Best MSW Programs in North Carolina 2025: Online & Campus

Fayetteville State University's Children and Family Services MSW concentration offers a transformative educational experience that equips social workers with advanced interventional strategies for supporting vulnerable populations. By emphasizing multicultural competence and social justice, the program prepares students to navigate complex family dynamics and systemic challenges. Designed with flexibility, students can choose from one-year advanced standing, two-year full-time, or three-year part-time pathways. The rigorous curriculum integrates 960 hours of field practicum, enabling students to develop practical skills in child welfare, integrated care, and community support systems.

• 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

Fayetteville State University's Mental Health and Substance Abuse MSW concentration provides comprehensive training for social work professionals seeking to address critical behavioral health challenges. Through a nuanced curriculum spanning 61 credit hours, students develop advanced clinical skills for intervention and treatment across diverse community settings. The program uniquely prepares graduates to work in military, urban, and rural environments, offering specialized coursework in mental health treatment strategies, addiction counseling, and holistic wellness approaches.

• 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

Fayetteville State University's generalist MSW program delivers a comprehensive educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals committed to creating meaningful societal change. Combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, the curriculum covers advanced practice techniques addressing complex social challenges like poverty, mental health, and community resilience. Students benefit from flexible enrollment options, including advanced standing, full-time, and part-time tracks, ensuring accessibility for diverse student backgrounds.

• 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's Master of Social Work (MSW) program, in partnership with UNC Greensboro, stands out for its hybrid delivery and multicultural clinical practice focus. This CSWE-accredited program since 2000 offers students the unique advantage of accessing resources and faculty from both institutions. Emphasizing cultural competence, the curriculum prepares graduates to tackle social issues in diverse communities effectively. The program's collaborative approach ensures a broad perspective on social work practice, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive and inclusive education in the field.

• Joint program with UNC Greensboro
• CSWE accredited since 2000
• Multicultural clinical practice focus
• Students study at both campuses
• Comprehensive instructional support

Appalachian State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program specializes in the Individuals and Families concentration, offering a blend of online and on-campus learning. This CSWE-accredited program equips students with the skills for advanced clinical practice, emphasizing social justice and interprofessional collaboration. With options for full-time or part-time study, students benefit from a curriculum that integrates field education and prepares them for licensure. Notably, GRE scores are optional, making it accessible for a broader range of applicants.

• 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

Focusing on Community and Organizational Practice, Appalachian State University's MSW program stands out for its flexible online and on-campus formats. Accredited by CSWE, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in social work, with a curriculum that emphasizes social justice and collaborative practice. The program requires GRE scores but offers waivers, catering to both full-time and part-time students. Its integrated field education component ensures practical experience, aligning with professional licensure requirements.

• 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

Appalachian State University offers a campus-based MSW program with concentrations in Clinical Practice and Community Development. This CSWE-accredited program is designed for students seeking a comprehensive social work education, featuring a crossover curriculum that covers both micro and macro practice areas. Flexible full-time and part-time tracks, along with optional GRE requirements, accommodate diverse student needs. The program's emphasis on field education and social justice prepares graduates for impactful careers in social work.

• 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's MSW program delivers comprehensive social work education focusing on advanced generalist practice and social justice. With two flexible pathways—a traditional two-year program and an accelerated 12-month advanced standing option—students develop critical skills in cultural competence and evidence-supported interventions. The CSWE-accredited curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing professionals to address complex social challenges across diverse populations. Graduates emerge equipped with robust theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to drive meaningful social change in various practice settings.

• 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

The Traditional MSW track at NC State University offers an intensive two-year, full-time graduate education designed to cultivate advanced social work professionals. Students navigate a comprehensive 66-credit curriculum that blends sophisticated classroom learning with substantial field internship experiences. The program's strategic approach integrates social justice principles, policy analysis, and specialized practice skills across individual, family, and community domains. Unique elective concentrations in child welfare, veteran services, and mental health provide targeted professional development opportunities for aspiring social work practitioners.

• 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

NC State's Advanced Standing MSW track provides an accelerated pathway for bachelor's-prepared social work professionals seeking rapid career advancement. This condensed 39-credit program leverages prior social work education, enabling students to quickly specialize in advanced generalist practice. With a rigorous curriculum emphasizing cultural competence and social justice, the track prepares graduates for leadership roles in diverse practice environments. Requiring a competitive 3.5 GPA, the program combines intensive academic training with meaningful practicum experiences, positioning students at the forefront of transformative social work practice.

• 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
• Diverse practice settings preparation

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke offers a Master of Social Work program tailored for those aiming to make a significant impact in social work, particularly in rural and indigenous communities. This program stands out for its focus on clinical and healthcare settings, preparing students with a robust foundation in evidence-based practices. It's designed with flexibility in mind, offering online, hybrid, part-time, and full-time study options to suit various lifestyles. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the curriculum is infused with principles of social justice, diversity, and ethical practice, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex social issues. Highlights include an advanced generalist practice model and an emphasis on anti-racism and equity.

• 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