News: The Social Work Department will now offer half of its MSW in Asheville at UNCA.  The first and last semesters (of four semesters) will be taught at WCU, while the middle two semesters will be taught at UNCA.  For details, please see the sample schedule.  This new schedule will take effect with the Fall 2010 cohort of new MSW students.

A Master of Social Work Degree (MSW) prepares graduates for work in a variety of settings, including public agency work, private practice, 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), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), and/or the Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (DCSW). These credentials are especially important for those private practitioners 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. Up to twelve semester hours of graduate credit hours with grades of B or better may be transferred from another accredited MSW program.

Western Carolina University’s Master of Social Work Program fulltime program consists of two years of fulltime course and fieldwork, excluding summers. All of the classes are offered in back-to-back blocks to best meet scheduling needs of students. The first and last semesters are offered at WCU in Cullowhee while the intermediate two semesters are offered at UNCA in Asheville.  The department also offers a three or four-year part-time program, as well as an Advanced Standing component. (see our sample schedule (Word).
In accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) policies, no credit is given for life or work experience.

The deadline for completed applications is February 1. Applications received after this date will be reviewed if there is space available.

Accreditation Granted: The MSW Program has received full accreditation as of Fall 2009. Students who graduated from the program prior to this time are considered graduates of an accredited MSW program, as the accreditation standards are implemented retroactively.

NEW! Please click for information on the Substance Abuse Studies Certificate.

For more information, contact:

Dr. John Hodges, Department Head
McKee G04
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Phone: 828-227-7112
E-mail to: jqhodges@email.wcu.edu