North Carolina is home to 16 MSW programs. Of the available options, 12 are traditional, campus-based programs, while four offer online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).
If you are looking for an MSW program in North Carolina, check out the full school listings below, which provide the latest program highlights, tuition information, and other relevant details designed to help you compare and contrast degree options.
In this guide
- Online MSW listings
- MSW programs listings
- MSW overview
- Online MSW overview
- How to become a social worker
- License requirements
- Social worker salary
- Job outlook
- Expert advice
List of Online MSW Programs in North Carolina
Appalachian State University
Boone & Hickory, NC
Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $304
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Program Highlights:- Most Innovative School among Southern universities
- Professional Licensure
- Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2022.
East Carolina University
Greenville, Rocky Mount, & New Bern, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $324 in-state| $1020 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology
Program Highlights:- Comprehensive Curriculum: The Master of Social Work program at East Carolina University offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines generalist and specialized practice.
- Flexibility in Program Delivery: The program offers both in-person and online options to accommodate students' needs and preferences.
- Field Education and Accreditation: Field education is an essential component of the Master of Social Work program.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,047 in-state | $1,833 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child Welfare, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Culturally-Informed, Community-Engaged Practice: The MSW program at UNC Charlotte prepares students to be social work professionals and leaders in areas of culturally-informed, community-engaged practice, policy, and research.
- Faculty Accessibility and Inclusivity: The faculty of the MSW program at UNC Charlotte are known for being accessible, inclusive, and invested in student success.
- Hands-On Learning and Field Education: The MSW program provides hands-on learning opportunities and practical experiences through its field education component.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NCCredits: 50-62
Cost per credit: $963
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Flexible Delivery Options: The MSW program at UNCP offers fully online and hybrid options, allowing students to choose a format that suits their needs.
- Accreditation and Quality: The MSW program at UNCP is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the national accrediting body for professional social work programs.
- Emphasis on Diversity: UNCP values and promotes diversity in its MSW program. The student body and staff represent the diversity of the surrounding region, creating a rich learning environment with varied perspectives.
List of MSW Programs in North Carolina
Appalachian State University
Boone & Hickory, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $304
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Program Highlights:- Most Innovative School among Southern universities
- Professional Licensure
- Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2022.
East Carolina University
Greenville, Rocky Mount, & New Bern, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,028
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology
Program Highlights:- Comprehensive Curriculum: The Master of Social Work program at East Carolina University offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines generalist and specialized practice.
- Flexibility in Program Delivery: The program offers both in-person and online options to accommodate students' needs and preferences.
- Field Education and Accreditation: Field education is an essential component of the Master of Social Work program.
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NCCredits: 64
Cost per credit: $445 in-state | $1060 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Certification: Addictions, Military
Program Highlights:- Comprehensive Focus: The Master of Social Work program at Fayetteville State University offers a comprehensive focus on various social work issues, including children, families, the military, mental health, and substance abuse.
- Program Options: The program provides different program options to cater to students' needs and preferences.
- Accreditation and Certificates: The Master of Social Work program at Fayetteville State University is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Johnson C. Smith University
Charlotte, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $580
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Other, Practice with a Specific Racial or Ethnic Group
Program Highlights:- NO GRE: One of the first programs to not require the GRE.
- Flexible Learning Options: The program is designed with working adults in mind, with approximately 95% of students working full-time employment schedules.
- Evening and Weekend Courses: The program recognizes the need for students to continue working while earning their graduate degree.
North Carolina A&T State University / University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative
Greensboro, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,223
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Mental Health
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Multicultural Clinical Practice: The program emphasizes multicultural clinical practice, recognizing the culture, history, and identities of all peoples, with a focus on those who are oppressed, marginalized, and traumatized.
- Elective Options: The program offers elective courses to allow students to further develop their capacity for advanced multicultural clinical social work practice.
- Cross-Registration and Collaborative Opportunities: Regardless of their home campus (UNC Greensboro or NC A&TSU), students have the opportunity to take electives at either university.
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NCCredits: 58
Cost per credit: $1,037
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Criminal Justice
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Advanced Standing Option: The program offers an advanced standing option for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in social work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Cross-Registration and Collaborative Opportunities: Regardless of their home campus (UNC Greensboro or NC A&TSU), students have the opportunity to take electives at either university.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,030
Plan of study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Emphasis on Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice: The MSW program at NC State encourages students from diverse backgrounds to apply for admission.
- Field Internships: The MSW program includes a field internship component where students are matched with experienced, professional organizations.
- Advanced Generalist Practice Model: The MSW program at NC State follows an advanced generalist practice model.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, & Winston Salem, NCCredits: 61
Cost per credit: $811 in-state | 1,841 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Mental Health, School Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Administration, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Developmental Disabilities, School Social Work, Refugee & Immigrant Populations, Behavioral Health
Program Highlights:- Highly Ranked Academic Program: The MSW degree program at UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized as one of the highest-ranked academic programs in social work in the United States.
- Multiple Program Options: UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Social Work offers several options for pursuing the MSW degree.
- Concentration Choices: Students in the MSW program at UNC-Chapel Hill have the opportunity to choose from two concentrations based on their career interests.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NCCredits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,046 in-state | $1,833 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child Welfare, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Culturally-Informed, Community-Engaged Practice: The MSW program at UNC Charlotte prepares students to be social work professionals and leaders in areas of culturally-informed, community-engaged practice, policy, and research.
- Faculty Accessibility and Inclusivity: The faculty of the MSW program at UNC Charlotte are known for being accessible, inclusive, and invested in student success.
- Hands-On Learning and Field Education: The MSW program provides hands-on learning opportunities and practical experiences through its field education component.
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NCCredits: 50-62
Cost per credit: $963
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Flexible Delivery Options: The MSW program at UNCP offers fully online and hybrid options, allowing students to choose a format that suits their needs.
- Accreditation and Quality: The MSW program at UNCP is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the national accrediting body for professional social work programs.
- Emphasis on Diversity: UNCP values and promotes diversity in its MSW program. The student body and staff represent the diversity of the surrounding region, creating a rich learning environment with varied perspectives.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Wilmington, NCCredits: 62
Cost per credit: $417 in-state | 1,217 out-of -state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Other
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Gerontology, School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Dynamic Faculty and Inclusion: The MSW program at UNCW boasts a faculty with years of experience in the field who are dedicated to preparing graduates to address societal issues related to social, racial, economic, health, and mental health inequities.
- Multiple Tracks: The MSW program at UNCW offers two tracks: Clinical and Macro.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee & Asheville, NCCredits: 62
Cost per credit: $403 in-state | $998 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, School Social Work
Program Highlights:- Flexible Study Options: The MSW program at Western Carolina University offers both full-time and part-time study options, allowing students to choose a schedule that fits their needs.
- Specialized Certificates: The MSW program offers several specialized certificate programs that students can pursue alongside their degree.
- Field Work and Integrated Care Focus: The MSW program at Western Carolina University emphasizes practical experience through field placements.
North Carolina MSW Programs Overview
North Carolina offers plenty of MSW and other social worker programs, both through in-state colleges and through online programs that students from across the country can enjoy. However, if you want to become an LCSW, you’ll want to prioritize programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
This organization ensures that MSW and other social work programs use up-to-date terminology and educate students with the best modern social work practices. CSWE-accredited MSW programs will include:
- Modern coursework going over social work principles and practices. Classes may include topics like social work research practices, ethics, psychology, sociology, conflict resolution and more
- Specialized classes that can tailor you to become one of the four major types of social workers (described below)
- Clinical practice experiences. All LCSW licenses require a certain number of clinical practice hours or in-person clinical experience. These hours are completed either at a clinic associated with the university in question or may be completed at a clinic near your home location (if you take an online program)
- Opportunities for electives for further study and a well-rounded education
Many of the universities in North Carolina offer excellent CSWE-accredited MSW programs. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is close to Raleigh, the state capital. It’s one of the best social work programs in the country (ranked No. 5 by U.S. News and World Report as of 2016). It’s particularly suitable for future leaders in the social work sphere, and the school also offers dual degree programs. An advanced standing option is available if you already have some social work credits under your belt.
Appalachian State University also offers excellent BSW and MSW degree options. Their MSW program focuses on clinical practice and social service administration. Many graduates are closer to being qualified for clinical social work licensure since the program includes a high number of hours.
Online MSW Programs in North Carolina
Aside from in-person programs, students may also prefer to take online social work programs. Online MSW programs differ mainly from their in-person counterparts because students must still complete the required number of clinical practice hours for licensure. But they can do this at appropriate clinics near their homes.
UNC at Chapel Hill and East Carolina University both offer MSW programs that can be completed remotely, or at least with a great deal of flexibility. They offer their online program in a part-time format: perfect for busy professionals or those with hectic home lives.
How to Become a Social Worker in North Carolina
While most other states only offer two pathways to social work certification, North Carolina offers four. Each type of certification will qualify you for different social worker jobs.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
A certified social worker is the first type and only requires a bachelor’s degree in social work. Most BSW job roles usually operate under the supervision of an LCSW.
- Apply to the NCSW Board after completing a BSW. This also requires an application fee of $115
- Complete the exam request form and pay a $40 fee
- Take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelor’s exam, which includes 170 multiple-choice questions for hours. An exam fee of $230 is required as well.
- If you pass, you receive certification
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
A certified master social worker is one step above the previous type. It requires an MSW or a higher college degree in the same field, though it does not require work experience. This is a good certificate to get if you plan to become an LCSW but are still working on your clinical hours.
- Submit a CMSW application to the board with a $115 fee
- Complete the exam request form and pay the $40 fee
- Take the ASWB Master’s exam, which is 170 multiple-choice questions and costs $230
- Receive your certificate if you pass the exam
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
This is the goal for most aspiring social workers. It allows you to practice social work independently and begin your own practice or otherwise prescribe actionable advice and medication to patients.
- Complete a certain amount of supervised clinical social work experience (more on that below). You also need an MSW. Apply for licensure to the Board and pay the $115 fee. You’ll get a provisional LCSWA (Associate) license in time
- Obtain the rest of the required experience for LCSW licensure
- Take the ASWB Clinical Exam, which is comprised of 170 questions and which costs $260 plus a $40 fee for the exam request form
- Submit your LCSW application
- Receive LCSW licensure if you pass the exams
Certified Social Worker Manager (CSWM)
This last type of social worker requires any type of social work degree and it’s intended for individuals who want to administrate at a social work practice rather than directly deal with patients.
- Gain the required experience – 3,000 hours of post-degree paid employment in administrative social work positions. This must be completed in no fewer than two years. You must also be supervised by a social work administrator for at least 100 of those hours
- Submit your application for CSWM certification to the board. There’s a $115 application fee
- Complete the exam request form and pay the $40 fee
- Take the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam, which is 170 questions and which costs $260
- Receive certification if you pass the exam
Social Work License Requirements in North Carolina
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board handle licensure requirements and actually giving out licenses to individuals who qualify. An LCSW in North Carolina needs:
- An MSW, Doctor of PhD in social work from a CSWE-accredited school
- Completion of the ASWB clinical level exam
- A minimum of 3,000 hours of post-MSW paid clinical employment, with at least 100 of those hours supervised by an LCSW
- A $115 application fee
Furthermore, LCSWs must renew their license every two years by paying $150 and taking 40 credit hours of social work education. 4 of those hours must be in ethics.
Social Worker Salary North Carolina
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable data regarding the expected salaries for different types of social workers, separated into four major types:
- Child, family, and school social workers are the most numerous in this state, totaling 11,300. These social workers can expect annual salaries of $51,060 and hourly wages of $24.55.
- Healthcare social workers make up 3,050 of all the social workers in the state. They earn an average salary of $62,540 and hourly wages of $30.07.
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers number 1,650 and earn an annual salary of $54,860 and an hourly wage of $26.38.
- All other social workers are the rarest of all types at 1,120 total. They are an annual salary of $62,450 and an hourly wage of $30.02.
Job Outlook for Social Workers in North Carolina
While the job outlook for social workers around the country is quite positive, it’s also excellent for North Carolina specifically. North Carolina is currently undergoing a population boom, meaning there are plenty of new people coming into the state.
To benefit from this, North Carolina is currently opening up more social work programs. Social work clinics and administrative centers are also seeking new social workers to fill job positions to handle substance abuse and healthcare concerns throughout the state.
Career Advice
Find the latest social work career advice from people working directly in the field in North Carolina. Learn more about all the different pathways and opportunities available in social work today.
- What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program in North Carolina?
- What are the challenges or opportunities for becoming a social worker in North Carolina?
- What does the future of social work look like in North Carolina?
- What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding in North Carolina?
- Do you have advice or guidance for MSW graduates pursuing a license in North Carolina?