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Social Work, MSW

Assist Individuals, Families, Groups, and Communities
  • CSWE

    Accredited By The Council On Social Work Education

  • 2

    Tracks − Clinical And Macro

Master of Social Work Program Overview

Why Study at UNCW?

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

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.

 

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, gerontology and other disciplines. We also offer a credential in School Social Work as well the Child Welfare Collaborative, a traineeship for future child welfare workers.

Learn with us and be the difference!

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Learn To

Identify as a professional social worker and complete a professional internship in clinical practice while utilizing clinical supervision and consultation appropriately

Apply social work values and ethical principles to guide professional clinical practice

Apply critical thinking skills to inform and communicate professional judgments in clinical practice

Explore the needs and engage with diverse populations identifying the appropriate use of different clinical practice approaches

Advance human rights and explore social and economic justice to enhance resiliency of diverse populations

Careers for Graduates

Our Master of Social Work program prepares graduates for a career in assisting individuals, families, groups and communities in therapy, case management and advocacy for clients.

 

Find your career in:

Professionals work within the system to protect the safety and well-being of infants, children, teens, and families. (Source)

Run programs with inmates and ensure prisoners are ready to return to society upon their release from prison. (Source)

Work for the rights of others and work to obtain needed resources by convincing others of the legitimate needs and rights of members of society. (Source)

Help prepare future social workers. Develop and design curriculum plans to foster student learning, stimulate class discussions, and ensures student engagement. (Source)

Help run organizations that provide social services.

Work in support of their communities and those in need.

Assess new patients as they are admitted. Provide emotional support or counseling; develop and implement a patient's plan of care. Work with agencies or insurance companies to cover cost of treatment and medication.

four master of social work students sit together to practice their skills while a golden retriever service dog lies on the floor.

Sample Courses

A table showing a few sample courses required for the social work msw program.
SWK 500 Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, & Groups
SWK 506 Research in Social Work Practice
SWK 509 Pre-Field Graduate Seminar
SWK 520 Life Transitions & Human Development in the Social Environment
SWK 523 Generalist Social Work Practice with Communities & Organizations
See The Full Curriculum

MSW Program Admissions Requirements

  • Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or equivalent for non-U.S. students).
  • Advanced Standing applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a CSWE accredited institution.
  • A 3.0 undergraduate GPA (on 4.0 point scale).
  • Acceptance to the UNCW Graduate School.

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: MSW Social Work

Apply Now

  • Applications received on or before the priority deadline will receive priority review.
  • Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed through the space available deadline if unfilled positions remain. Please submit your application prior to the priority deadline as cohorts fill quickly.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Main Campus

Deadlines (11:59 p.m. EST)

  • Summer I 2025 Advanced Standing Clinical and Advanced Standing Macro
    Requires an awarded B.S.W. degree:
    • Priority Deadline: January 15, 2025
    • Space available Deadline: April 1, 2025

  • Fall 2025 Full-time Clinical and Full-time Macro - 2 Year Full-time Program:
    • Priority Deadline: February 1, 2025
    • Space available Deadline: June 1, 2025

  • Fall 2025 Extended 3 Year Clinical and Extended 3 Year Macro- 3 Year Part-time Program:
    • Priority Deadline: February 15, 2025
    • Space available Deadline: June 1, 2025

Transcripts

One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations to be submitted through the online application

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
    Upload Supplemental Documents
  2. Resume
  3. Essay:
    Statement of Interest Form & Essay
  4. GPA:
    3.0 GPA (on 4.0 point scale) for the full-time, two-year program, and the part-time, three-year program, and a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for advanced standing program applicants.
  5. Bachelor's Degree Requirement:
    Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (or equivalent for non-U.S. students), advanced standing program applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in social work from a regionally accredited college or university that is CSWE accredited that was earned within the last 7 years.

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