North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the US in terms of population. This means that there are often excellent opportunities for those who want to pursue a social work degree.
There are 25 social work schools in NC that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). 12 of these programs are for a MSW degree, 23 of them offer a BSW degree, and 2 of them offer a PhD. This gives students many options to choose from when considering where to earn their social work degree.
The goals of the programs is to prepare qualified, competent, and knowledgeable social workers for the task of addressing certain social and economic issues within the state and to help individuals in a variety of ways. The best social work programs in North Carolina give students an understanding of social justice issues and how to apply social work policy to the clients with which they work while also giving them the chance to apply this knowledge to real world scenarios.
Types of Social Worker Degrees in North Carolina
Social work careers in North Carolina depend on what education you want to receive. The amount of time it takes for you to receive said education depends on what degree you decide to pursue. Each degree has benefits, but knowing the difference can help you plan for the career you want. There are many great social work degree program options available in North Carolina.
Bachelors in Social Work (BSW)
A BSW degree typically takes about four years and is an important first step towards becoming a social worker. This degree is intended to lay down the foundation of social work for students to enter the social work field. An example of the bachelor’s degree programs in North Carolina include:
University of North Carolina Pembroke
This program is meant to prepare generalist social workers who can help take on challenges experienced by those in rural communities. Generalist social workers take on a number of roles depending on where they are employed, such as working with clients to advocate for their needs or helping them navigate resources. The program at UNC Pembroke is committed to helping students develop the skills and strengths needed to take on this role, or to continue their education at a master’s degree level.
Masters in Social Work (MSW)
A social work master’s degree allows students to gain a higher level of understanding of the field of social work while obtaining new skills. Online MSW programs in North Carolina have several goals: prepare you for clinical and non-clinical work with a variety of patients, give you a strong understanding of social work policy and analysis, and help you understand societal influences that negatively impact people’s lives. To achieve this goal, you start with one year of core classes that cover these topics in a general sense. In your second year, you get to the heart of the issues in each subject and decide where you want to focus your energy.
Frequently, those who are interested in earning their MSW degree also want to go on to earn their license in social work, thus becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). An LCSW can provide mental health services such as diagnosing and treating mental health issues. An example of social work masters degree programs in North Carolina include:
North Carolina State University
NC State University offers two options for those who want to attend their master’s degree program for social work. The first program is a traditional two-year option. The second is an advanced standing option, intended for students who have significant social services experience or a bachelor’s degree specifically in social work.
The MSW program at NC State University helps students gain the skills needed to respond to difficulties individuals may face in a variety of settings. It will also teach students how to practice social work in an ethical manner, and how to respond to a need for resources. Both programs offered by NC State University are full-time. The two-year option requires 60 credits to be completed, while the advanced standing option requires 39 credits to be completed.
Appalachian State University
This university offers an online masters degree program in social work. This program wants to help students prepare to make a positive difference in their community. The cost of this program is $304 credit hours for in-state residents of NC. The program is offered both full-time and part-time.
There are two concentrations that students can choose between: “Individuals and Families”, which is meant for those who are going to go directly into clinical practice after graduation, and “Community and Organizational Practice”, which is meant to prepare students for advanced practice in settings that focus on change within “community, organizational and societal levels”.
Doctors in Social Work (DSW)
There are currently no programs in North Carolina that offer a DSW degree. This may be because a DSW degree is an emerging program of study. As the demand for this degree increases across the United States, it may eventually be offered in North Carolina.
Ph.D. in Social Work (PhD)
A PhD in social work allows students to obtain academic research skills within the field. PhD graduates may also have the opportunity to positively impact the field of social work as they can improve the quality of education through their research. They can also educate future social workers by becoming professors, if they so choose. An example of a program that offers a PhD in social work degree in NC includes:
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
UNC Chapel Hill prepares students to develop social work interventions by building strong skills in research methodology as well as data analysis. The program is not intended to enhance clinical skills that social workers use in clinical or community practice. The program is primarily meant to help students become vital faculty at universities or to conduct research overseas if they so choose.
CSWE Accredited Programs in North Carolina
If you have decided to pursue a degree in social work in North Carolina, it may be beneficial to explore programs that are accredited by the CSWE. By attending an accredited program, you can ensure that the quality of your education has been assessed by professionals and that the program you are entering had demonstrated excellence.
What is CSWE Accreditation?
The Council on Social Work Education is an organization that consists of professionals in the field of social work who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of social work education for both present day and the future. These standards are developed by the Councils COA, which has a board of directors who are all very involved and knowledgeable about the field of social work. This Council is recognized as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States.
Why is CSWE Accreditation Important?
CSWE accreditation is important because it has established a consistent quality standard for schools that provide social work programs. This means that programs that meet the standard for accreditation provide students with a high-quality education.
Good education leads to excellent social work practitioners upon graduation, which benefits states and the country as a whole, as social workers can adequately apply their knowledge to help those in need. Students who attend accredited programs can be assured that they are being educated and prepared to take the licensure exam.
Accreditation also makes it easier many times for licensed individuals to transfer their license between states if they move, since it establishes quality standards across the US.
List of All CSWE Accredited Degrees in North Carolina
Online Social Work Programs in North Carolina
Some students who are looking to earn a degree in social work might be interested in an online option, as it is ideal for many reasons. North Carolina has an online options for students, which includes:
- Appalachian State University. This school offers both a bachelors and masters degree online.
What Are the Benefits of an Online Social Work Degree?
Attendees of online social work degree programs will experience several benefits of this flexible option. Individuals who wish to advance their career but already have a full-time job can attend school online to earn their social work degree in North Carolina to continue to earn a full-time wage and possibly continue their social work job (if that is what their full-time employment is) while also receiving an education.
Having previous social work experience before earning a degree is beneficial for future master’s level social workers, and attending online school encourages that by having the flexibility for students to continue said experience. The online option allows students to work at a pace that is more suited to their own preferences.
Students who are pursuing a master’s degree sometimes have a family, and attending school online also allows flexibility in regards to this as well. Basically, online social work degrees are beneficial for professionals who want to receive graduate level education but may have other obligations.
Types of Online Social Work Degrees
- Online BSW
- Online MSW
- Online DSW
Social Work Licensure in North Carolina
The requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker involve several steps that can take several years. The reason for this is to ensure that those who are entering the field are committed, knowledgeable, and experienced. In North Carolina, LCSWs must have at least a master’s degree, but can also choose to have a DSW degree or PhD in social work.
After an LCSW candidate has earned their degree, they can then apply to be a licensed clinical social work associate (LCSWA), which allows them to earn clinical social work experience to prepare them for licensure. Before taking the licensure exam, students must complete 3,000 hours of clinical experience under the supervision of an LCSW who is in good standing and has been licensed for two years minimum.
After completing the exam, candidates can apply to take the clinical exam and submit an LCSW licensure application. If they pass and the application is approved, the North Carolina LCSW will have officially earned their license and can practice clinical social work.
How to Become an Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina
In order to learn your social work license in North Carolina, you must first earn a degree. You can choose to earn a master’s degree in social work, or you can choose to continue your education by earning a doctor of social work degree or a PhD.
Whichever degree you choose among these must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). After you have earned the degree of your choice, follow the steps outlined below in order to become a North Carolina LCSW.
- Apply for licensure.
To earn your license, you will need to complete a certain number of clinical work experience hours under a licensed clinical social worker. To do this, you will need to complete the LCSWA application. To fill out the application, you will need to include professional references, a transcript from your degree program, and you will need to pay the application fee. This application allows you to complete your clinical hours under an LCSW because you must be licensed to provide clinical social work services in NC.
- Obtain required experience.
Once your LCSWA application has been approved by the board, you can begin the process of completing your supervised clinical social work hours. To become an LCSW in North Carolina, you must complete at least 3,000 hours of clinical social work that is classified as paid employment.
These hours need to be completed within at least two years but cannot take longer than six years. Additionally, you must also work with your licensed supervisor to receive 100 hours of supervision. Qualified supervisors will have been practicing clinical social work for at least two years. During this time, you will also need to ensure that you are completing the required forms that document your experience.
- Take the licensing exam.
The ASWB clinical exam is one of the final steps towards earning your social work license. In order to sign up for the exam, you must first let the board know of your intention. To do so, you should complete the exam request form and submit it alongside the fee. The board will approve the request and you can then officially register for the exam.
- Submit a LCSW application.
The application for LCSW licensure can be submitted after you have finished your 3,000 hours of supervised experience in addition to passing the clinical exam. To do this, you can fill out the LCSW Short Form Application. This application upgrades your LCSWA license to an LCSW license without having to fill out the longer application packet again that you initially completed. Along with the short form application, you will also need to submit documentation that shows that you have completed all continuing education requirements. You will also need to submit a Six Month Review form.
- Receive your license.
The final step before receiving your license is waiting for the NCSW board to approve your LCSW application and issue you your license. Once this is done, you will be able to begin practicing as an LCSW in North Carolina.
How Long Does it Typically Take to Become a Licensed Social Worker in North Carolina
The number of years that it takes to become a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina depends on where you are in your education. It can take 8 or more years to become a licensed clinical social worker if you are starting without a degree.
This estimate includes about four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, 2-3 years to finish a master’s in social work degree, and 2+ years to complete the 3,000 hours of clinical experience that is required.
In North Carolina, candidates are given 2-6 years to fulfill that last requirement, so the total timeline from no degree to licensure may be longer than 8 years if someone needs it.
Does North Carolina Have Social Work Licensure Reciprocity
North Carolina does not have reciprocity for licensed social workers with other states. However, the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board does offer another option: licensure by substantial equivalency. This means that the board will consider a social worker’s education, experience, and applicable exam as well as requirements that were in place when the social worker received their license to determine if they can apply in North Carolina.
Social workers can apply for substantial equivalency if they are currently and actively certified or licensed by a similar board in another state. Then, the board may recognize the equivalence and qualifications to allow for a NC license.
Social Work Salary & Job Outlook in North Carolina
The salary for a North Carolina social worker may vary depending on factors such as how long one has been in practice, any certificates they may have earned over the years to expand their knowledge, and how much formal education they have in terms of degrees as well. The salary may also depend on what type of social work careers are most needed in each state.
Social Worker Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for a social worker in North Carolina ranges between $66,052 and $79,217 per year. This average differs so greatly between the highest and lowest average salary because it takes into account the different educational and experience levels and different pays that various organizations may provide. The overall average base salary is about $70,619 per year.
BSW Average Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for a North Carolina social worker with a bachelor’s degree ranges between $52,780 and $65,875. The base average salary for this career is $59,054 as of 2022. Social workers with a bachelor’s degree provide a number of important services to clients such as advocating for their needs, providing resources to families, case management, and helping them navigate social services. While a social worker at this level can’t provide clinical mental health services, they are still vital in many communities and do important work in North Carolina.
MSW Average Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for a social worker in North Carolina with a master’s degree ranges between $59,269 and $72,373. The base average salary for a social work career at this level is $65,611. Social workers with a master’s degree can fulfill many of the functions of those with a bachelor’s degree, but they also may have the opportunity to become supervisors or managers of some kind.
A master’s degree level social worker will have more knowledge in their field and can provide a high level of care to clients due to the knowledge they have obtained. They might even be a clinical intern, meaning that they are learning to provide mental health care.
LCSW Average Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina ranges between $67,262 and $81,027. The base average salary for an LCSW is $72,914. LCSW’s are able to provide social work both as a case manager and resource specialist as well as someone who provides mental health services.
LCSWs can assess, diagnose, and treat people who are experiencing mental illness such as depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more. They can also supervise social workers who are attempting to earn their license to perform the same type of work.
DSW Average Salary in North Carolina
The average salary for social workers with a doctoral degree varies depending on their career. A DSW degree can open up options for social workers such as nonprofit administration, management of medical clinics, directors of social service organizations, and more. Someone with a DSW may also choose to provide similar services as a LCSW. However, those with a doctoral degree are usually experts in a specific area. The average salary for someone with a DSW may look like the following:
- Nonprofit Administrator: $84,900
- Clinic Manager: $73,988
- Social Service Program Director: $97,595
- Professor: $100,536
Social Worker Job Outlook in North Carolina
The general job outlook for social workers in North Carolina is quite excellent, as it is projected to grow 14 percent between 2020 to 2030 according to ONet Online. This percentage of growth is six percent higher than the projected growth for overall US social work employment, which is 9 percent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are 1,390 jobs projected to open up in North Carolina each year between 2020 and 2030.
Popular Social Work Careers in North Carolina
Certain social work careers may be more in demand than others in North Carolina due to social and economic issues within the state. Social workers can help citizens of NC navigate these issues to improve their lives, which in turn can improve the community as a whole. Social work careers that are popular in North Carolina include:
- Clinical Social Worker: This career involves earning a license to practice clinical skills such as mental health diagnosis and therapy in order to assist clients through a number of life issues. This type of social worker can work in a variety of organizations, from mental health agencies or substance use recovery clinics to their own practice. They may also work for government agencies providing crisis mental healthcare.
- Medical Social Worker: This career involves focusing on the emotional and physical needs of clients who are undergoing medical treatments as well as their families. This can also involve helping them navigate services.
- Placement Specialist: This type of social worker is responsible for a variety of functions related to foster care, adoption, and visitations through child protective services or other agencies. They may facilitate visitation, provide case management services, document cases, deal with public relations, organize adoptions and foster placements, and more. They are responsible for providing foster care services to children in foster homes.
What is the Typical Cost of a Social Work Program in North Carolina
The cost of attending social work programs in North Carolina depends on the university and the degree you are pursuing. Below is an average cost of each program you might be considering enrolling in.
- Bachelor’s of Social Work degree cost: Approximately $14,088
- Masters of Social Work degree cost: Approximately $11,352
- Doctor of Social Work degree cost: Approximately $41,000
Social Work Scholarships
When it comes to attending a school for social work in NC, a big consideration might be how to pay for the program. Luckily, there are many scholarships and other financial opportunities that can help you fund your education.
- Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is available for social work students in a master’s degree program who have demonstrated that they are committed to working with Native American and Hispanic/Latino populations. Other candidates may include those who are committed to working with nonprofit agencies or US grassroots groups.
- Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is available for individuals who are active in social and economic justice movements. It is a needs-based scholarship for those who are completing academic work at the same time that they are active in a movement. The maximum grant available is $15,000.
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is essential for receiving financial aid for school for many students across the United States. The FAFSA determines a student’s eligibility for grants or loans based on a number of factors such as income and household size.
Key Social Work Areas in North Carolina
North Caroline is not without certain social and economic issues for social workers to address. Substance abuse and poverty are big concerns in the state. In between 2020 and 2021, NC saw deaths due to overdose rise almost 40 percent. Opioids, stimulants, and fentanyl are reportedly the biggest issues in the state.
North Carolina Health and Human Services reports that the issue of substance use is seen among both adults and children ages 12 and up, with over 700,000 individuals struggling with a variety of substances (1). In regards to income, the number of people in North Carolina living in poverty (16.8%) is higher than the national average (14.9%). There is also a larger income gap than is typical across the United States (2). Another issue seen in NC is an increase in suicides and suicide attempts as well as worsening mental health. Part of what may be to blame for this is lack of funding for mental health services, which has been cut significantly in the last six years (1).
All of these issues likely contribute to each other as well. Social workers are trained in areas such as social justice and mental health in order to address these issues both directly with clients (such as LCSWs) and on a big-picture scale in terms of developing effective policy changes or managing treatment clinics (such as those with a doctorate in social work degree).
Social workers can also provide support to clients by advocating and empowering them throughout the process of seeking assistance, as many individuals may not have the tools to know how to do so themselves.
Sources Cited
- Cover Story: Charlotte #5 in Black Tar Heroin, 2011. WBTV. http://www.wbtv.com/story/14993292/cover-story-charlotte-5-in-black-tar-heroin
- Donnelly-DeRoven, C. (2021, December 2). A nationwide problem, worse in North Carolina. North Carolina Health News. https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2021/12/02/drug-overdoses-a-nationwide-problem-worse-in-north-carolina/
Schools in North Carolina Offering Masters in Social Work Programs
Appalachian State University
(Boone, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,542 Tuition Cost
- $2,873 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
Duke University
(Durham, NC)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $42,308 Tuition Cost
- $36,284 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
East Carolina University
(Greenville, NC)
- Masters in Family and Community Services
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,758 Tuition Cost
- $3,477 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Fayetteville State University
(Fayetteville, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $2,585 Tuition Cost
- $1,364 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
North Carolina A & T State University
(Greensboro, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,070 Tuition Cost
- $2,461 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
North Carolina Central University
(Durham, NC)
- Masters in Family and Consumer Sciences
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,244 Tuition Cost
- $2,478 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
(Raleigh, NC)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,748 Tuition Cost
- $6,148 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(Chapel Hill, NC)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $5,823 Tuition Cost
- $9,902 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
(Charlotte, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,453 Tuition Cost
- $1,782 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
(Greensboro, NC)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,779 Tuition Cost
- $2,314 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
(Pembroke, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,012 Tuition Cost
- $3,289 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
University of North Carolina Wilmington
(Wilmington, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,743 Tuition Cost
- $2,374 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Western Carolina University
(Cullowhee, NC)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $3,397 Tuition Cost
- $1,651 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting