7 Top-Rated MSW Programs in Raleigh: Expert Guide & Requirements

Want to find the best MSW Programs in Raleigh that combine quality education with promising career prospects? Your choice could pay off well – social work graduates in Raleigh earn competitive salaries. Professional social workers make $68,800 on average each year, while community organizers can earn up to $83,400 annually.

New social work graduates start with mean annual wages of $59,190, which is by a lot higher than the national average of $50,390 for social work majors. North Carolina’s MSW programs have earned recognition for their academic excellence. UNC-Chapel Hill’s social work program ranks among the best in the United States.

MSW programs across North Carolina give you complete professional training with flexible structures. To name just one example, NC State’s traditional MSW needs 60 credit hours completed in two years. Their Advanced Standing option lets you finish in just 12 months with 39 credit hours. On top of that, programs like NCCU teach you to drive meaningful social change through direct interventions and macro-level approaches. This piece breaks down the top 7 MSW programs in Raleigh, covering their requirements, specializations, and key details you need to choose the right social work program.

1. North Carolina State University

NC State University runs one of the most respected MSW programs in Raleigh. U.S. News & World Report ranks it among the top 100 graduate social work programs. Students learn to address complex social, economic, and cultural factors that affect individuals and communities.

Program Overview

The program’s foundation rests on professional ethics, social justice, diversity, strengths, and community participation. Students benefit from full accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation ensures graduates meet national standards for professional practice.

Students can choose between two program options:

• Traditional MSW: A two-year, full-time program requiring 60 credit hours
• Advanced Standing: A 39-credit intensive program for BSW graduates

Both paths follow an advanced generalist practice approach. Students build foundational skills and deepen their knowledge for multi-level practice. This approach gives them the ability to work independently through advanced assessment skills, interdisciplinary collaboration, social action, and research capabilities.

Admission Requirements

Traditional MSW candidates need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university (any major)
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 hours of academic work
• Four social sciences courses with grade C or better
• Three humanities courses with grade C or better
• Biology and statistics course with passing grades

Advanced Standing candidates need:

• BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• GPA of 3.5 for the last 60 credit hours
• Grades of B or better in all social work courses

Each candidate must provide three references from professional or academic sources. Applications submitted by January 2 receive priority. Students typically hear back about decisions by February 27.

Curriculum and Specializations

Traditional MSW students follow a well-laid-out progression over two years. First-year courses cover social justice, human behavior, policy, research methods, and generalist practice. Second-year studies advance into administration, supervision, advanced practice with individuals and families, and policy practice with organizations and communities.

Advanced Generalist Practice specialization prepares students to:

• Master assessment and evidence-supported interventions
• Lead and collaborate across disciplines
• Drive social action in policy analysis and advocacy
• Apply research skills for practice evaluation

Students study topics ranging from addiction recovery to child welfare, direct practice with older adults, international learning experiences, and community mental health.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education serves as the substance of NC State’s MSW curriculum. Social work educators call it the “signature pedagogy”. Students apply classroom knowledge in ground settings under professional supervision.

Traditional MSW students complete two year-long placements. Advanced Standing students finish one year-long practicum. Students spend 24 hours weekly in the field. This substantial experience prepares them for the job market.

The program partners with agencies throughout the region. Students interview with potential placement sites to find their best match. Each student works with a field instructor who holds an MSW and brings two years of experience.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Estimated costs for full-time graduate students are:

• North Carolina residents: $32,479 (on-campus) or $34,503 (off-campus)
• Out-of-state residents: $53,777 (on-campus) or $55,801 (off-campus)

These numbers cover tuition, fees, books, housing, food, and other expenses. Tuition and fees amount to $12,735 for in-state and $34,033 for out-of-state students.

Students can access fellowships, assistantships, loans, and work-study programs. The School of Social Work offers Graduate Teaching Assistant positions. These positions include tuition remission and stipends through the Graduate Student Support Plan.

Career Outcomes

Graduates lead in planning, developing, managing, and evaluating culturally competent services in organizations of all sizes. The advanced generalist approach opens doors to careers in:

• Direct practice with individuals, families, and groups
• Program development and coordination
• Administration and supervision
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Research and program evaluation

Students master ethical practice and community participation. This expertise helps them tackle complex social challenges while supporting underserved populations.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill runs one of the highest-ranked academic programs in social work in the United States. This MSW program stands out among others in North Carolina through its steadfast dedication to advancing equity, revolutionizing systems, and improving lives.

Program Overview

UNC School of Social Work welcomes about 300 students each year with evidence-based education at its core. Students learn core social work values like equal access to services, respect for human dignity, self-determination, and personal responsibility for ethical conduct. The program offers several flexible options:

• 12-Month Advanced Standing MSW Program
• 2-Year MSW Program
• 3-Year MSW Program
• Online MSW Program
• 12-Month Advanced Standing Online MSW Program

Students in the traditional MSW program must complete 62 semester credit hours and up to 1,100 hours in field education. The Advanced Standing option needs fewer credits because it recognizes prior social work education.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these items to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college/university (any major)
• Academic background with knowledge from multiple disciplines
• Unofficial transcripts from each college/university attended
• Statement of Purpose (3-4 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Current resume/CV showing professional and volunteer experiences

Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. They need a “B” or higher GPA on their last 60 credit hours, “B” or higher grades in required undergraduate social work courses, and successful completion of 400 hours in direct service placement.

International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores (minimum 90 for internet-based TOEFL or 7 for IELTS) unless they qualify for exemption.

Curriculum and Specializations

The curriculum has two main parts:

Generalist Curriculum (29 credit hours) – First-year students in the 2-Year Program take seven classroom courses about social welfare policy, human behavior, social research, and social work practice. They also complete field practicum and seminar requirements.

Specialization Curriculum (32-33 credit hours) – Students pick between two paths: Direct Practice (DP) to work with individuals, families, and small groups, or Community, Management, and Policy Practice (CMPP) to lead in community organizing, administration, policy development, or advocacy.

The Specialization Curriculum builds on the foundation from the Generalist Curriculum. Students must complete 10.5 semester credit hours in elective courses.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education serves as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Students merge their academic knowledge with real-life work experiences and build skills across nine core competencies.

Students discover career paths, develop workplace skills, grow professional networks, and gain confidence working with clients during their practicum. The 2024-25 academic year saw students working in 468 active placements across 30 North Carolina counties.

Student practicum hours in one academic year provide about $1.4 million in service to the state. The school matches each student to a practicum experience that fits their needs and career goals.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Direct costs for on-campus students cover tuition, fees, and health insurance. North Carolina residents pay $9,096 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $45,228 for the academic year.

The total estimated cost reaches $27,029 for in-state students and $59,237 for out-of-state students. Students can access many financial aid options:

The School provides about 40 different merit and need-based scholarships for MSW students. Students can also find employment and assistantships, usually working four to ten hours weekly.

Research assistant roles come with professional mentorship, a stipend, and student health insurance. Some positions also offer tuition support.

Career Outcomes

UNC-Chapel Hill graduates achieve remarkable success. 95% find full-time employment or continue their education within six months after graduation. The program prepares students for careers in finance, technology, healthcare, and public service.

Social workers in North Carolina earn around $68,800 annually on average. New MSW graduates typically start at $50,000, while experienced professionals earn between $60,000 and $65,000.

Social work jobs in North Carolina should grow by about 10% over the next decade. Healthcare, mental health, schools, and community services drive this growth. UNC-Chapel Hill proves to be an excellent choice for students who want to make a difference in social work.

3. North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University offers a unique MSW program that drives social change through direct services and broader community work. The university sits close to other top MSW programs in North Carolina and is notable because students learn to work with people from all backgrounds.

Program Overview

Students complete NCCU’s Master of Social Work program in two years full-time. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:00-8:30 PM) and Saturdays (9:00 AM-4:30 PM). This schedule works great if you have a full-time job and want to earn your advanced social work degree.

The program helps students become advanced generalist practitioners who can improve lives at multiple levels. Students get leadership opportunities through hands-on learning that creates positive community impact. Students with a BSW might qualify for the Advanced Standing option – just 35 credit hours in one intensive year.

Admission Requirements

Advanced Standing students need:

• BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last seven years
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and 3.25 in social work courses
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from BSW field instructor)
• Personal narrative statement and writing sample
• Professional resume showing practicum experience

The two-year program needs:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major)
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 3.0 in major courses
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Personal narrative statement and writing sample

Students must apply by February 1 for Advanced Standing and March 1 for the traditional program.

Curriculum and Specializations

Students learn an advanced generalist approach that works in many settings. First-year traditional program students take foundation courses in:

• Social welfare policy
• Human behavior and social environment
• Research methods
• Practice with individuals and families
• Practice with organizations and communities

Second-year and Advanced Standing students take concentration courses including:

• Forensic social work
• Psychopathology
• Child welfare practices
• Leadership and administration
• Mental health and substance abuse

Traditional students complete 58 credit hours, while Advanced Standing students finish 35 credit hours.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education plays a vital role in NCCU’s social work program. Foundation year students spend 16 hours weekly at their placement site, which increases to 24 hours during the advanced concentration year.

Students work under experienced social work professionals who hold a BSW, MSW, DSW, or PhD in Social Work. Placement sites include medical facilities, aging services, schools, child welfare agencies, mental health centers, and community organizations.

First-year students complete 224 hours each semester (2 days weekly), and second-year students finish 336 hours per semester (3 days weekly). The Director of Field Education can’t guarantee evening or weekend placements since all students must meet CSWE accreditation standards.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate program costs at NCCU:

• In-state: $450 per credit hour with no extra fees
• Out-of-state: $540 per credit hour with no extra fees

Money help comes through:

• Federal Pell Grants based on expected family contribution
• State grants such as UNC Need-Based Scholarship and NC Education Lottery Scholarship
• Institutional grants including NCCU Grant and NCCU Eagle Grant
• Federal loans including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

Graduate assistantships provide $4,000 per semester (full) or $2,000 per semester (half). Students must keep a 3.0 GPA and stay enrolled full-time.

Career Outcomes

NCCU ranks in the top 15% of social work schools nationwide (#163 out of 1600) and holds the #10 spot in North Carolina. BSW graduates earn a median of $30,615, below the national median of $37,334.

North Carolina offers many social work jobs:

• Child, family, and school social workers: 11,610 positions (average starting salary: $46,990)
• Healthcare social workers: 3,340 positions (average starting salary: $54,730)
• Substance abuse social workers: 2,470 positions (average starting salary: $50,270)

Graduates build strong careers in different settings with specialized training and leadership skills needed for supervisory roles.

4. Meredith College

Meredith College is respected in Raleigh’s social work education landscape with its Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. This program paves the way to advanced MSW programs. The private institution builds its foundation on diversity, global citizenship, and social justice principles to prepare students for graduate-level social work education.

Program Overview

Meredith College doesn’t offer a direct MSW program. However, its CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program creates a simplified path to advanced standing in MSW programs throughout North Carolina. Their social work program, accredited since 1975, gives students hands-on experience that readies them for professional practice or direct advancement to Master of Social Work programs at an advanced standing level. BSW graduates can complete their MSW in just one year because they don’t need to take foundation MSW courses.

The program shines through its all-encompassing approach. Students learn theoretical knowledge and gain practical experience under faculty mentors and active professionals. This balanced curriculum helps students develop skills they need to create positive social change in a variety of environments.

Admission Requirements

Students must complete a formal admission process after choosing social work as their major. They need to meet these prerequisites:

• 6-12 credit hours in social work courses
• SWK 100 (Introduction to Social Work) with grade C or better
• Either SWK 220 or SWK 225 with grade C or better
• Social Work as declared major

Students must submit a detailed application form and academic transcript. They also need to interview with social work faculty who assess program fit and field readiness.

Curriculum and Specializations

The curriculum’s liberal arts foundation supports scholarly excellence while upholding diversity, human rights, and social justice principles. Core courses include:

• Introduction to social work and the U.S. social welfare system
• Human diversity and social justice studies
• Trauma and crisis intervention
• Social work research methods
• Practice with diverse populations

Students build specialized knowledge in psychological trauma, crisis intervention, and research methods that apply to various social work settings.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education is the foundation of Meredith’s social work program. Students must complete 430 hours of beginning-level generalist social work practice experience under professional supervision in their final semester. This intensive experience features:

• Social service agency placements
• Weekly practicum seminars with faculty liaisons
• Professional supervision from MSW degree holders (minimum two years experience) or BSW degree holders (minimum five years experience)

Students participate in deep discussions and analyze practice issues to broaden their view of social work in different settings. The practicum experience strengthens professional identity and combines empirical and practice-based knowledge.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The 2026-27 academic year’s full-time undergraduate tuition costs $49,170 ($24,585 per semester). Food and housing add about $14,362 ($7,181 per semester). Most students receive substantial financial help:

• Over 95% of first-year students get scholarships or financial aid
• First-year students receive $37,569 on average in financial assistance
• The institution gives approximately $30 million in scholarships and grants

BSW graduates can access specific scholarship opportunities to make MSW degrees more available.

Career Outcomes

Meredith’s social work program graduates achieve remarkable professional success. Many alumni earn advanced-standing MSW degrees in one year instead of two. North Carolina offers these career opportunities for social work graduates:

• 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 work majors nationwide earn about $50,390 annually, showing strong employment prospects and earning potential in this field.

5. Shaw University

Shaw University’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program helps students build a strong foundation that paves the way to MSW programs in Raleigh and across North Carolina.

Program Overview

Shaw University currently offers a BSW program instead of an MSW program. The Evelyn Lane Sanders Social Work Program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn in an environment rich with history – Shaw University is the birthplace of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which champions justice, voting rights, and community advocacy. BSW graduates can join advanced standing MSW programs and complete their master’s degree in just one year rather than two.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet the university’s general admission criteria to join the BSW program that opens doors to MSW opportunities. Graduate programs at Shaw University look for:

• A minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA from an accredited institution
• A successful interview with the Graduate Program Committee
• Two recommendation letters
• A completed application with $50 fee

Curriculum and Specializations

The BSW curriculum builds a robust generalist social work foundation. Students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges at individual, group, and community levels. The program readies graduates to work in child welfare, advocacy, housing case management, mental health, addiction recovery, gerontology, and international social work.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education stands at the heart of Shaw’s social work program. BSW students spend their final semester getting hands-on experience through internships. The Director of Field Education matches students with seasoned social workers who show them how to apply classroom knowledge in real situations. Students can also gain experience through community partnerships before their final internship.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The academic year at Shaw University costs $12,408 in tuition plus $4,864 in fees. Students paid around $30,952 total when including room, board, and other expenses. Students can get help through:

• Federal and state grants
• Federal Stafford loans ($330 typical monthly payment)
• Work-study programs

Career Outcomes

Shaw University social work graduates with bachelor’s degrees earn a median salary of $31,138, which sits below the national median of $37,334. Black or African American students make up 61% of graduates. Most BSW graduates go on to earn their MSW degrees. Others start careers in child welfare, advocacy, mental health, addiction recovery, healthcare, and corrections.

6. Campbell University

Campbell University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program gives students valuable hands-on experience. The program builds a strong foundation that prepares students who want to pursue MSW programs in North Carolina.

Program Overview

Campbell University doesn’t have a direct MSW program. However, its social work program helps students learn to support vulnerable people through life challenges. Students get opportunities to join field trips, seminars, and service projects with actual agencies. Small class sizes are a major benefit that encourages customized mentorship in an available and inclusive environment.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet both general university criteria and program requirements to join Campbell’s social work program. The Social Work Program maintains specific standards. Students need satisfactory grades in prerequisite courses SOWK 201 and SOWK 290 (grade “C” or better), a minimum GPA of 2.25, and social work faculty approval.

Curriculum and Specializations

Social justice, diversity, inclusion, and community participation form the program’s core values. The coursework has:

• Social work field experience and practice methods
• Human behavior and research methods
• Required courses in human diversity, psychology of human relations, and abnormal psychology

Students must earn grades of “C” or better in all social work courses to stay in the major.

Field Education and Practicum

Field education is fundamental to Campbell’s social work curriculum. BSW students participate in practicum during their senior year. They commit 16 hours weekly through fall and spring semesters, totaling 450 hours. This practicum uses a concurrent model. Students can apply their classroom knowledge right away in ground settings. Students can work in advocacy roles, intake services, supportive counseling, and program evaluation.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate programs in the School of Education & Human Sciences cost $6,900 for six credit hours plus $780 in fees. Students living on or off campus pay about $38,161 total for housing, food, books, and other expenses. Several financial aid options help students manage these costs.

Career Outcomes

Graduates build careers in hospitals, social services, mental health centers, and public welfare agencies. The field shows promise with a projected 7% growth through 2032. Campbell’s counseling programs report 75% job placement rates for clinical mental health graduates. These numbers suggest strong job prospects for human services professionals.

7. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program prepares students for social work practice in military, rural, and urban settings. Students receive advanced training to work with children, families, and mental health concerns.

Program Overview

Students can choose from three flexible paths: a one-year Advanced Standing (35 credits), a two-year full-time (61 credits), or a three-year weekend part-time option. Working professionals can attend classes during evenings (starting 4:00 PM) or weekends. The curriculum teaches graduates to apply ethical and evidence-based practices while addressing oppression and poverty in multicultural contexts.

Admission Requirements

Students must have:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.5 GPA (3.0 in last 60 hours)
• 18 semester hours in social/behavioral sciences
• Human biology course (3 credits)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement (maximum five pages)

Advanced Standing candidates should complete their BSW within five years with a 3.0 GPA. GRE is not required.

Curriculum and Specializations

The program offers two specialty areas:

• Children and Family Services – gives students skills to work with children, adolescents, and families
• Mental Health – teaches diagnosis and disorders throughout the lifespan

Field Education and Practicum

Students follow a concurrent model with 460 hours in Generalist Year and 500 hours in Specialization Year placements. The program combines practicum with seminar courses to connect theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Tuition and Financial Aid

On-campus costs for in-state graduate students total approximately $32,479, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Military students can access Tuition Assistance for partial coverage.

Career Outcomes

The program maintains strong placement rates, and graduates find work in healthcare, mental health, schools, and community settings.

Choose Your Raleigh MSW Today

Your professional success in social work starts with picking the right MSW program. Seven exceptional institutions offer different paths to advance your career in Raleigh and beyond. Each program brings something special to the table – NC State shines with its advanced generalist approach, UNC Chapel Hill boasts prestigious national rankings, and NCCU caters to working professionals with evening and weekend classes.

Field education is important to these programs. Students transform their classroom knowledge into ground expertise through hundreds of practical hours. You’ll gain versatile skills in mental health, child welfare, and community management that help you work in settings of all types.

North Carolina’s job market looks bright for MSW graduates. Social workers earn between $50,000 and $68,800 yearly – substantially higher than national averages. The field expects a 10% growth over the next decade, showing strong demand for qualified professionals.

Money shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your education. Most institutions provide substantial financial aid packages. Social work students can access specific assistantships and scholarships.

Raleigh’s MSW landscape fits your unique needs and career goals. You can choose from traditional two-year programs, accelerated advanced standing options, or flexible part-time structures. Your success depends on arranging program strengths with your professional dreams, schedule needs, and budget. With complete information about these seven outstanding programs, you’re ready to start your path toward becoming a transformative social work professional.