Location: Cullowhee & Asheville
Full Time or Part Time
Pre-Requisites: GRE Not Required
Time to Complete: 2-4 Years
$10,000 Stipends Available
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
A Master of Social Work Degree (MSW) prepares graduates for work in a variety of settings, including public agency work, private clinical practice, integrated healthcare, social service management and administration. A MSW is required for individuals who want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In addition, social workers with a MSW are eligible to obtain certifications from the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), and as a Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW). These credentials are especially important for those in clinical practice who depend on health insurance providers to reimburse them for services.
Entry into the MSW Program does not require a bachelor's degree in Social Work, but courses in Psychology, Biology, Economics, and Political Science are strongly recommended. Transfer students may have up to twelve semester hours of graduate credit with grades of B or better transferred from another CSWE-accredited MSW program.
The MSW program offers full-time (2 years of study) and part-time (3 or 4 year option) study and a full-time and part-time Advanced Standing Program for students with a BSW awarded in the prior 5 years. Change of status requests for movement between part-time and full-time is at the discretion of the MSW Program Director. Please note that the university considers students enrolled in the part-time program taking 9 or more hours as full-time students and tuition rates reflect this. Students who are pursuing integrated healthcare or addictions training may be eligible for a $10,000 stipend that is available during their final year of study. Classes are taught at both the WCU main campus in Cullowhee and in Asheville at the WCU Biltmore Park instructional site. For details, please see the sample schedule. Advanced Standing MSW Program. MSW Full-time or Part-time Program.
The MSW Program at Western Carolina University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). For additional information please refer to the MSW STUDENT MANUAL
Western Carolina’s Department of Social Work is seeking applicants who demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to the values of the Social Work profession. Consideration for admission will be given to those applicants who exemplify the greatest potential for successful scholarship through their past academic and/or work experiences.
The Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) Program requires 62 hours (two years) of graduate coursework beyond the bachelor degree from an accredited college or university.
Only complete application packets will be considered.
These following requirements are for admission to the regular full- or part-time Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Western Carolina University:
APPLICATION DEADLINES:
There are a number of ways that you can finance your Master's Degree.
For more information on funding your Masters of Social Work please contact Professor Beth Young at llyoung@wcu.edu or 828.227.3842.
MSW Graduate Application Checklist
Application Deadlines:
_____ Graduate School Application
_____ Official or unofficial transcripts: Send directly to the Graduate School or
upload to the online application
_____ 3 professional recommendations (at least one must be academic)
_____ Professional resume
_____ Personal Narrative Statement/supplemental questions
_____ List of liberal arts courses taken as an undergraduate
_____ Criminal Record Statement
_____ Nonrefundable $65.00 application fee
COMPETENCY |
COMPETENCY BENCHMARK GENERALIST |
PERCENT OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING |
COMPETENCY BENCHMARK ADVANCED GENERALIST SPECIALIZATION |
PERCENT OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING ADVANCED GENERALIST BENCHMARK |
1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior |
80% |
88.17% |
80% |
95.51% |
2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice |
80% |
90.90% |
80% |
91.30% |
3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice |
80% |
91.19% |
80% |
89.89% |
4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice |
80% |
83.26% |
80% |
96.73% |
5: Engage in Policy Practice |
80% |
83.90% |
80% |
88.35% |
6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities |
80% |
83.90% |
80% |
90.66% |
7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities |
80% |
90.80% |
80% |
92.81% |
8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities |
80% |
92.49% |
80% |
89.94% |
9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities |
80% |
86.63% |
80% |
96.99% |
Students in the two-year program will participate in two different field placements, while advanced standing students will participate in one specialized field placement.
Participation in the Child Welfare Education Collaborative Scholars Program is available at both the BSW and MSW levels.
MSW students interested in integrated healthcare may participate in this focus area and be eligible for a $10,000 stipend.
LEARN ABOUT THE INTEGRATED HEALTHCARE FOCUS AREA
MSW students who apply and are accepted must complete four elective classes focusing on Addictive Disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery, and complete their two semester specialization year internship with an approved Addictive Disorder treatment agency under a CSI or CCS level supervisor.
LEARN ABOUT THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
MSW students who apply for and are accepted to the School Social Work certification program must complete the online School Social Work elective (SOCW 528), an additional course from an approved list offered through the School of Education, and must complete their two semester Specialized year internship in an accredited school setting. Upon graduation, these students can apply for and receive North Carolina School Social Work Certification.