8 CWSE Accredited MSW Programs in North Carolina
Want to pursue an MSW program in North Carolina? You’ll find 25 schools offering social work degrees, and 13 of them have MSW programs across the state. North Carolina ranks as the 9th most populated state in the US. It employs more than 20,000 social workers, and job opportunities are expected to grow rapidly between 2022 and 2032.
A Master of Social Work degree opens doors to advance your social work career in NC. You’ll need this degree to get licensed through the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. The good news? You have great options. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work stands out as the 4th best in the nation. It also helps that many schools now offer flexible online MSW programs in NC, making education available to you whatever your schedule or location.
We cover eight CSWE-accredited MSW programs in North Carolina. You’ll learn about each program’s format, length, tuition, specializations, and online options to help you choose the right path for your educational trip.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill ranks as the #4 school for social work nationally and has the #2 public university social work program in the country. The university’s School of Social Work, now 100 years old, offers a detailed graduate education that creates leaders in social work.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at UNC Chapel Hill uses evidence-based methods and delivers academic content through flexible formats. The program values equal access, human dignity, cultural diversity responsiveness, and high ethical standards. The School aims to advance equity, change systems, and improve lives. Students work with 153 field agencies that give them hands-on experience. The program places students in more than 250 agencies throughout North Carolina. These students contribute 130,000 service hours each year—valued at about $1.20 million.
Program Format
Students can choose from several program formats:
- 2-Year MSW Program: Traditional full-time classes start in August and end in May. Students finish the Generalist Curriculum first year and Specialization Curriculum second year.
- 3-Year MSW Program: Part-time students take two courses each semester first year. They add practicum requirements second year and complete specialization curriculum final year.
- Advanced Standing Program: Qualified BSW degree holders can complete this 12-month accelerated program starting in May.
- Online MSW Program: Working professionals can enroll in this fully online option launched in 2024.
Students start field experiences in their first semester. These continue throughout all formats, letting students apply classroom knowledge through real-life experiences.
Program Length
Full-time students typically complete their degree in four semesters or two years. Part-time students take three years with a modified course load each semester. BSW graduates can finish the Advanced Standing Program in 12 months. All formats need 62 graduate-level credit hours, though traditional and online programs distribute these hours differently.
Tuition and Fees
Field of study and residency status determine UNC Chapel Hill’s tuition costs. North Carolina residents pay reduced tuition rates. In-state tuition costs approximately $10,552 yearly. MSW students can apply for more than 30 different merit- and need-based scholarships. Student employment and assistantships are available. Some research assistant positions include stipends, student health insurance, and sometimes tuition support.
Specializations
The specialization curriculum offers two concentrations:
- Direct Practice (DP): Students learn advanced social work practice with individuals, families, and groups.
- Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP): Students focus on administration, management, community organizing, and policy practice.
UNC also offers specialized focus areas:
- Child, Youth, and Family Well-Being
- Economic Security
- Health, Mental Health, and Behavioral Health
- Older Adults and Long-Term Care
- System and Service-Level Research
Students can earn additional certificates in Substance Use and Addictions Specialist Certification and Licensure in School Social Work.
Online Availability
UNC’s fully online MSW program launched in January 2024 and has grown to include more than 160 students. Working professionals can strengthen their community roles while keeping their current jobs through this program. Full-time, on-campus UNC faculty teach all courses, and students can complete internships in their home communities. The school has added an advanced standing online MSW program for working professionals. Applications open in August 2025, and the first cohort of 25 students begins in April 2026.
North Carolina State University
NC State University stands out as an excellent choice for future social workers looking to pursue their MSW in North Carolina. The School of Social Work earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 2004. Since then, it has grown into a 19-year-old respected institution in the field.
Overview
NC State’s MSW program equips students to become advanced generalist practitioners who work with people from all backgrounds. Students learn to address social, economic, cultural, demographic, and political factors that shape communities. The program received an eight-year reaccreditation from CSWE in February 2021, which shows its dedication to excellent education standards.
The school builds its curriculum around three core values:
- Professional ethics
- Belonging and inclusion
- Community engagement
Students learn everything they need to help people with various challenges in different settings. They also develop a strong commitment to support underserved populations.
Program Format
Students can choose between two program formats based on their educational background:
- Traditional MSW Program: This two-year, full-time program starts in fall. Students with bachelor’s degrees from any accredited college or university can apply.
- Advanced Standing MSW Program: This 12-month intensive program begins in May. It’s designed for students who have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
Both options require students to attend classes on campus since the program uses face-to-face learning.
Program Length
The Traditional MSW program takes two years of full-time study to complete 60 credit hours. Students in the Advanced Standing program finish 39 credit hours in 12 months. Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW degree with at least a 3.5 GPA in their last 60 credit hours.
Students can take up to six years to complete their master’s degree at NC State. The MSW program works best when finished in either one or two years, depending on the chosen format.
Tuition and Fees
Full-time graduate students in 2025-2026 will pay:
- North Carolina residents: $12,735 per year
- Out-of-state residents: $34,033 per year
Total yearly costs, including housing, food, books, and personal expenses, come to:
- $32,479 for in-state students living on campus
- $53,777 for out-of-state students living on campus
Students can get financial help through university scholarships, College of Humanities and Social Sciences opportunities, and federal aid programs.
Specializations
NC State’s MSW program uses an all-encompassing approach instead of traditional concentrations. This method builds on basic foundations to deepen knowledge, skills, and values for working effectively from multiple viewpoints.
Students become skilled at:
- Advanced assessment and evidence-supported intervention methods
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership
- Social action through policy analysis and advocacy
- Using research skills to evaluate practice and programs
- Specific practice areas through electives
Elective courses cover addiction recovery, child welfare, homelessness, school social work, aging, healthcare, legal aspects of social work, and services for military personnel and their families.
Online Availability
NC State doesn’t offer a fully online MSW program right now. Most MSW classes happen on campus, in person. Some courses might be available online depending on enrollment and teacher availability. Students should know that online options aren’t guaranteed every semester. This program works best for those who can attend classes on campus.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University stands out among MSW programs in North Carolina with its Clinical-Community Social Work focus. The program brings together clinical and community practice to create an all-encompassing educational experience for future social workers.
Overview
East Carolina University’s MSW program aims to educate competent, ethical social workers who can serve effectively at all system levels in both rural and metropolitan areas. The program uses Clinical-Community Social Work Practice from a Relational view. This approach helps create practitioner leaders who blend clinical and community practice to help clients heal and improve their quality of life.
Students learn advanced professional practice and develop critical thinking skills. The program encourages commitment to social justice, knowledge development, and advocacy for policies that alleviate social injustice from local to global settings. The MSW program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Format
ECU offers two program delivery formats:
- In-Person: Full-time MSW programs on campus in Greenville, NC. Students can choose between a regular 2-year program and a 1-year advanced standing program.
- Online: Part-time MSW programs delivered 100% online. Students take synchronous courses on Saturdays and complete asynchronous courses at their own pace.
Length
Regular pathway students must complete 60 semester hours split between foundation and advanced years. The foundation year (30 semester hours) builds knowledge and skills for different settings and populations. The advanced year builds on this base with complex policies and practice skills.
BSW graduates can take the advanced standing option. This path needs 42 semester hours completed in one calendar year. Part-time students in both regular and advanced standing paths can finish their studies in three years.
Tuition and Fees
Graduate tuition rates for 2024-2025 are:
- North Carolina residents: $289.55 per credit hour
- Out-of-state students: $1,020.05 per credit hour
Students pay a program fee of $45.00. Each semester, the university releases a “Total Cost of Attendance” estimate that covers tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, loan fees, and personal expenses.
ECU Specializations
ECU focuses on one concentration – Clinical Community Social Work. Students can increase their expertise through elective courses chosen with faculty advisors. This concentration uses a relational view for advanced professional practice, leadership, and service delivery breakthroughs. Social and economic justice remain core values.
Students can earn certificates in these specialized areas through electives:
- Substance Abuse
- Gerontology
- School Social Work
ECU Online
Working professionals benefit from ECU’s 100% online part-time MSW program. This three-year program combines Saturday live sessions with self-paced coursework. Online students must complete the same field education as on-campus students. Regular pathway students need 1,032 hours while advanced standing students complete 672 hours.
Field education serves as social work education’s signature teaching method. Students might get approval to complete their hours at their current workplace. This setup lets professionals keep their jobs while advancing their education. ECU’s MSW program meets professional licensure requirements in all continental United States.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The Advanced Generalist Master of Social Work program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte helps students make a difference in clinical and community practice roles. UNC Charlotte stands out as one of the best MSW programs in North Carolina. The curriculum focuses on social and economic equity, community well-being, and scientific research.
Program Overview
The MSW program at UNC Charlotte shows its dedication to social justice through an Advanced Generalist framework. Students learn to blend and use knowledge and skills that improve social work practice quality. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures graduates meet professional standards. The university helps students learn to work at all levels of society while focusing on individual and community well-being.
UNC Charlotte Program Format
Students can choose from several paths based on their needs:
On-Campus Options:
- 1-Year Advanced Standing: BSW graduates start in May with summer, fall, and spring semesters
- 2-Year Traditional: Students without BSW degrees begin in fall semester
Online Options:
- 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW graduates start in summer
- 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW graduates who want more time
- 3-Year Online: Students without BSW degrees start in summer
Most on-campus courses meet face-to-face during the day, with some hybrid or online options. Online courses mix live sessions (weeknights and Saturdays) with self-paced learning.
Program Length
Each path takes different time to complete:
- 1-Year Advanced Standing (on-campus or online): 39 credit hours (33 classroom, 6 practicum) in three semesters
- 2-Year Traditional (on-campus): 60 credit hours (48 classroom, 12 practicum) in four semesters
- 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: 39 credit hours in six semesters
- 3-Year Online: 60 credit hours in nine semesters
Students spend 16 hours weekly at their practicum placements during relevant semesters.
Tuition and Fees
Your costs depend on where you live and which program you choose:
Online programs cost:
- North Carolina residents: $288.82 per credit hour
- Non-residents outside NC: $536.98 per credit hour
- Full non-residents: $1,098.21 per credit hour
Campus-based programs follow regular graduate rates. Distance education programs have their own rates. UNC Charlotte’s MSW program remains affordable compared to other NC online programs.
Specializations
UNC Charlotte offers an Advanced Generalist curriculum instead of multiple concentrations. This approach gives graduates skills they can use in many settings. Students learn both clinical work with individuals, families, and groups, and community-level intervention and policy development.
You can customize your education through elective courses and practicum placements that match your career goals. The program works with nearly 200 urban and rural agencies that help vulnerable populations around Charlotte.
UNC Charlotte Online
Working professionals will find UNC Charlotte’s online MSW program fits their schedule. Classes combine evening and Saturday virtual meetings with self-paced learning. You must complete field practicum experiences in person.
The online program gives priority to North Carolina residents and nearby states. A limited number of students from other U.S. regions can join. The university can offer online programs everywhere in the U.S. and territories. Check if practicum opportunities exist in your area before applying.
Lightcast, a global labor market analytics firm, reports UNC Charlotte MSW graduates earn about $66,800 annually.
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University sits in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The university’s Master of Social Work program combines mountain region expertise with high academic standards and has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Program Overview
The MSW program shapes social workers who boost community well-being through advanced clinical practice, leadership, advocacy, and innovative program planning. Students learn to participate with individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The program qualifies graduates to apply for clinical social work and/or social work manager licensure. Students become skilled at professional practice through research-based curriculum that covers social, economic, and political processes in social service institutions. The program stands out with its crossover design. Students pick one concentration area while blending courses from a complementary practice area.
Format
The university provides several program formats that fit a variety of student needs:
- Regular Program (On-Campus): Full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) options with daytime courses
- Advanced Standing (On-Campus): Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) options for BSW graduates
- Advanced Standing (Online): Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) options designed for working professionals
The online program combines live virtual classroom sessions (usually scheduled Tuesday through Friday) with self-paced coursework. Field education remains the constant requirement across all formats.
App State Program Length
Students complete the program based on their chosen path:
- Regular full-time program: 60 semester hours over 2 years
- Regular part-time program: 60 semester hours over 4 years
- Advanced Standing full-time: 33 semester hours over 1 year
- Advanced Standing part-time: 33 semester hours over 2 years
Advanced Standing candidates need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited university earned in the last 7 years. They must have managed to keep a 3.2 GPA in their BSW courses.
Tuition and Fees
Estimated graduate tuition and fees for 2025-26 academic year are:
- In-state: $8,379 annually for on-campus programs
- Out-of-state: $26,541 annually for on-campus programs
Online program tuition costs $327 per credit for in-state students and $1,216.89 per credit for out-of-state students. App State covers 54% of student financial aid needs. First-year students receive need-based scholarships averaging $9,529.
Specializations
The MSW program features two distinct concentrations:
- Individuals and Families: This track prepares students for advanced direct and clinical practice. Graduates work in agencies with children, adolescents, adults, and families from various backgrounds
- Community and Organizational Practice: Students learn to address social problems and create change at community, organizational, and societal levels. The focus lies on service development and policy implementation[213]
Online Availability
The online MSW program accepts only Advanced Standing students who hold BSW degrees. Students must complete face-to-face field placements in their local communities. Field education needs about 32 weekly hours at human service agencies. This setup gives working professionals a chance to advance their education while keeping their current jobs.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
UNC Wilmington’s Master of Social Work program has shaped students’ careers since 2005. The program creates an engaging environment with meaningful field placements and projects that focus on belonging and integrity. Among MSW programs in North Carolina, UNCW stands out because of its strong emphasis on macro social work practice.
Program Overview
Students learn to create solutions for societal challenges like social, racial, economic, health, and mental health inequity. The faculty brings extensive field experience and prepares graduates to work in a variety of public and private settings. UNCW is a chance to study abroad through strategic collaborations in London, Ireland, and India. The program’s reputation has grown steadily as a valued institution in the region over the last several years.
Program Format
Students can choose from several program paths:
- Full-Time Clinical/Macro MSW: Two-year in-person program
- Part-Time Clinical/Macro MSW: Three-year hybrid program combining online and face-to-face learning
- Advanced Standing Clinical/Macro MSW: One-year in-person program for BSW graduates
Working professionals, military-affiliated students, and those needing schedule flexibility benefit from the part-time hybrid option.
Program Length
Traditional full-time and extended three-year programs require 61 total credit hours. Advanced standing students complete 37 credit hours. BSW graduates must have earned their degree within the last 7 years from a CSWE-accredited institution to qualify for advanced standing.
UNC Wilmington Tuition and Fees
Main campus programs for 2024-2025 was $293.23 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,186.89 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Distance education students pay similar rates plus technology fees. The annual in-state tuition runs about $4,719, making UNCW one of NC’s more affordable MSW programs.
Specializations
UNCW features two distinct tracks:
- Clinical Social Work: Students learn assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and behavioral disturbances
- Macro Social Work: Students prepare for advocacy, policy work, and organizational leadership
Students can also earn certificates in Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, School Social Work, or join the Child Welfare Collaborative.
Online Availability
Part-time students can take advantage of hybrid learning options. This three-year format blends online coursework with face-to-face classes so students can keep their jobs while earning their degree. MSW programs in NC increasingly offer these hybrid programs to help professionals balance work and education.
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University’s MSW program, with its main campus in Cullowhee and additional classes in Asheville, prepares graduates to work in a variety of social work settings. WCU stands out as one of North Carolina’s respected MSW programs and offers both traditional and accelerated paths to professional social work credentials.
WCU Program Overview
WCU’s Master of Social Work program equips graduates to become practitioners, consultants, supervisors, and administrators. The department aims to provide essential knowledge and skills for advanced generalist practice. Students learn to respect all people and promote social and economic justice. Field practicum internships play a vital role in professional preparation, which the university calls “an indispensable component”.
Format
Students have several program options:
- Full-Time Traditional MSW: Classes run Mondays and Tuesdays
- Part-Time Traditional MSW: Students complete the program in four years
- Advanced Standing Program: Exceptional BSW graduates can finish in one year rather than two
Students can attend classes at WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee or the Biltmore Park instructional site in south Asheville.
Length
The traditional program needs 56-62 credit hours of graduate coursework and 1,080 field practicum contact hours. Students might need fewer credits if they qualify for and pass specific course waiver exams. Advanced standing students complete 30 credit hours plus a three-credit summer preparation course.
Tuition and Fees
MSW students’ 2024-2025 semester tuition and fees are:
- In-state: $5,662.04 (includes tuition differential)
- Out-of-state: $11,021.54
These rates make WCU one of NC’s most affordable MSW programs.
Specializations
WCU offers a 12-credit-hour Substance Abuse Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. Students can also earn specialized certificates in:
- School Social Work (9-hour licensure program)
- Culturally-Based Native Health (12-hour certificate program)
- Addiction Treatment (courses approved by NC Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board)
Online Availability
WCU now offers select online and hybrid courses but focuses on face-to-face instruction. The program isn’t fully online but provides flexibility through hybrid formats that blend online and in-person learning. This approach puts WCU among NC’s MSW programs that combine traditional classroom experience with digital learning methods.
North Carolina A&T State University / UNC Greensboro (Joint Program)
The Joint Master of Social Work (JMSW) Program showcases a remarkable partnership between North Carolina A&T State University and UNC Greensboro. Their collaboration builds on 45 years of successful undergraduate programs. This unique alliance connects two historic institutions – NC A&T, a Historically Black College, and UNCG, the historical women’s college.
Program Overview
Students in the JMSW program learn multicultural clinical practice as their specialized focus. The Council on Social Work Education first accredited the program in 2000 and renewed its accreditation until 2028 in June 2020. Students learn from experienced faculty who bring rich backgrounds in social work practice and teaching. Graduates can work as clinical MSW practitioners in North Carolina.
NC A&T/UNCG Program Format
Students can choose between two study plans:
- Two-Year Program: The first year covers generalist courses that create a strong foundation. Students then move to specialized curriculum in year two
- Advanced Standing Program: This option suits qualified graduates from CSWE-accredited BSW Programs. It starts with 12 hours of bridge coursework in summer
First-year students do their field internships on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Second-year students attend field internships Wednesday through Friday.
Program Length
Students in the two-year program complete 60 credit hours split between generalist and specialized clinical courses. Advanced standing students need 42 credit hours. They start with summer courses, taking two classes in each summer session before joining the specialist year class in fall.
Tuition and Fees
Graduate tuition and fees at UNCG for 2025-26 academic year cost:
- In-state: $8,614 per year
- Out-of-state: $23,328 per year
Online programs have different rates: in-state students pay $6,422 while out-of-state students pay $21,137.
Specializations
While other MSW programs in North Carolina offer multiple concentrations, JMSW focuses on multicultural clinical practice. This focus helps students create culturally sensitive therapeutic relationships that build resilience. The program teaches psychological, ecological, and community contextual views for assessments and culturally responsive intervention methods.
Online Availability
Most classes happen in person during daytime hours, though evening classes might be available. Students looking for MSW programs in NC online should know that independent study options exist in specific cases.
Choose Your Top NC MSW Program Today
Your choice of MSW program will depend on your career goals, finances, and how you prefer to learn. North Carolina has eight CSWE-accredited programs that can help advance your social work career. You might prefer UNC Chapel Hill’s prestigious program ranked 4th nationally, or the innovative joint program between NC A&T and UNC Greensboro. Each option offers quality education that matches your needs.
These programs have their own strengths. ECU excels in Clinical-Community focus while UNCW stands out for its macro practice emphasis. The cost varies too – in-state tuition ranges from $4,700 to $12,700 per year. Working professionals can choose from part-time, hybrid, and fully online options that fit their schedules.
Field education is the most important aspect of these programs. It combines hands-on experience with academic knowledge. Take UNC Chapel Hill students – they contribute about 130,000 service hours each year, worth roughly $1.2 million. This shows how MSW students make a real-life difference even before graduating.
Social work jobs in North Carolina look promising between 2022 and 2032. Since licensure requires this degree, your MSW investment will open doors to advanced opportunities across the state.
CSWE accreditation means these programs meet strict educational standards. They prepare you for ethical, competent practice in a variety of settings. Most programs offer specialized certificates and concentrations. You can focus on areas like substance abuse treatment, school social work, or gerontology.
Now that you know about these eight outstanding programs, you can take your next step toward a rewarding social work career in North Carolina. Your chosen program will give you the essential knowledge and skills. It will also connect you to professionals who support your growth and help you make an impact.