Best MSW Programs in North Carolina 2025: Online & Campus
Navigating the myriad of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in North Carolina can be daunting for prospective students seeking to embark on a career dedicated to social change and advocacy. With a rich tapestry of institutions offering MSW programs across the state, each with its unique curriculum, faculty expertise, and experiential opportunities, aspiring social workers are presented with diverse options to consider.
From urban centers to rural communities, North Carolina’s MSW programs aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective practice and foster a deep commitment to serving diverse populations and addressing pressing social issues. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs in North Carolina, exploring the distinctive features, strengths, and opportunities that define these educational pathways toward a rewarding and impactful career in social work.
2025 Best MSW Programs in North Carolina
Looking for the best MSW programs in North Carolina? CounselingPsychology.org has you covered. We ranked top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list considers quality, cost, and student support. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, these programs stand out. Check out our rankings to see which schools made the list. Learn more about how we chose them here.
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC - Public 4-Year - uncfsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Children and Family Services - Online Learning - Visit Website
Fayetteville State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) is a dynamic, comprehensive program preparing professionals for advanced social work practice across diverse settings. Students can choose from flexible enrollment options including one-year advanced standing, two-year full-time, and three-year part-time pathways. The program emphasizes multicultural competence, social justice, and leadership, equipping graduates to address complex community challenges in areas like mental health, child welfare, and integrated care. With 61 credit hours and 960 internship hours, students develop critical skills for impactful social work careers.
- Accredited by CSWE
- Three enrollment options
- 61 total credit hours
- 960 hours field practicum
- Advanced Standing option
- January 15 application deadline
- Three specialty certificates
- Multicultural practice focus
- Urban, rural, military settings
- GPA requirement 3.0
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Online Learning - Visit Website
Fayetteville State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares professionals for advanced practice in diverse settings, including rural, urban, and military communities. Students can choose from multiple pathways, including full-time and part-time options with concentrations in Children and Family Services and Mental Health. The comprehensive 61-credit curriculum emphasizes social justice, multicultural competence, and practical skills through intensive field practicum experiences. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates, the program offers flexible enrollment options like advanced standing and weekend formats.
- Accredited by CSWE
- Three enrollment options
- 61 credit hours required
- 960 hours field practicum
- Advanced Standing available
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- Two concentration options
- January 15 application deadline
- Military and urban focus
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fayetteville State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced professional practice across diverse settings, including urban, rural, and military communities. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates, the program offers flexible pathways: one-year advanced standing, two-year full-time, and three-year part-time options. Students develop comprehensive skills in social work practice, research, and leadership while addressing complex social challenges like poverty, mental health, and community well-being.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Three Flexible Enrollment Options
- 61 Total Credit Hours
- 960 Hours Field Practicum
- Advanced Standing Available
- Multiple Concentration Tracks
- January 15 Application Deadline
- Mental Health and Children/Family Concentrations
- Graduate Certificate Options
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC - Public 4-Year - ncat.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina A&T State University offers an innovative Master of Social Work (MSW) program jointly with UNC Greensboro. This multicultural clinical practice degree prepares students for advanced social work careers through a collaborative, comprehensive curriculum. The program provides unique opportunities for students to learn across two campuses, leveraging extensive instructional and research resources. Designed to develop culturally competent professionals, the MSW equips graduates with the skills needed to address complex social challenges in diverse community settings.
- Joint program with UNC Greensboro
- CSWE accredited since 2000
- Multicultural clinical practice focus
- Students study at both campuses
- Comprehensive instructional support
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC - Public 4-Year - appstate.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Individuals and Families - Online Learning - Visit Website
Appalachian State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive graduate education for aspiring social work professionals. Students can choose between two dynamic concentrations: Individuals and Families, and Community and Organizational Practice. The unique crossover design enables students to gain holistic skills across practice areas. With full-time and part-time options, flexible on-campus and online learning, and integrated field education, graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice, leadership roles, and professional licensure in diverse social service settings.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Concentration Options
- Full-time and Part-time Tracks
- On-campus and Online Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- Integrated Field Education
- Two Graduate Electives Required
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- GRE Scores Optional
- Professional Licensure Preparation
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community and Organizational Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Appalachian State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring social work professionals. With two dynamic concentrations—Individuals and Families and Community and Organizational Practice—students gain comprehensive skills to address complex social challenges. The program provides flexible full-time and part-time options, including on-campus and online learning pathways. Graduates are prepared for advanced clinical practice, leadership roles, and professional licensure, with a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and social justice advocacy.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Concentration Options
- Full-time and Part-time
- On-campus and Online
- Advanced Standing Available
- GRE Required/Waivable
- 3.0 GPA Minimum
- Integrated Field Education
- Crossover Curriculum Design
- Professional Licensure Preparation
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Appalachian State's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares advanced social work professionals through a unique crossover design. Students can specialize in Clinical Practice or Community Development while gaining comprehensive skills across practice areas. The program offers full-time and part-time options, with flexible on-campus and online learning pathways. Graduates are equipped to address complex social challenges, challenge systemic oppression, and advance social justice through interprofessional collaboration.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Two Concentration Options
- Full-time and Part-time Tracks
- On-campus and Online Options
- Advanced Standing Available
- GRE Required or Waivable
- 3.0 GPA Minimum Preferred
- 1-2 Year Program Length
- Field Education Integrated
- Two Graduate Electives Required
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - Public 4-Year - ncsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares advanced generalist practitioners committed to social justice and diverse population services. Students gain comprehensive skills through two flexible pathways: a traditional two-year program and an accelerated 12-month advanced standing option. Ranked among the top 100 graduate social work programs, the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-supported intervention methods. Ideal for aspiring social work professionals seeking transformative education with real-world impact.
- Two MSW program options
- 60 credit hours traditional track
- 39 credit hours advanced standing
- 3.0 GPA traditional admission
- 3.5 GPA advanced standing
- CSWE accredited program
- Top 100 graduate program
- Practicum internship included
- Diverse practice specializations
- Advanced generalist approach
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Traditional
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina State University's Traditional MSW program provides a comprehensive two-year, full-time graduate education in social work. Students engage in a rigorous 66-credit curriculum that combines advanced classroom learning with substantial field internship experiences. The program emphasizes social justice, policy analysis, research methods, and specialized practice skills across individual, family, and community domains. Prospective students benefit from diverse elective options, including child welfare, veteran services, and mental health concentrations.
- Two-year full-time program
- 66 total credit hours
- 3.0 minimum GPA requirement
- Internship: 24 hours/week
- Specialized practice electives
- Professional and academic references
- Biology and statistics prerequisites
- Fall semester start
- Multiple practice concentrations
- Advanced research components
Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing
Campus Based - Visit Website
North Carolina State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) prepares passionate professionals to drive meaningful social change. With two dynamic program options—a traditional two-year and an advanced standing track—students gain comprehensive skills in advanced generalist practice. The program emphasizes cultural competence, social justice, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to lead in diverse practice settings. Requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA for traditional and 3.5 for advanced standing, the curriculum integrates rigorous academic training with practical internship experiences.
- Two MSW program tracks
- 60 credit hours traditional
- 39 credit hours advanced standing
- CSWE accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Fall 2025 cohort open
- Advanced generalist practice focus
- Practicum internship included
- Ranked top 100 graduate program
- Diverse practice settings preparation
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, NC - Public 4-Year - uncp.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Dive into a transformative Master of Social Work program at UNC Pembroke designed for aspiring social work professionals. This comprehensive MSW prepares students to practice in rural and indigenous communities, emphasizing clinical and healthcare settings. With flexible learning options including online, hybrid, part-time, and full-time formats, the program accommodates diverse student needs. Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, graduates are equipped with evidence-based practices and a commitment to social justice, diversity, and ethical practice.
- Fully online program options
- Applications due February 15, 2025
- Advanced generalist practice model
- CSWE fully accredited program
- Rural and indigenous community focus
- Multiple enrollment formats available
- Clinical and healthcare settings emphasis
- Anti-racism and equity lens
- Advanced standing option
- Diverse learning community
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in North Carolina
North Carolina Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Students enrolling in their first social work programs will need to enter into a traditional two-year, 60-credit MSW program. Below are the admissions requirements for applying:
- Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
- Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
- GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
- Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
- Background check and/or fingerprinting
North Carolina Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, you can apply for advanced-standing MSW programs. These are fast-tracked programs that allow students to graduate in a year or less. All of the same admissions requirements apply. Here are a few popular advanced-standing MSW programs available in North Carolina:
- North Carolina State University – visit site
- University of North Carolina – visit site
- Appalachian State University – visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
North Carolina MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Tuition in North Carolina ranges considerably, as seen in the table below. For residents of North Carolina, you can expect to pay a lot less—anywhere between $197 and $411 per credit—which will save you a lot of money on your total education. Take a look at the full range below.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of North Carolina | $340 (Resident) $930 (Non-resident) | 62 | $21,104 (Resident) $57,688 (Non-resident) |
| North Carolina State University | $411 (Resident) $1,103 (Non-resident) | 60 | $24,654 (Resident) $66,200 (Non-resident) |
| Fayetteville State University | $197 (Resident) $832 (Non-resident) | 61 | $12,033 (Resident) $50,762 (Non-resident) |
Are Online MSW Programs in North Carolina as Good as Campus-Based?
Online MSW programs offer the same intensive curriculum as their in-person counterparts, often with the same faculty teaching the courses. While they’ve become incredibly popular, online MSW programs aren’t necessarily for everyone. Below are the pros and cons of these programs.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in North Carolina
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
Whether you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in North Carolina, you'll want to ensure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for licensure.
Learn more about Social Work Degree options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your North Carolina Social Work License
To get licensed in North Carolina, you must familiarize yourself with the state-specific licensure requirements, as each state has its own set of guidelines. Learn more about North Carolina’s requirements in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in North Carolina
