University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The MSW curriculum combines foundation coursework in social work practice, human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy, research methods and ethics with advanced coursework and concentrated field education. Students follow either the traditional two‑year pathway or an advanced‑standing option for graduates of accredited BSW programmes, allowing earlier progression to specialised study.

• Core modules: social welfare policy and services, practice with individuals and families, group work, community practice, research methods and evaluation, human development across the lifespan.
• Advanced practice options: clinical practice (assessment, diagnosis, evidence‑based interventions), community and organisational practice, policy and administration. Students tailor their pathway through elective modules.
• Specialist topics and electives: child and family services, gerontology and ageing, behavioural health and substance use, trauma‑informed practice, school social work, health and medical social work, homelessness and housing instability, community organising and social justice.
• Field education: substantial supervised practicum placements in community agencies, hospitals, schools, courts and government organisations are integrated across the programme to build applied skills and professional competence. Placements are arranged through the school’s field office and are matched to students’ learning goals.
• Capstone and research: students complete a practicum capstone or research project demonstrating synthesis of practice, policy and research skills; coursework emphasises outcomes measurement and culturally responsive practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Admissions typically assess academic preparation, relevant experience, and fit with the programme’s values and practice emphasis.

• Official transcripts demonstrating strong undergraduate performance; programmes may consider overall GPA and performance in relevant coursework.
• A personal statement or statement of purpose describing professional goals, practice interests and experience with diverse populations.
• Current résumé or curriculum vitae outlining education, employment, volunteer and practicum experience.
• References: usually two to three professional or academic references that can speak to your readiness for graduate social work education.
• Advanced standing applicants: an accredited BSW and evidence of strong academic performance in the BSW programme; advanced standing shortens the time to degree by recognising prior coursework.
• Additional requirements: many students must complete background checks, immunisation records and agency onboarding for practicum placements; selection interviews may be part of the process for shortlisted applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MSW move into clinical, community, administrative and policy roles across public, private and non‑profit sectors. The degree prepares practitioners for licensure pathways where applicable and for leadership positions that shape service delivery and social policy.

• Clinical social worker or therapist in mental health, hospitals, community clinics or private practice (licensure requirements vary by state).
• Medical or hospital social worker supporting patients and families in health care settings.
• School social worker (often requiring additional certification) working with students, families and schools.
• Program manager, director or administrator in non‑profit organisations, child welfare agencies, housing services or community health programmes.
• Policy analyst, advocate or consultant in government, think tanks and advocacy organisations focused on welfare, health, juvenile justice or poverty alleviation.
• Community organiser and coalition builder working on systems change, public engagement and social justice initiatives.
• Research assistant or coordinator and a route to doctoral study for those interested in academic or high‑level research careers.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The School of Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill combines a long history of social work education with strong links to community partners across the state, offering a rich array of practicum placements in urban and rural settings. Faculty are active researchers and practitioners in areas such as mental health, child welfare, ageing, health disparities and community interventions, enabling students to learn from evidence‑based practice and applied scholarship.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with other schools and centres at the university, including public health, medicine, public policy and law, expanding opportunities for coursework, research and placement. The school also provides structured field education support, career services and an alumni network to help graduates transition into professional roles across clinical, organisational and policy settings.