Two students sitting on a bench outside, smiling at the camera.

Master of Social Work

Since 2005, UNCW’s Master of Social Work program has provided an engaging environment, meaningful field placements and collaborative projects centered in belonging and integrity to prepare students for a professional social work career.

Why Study at UNCW?

Dynamic faculty with years of experience in the field are committed to preparing graduates to create solutions for societal problems that include social, racial, economic, health and mental health inequity. Graduates work in a variety of public and private settings that offer services that address every facet of life.

Learn with us and be the difference!

Two Tracks

Clinical

Clinical social work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness, emotional and other behavioral disturbances. Individual, group and family therapy are common treatment modalities. Social workers who provide these services are required to be licensed or certified at the clinical level in their state of practice. Clinical social workers work in a variety of settings including private practice, hospitals, community mental health, primary care and agencies. (NASW)

Part-Time

This is a three-year hybrid program (part online and part face-to-face) with field placement, a flexible option for students who are working full time, military affiliated, etc. Any undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.

View Part-Time course descriptions & curriculum guides

Full-Time

This is a two-year program with a field placement requirement of 900 hours over the course of three semesters. Students will be in classes 2-3 days a week and in their field placements during the rest of the week—a good option for traditional students. Any undergraduate majors are welcome to apply.

View Full-Time course descriptions & curriculum guides

Advanced Standing

This is a one-year program that runs May to May. Students will take “bridge” courses in the summer, specifically designed for recent BSW graduates, before joining the full-time curriculum in the fall semester. Only students with a Bachelors in Social Work are able to apply.

View Advanced Standing course descriptions & curriculum guides

Macro

Macro social work focuses on the interaction between client and large systems. Macro social workers support clients in a more holistic way by serving as an advocate for a vulnerable population locally and or globally. Their work might include making or influencing public policy, conducting research, working with government agencies, organizing activists or coalition groups, drafting petitions, supporting legislation or any other type of advocacy that doesn’t directly work with clients. (NASW)

Full-and part-time options available.

View course descriptions & curriculum guides

Additional Opportunities

Interested students may study abroad and participate in global social work through partnerships in London, Ireland and India.

We offer certificates in addictions and veterinary social work, as well as a credential in School Social Work as well the Child Welfare Collaborative, a traineeship for future child welfare workers.

Explore More

Admissions & Application Deadlines

Program Information

Get Involved

Career Information

APPLY NOW

Clinical Track Course Descriptions and Curriculum Guides

Part-Time (UNCW Catalogue)
Full-Time (UNCW Catalogue)
Advanced Standing (UNCW Catalogue)

Macro Course Descriptions and Curriculum Guides

Full-and Part-Time (UNCW Catalogue)

Handbook

Student Handbook - PDF (This document is intended for print purposes. If you need this in another format, please contact the School of Social Work at 910-962-7283 or huberk@uncw.edu.)