North Carolina – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Online MSW programs in North Carolina are a good fit for prospective social workers who must manage work, family, or other responsibilities while earning their degree. Explore this guide to learn about the state’s accredited online MSW programs, what to expect once enrolled, and career and salary information.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in North Carolina
- Appalachian State University
- Areas of Concentration: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Enrollment Options: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, multiple cohorts per year
- East Carolina University
- Areas of Concentration: Advanced Generalist
- Certification Options: Addictions, Gerontology
- Enrollment Options: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends Only
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Areas of Concentration: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
- Dual-Degree Options: Law, Public Administration, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
- Enrollment Options: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Areas of Concentration: Advanced Generalist
- Certification Options: Child Welfare, School Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke
- Area of Concentration: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Wingate University
- Area of Concentration: Transformative Social Work
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple Cohorts
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in North Carolina
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only nationally recognized accreditation organization for social work programs. The CSWE oversees social work education across the U.S., ensuring that programs meet nationally established academic and professional standards.
To become a licensed social worker in North Carolina, you need a master’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. CSWE accreditation ensures that programs provide students with the competencies needed to obtain licensure from the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board and enter professional practice.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in North Carolina
Online programs have become increasingly popular for students seeking a social work degree. If you need to manage work or personal commitments while earning your degree, online MSW programs offer flexible scheduling that allows you to complete coursework at your convenience.
Online programs offer tuition, housing, and transportation cost savings compared to campus-based degrees. Online learning can take place anywhere with a WiFi connection, so you can choose a program outside your geographical area that offers the curriculum or specializations that best fit your goals.
When choosing an online MSW that works for you, find out about on-campus residencies, delivery formats, and other program components that may require in-person attendance.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
Online MSW programs in North Carolina use different delivery formats. Some programs feature completely online instruction, while others may require regular live sessions or hybrid schedules.
- 100% Online: All courses are delivered online in a 100% online program. Although you may never have to attend classes on campus, some fully online programs may require you to log in to live classes at specific times or travel to in-person residencies and field experiences.
- Hybrid: A hybrid format blends online learning with on-campus courses often scheduled on weekends or evenings. Hybrid programs that require in-person components appeal to online learners who benefit from directed guidance from faculty and interaction with peers.
- Asynchronous: If you are a self-motivated and independent learner, asynchronous online course formats offer you the most flexibility. You may log in to asynchronous classes whenever you choose, access recorded lectures and course materials at your own pace and participate in discussion boards with faculty and students when convenient.
- Synchronous: A synchronous online format delivers online classes live at regularly scheduled days and times. Although less flexible than asynchronous classes, synchronous formats can offer a more structured learning environment, providing direct feedback from faculty and encouraging engagement with other students.
Online and on-campus MSW programs both include in-person field placements and internships that require travel. Some programs help distance learners arrange these required field experiences near their residences.
North Carolina Social Worker Career and Salary Information
The career outlook for social workers in North Carolina is promising. North Carolina’s population is projected to reach over 11.7 million by 2030, driving the demand for healthcare professionals, including social workers. The fastest-growing social work fields in the state, healthcare and mental health and substance use specializations, will increase by at least 15% between 2022 and 2032.
Social work salaries in North Carolina depend on several factors, including education, years of experience, licensure level, and specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual earnings in the state for all social work specializations range from $52,000 to $68,000. North Carolina social work salaries rank slightly below the national average, ranging from $59,000 to $68,000.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $53,630 | 14.2% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $64,590 | 16.6% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $52,640 | 15.1% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $68,270 | 9.6% |
