Social Work, B.S.W. – Online

The timeframe for Lower Division may look different depending on the student. For first year students at UNC Charlotte with little to no credits previously earned, Lower Division will likely take two years. Lower Division may take transfer students or students with an associate’s degree less time if they have credits earned from a previous institution. All transfer students are encouraged to check with their advisor to review their status.

Lower Division (2 years):

• SOWK 1101 – The Field of Social Work
• SOWK 2182 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
• SOWK 2183 – Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
• BIOL 1110 – Principles of Biology I
• BIOL 1110L – Principles of Biology I Laboratory
• POLS 1575 – Foundations of American Democracy
• PSYC 1101 – General Psychology
• STAT 1222 – Introduction to Statistics
• SOCY 1101 – Introduction to Sociology

Students must complete at least 60 credits while in the Lower Division.

Total upper division credits: 60; Total credits in major: 80; Total credits to graduate: 120.

First Fall Semester of Upper Division (13 credit hours):

• SOWK 2184 – Writing for the Social Work Profession
• SOWK 3120 – Diversity and Populations-at-Risk
• SOWK 3180 – Case Management
• SOWK 3199 – Professional Behaviors, Ethics, and Communication
• SOWK 3201 – Foundations of Social Welfare

First Spring Semester of Upper Division (12-15 credit hours):

• SOWK 3202 – Social Welfare Policy
• SOWK 3133 – Community Engagement and Outreach
• SOWK 3181 – Practice Methods I
• PSYC 2151 – Psychology Distress, Dysfunction, and Disorders
• SOWK Elective (as needed)

Second Fall Semester of Upper Division (9-15 credit hours):

• SOWK 3182 – Practice Methods II
• SOWK 3482 – Social Work Practicum I
• SOWK 3900 – Social Work Research I
• SOWK Elective (as needed)

Second Spring Semester of Upper Division (9-15 credit hours):

• SOWK 3184 – Practice Methods III
• SOWK 3484 – Social Work Practicum II
• SOWK 3988 – Social Work Research II
• SOWK Elective (as needed)
• Population Group Course (as needed)

Our online program is thoughtfully designed specifically for virtual learning. Students receive the same rigorous curriculum, expert faculty, and engaging content as our in-person offerings. The difference lies in our online delivery method. Through live sessions and self-paced modules, our program ensures a rich and supportive educational experience that prepares students for meaningful careers in social work. 

Course Format & Scheduling 

Our online social work program offers an engaging learning experience through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous formats. Together, these formats ensure a comprehensive, interactive, and accessible education that prepares students for impactful careers in social work. Students should be comfortable navigating online platforms such as Canvas and Zoom. 

Asynchronous courses allow students to access lectures, readings, and assignments on their own schedule, making it easier to balance studies with personal and professional commitments. Although there are no live sessions, faculty are more than willing to connect virtually as needed to support student development. About 60% of our Upper Division Classes are asynchronous and primarily occur in the fall and spring semesters of junior year. Successful students thrive by managing their time well, staying organized, and engaging actively with course materials and discussions. They take initiative in their learning, seek out resources when needed, and maintain motivation without the structure of scheduled class meetings. 

Synchronous courses provide real-time interaction with professors and peers through live discussions, case studies, and collaborative activities fostering a strong sense of community and support. About 40% of Upper Division Classes are Synchronous. Live class sessions that occur via Zoom are typically scheduled to meet once a week; either Monday – Thursday evenings and/or Saturday mornings. Successful students come prepared and able to participate in live discussions in a quiet distraction free environment. Synchronous courses are still online; they just occur at a set time each week. 

Practicum Education

As the signature pedagogy, practicum education ensures that students gain real-world, in-person practice before entering the workforce. Our hands-on practicum allows future social workers to apply classroom knowledge in authentic settings, develop essential skills, and build confidence through supervised experience. We believe that meaningful, face-to-face engagement with individuals, families, and communities is vital to shaping competent, compassionate practitioners ready to make a difference. Our practicum education program takes place in the fall and spring of senior year and requires 225 in-person hours per semester, which is typically about 16 hours per week in addition to other required courses. Preparations for practicum begin during junior year.

Our online classes are offered through Canvas, a digital platform that will allow students to engage with interactive course content, submit assignments, track grades, and collaborate with their instructors and peers seamlessly from any location.

Canvas offers 24/7 support for students who have questions, and UNC Charlotte wants to empower students to succeed in their online coursework. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program should be prepared to:

• Navigate Canvas and other web materials
• Copy and paste
• Send emails and add email attachments
• Post and reply in discussion forums
• Use presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides
• Write and save essays in word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs
• Navigate online library databases