How to Become a Social Worker in North Carolina
There are many advantages to living and working in North Carolina, such as the weather and the low cost of living. Whether you’re a resident or not, you might be attracted to it as a place to go to school or start your career. If you’re considering a career in social work, you should get to know North Carolina’s educational opportunities and licensing requirements. There are numerous on-campus and hybrid-online, accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs to choose from. Learn how to become a social worker in North Carolina, including education and licensure requirements and programs to attend.
Information below was retrieved November 2025 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Most social work licenses in North Carolina require a minimum of a master’s in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). But you also can complete a bachelor’s in social work and obtain a certified social worker license that lets you hold certain positions.
If you didn’t get a bachelor’s degree in social work, it isn’t too late to become a social worker. Many North Carolina MSW programs offer two-year paths that provide foundational and specialized education. You don’t have to have a BSW to get an MSW.
Once you’ve completed your accredited degree program, the next step is to apply for permission to take the appropriate exam with the Social Work Certification and Licensure Board. There’s a $145 application fee, and you’ll have to provide materials like an official transcript and three references from professors, supervisors, managers, or other mentors.
If you want to become a clinical social worker or a social work manager in North Carolina, you have to gain 3,000 hours and 2 years of post-graduate work experience. There are several components to this field experience. You need at least 100 hours of supervised work, and only a small amount of that can be from group supervision. You have to document your hours and supervision, and as a clinical associate, you have to update the Board on your program every six months.
The Board will approve you to take the exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Which exam you take depends on which license you’re pursuing. North Carolina has you take the ASWB Bachelor, ASWB Master, ASWB Clinical, or the ASWB Advanced Generalist exams, depending on the license you want.
You’ll notify the Board of passing the ASWB exam, and within a few weeks, you’ll receive your license or certification.
Social Work Degree Programs in North Carolina
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs
North Carolina colleges and universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in social work that are accredited by CSWE. You can attend classes on campus during a one- or two-year full-time program. Or you can find part-time programs while you work, whether classes take place on campus or are a mixture of online and in-person sessions. Universities also offer different concentrations and specialties. Some focus on general practice, while others emphasize clinical work. Having so many options can help you choose the best fit for your circumstances and career goals.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Appalachian State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Boone, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
East Carolina UniversityMaster of Social Work | Greenville, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Fayetteville State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Fayetteville, NC | 1+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Fayetteville universityMaster of Social Work | — | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
North Carolina Central UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Durham, NC | 1.5+ years | Full-Time |
North Carolina State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Raleigh, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of North Carolina at PembrokeMaster of Social Work | Pembroke, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of North Carolina, CharlotteMaster of Social Work | — | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of North Carolina at WilmingtonMaster of Social Work | Wilmington, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Social Work | Chapel Hill, NC | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs North Carolina
Also, as a North Carolina resident, you aren’t limited to online MSW programs in the state—you can seek online programs offered to out-of-state students. There are many online-only options, including those that focus on clinical training or advanced standing programs, if you already have a BSW. Looking at fully online programs also gives you the opportunity to look for universities that offer a specific concentration or specialty.
Most MSW programs require a certain amount of field experience, though. While you can pursue a degree online, you will have to find internship opportunities where you live.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
University of North Carolina, CharlotteMaster of Social Work | — | 3 years | Part-Time |
Social Work Licenses in North Carolina
North Carolina has four levels of credentials administered by the Social Work Certification and Licensure Board: certified social worker, certified master social worker, licensed clinical social worker, certified social work manager, and licensed clinical social worker associate. The first three levels are voluntary, but the state requires the fourth for social workers seeking a clinical license. You must obtain the associate license to gain the necessary clinical work experience.
Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Education: BSW program accredited by CSWE
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Apply to Board to take the ASWB Bachelors Exam
- Renewal: 2 years, $90 fee, 40 hours of continuing education
Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
- Education: MSW, Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or PhD in social work program accredited by CSWE
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Apply to Board to take ASWB Master’s Exam
- Renewal: 40 hours of continuing education
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Association (LCSWA)
- Education: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work program accredited by CSWE
- Work Experience: None
- Exam: Must pass the ASWB Clinical Exam within two years to renew
- Renewal: 2 years, $140 fee, 40 hours of continuing education. Cannot exceed six years (two renewal cycles).
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Education: MSW, DSW, or PhD in social work program accredited by CSWE
- Work Experience: LCSWA and 3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical social work services, including 100 hours of supervision by an LCSW in good standing. Must be accumulated between 2 and 6 years
- Exam: Apply to Board to take the ASWB Clinical Exam
- Renewal: 2 years, $150 fee, 40 hours of continuing education
Learn more about how to become a LCSW.
Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)
- Education: BSW, MSW, DSW or PhD in social work program accredited by CSWE
- Work Experience: 3,000 hours of post-degree paid employment in administrative social work duties, including 100 hours of supervision by a Board-certified administrator
- Exam: Apply to Board to take ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam
- Renewal: 2 years, $150 fee, 40 hours of continuing education
Social Work Salaries for North Carolina
One factor in deciding to pursue an MSW is the salary you can hope to earn. Salaries for MSWs vary by location, though. Be sure to look at statistics for potential practice locations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2024, the annual mean salaries for social workers in North Carolina were:
North Carolina Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in North Carolina | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family and School Social Workers | 13,960 | $59,010 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 4,650 | $65,690 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 2,700 | $58,300 |
Social Workers, All Other | 1,690 | $72,530 |
Information on the above social work salaries in North Carolina was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates North Carolina in November, 2025
These figures are for the entire state. Average salaries can vary by region. For example, the average salaries for some social worker positions are higher in the Durham metropolitan area than in the state overall. Salaries also vary depending on the setting, the position, your license, years of experience, and other factors.
North Carolina Social Work Scholarships
You might hesitate to go back to school without financial assistance. Luckily, there are often social work scholarships available. Mathematics. Always talk with a university or college about applying for scholarships. There might be some available to all students, to graduate students specifically, or to students in the social work program. You can also search social work associations for scholarship opportunities, such as the Presidents’ Award given to an MSW student member of the National Association of Social Workers, North Carolina Chapter.
North Carolina Social Work Organizations
There are numerous social work associations students and licensed professionals can join. They typically offer educational, training and networking opportunities, continuing education, and other support. In some cases, they have scholarship opportunities for social work students. Another reason to consider joining a social work association is for mentoring opportunities. Connecting with licensed professionals can help you understand what to expect during a job hunt and at the beginning of your career.
Social work organizations include:
- National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter
- North Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work
- School Social Work Association of America
- Council on Social Work Education
- American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work
- American Board of Examiners of Clinical Social Work
- Clinical Social Work Association
- Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work
- International Association for Social Work with Groups
- Association of Oncology Social Work
- Latino Social Workers Organization
- National Association of Puerto Rican Hispanic Social Workers
- National Association of Black Social Workers
- National Rural Social Work Caucus
- Society for Social Work and Research
- Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care
- Phi Alpha Honor Society
FAQs
The Board reviews each application individually and offers licenses based on verifying “substantial equivalence” with the other jurisdiction in terms of education and examination requirements. If you are licensed in another state when you move to North Carolina, you can apply for a license. Whether or not the Board grants you a license depends on whether you had similar training and passed the same exam North Carolina requires. If not, you might be required to pass an exam again.
Start a Career in Social Work in North Carolina
If you are interested in a career in social work, North Carolina offers several traditional and hybrid accredited MSW programs. The bottom line is there are enough options to fit any prospective student’s circumstances.
Information last updated: November 2025