UNC Charlotte MSW Program

UNC Charlotte serves as North Carolina’s urban research university and creates a vibrant environment for social work education. The School of Social Work values diversity through its students, faculty, staff members, and alumni who share a steadfast dedication to social work education’s values and ideals.

The nationally-ranked Master of Social Work program gives you the skills to become a social work professional and leader in culturally-informed, community-involved practice, policy, and research. Students can shape their learning experience through electives and practicum opportunities that align with their career goals.

Social justice remains the foundation of the program. The curriculum emphasizes intervention at all levels of society. Charlotte’s strategic location benefits students with access to both urban and rural field opportunities. This geographical advantage creates a detailed educational experience that readies graduates for practice settings of all types.

The School of Social Work has built strong community ties with over 200 urban and rural practicum placement agencies. These agencies serve vulnerable populations throughout the Charlotte region. Students get practical, hands-on experience while working with populations in need. Practicum instructors work closely with faculty to ensure students develop the knowledge and skills needed to become competent practitioners.

Faculty members bring rich expertise to the classroom as specialists in various social work areas. Their research interests span mental health, racial institutional inequity, trauma, public health, substance abuse, gerontology, social justice, youth development, grief and loss, and social work with HIV/AIDS. These faculty members present their research at prominent conferences like the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and Society for Social Work Research (SSWR). They’re known for being accessible, inclusive, and invested in student success.

Program graduates find success in schools, hospitals, hospice facilities, health and social services departments, trauma centers, shelters, and domestic violence centers. They also qualify to pursue state licensure or certification to enhance their professional credentials.

The School of Social Work builds a foundation for meaningful contributions to the field through innovative education, impactful research, and community cooperation.

Programs offered

UNC Charlotte’s School of Social Work provides a detailed range of degree programs that match different educational needs. Students can choose from the nationally-ranked Master of Social Work (MSW) program, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), or an Early Childhood Mental Health Graduate Certificate.

The UNC Charlotte MSW program lets students choose from multiple pathways based on their educational background and schedule. Students learn through an Advanced Generalist curriculum that will give a solid foundation to work with different practice settings and client populations.

The campus-based learning offers two main options:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing: This program works best if you have a BSW degree from the last seven years. Students complete 39 credit hours (33 in classroom, 6 in practicum) over three semesters (summer, fall, spring).
• 2-Year Traditional: Students without a BSW need 60 credit hours (48 in classroom, 12 in practicum) over four semesters. Classes take place during the day at the main campus, with some hybrid or online courses.

The UNC MSW online program gives you three flexible study plans:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW holders can finish in one calendar year with 39 credit hours.
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: BSW holders who need more time can complete the same 39 credit hours over two years.
• 3-Year Online: Students without a BSW need 60 credit hours spread across three years.

Online courses blend “live” sessions on weeknights and Saturdays with self-paced learning modules. This setup makes education accessible without losing quality. Students must complete all practicum placements—the essence of social work education—in person, no matter which program format they choose.

Campus and online programs both give students detailed coursework about working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. Students develop a multi-systemic approach that focuses on people, their social environments, and how they interact with each other.

Students learn social work values and ethics in a global environment. This knowledge helps them support human rights of diverse groups, especially at-risk populations. Every practicum placement gives students hands-on learning opportunities under qualified supervision.

UNC Charlotte MSW graduates work in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, hospice facilities, health departments, trauma centers, shelters, and domestic violence organizations. Their education gives them the skills to blend and use broad knowledge that advances social work practice and the profession.

About the online program

The UNC Charlotte online MSW program gives working professionals exceptional flexibility. You can advance your social work career without relocating or leaving your current job. This nationally ranked program delivers quality education through both synchronous and asynchronous formats.

Live sessions take place during weekday evenings and Saturdays to fit working professionals’ schedules. You can easily balance your work life while pursuing higher education. The program offers different structures based on your educational background:

• 1-Year Advanced Standing Online: Complete 39 credit hours (33 classroom, 6 practicum) over three semesters (summer, fall, spring) with a BSW prerequisite
• 2-Year Advanced Standing Online: Spread the same 39 credit hours over two academic years (six semesters) with a BSW prerequisite
• 3-Year Online: Complete 60 credit hours (48 classroom, 12 practicum) over three academic years (nine semesters)

Students complete field practicums in person regardless of their online status. The 1-Year Advanced Standing students do their placements during fall and spring semesters. The 2-Year Advanced Standing students complete theirs during year two, while 3-Year Online students finish theirs during both years two and three. Each practicum requires 16 weekly hours at partner agencies.

The program’s partnerships with over 200 agencies in the Charlotte region let you apply classroom learning directly to professional practice. This practical experience pays off – 87% of graduates find jobs within three months of finishing the program.

We focused on students in the North Carolina region but welcome qualified applicants from across the United States. Students living on American military bases can apply, but other international applicants aren’t eligible. North Carolina residents must stay in the region throughout their program.

The program’s focus on social justice and intervention at all society’s levels shapes you into a professional leader. You can customize your education through electives and hands-on training. This balanced approach between flexibility and academic rigor gives you the tools for advanced practice in this crucial field.

Career outcomes

The UNC Charlotte MSW program boasts exceptional career outcomes. A whopping 87% of graduates land jobs within just three months after completing their degree. This is a big deal as it means that placement rates surpass national averages for social work programs. The program excels at preparing professionals who are ready to hit the ground running.

Students thrive because of the program’s hands-on field experience. Strategic collaborations with more than 200 agencies help students build real-world skills that employers want. These opportunities span healthcare facilities, schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates can choose from many career paths.

Our graduates build successful careers in several key areas:

• Healthcare: Hospitals, medical centers, substance abuse facilities
• Government: Child welfare agencies, public health departments
• Education: School social work, student support services
• Community: Nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups

The success goes way beyond job numbers. UNC Charlotte MSW graduates love what they do. The program’s advanced generalist approach makes shared work possible in different professional settings, which makes graduates more attractive to employers. Many alumni step into leadership roles within 5-7 years, which shows how well the program prepares career-ready professionals.

The paychecks tell a similar story. While earnings differ based on location and specialty, graduates receive competitive compensation packages. New graduates start with salaries that match regional social work averages and see plenty of room to grow as they gain experience and licensure.

The UNCC social work masters program keeps strong ties with its alumni network to improve career opportunities for current students. Alumni often come back as guest speakers, mentors, and field instructors. This creates an ongoing cycle of professional growth.

Students who pick the UNC MSW online path see similar job success as campus students. Online learners get access to the same career resources, including job fairs, resume workshops, and networking events that help maximize their success after graduation.

Accreditation

Quality assurance at the UNC Charlotte MSW program relies on accreditation as its foundation. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This vital credential shows the curriculum meets professional standards.

The Board of Accreditation (BOA) reaffirmed the program’s status in June 2025 after reviewing materials that showed continuous quality improvement. The MSW program received an eight-year accreditation renewal in 2016. These consistent approvals have set the next accreditation cycle for June 2032. Students can feel confident about the program’s long-term stability.

CSWE accreditation matters beyond just institutional recognition. Your degree will meet national standards that employers recognize throughout the social work field. This accreditation also serves as a prerequisite for licensure in most states. Graduates qualify for Advanced Standing status if they want to pursue doctoral education later.

The UNCC social work masters program ranks among 13 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across North Carolina. U.S. News & World Report ranks it #51 nationally, which shows its academic excellence compared to peer institutions.

CSWE accreditation becomes vital for Advanced Standing applicants. Only students with bachelor’s degrees from CSWE-accredited programs can access this accelerated option. This includes programs recognized through its International Social Work Degree Recognition service or those covered under memoranda of understanding with international accreditors.

The UNC MSW online program maintains similar accreditation standards as its campus-based version. UNC Charlotte also holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This accreditation includes all degree programs, including online offerings.

This dual-layer accreditation will make your credential respected by licensing boards, employers, and graduate programs nationwide.

Admission Requirements

The UNC Charlotte MSW program welcomes students who meet specific admission criteria that help ensure their academic success. Students can apply through the UNC Charlotte Graduate School’s website. The January 15th priority deadline gives applicants the best chance at admission. The school reviews later applications only when spaces remain available.

Qualified candidates need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (students with lower GPAs might qualify if they show strong potential for success)
• Three letters from faculty members or human service professionals
• A detailed resume showcasing relevant experience
• A Statement of Purpose (up to four double-spaced pages) that explains your motivation to become a master’s level social worker, career aspirations, populations you want to serve, and your viewpoint on regional social challenges

International students must score at least 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. This requirement doesn’t apply if English was the main language in their previous education.

Advanced Standing applicants must meet regular requirements and have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last seven years with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Current BSW students in their final year can apply if they maintain a 3.0+ GPA. International students might qualify if CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition service validates their BSW.

The UNC MSW online program follows similar admission standards as on-campus programs. Students receive admission decisions between mid-February and late March. Competition runs high, and not every qualified candidate receives an offer.

In stark comparison to this, students don’t need specific prerequisite courses or social work job experience. The UNCC social work masters program values students from various educational backgrounds who show their interest through volunteer or professional experience.

Tuition

The UNC charlotte MSW program features a well-laid-out tuition structure that changes based on your program choice and residency status. Traditional campus programs (1-Year Advanced Standing and 2-Year) follow the general graduate tuition rate. Distance Education programs (2-year Advanced Standing and 3-year) follow the Distance Education rate.

UNC Charlotte updates its tuition rates yearly on their Financial Services website. Students should factor in extra costs like fees, books, and living expenses while planning their education budget.

The university provides several financial support options. The School of Social Work hires Graduate Assistants for about 10 hours each week with hourly pay. Students can find scholarships through the University, College of Health and Human Services, and School of Social Work on the UNC Scholarship portal.

The UNCC social work masters program requires students to submit FAFSA forms since many scholarships depend on financial need. Students in the UNC MSW online program should know that their tuition differs from campus-based programs, but financial aid remains available. Federal student loans serve as the main funding source, and the Financial Aid Office provides detailed information about all options.

Additional Information

The UNC charlotte MSW program delivers excellent career outcomes beyond academic preparation. Data shows that 87% of graduates secure employment within just three months after program completion. Healthcare social work jobs should grow 16.6% by 2032—which is by a lot more than the 10% national average. This creates a thriving job market for graduates. Research from Lightcast labor market analytics shows that UNC Charlotte MSW graduates earn an impressive $66,800 on average annually.

Students succeed with help from the university’s Career Center, which provides complete services through 20 full-time and 2 part-time staff members. The center offers career counseling, job interview preparation, resume help, and networking chances through a vast alumni network. Students connect directly with potential employers at on-campus job fairs.

Field education serves as the foundation for professional growth. Students must complete:

• Traditional program: 960 total supervised field hours
• Advanced Standing: 672 total field hours

North Carolina’s population should reach 11.7 million by the early 2030s, making it the seventh-largest state. This means social workers will just need to meet growing community demands. The UNCC social work masters program consistently produces graduates who become valuable community members. These professionals work to advance equity, improve systems, and make lives better throughout North Carolina and beyond.