School of Social Work

The School of Social Work prepares students to make a difference in the world through direct practice with individuals, couples, families and communities; policy analysis and advocacy; and social work research. Our students are trained to help people discover and build upon their own resources and strengths as well as the resources and strengths of their environment to meet the challenges of poverty, discrimination, health and mental health issues, and other difficult life situations.

UNCW social work alumni are working in social service, health and mental health agencies in Southeastern North Carolina, throughout the state and across the country. Our current students are working toward joining their predecessors, while also serving our community in local field placements as part of their education. School of Social Work faculty members continue to serve via community outreach and their contributions to social work scholarship.

Explore our site to learn more about our academic programs, our learning outcomes, our passionate faculty and how you can join us in transforming the world through social work. Read more about the mission and goals for the School of Social Work: Download the Strategic Plan (PDF).

Statement from The School of Social Work

January 21st, 2021

Recent events of police brutality against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other Black Americans are steeped in historical patterns of individual and institutionalized racism. The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina Wilmington stands in full solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement affirming its commitment as an anti-racist organization that is deeply committed to racial and ethnic justice. 

Consistent with the ethics of our profession, our aim is to contribute to the dismantling of practices, policies, structures, and traditions that emanate from and result in racial bias and discrimination. We take ownership of our responsibility to promote racial equity, empowerment, and justice through intentionality, consistency, and persistence.

As an anti-racist school of social work, we pledge to continually examine our own school, the institutions in which we work, and the communities in which we live. We acknowledge positive social change does not happen without continued critical self-reflection and values-based action. As such, we commit to the immediate and ongoing efforts below.

News and Updates

Message From the Dean: Academic Honor Code

Spring 2021 Course Schedules

• Main Campus