Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in North Carolina

North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the US, with a population of 10.6 million. It also has some of the highest population growth in the nation. Residents of NC can enjoy outdoor activities at the beach or in the hills, an affordable housing market, famous BBQ, and more. Despite these benefits, the state is not without its problems. For example, the job market can make it difficult for many residents to pay their bills. There is also a substance abuse problem in the state, with the NC Department of Health and Human Services reporting a 40% increase in deaths from overdose. 

Due to these issues and more, social workers may be a vital resource to the North Carolina communities. Social work is a challenging, but very rewarding career that can encompass many different duties depending on the organization where one works, the specific area of social work, and what level of education and experience the social worker has. Social workers may provide services such as linking clients to resources, providing emotional support, helping children or families find stability, or even provide therapy for mental health struggles. 

If you are looking to earn a master’s degree in social work (MSW), you may already be involved in the career in one way or another. You may even have a bachelor’s degree in social work. Or, you may have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but want to get into social work. If you would like to pursue an MSW, look no further. This article will show you the best universities that offer an MSW program in North Carolina.

According to O*Net Online, the annual wage and career growth for North Carolina social workers is as follows:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 14% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $48,510 
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 15% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $52,010 
• Healthcare Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 14% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $60,710 
• Social Workers, All Other 
  • Projected Growth: 4% (slight lower than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $68,910 
• Social and Community Service Managers 
  • Projected Growth: 16% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $63,220

There are a total of 12 universities that offer an MSW program in North Carolina. Each of these programs are accredited by the Counsil on Social Work Education. Below is an overview of what each program offers so you can make the best choice for your future career.

North Carolina Online Masters in Social Work

There are five universities in North Carolina that offer an online MSW program. Enrolling in an online MSW program in North Carolina can hold multiple benefits to those who choose this format. For example, individuals who are already involved in a social work career can choose the online format to continue working while receiving an education that may help them expand their career and income opportunities. Students with other responsibilities, such as a family or complicated schedule, can also appreciate the flexibility of an online format. Online MSW programs are often offered through the same universities that offer an in-person format, and are equal in quality. They may even offer the same opportunities as the on-campus experience, such as an accelerated advanced standing version of the program if a student qualifies, or certain specializations.

Appalachian State University – Boone, North Carolina

East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Pembroke – Pembroke, North Carolina

CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in North Carolina

There are 12 MSW programs in NC that have been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is responsible for creating criteria for social work programs in the United States that ensures that students are being provided a quality education that prepares them for their exams and career. Many employers prefer to hire social workers that have graduated from a CSWE-accredited program. Also, enrolling in an accredited program can ensure that you are receiving an education that is universal throughout the US. This can make it easier to continue a career as a licensed social worker if you want to move states and transfer your license, as other states have similar requirements for social workers because of the CSWE.

While some of the universities have been reviewed in the previous sections, more CSWE-accredited online MSW programs in North Carolina include:

Fayetteville State University – Fayetteville, North Carolina

Johnson C. Smith University – Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina A&T State University/University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative – Greensboro, North Carolina

North Carolina Central University – Durham, North Carolina

North Carolina State University – Raleigh, North Carolina

University of North Carolina at Wilmington – Wilmington, North Carolina

Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, North Carolina

No GRE Required MSW Programs in North Carolina

There are 11 programs in North Carolina that do not require the GRE. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized exam that is used by some universities to determine a student’s skills in areas such as reasoning and math to ensure that they are prepared for graduate-level studies. Submitting the score in one’s application is part of the admissions process to determine if a student can be accepted into a university. However, many institutions have begun opting out of requiring GRE scores to be submitted, and instead may require a multitude of other materials that give a more well-rounded view of a student. This frequently includes things like a resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate transcripts, an essay, and possibly more depending on the institution and program.

Below are North Carolina MSW programs that do not require the GRE. Each of these have been reviewed in the previous sections.

• East Carolina University 
• University of North Carolina 
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke 
• Fayetteville State University 
• Johnson C Smith University 
• North Carolina A&T State University / University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative 
• North Carolina Central University 
• North Carolina State University 
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington 
• Western Carolina University

North Carolina CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

University Name	City	State	Program Title	Program URL
East Carolina University	Greenville	NC	MSW Degree	https://hhp.ecu.edu/socw/msw/
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Charlotte	NC	Master of Social Work	https://socialwork.uncc.edu/

North Carolina MSW programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options

In NC, there are twelve MSW programs offering an advanced standing format, which can hold benefits to those who qualify for enrollment. Advanced-standing is an accelerated version of the MSW program, and usually takes about half the time of a standard curriculum, with less units for the student to complete as well. To qualify to enroll in an advanced standing program, students should earn a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited university. Universities usually require this to be done within the last 5-10 years, depending on the university’s individual requirements. There also may be specific GPA requirements, such as a 3.0 or above, which is also dependant on the individual requirements of the university. 

Below are the MSW programs in NC that have an advanced standing option. The specifics for each of these have been outlined in previous sections of this article.

• Appalachian State University 
• East Carolina University 
• Fayetteville State University 
• Johnson C. Smith University 
• North Carolina A&T State University/University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative 
• North Carolina Central University 
• North Carolina State University 
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
• University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke 
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington 
• West Carolina University

Affordable MSW Programs in North Carolina

Many of the universities in North Carolina are lower cost than other universities in the US. State universities generally hold a lower price point than private universities, due to the fact that students in North Carolina pay taxes throughout their life that are considered to partially go towards their education. The cost is usually much higher for out-of-state students. That being said, there are three universities that are particularly affordable compared to other NC MSW programs.

• University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
  • Tuition: $3,934 per semester 
• East Carolina University 
  • Tuition: $26,317 total 
• North Carolina Central University 
  • $184,50 per credit hour

Conclusion

Social work can be a very rewarding career. Earning a master’s in social work can allow you to hold a higher position in the field and make a bigger difference. With a MSW degree, you may be able to qualify to become a licensed clinical social worker, and can provide clinical therapy for individuals with mental health struggles. You may also be able to become a clinical supervisor of a nonprofit or social services agency. An MSW can also help you pursue a higher rate of pay than social workers with a bachelor’s degree. Because North Carolina has a demand for social workers, it may be a beneficial place to pursue a master’s degree to help the community.