behavior, and intervention methods. The program connects people and society, focusing on “the person and the social environment”. Students develop additional skills to become counselors, case managers, brokers and to promote social causes.
Fieldwork opportunities
Hands-on experience through field practicum shapes your social work journey at NCCU. CSWE standards require students to complete over 400 clock hours of fieldwork. The Social Work Department collaborates with more than 80 agencies where experienced professionals guide your practice. Your placement lets you apply classroom knowledge while working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in various settings – from healthcare to child welfare.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education accredits both BSW and MSW programs at NCCU. This accreditation ensures the curriculum meets national standards for social work education.
Admission requirements
BSW program requirements include:
- A minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses SOCW 2500 and SOCW 3410
- A 2.5 cumulative GPA
- An application packet with personal narrative, diversity essay, and recommendation letters
- Official application submission after finishing prerequisites
The program accepts applications from September 1-30 for fall and February 1-28 for spring.
13. North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina A&T State University carries a rich tradition in social work education. The university prepares students to practice ethical, evidence-based generalist approaches through classroom learning and real-life experiences.
Program overview
NC A&T State University’s BSW program helps you develop skills to support individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program prepares you through classroom interactions, field experiences, and extracurricular activities to work competently and ethically. Students learn social justice principles built on liberal arts foundations. Graduates qualify for entry-level positions or graduate studies in law, social work, or public administration.
Fieldwork opportunities
NC A&T has worked with UNC Greensboro since 1972 through their Joint Field Education Experience. Senior students complete a yearlong internship and gain substantial practice hours. Students from both universities work together in human service agencies while faculty members serve as liaisons.
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education has accredited the BSW program through June 2026.
Admission requirements
Program entry requirements include:
- Junior standing with a minimum 2.6 GPA
- Successful completion of core courses (SOWK 133, 134, 230/430, 285)
- Application submission with a Personal Statement
- Continuous maintenance of 2.6 GPA throughout the program
Next Steps
Your future career path in social work largely depends on picking the right BSW program. This piece looks at 13 exceptional BSW programs in North Carolina. Each program has its own strengths but shares common elements of quality education. These schools show steadfast dedication to field education. Most require 400-450 hours of supervised practice experience.
CSWE accreditation plays a crucial role in program evaluation. All 13 universities maintain this important designation. This accreditation means your degree meets national standards. It might also qualify you for advanced standing in MSW programs, which saves time and money during graduate studies.
These schools have similar admission requirements. GPA requirements vary from 2.0 to 2.8. Students must complete prerequisite courses with minimum grades before they can apply to the professional sequence.
North Carolina’s social work field keeps growing. Projections suggest a 12% increase by 2030, which creates over 2,000 annual job openings statewide. BSW graduates can work in healthcare facilities, child welfare agencies, mental health centers, schools, and community organizations of all types.
Some programs let students focus on specific areas like school social work, substance abuse treatment, or gerontology. These specializations will boost your marketability after graduation.
Your final choice depends on location priorities, program strengths, fieldwork opportunities, and career goals. Any BSW program from this list will give you quality education. You’ll be ready to help individuals, families, and communities throughout North Carolina and beyond.