Thursday, December 01, 2022

UNC Wilmington has partnered with Montgomery Community College, South Piedmont Community College and Richmond Community College to create transfer opportunities for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Students who have successfully completed an associate degree in human services technology programs at these community colleges and meet admission requirements of UNC Wilmington's Bachelor of Social Work program will be admitted to the program. This means that students have a straightforward pathway to completing a bachelor’s degree. Social work courses will be offered online and once admitted, students will receive individual advising on the program and required courses.

"Students in rural counties do not have many affordable options to earn an undergraduate degree, particularly if they are working professionals,” said Dr. Stacey Kolomer, director of the UNC Wilmington School of Social Work. “At the heart of social work is social justice. We know there are not enough mental health and substance abuse counselors to serve in these rural areas, so the School of Social Work is excited to provide a pipeline to train professionals to meet the needs of their communities.”

Students who complete an associate degree in human services technology at Montgomery, South Piedmont and Richmond community colleges and the Bachelor of Social Work degree at UNC Wilmington can easily progress into the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing, thus shortening the length of their time in graduate school.

Articulation agreements with UNCW will open doors previously unavailable to community college graduates, creating a direct pipeline to numerous job opportunities in government, social and private settings. The School of Social Work also has articulation agreements with Cape Fear Community College and Carteret Community College.

“This partnership with Montgomery, South Piedmont and Richmond community colleges aligns with UNCW’s mission to provide access to high-quality education to residents of North Carolina, especially those in rural communities,” said UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety. “This collaboration will open doors for students to pursue a career in social work that can lead to greater economic mobility for the students and meet the state’s workforce needs.”

-- Amy Mangus

#CHHS

Front row (L to R): Stacey Kolomer, School of Social Work Director, UNCW; UNCW Chancellor Aswani K. Volety; Amy Frieary, Dean of Health and Human Services, Montgomery Community College

Back row (L to R): Stefanie Norris, Director of Transfer Programs, UNCW; Ryan Anthony, Dean of Health and Public Services, South Piedmont Community College; Chris Lantz, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Health and Human Services, UNCW; David Wheeler, Assistant Dean, School of Health and Public Services, South Piedmont Community College; Kevin Parson, Vice President for Instruction and Chief Academic Officer, Richmond Community College; Justine Reel, Interim Dean, College of Health and Human Services, UNCW; Jalen Little, Transfer Success Coordinator, UNCW