One of the best ways to become directly involved in the causes closest to your heart is by becoming a social worker. In this role, you’ll work directly with individuals and families who face a range of critical issues, from homelessness and food insecurity to concerns related to immigration to domestic violence, among many other problems. As a first responder for those in urgent need, you’ll serve as a lifeline who can help struggling people reclaim their lives.
Social workers in North Carolina play an immeasurable role in supporting the state’s most vulnerable communities. Because of this, licensure requirements in the state stipulate that all social work practitioners must hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in order to qualify for any level of social work license.
One must hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject to become an eligible applicant for an MSW program, and in turn, obtain a social work license. Students who know prior to attending undergraduate college that they would like to pursue social work careers may feel daunted by the amount of schooling ahead of them in order to become licensed social workers. Those in this position have an excellent opportunity to speed up this process by pursuing Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degrees.
For those who don’t yet hold undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Social Work is an option that will allow you to foreground your career goals before you enter graduate school and accelerate your educational journey in the long run.
There are many opportunities for prospective students to find excellent BSW degree programs in North Carolina that will allow them to get their feet wet in the field and ultimately allow them to start thriving social work careers as quickly as possible. To learn more about getting a Bachelor of Social Work in N.C., read on.
Why Get a BSW in North Carolina?
There are two primary reasons to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work degree. The first is to gain exposure to the complex field of social work as early as possible, cultivating a depth of knowledge and skills that most social work students don’t pick up until graduate school.
The second reason to get a BSW is even more practical: by attending a Bachelor of Social Work program, you can eliminate a full year of graduate school, reducing your overall class time so that you can obtain your license and begin working as a social worker on the shortest possible timeline.
Those with BSWs have the unique opportunity to enroll in Advanced Standing MSWs, which take only a year to complete, as opposed to the traditional two.
This is because the coursework included in a BSW curriculum covers the same material students learn in the first year of a traditional MSW program. To avoid redundancy and help motivated students complete their social work education more quickly, many MSW programs offer this expedited track to BSW holders. It is not possible to enroll in an Advanced Standing MSW program if you hold a bachelor’s degree in any other subject.
For those taking the long view of their educational path, the 5 year BSW / MSW program track offers a significant advantage: a year less of school, and in turn less class time, lower costs of tuition, and a faster track to your career goals. This can be motivating as a student, putting your finish line in closer reach than for those who must complete 2 year MSW programs.
BSW Programs: An Overview
Those who attend BSW programs in North Carolina will gain an extensive foundational knowledge of the social work profession, as well as targeted insights into the most critical civic issues in the state. These will ground future social workers in the contextual information needed to support those in critical situations, as well as offering skill-building opportunities that will build competency before you’ve even started your career.
Course Requirements
Coursework in a BSW program can vary depending on where you are receiving your degree, but your education is likely to include the following topics:
- Social welfare policy and services
- Social work focus areas
- Cultural competence and diversity
- Social work ethics
- Human behavior and psychology
- Research methods in social work
This array of topics will help students gain a broad understanding of the social work profession, allowing them to explore the issues and areas that most speak to them.
For many BSW students, foundational courses can offer an illuminating first step, pointing them toward the specializations that will later become the focus of their careers.
For more information about social work focus areas, take a look at our guide here.
Field Work
In addition to traditional classes, those in BSW programs will typically be expected to complete field work at social work organizations, much like in an MSW program. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring social workers to gain firsthand knowledge of different professional paths within the field, trying out different roles and types of social service organizations to help them determine their own individual goals for their future practices.
BSW Programs in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to numerous CSWE-accredited BSW programs in locations all over the state, making it possible for students in a variety of locations to pursue their education without relocating. Many of these programs also offer an online option, making a Bachelor of Social Work degree even more accessible (for more information on that, see the section below).
North Carolina accredited colleges with BSW programs include the following:
- Appalachian State University
- Barton College
- Bennett College
- Campbell University
- East Carolina University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Livingstone College
- Mars Hill University
- Meredith College
- Methodist University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- North Carolina Central University
- North Carolina State University
- Shaw University
- UNC Charlotte
- UNC Greensboro
- UNC Pembroke
- UNC Wilmington
- UNC Winston Salem
- Warren Wilson College
- Western Carolina University
- Winston-Salem State University
As prospective students can see, this range of options puts a stellar Bachelor of Social Work education within reach for people living all over the state of North Carolina.
Online BSW Programs in North Carolina: Making Quality Education More Accessible for All
One of the most important recent developments in social work education – and in fact, in higher education overall – is the arrival of online courses. These have proven to be a significant boon for prospective students, who now have the opportunity to pursue their degrees with greater scheduling flexibility and without the burden of commuting or even moving to be closer to school.
Many BSW programs in North Carolina offer online options that host all classes virtually, allowing students who are working or holding other outside responsibilities to attend class more easily.
The convenience of online BSW programs can make all the difference in making school an option for students who are juggling other duties.
For those concerned with the high cost of school, there are many affordable online BSW programs in North Carolina, though it’s crucial to make sure they are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Only those who have attended accredited will be eligible to apply for MSW programs in the future, so this is an absolute must for BSW applicants.
Application Requirements for BSW Programs
Every Bachelor of Social Work degree program in North Carolina will have its own particular application requirements, but almost every school will ask applicants to provide the following:
- High school diploma or GED
- Academic transcript and GPA
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT – optional at some schools)
- Teacher or colleague recommendation(s)
- Personal statement
With this in mind, it’s nevertheless imperative to take a close look at the individual requirements of each school on your list. After all, different schools will provide different applications, some of which may ask additional questions or call for statements of different lengths. Make sure to do this research early into the application process so that you are well prepared for each BSW program’s specific expectations.
BSW Social Work Jobs in N.C.
In order to hold the full responsibilities of a social worker, one must hold state licensure, which is overseen by the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB).
One is not eligible to become a licensed social worker in North Carolina with a BSW alone, but a BSW will qualify you for entry-level positions at social work organizations that can provide valuable exposure to the field.
These roles typically take on administrative or assistant responsibilities in social work organizations, supporting licensed practitioners to ensure the highest quality services to clients. Some of the top BSW jobs in N.C. include the following:
- Administrative assistant
- Case worker
- Service coordinator
- Human services specialist
- Behavioral management aide
- Juvenile court liaison
While those who hold BSWs are immediately eligible to pursue their MSWs, some choose to pause their education after obtaining their undergraduate degree so that they can focus on working in the field. Those who do can gain meaningful insights that can help them direct their graduate studies toward the work they most want to do as licensed social workers.
Further, there are some BSWs who do not wish to pursue licensure but are happy to play these supportive roles in social work organizations. After all, these positions are of vital importance to social work organizations, helping them to run smoothly and support the large volume of clients who rely on their services. If this is your decision, you’ll be providing crucial assistance to the organization where you work, and in turn, contribute immensely to the causes you care most about.
Entry-level social work experience can also be valuable on your resume if you attend a Master of Social Work program and obtain your license at a later date. This will reflect to employers that you have a rich knowledge of the ins and outs of the social work profession and are well-equipped to take on the daily responsibilities of a social work career.
Higher-Ranking Social Work Jobs for MSW Holders
Those who attend BSW programs may be motivated by the higher-ranking roles they will be able to take on once they complete their MSW programs and obtain their social work licenses. Job titles for full-fledged social workers will vary depending on your license type – Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Job titles for licensed social workers can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Program director
- Service coordinator
- Case manager
- Therapist and counselor
- School counselor
- Community outreach organizer
- Client advocate
As you can see, those who hold MSWs (and proper licensure) have more opportunities to work directly with clients as well as take on leadership roles within social work organizations.
For more information on social work license types, take a look at our guide here.
Social Worker Salaries in North Carolina
Your salary as a social worker will be dependent on the type of work you do, the license level you hold, and the type of social work organization where you work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in North Carolina earn the following median annual salaries:
- Child, family, and school social worker salary: $53,630 per year
- Health care and hospital social worker salary: $64,590 per year
- Mental health and substance abuse social worker salary: $52,640 per year
- Social worker salaries, all other: $68,270 per year
Since these figures reflect median salaries, prospective social workers should understand that they can earn higher salaries than those listed here. However, the key determining factor in one’s pay as a social worker is seniority. This can be amassed through experience, as well as through your license level.
Because those who only hold Bachelor of Social Work degrees do not have the same qualifications as fully licensed social workers, BSW salaries in N.C. are likely to be lower than those who have attended Master of Social Work programs. The opportunity to earn more as a social worker can be a source of motivation for BSWs who are unsure whether to continue with school after graduating from their bachelor’s program.
All data taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2022 reports, accessed July 2024.
FAQs
Can I obtain a social work license with a BSW alone?
No. In North Carolina, it is only possible to obtain a social work license if you hold a Master of Social Work degree, as well as completing additional licensing requirements such as supervised field work hours.
What is an Advanced Standing MSW program?
An Advanced Standing MSW program is an abridged version of an MSW program that is only available to those who hold BSW degrees. Because the coursework in BSW programs overlaps with the first year of an MSW program, students who hold BSWs are eligible to eliminate the first year of their MSW program, reducing the total duration of the program to a year (as opposed to the standard two years for non-BSW holders).
What jobs are available for those who hold BSWs but not MSWs?
Those who have BSWs but have not attended MSW programs are eligible for entry-level positions in social work organizations, which typically are assistant roles. These jobs can include aides to counselors and therapists, administrative assistants, and service coordinators who report to higher-ranking managers and directors.
Can I become a social worker in North Carolina without a license?
No. In North Carolina (and most other parts of the country), one can only acquire a social work license and assume the full responsibilities of a social worker if they hold a Master of Social Work degree. This is to assure that all who hold high responsibilities in social work organizations have received the comprehensive training and education needed to carry out their roles with skill and expertise.