Social Work
Virtual Open House - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: 5 p.m.
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more about Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp, understand the Graduate School application process, and meet key program representatives.
Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp offers an in person, 62 credit hour Master of Social Work (MSW) program and a 33 credit hour Advanced Standing MSW programs for individuals who have earned their Bachelor of Social Work Degree within the last 5 years. The Advanced Standing MSW can be completed in 10 months. Both programs are offered at our Cullowhee Campus and our Biltmore Park Instructional site in Asheville, NC.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree prepares graduates for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Master level Social Workers have careers in public agencies, clinical practice, integrated healthcare, mental health and addiction treatment, social service management, and administration. The MSW degree is a requirement for a number of certifications and licenses in the social work field, making Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp’s Master of Social Work degree an integral step on the way to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS), and a School Social Worker (CSSW). WCU offers both Advanced Standing and Standard pathways, allowing students to progress at a pace that matches their educational background and career goals.
Students receive practice experience while in the program through completion of Field Practium. Students in the the standard program will complete 900 hours of Field Practicum during their course of study. Students completing the Advanced Standing MSW program will complete a 600 hour practicum. Students have significant ownership over the type of placement and population they choose to work with in these learning experiences. The Director of Field Education works closely with each student throughout the process of finding, interviewing, and being officially placed at a site. The WCU Department of Social Work has relationships with over 200 agencies across Western North Carolina and beyond.
Where You'll Go
Social Workers are found in medical centers, nursing homes, senior centers, mental health and addiction treatment centers, adoption agencies, schools, developmental centers, group homes, prisons, counseling centers, child welfare and social service agencies. MSW graduates are eligible to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS) as well as work as a Macro Social Worker in not-for-profit agencies, community building, and public policy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies social work as one of the fastest growing careers.
Next Steps
More Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp Our Master of Social Work Program
The Council on Social Work Education requires that Advanced Standing MSW students complete 600 hours and that Standard program students complete 900 hours of Field Placement. This occurs during the Fall or Spring semester.
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