Western Carolina's Department of Social Work offers an undergraduate program that has been accredited by the Council of Social Work Education since 1974. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree with a major in Social Work is awarded upon completion of the program. The program is designed to prepare the student for beginning professional practice in social work, or to pursue graduate training. This program is designed to prepare students to work in a variety of settings. These include, but are not limited to, child welfare, mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, courts, prisons, corporations, and other public and private agencies.

The social work department also offers a two-year graduate program leading to a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Entry into the graduate social work program does not require a bachelor's degree in social work, but courses in psychology, biology, economics, and political science are recommended. Priority will be given to applications received prior to the February 1 deadline. Review of applications received after this date will be considered if there is available space, or applicants may be put on a waiting list.