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Online, On campus
Master of Social Work (MSW)
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Program Overview
Make Your Mark on Society
Through the Advanced Generalist Master of Social Work program, you can prepare to have an impact from a broad range of clinical and community practice roles. UNC Charlotte’s program embraces the profession’s commitment to social and economic equity, individual and community well-being, and scientific inquiry. It will enable you to synthesize and apply a broad range of knowledge and skills to refine and advance the quality of social work practice and the profession.
Program Contact
Still trying to decide?
Find out more about graduate education at UNC Charlotte by requesting information and attending an upcoming information session
Ready to apply?
Your future is calling. Embrace this opportunity to advance your academic journey by starting your application today.
Meet Nolan Winters, Proud Niner & MSW Graduate
At Charlotte, Nolan Winters found more than a degree — he found the tools, support, and real-world experiences to lead change. With hands-on internships and inspiring mentors, he built the skills and confidence to strengthen communities and empower lives. Proud to be a Niner, Nolan is shaping a better tomorrow.
Application Deadlines
- Priority Deadline
- January 15
- Applicants are encouraged to submit their documents (i.e., application, resume, transcripts, etc.) at least 30-45 days before the priority deadline for the particular plan of interest
- Applications submitted after January 15th will be reviewed by the School of Social Work on a space-available basis
Application Requirements
Secure your road to academic success by reviewing the Graduate School’s general application requirements.
For specific program tips on what to include in your application, please visit the MSW FAQs Page.
Admissions Requirements
- Accredited Undergraduate Degree:
- Advanced Standing: Earned a baccalaureate social work (BSW) degree accredited by CSWE (USA), CASWE (Canada), or ISWDRES-evaluated (International).
- Applicants in their final year of study in a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants who have earned a BSW within the past ten years from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Applicants who have earned a BSW within the past seven years and have opted for the full 60-credit MSW program (traditional/campus-based and online/Distance Education) rather than Advanced Standing will not be expected to repeat courses where they have demonstrated mastery. They can substitute courses. See the Course Substitution Policy in the MSW Student Handbook.
- Standard Admittance: Earned a baccalaureate degree or its U.S. equivalent from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body. See the Graduate Catalog Glossary for a list of accrediting bodies.
- GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) as indicated by transcripts
- If an applicant has earned or attempted a post-baccalaureate degree (i.e., a master’s, doctoral, or other), grades in that program will also be taken into consideration.
- Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are rarely admitted. Those admitted typically present other strong indicators of academic success—such as a GPA close to 3.0, substantial professional experience, or completion of a graduate degree or certificate in a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Three professional recommendations
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose addressing all of the following in no more than four (4) double-spaced pages:
- Describe why you want to become a master’s level social worker.
- Discuss how the MSW program at UNC Charlotte and the plan of study (program option) will help you achieve your career goals.
- Describe the population(s) and/or social problems(s) you are interested in. Additionally, explain how a social worker might address these challenges at the economic, environmental or community level.
- Using the principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, describe how you think a social worker can bring about social change.
Tuition
Current tuition rates are available through Niner Central. There are several sources of funding available to assist in paying for a graduate program at UNC Charlotte.
Use our Cost Calculator to get a clear picture of the estimated costs for UNC Charlotte’s graduate programs. Share your information to receive tips, updates, and resources on making your graduate education more affordable.
Wondering if you are considered in-state or out-of-state for tuition? Learn more about residency requirements.
Sample Course List
1-Year Plan of Study (Advanced Standing) (Campus-based)
The 1-Year Advanced Standing plan of study is designed for students who have earned a BSW from an accredited social work program within the past seven years and wish to pursue the MSW through an on-campus format. Advanced Standing students are not required to complete the generalist curriculum for the MSW. Under the 1-Year Advanced Standing plan of study, the MSW can be completed in one calendar year, May to May. Students complete 39 graduate credit hours, which includes 33 credit hours in the classroom and 6 credits in an approved practicum placement.
Classes begin during the Extended Summer Session and meet on the main university campus for 10 weeks in the summer months. In the Summer, Advanced Standing students complete 9 hours of graduate-level work. In the Fall and Spring semesters, students complete the remainder of the specialized curriculum alongside those completing the 2-Year plan of study.
The 1-Year Advanced Standing plan of study is outlined below.
Extended Summer Session (9 credits)
- SOWK 6232 Practice and Program Evaluation (3)
- SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change
- SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)
Fall (15 credits)
- SOWK 7122 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
- SOWK 7126 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3)
- SOWK 7222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations (3)
- SOWK 7443 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring (15 credits)
- SOWK 7127 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3)
- SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities (3)
- SOWK 7651 Reflection and Synthesis (3)
- SOWK 7444 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3)
- Elective (3)
Total Program Credits = 39
2-Year Plan of Study (Campus-based)
The 2-Year MSW plan of study is designed for students to complete the MSW through two years of intensive study. The generalist curriculum is completed during the first semester of study, and the specialized curriculum is completed during the remaining three semesters. Classes meet at the main university campus. Students complete a total of 60 graduate credit hours, which includes 48 credit hours in the classroom and 12 credits in an approved practicum placement.
The 2-Year plan of study is outlined below:
Year One
Fall (15 credits)
- SOWK 6121 Social Work Practice: Theories and Skills (3)
- SOWK 6131 Social Work Research (3)
- SOWK 6141 Foundations of Social Work (3)
- SOWK 6151 Social Work, Social Justice, and Diversity (3)
- SOWK 6441 Foundation Social Work Practicum I (3)
Spring (15 Credits)
- SOWK 6232 Practice & Program Evaluation (3)
- SOWK 6242 Advocacy & Policy Change (3)
- SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)
- SOWK 6442 Foundation Social Work Practicum II (3)
- Elective (3)
Year Two
Fall (15 Credits)
- SOWK 7122 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
- SOWK 7126 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3)
- SOWK 7222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations (3)
- SOWK 7443 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring (15 credits)
- SOWK 7127 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3)
- SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities (3)
- SOWK 7651 Reflection & Synthesis (3)
- SOWK 7444 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3)
- Elective (3)
Total Program Credits = 60 credits
1-Year Online Plan of Study (Advanced Standing)
The 1-Year Advanced Standing online plan of study is designed for students who have earned a BSW from an accredited social work program within the past seven years and wish to pursue the MSW through an on-campus format. Advanced Standing students are not required to complete the generalist curriculum for the MSW. Under the 1-Year Advanced Standing plan of study, the MSW can be completed in one calendar year, May to May. Students complete 39 graduate credit hours, which includes 33 credit hours in the classroom and 6 credits in an approved practicum placement.
Classes begin during the Extended Summer Session and meet 10 weeks in the summer months online. In the Summer, Advanced Standing students complete 9 hours of graduate-level work. In the Fall and Spring semesters, students complete the remainder of the specialized curriculum along with students completing the 2 and 3-Year plan of study.
The 1-Year Advanced Standing Online plan of study is outlined below:
Extended Summer Session (9 credits)
- SOWK 6232 Practice and Program Evaluation (3)
- SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change
- SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)
Fall (15 credits)
- SOWK 7122 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
- SOWK 7126 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3)
- SOWK 7222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations (3)
- SOWK 7443 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3)
- Elective (3)
Spring (15 credits)
- SOWK 7127 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3)
- SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities (3)
- SOWK 7651 Reflection and Synthesis (3)
- SOWK 7444 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3)
- Elective (3)
Total Program Credits = 39
2-Year Online Plan of Study (Advanced Standing)
The 2-Year Advanced Standing Distance Education (DE) plan of study is designed for students who have earned a BSW from an accredited social work program within the past seven years and wish to pursue the MSW through a Distance Education (online) format. Advanced Standing students are not required to complete the generalist curriculum for the MSW. Under the 2-Year Advanced Standing DE plan of study, the MSW can be completed over the course of two academic years (summer/fall/spring semester for two years). Students complete 39 graduate credit hours, which includes 33 credit hours in the classroom and 6 credits in an approved practicum placement.
The 2-Year Advanced Standing DE plan of study is offered with fully online classes. All courses in the program are offered in synchronous “live” and asynchronous “not live” learning experiences. Synchronous means students and instructors will log in at the same time for live virtual classes. Asynchronous means students do not have to log in at the same time as other students and instructors, as they can complete assignments when it is convenient for them, as long as they are completed by their weekly due dates.
During the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters, students continue to take courses through online classes, and during the second year, they also complete a practicum placement on other days of the week. The practicum placement requires a total of 16 hours per week on-site at a social work services agency under the supervision of someone with an MSW.
Students must be living within the United States to be enrolled in the Distance Education MSW program.
The 2-Year Advanced Standing DE plan of study is outlined below. Course sequence may vary slightly depending on year of entry. Electives can be taken at any time.
Year One
Summer (6-9 credits)
- SOWK 6232 Practice and Program Evaluation (3)
- SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3) SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change (3)
Fall (6 credits)
- SOWK 7122 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
- SOWK 7222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations (3)
Spring (6-9 credits)
- SOWK 7127 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3)
- SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities (3)
Year Two
Summer (6 credits)
- Elective (3)
- Elective (3)
Fall (6 credits)
- SOWK 7126 Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups (3)
- SOWK 7443 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3)
Spring (6 credits)
- SOWK 7651 Reflection & Synthesis (3)
- SOWK 7444 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3)
Total Program Credits = 39
3-Year Online Plan of Study
The 3-Year Distance Education (DE) MSW plan of study is designed for students who wish to complete an MSW but cannot attend graduate school full-time. The 3-year DE MSW can be completed over the course of three academic years. Students take the same courses as students in the 2-Year plan of study, but at a slower progression. They complete 60 graduate credit hours, which includes 48 credit hours in the classroom and 12 credits in approved practicum placements.
The 3-Year DE plan of study is offered with fully online classes. All courses in the program are offered in synchronous “live” and asynchronous “not live” learning experiences. Synchronous means students and instructors will log in at the same time for live virtual classes. Asynchronous means students do not have to log in at the same time as other students and instructors. They can complete assignments when it is convenient for them as long as they are completed by their weekly due dates.
During the Summer, Fall and Spring semesters, students continue to take courses through online classes, and during the last two years, they also complete the generalist practicum placement during other days of the week. The practicum placement requires a total of 16 hours per week on-site at a social work services agency under the supervision of someone with an MSW.
Students do have the option of enrolling in hybrid or face-to-face elective courses for those who prefer additional learning opportunities. Please note that regular main campus tuition rates will be charged for optional hybrid or face-to-face courses, and these are not eligible for the distance education rate.
Students must be living within the United States to be enrolled in the Distance Education MSW program. Priority seating is given to North Carolina residents and those in the surrounding region. The program is able to accommodate students from other regions of the U.S. on a limited basis.
The 3-Year Distance Education plan of study is outlined below. Course sequence may vary slightly depending on year of entry. Electives can be taken earlier than year three.
Year One
Summer (6 credits)
- SOWK 6121 Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (3)
- SOWK 6141 Foundations of Social Work (3)
Fall (6 credits)
- SOWK 6131 Social Work Research (3)
- SOWK 6151 Social Work, Social Justice, & Diversity (3)
Spring (6 credits)
- SOWK 6242 Advocacy and Policy Change (3)
- SOWK 6232 Practice and Program Evaluation (3)
Year Two
Summer (3 credits)
- SOWK 6252 Mental Health Assessment (3)
Fall (9 credits)
- SOWK 7122 Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals (3)
- SOWK 7222 Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations (3)
- SOWK 6441 Foundation Social Work Practicum I (3)
Spring (9 credits)
- SOWK 7127 Advanced Social Work Practice with Families (3)
- SOWK 7223 Advanced Social Work Practice with Communities (3)
- SOWK 6442 Foundation Social Work Practicum II (3)
Year Three
Summer (3 credits)
- Elective (3)
Fall (9 credit hours)
- SOWK 7126 Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Groups (3)
- SOWK 7443 Advanced Social Work Practicum I (3)
- Elective (3) – electives can be taken at any time; many students choose to take electives during the second summer session
Spring (9 credits)
- SOWK 7651 Reflection and Synthesis (3)
- SOWK 7444 Advanced Social Work Practicum II (3)
- Elective (3) – electives can be taken at any time; many students choose to take electives during the second summer session
Total Program Credits = 60
FAQs
Visit the MSW FAQ page to learn about application tips, transfer credits, the Distance Education (online) MSW program, and more.
Why Choose Social Work?
Social work is more than a career — it’s a commitment to people and progress. Grounded in values like dignity, justice, service and integrity, social workers are trained to support individuals and advocate for change in the systems around them.
At Charlotte, you’ll learn to see the full picture — understanding not just personal struggles, but the social and political forces that shape them. Whether you’re supporting families, leading community programs or pushing for policy reform, social work empowers you to make a lasting difference.
From the Classroom to the Community
The experiences of Charlotte MSW students and graduates reflect the heart of social work — where learning, fieldwork and service come together to create real-world impact.
What Sets Charlotte’s MSW Apart
From career preparation to real-world experience, the Master of Social Work program at Charlotte gives you the tools, support, and community to thrive.
Real-World Learning, Real Impact
Each Charlotte MSW student completes a 464-hour practicum with one of nearly 200 partner agencies across the Charlotte region. From urban clinics to rural outreach organizations, placements are tailored to student interests — giving you the chance to serve vulnerable communities, apply your learning in the field, and grow as a future social worker.
Learn from Leaders in the Field
Our faculty bring deep experience, passion and real-world insight to every classroom and conversation. At Charlotte, you’ll learn from mentors who are shaping the future of social work — and are just as committed to helping you shape yours.
Start Your Journey at Charlotte
From exploring our beautiful campus to planning your investment in your future, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Attend a Virtual Information Session
May
04
Grad School 101: Start Your Program Search with Confidence
Start your graduate school journey and join us for our virtual session “Grad School 101: Start Your Program Search with…
May
04
Grad School 101: Start Your Program Search with Confidence
Start your graduate school journey and join us for our virtual session “Grad School 101: Start Your Program Search with…
May
05
Know Before You Go: Essential Steps for Newly Admitted Students
Leading up to your first day as a graduate student at UNC Charlotte, here are some helpful tips and tricks…
May
05
Know Before You Go: Essential Steps for Newly Admitted Students
Leading up to your first day as a graduate student at UNC Charlotte, here are some helpful tips and tricks…
May
06
Niners in the Queen City: Exploring Life in Charlotte and…
Discover what life is like in Charlotte and North Carolina as a graduate student at UNC Charlotte. This session covers…
May
06
Niners in the Queen City: Exploring Life in Charlotte and…
Discover what life is like in Charlotte and North Carolina as a graduate student at UNC Charlotte. This session covers…
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