The School of Social Work is committed to turning today's students into tomorrow's leaders. Underscoring this objective is a rigorous curriculum that empowers students to be active and responsible learners. Courses are led by faculty who value evidence-based practice and the importance of self-reflection. The School of Social Work promotes a supportive academic environment. Students, with faculty and staff assistance, design a plan of study that best suits their academic and professional goals and provides a thorough and enriching educational experience.
The MSW program is designed to educate social workers for advanced practice. Graduates are prepared to provide leadership in the development of socially- and economically-just policies that strengthen individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
With full-time, 3-year distance education and advanced standing options, the School offers a variety of ways for you to obtain your MSW degree. Concentration options include direct practice and community, management and policy practice.
The School also offers Dual Degree programs coordinated jointly with UNC's School of Public Health, School of Law, Department of Public Administration, and Duke University's Divinity School.
Building on our nationally recognized master's program in social work,the Ph.D. program prepares graduates to be leaders in their profession by conducting research on innovative social interventions and sharing their work through writing and teaching. Our graduates are well prepared to assume leadership roles at the state, national and international level.
Since the program's inception in 1994, our doctoral graduates have influenced the field of social work through their engagement in research at all academic levels, including faculty appointments at top universities in the nation such as Boston College, Columbia University, Florida State University, University of Michigan, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Virginia Commonwealth University and Washington University. Our graduates have also accepted prestigious post-doctoral positions at Duke University, University of Kentucky, and Yale University; and research positions at Child Trends, Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, and the UNC Sheps Center for Health Services Research.
Additionally, the School offers certificate and licensure training opportunities.