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
Admission to the Program
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:
(Please note: The GRE is no longer required for admission)
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, or a
2.85 on a 4.0 scale cumulatively
Adequate undergraduate preparation (18 semester hours) with a range of studies in
the liberal arts, humanities, physical sciences, diversity, and behavioral sciences-
an undergraduate degree in Social Work is not required for admission
Three letters of recommendation (at least one should be an academic recommendation)
Some Human Services-related experience, including volunteer work desirable
Funding Your MSW
There are a number of ways that you can finance your Master's Degree.
HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Stipend: This $10,000 stipend is available to second-year students who are interested in integrated care. There
are approximately 30 available each year. Learn More
HRSA Opioid Workforce Expansion Program Stipend: This $10,000 stipend is available to second-year students who are interested in addictive disorder treatment.
There are approximately thirty available per year. Learn More
Graduate Assistantships: Teaching and research graduate assistantships are available to a limited number of
qualified graduate students. An assistantship is a paid academic appointment made
to a graduate student that involves part-time teaching or research employment. Learn More
Fellowships and Scholarships: Graduate students can be considered for a number of scholarships. In order to be
considered for scholarships awarded by WCU, you must submit the online scholarship
application prior to February 1st for the following fall. Explore More
Financial Aid: Federal loans, grants, and more are available by filling out your FAFSA and applying. Discover More
For more information on funding your Masters of Social Work please contact Dr. Tonya
Westbrook at twestbrook@wcu.edu or 828.227.2578.
Application Checklist
MSW Graduate Application Checklist
_____ 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
MSW Learning Outcomes Spring 2020
COMPETENCY
COMPETENCY BENCHMARK
GENERALIST
PERCENT OF STUDENTS ACHIEVING GENERALIST BENCHMARK
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%
Field Work
Students in the two-year program will participate in two different field placements,
while advanced standing students will participate in one specialized field placement.
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
School Social Work Certification
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. LEARN ABOUT school SOCIAL WORK CERTIFICATion
