M.S. in Accountancy
The UNCW MSA program is a face-to-face, cohort-based program that can be completed in a...
Masters of Social Work
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The UNCW MSW program provides an engaging environment with meaningful field placements and collaborative projects focused on belonging and integrity. It offers two main tracks: Clinical and Macro social work. The Clinical track focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and behavioral disturbances, preparing students for direct practice roles. The Macro track emphasizes systemic change, working with large systems to advocate for vulnerable populations, influence public policy, conduct research, and organize community groups. Both tracks offer full-time (two-year), part-time (three-year hybrid), and Advanced Standing (one-year, for BSW graduates) options, providing flexibility for diverse student populations, including working professionals and military-affiliated individuals.
CSWE Accredited: The Master of Social Work program at UNCW is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is crucial as it signifies that the program meets national standards for quality social work education, ensuring that graduates are eligible for licensure in states that require a CSWE-accredited degree for professional practice. This accreditation also attests to the program's commitment to ethical practice, social justice, and the development of competent social work professionals.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to integrate social work knowledge, values, and skills, preparing students for a broad range of social work interventions. Core courses typically cover generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Key areas include human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policies, and research in social work practice. Students in the Clinical track delve into specialized coursework in solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and motivational theories, along with clinical practicum experiences. The Macro track focuses on advanced practice skills for community and organizational change. All students engage in extensive field education, which provides supervised practical experience in real-world social work settings, directly applying classroom knowledge.
Research Focus: As an R2 institution, UNCW's MSW program incorporates a strong focus on research, emphasizing evidence-based practice and the importance of scientific inquiry in social work. Students are trained to critically evaluate research and apply findings to inform their practice and advocate for effective interventions. The curriculum includes dedicated courses on research in social work practice, ensuring students develop the skills to conduct and utilize research. Faculty members are actively engaged in diverse research initiatives within the College of Health and Human Services, including areas related to health and wellness, social justice, and community-based interventions, providing opportunities for students to participate in faculty-led projects and contribute to the body of social work knowledge.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW MSW program is deeply committed to industry engagement through its comprehensive field education component. Students complete hundreds of hours of supervised practice in a wide variety of public and private settings that address every facet of life. These field placements allow students to gain direct experience in mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, non-profits, child welfare services, and correctional facilities, among others. The program also offers additional opportunities like certificates in addictions and veterinary social work, and a credential in School Social Work, as well as the Child Welfare Collaborative, a traineeship for future child welfare workers. These connections ensure graduates are prepared for the demands of the social work profession and build valuable professional networks.
Global Perspective: The UNCW MSW program fosters a global perspective by addressing societal problems that transcend national boundaries, such as social, racial, and economic inequities, and advocating for human rights and social justice on a broader scale. While grounded in the U.S. context, the program acknowledges the global nature of social work challenges. Students have opportunities to study abroad and participate in global social work through partnerships in locations like London, Ireland, and India. This exposure helps students understand diverse cultural contexts, global policy implications, and varied approaches to social work practice, preparing them to be effective advocates and practitioners in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) provides graduates with the advanced knowledge, values, and skills essential for a impactful career dedicated to social justice and improving the well-being of individuals, families, groups, and communities. As a CSWE-accredited program with both Clinical and Macro tracks, UNCW prepares versatile professionals capable of direct intervention, systemic advocacy, and administrative leadership across a wide array of settings.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): With the clinical track, graduates are on the path to becoming licensed to provide psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health and emotional disturbances in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, and community mental health clinics.
Child, Family, or School Social Worker: Graduates work to protect and support vulnerable children and families. This can involve child welfare services (investigating abuse/neglect, foster care/adoption support), providing direct services to families, or working within schools to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs.
Medical/Healthcare Social Worker: These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and other healthcare settings. They help patients and their families cope with illness, injury, and disability, navigate complex healthcare systems, access resources, and plan for post-discharge care.
Substance Abuse Counselor/Addiction Specialist: With specialized training (such as UNCW's addictions certificate), graduates provide counseling, intervention, and support to individuals struggling with substance use disorders, often in inpatient or outpatient treatment centers.
Community Organizer/Advocate: (Primarily Macro Track) Graduates work at a systemic level to empower communities, advocate for policy changes, and mobilize groups to address social issues like poverty, homelessness, and discrimination. They often work for non-profits, advocacy organizations, or government agencies.
Social Work Administrator/Program Manager: (Primarily Macro Track) These roles involve overseeing social service programs or organizations. Graduates manage budgets, supervise staff, develop policies, ensure program effectiveness, and secure funding to deliver essential social services.
Gerontological Social Worker: Specializing in the needs of older adults (potentially with UNCW's gerontology certificate), these professionals work in senior centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or home care agencies, providing support, resources, and advocacy for the aging population.
Corrections/Forensic Social Worker: Graduates can work within the criminal justice system in prisons, probation/parole offices, or forensic mental health settings. They provide counseling, rehabilitation support, and assist with reintegration into society for offenders.
Policy Analyst/Researcher (Social Welfare): (Primarily Macro Track) These professionals research, analyze, and evaluate social welfare policies and programs. They contribute to policy development, assess the impact of legislation, and advocate for evidence-based social policies that promote equity and justice.
Higher Education Instructor (Community College/Adjunct Faculty): An MSW degree often qualifies graduates to teach social work or human services courses at community colleges or serve as adjunct faculty at universities, preparing future social work professionals.
