About
The Department of Social Work emphasizes multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice in classes and fieldwork to prepare students for community engagement. We are a joint program between North Carolina A&T State University, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and UNC Greensboro, historically a women’s college and now a minority-serving institution, offering access to resources and faculty on both campuses. Students build strong relationships with faculty and a sense of belonging.
Our faculty address societal issues like discrimination, poverty, substance use, homelessness, and mental illness. We are committed to students’ growth, grounding them in human rights and social justice through community-based practice.
Undergraduates complete 500+ hours of service, including a two-semester internship with agencies like:
- The Interactive Resource Center (serving the homeless)
- The Guilford County Opioid Solution program
- The Moss Street Partnership School
Students may pursue licensure as school social workers, a substance use certificate, and receive mentoring. We engage with diverse communities in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
The Gerontology Program is housed within the Social Work department, providing specialized students with specialized knowledge and training in aging services.
Department highlights
- We live in a diverse community, more so than any other county in NC, and our students will get to work with clients from diverse backgrounds in both clinical and non-clinical settings
- Many of our students get hired by their internship/field placements when they graduate
- Student leadership opportunities are available by participating in organizations for Social Work students such as the National Association of Social Workers Student Organization (NASW-SO) and the Phi Alpha Honor Society
- Social Work seniors at UNCG have the opportunity to study abroad in Denmark, Belgium, or Spain through The Global Work with Immigrant Kids Project. This project is designed to educate new social work practitioners for work with immigrant and refugee children and families
- Following graduation, undergraduates have been admitted to advanced standing programs at a number of nationally recognized schools of social work including Columbia University, Case Western University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Students in the Social Work program work closely with other programs through minors, such as Human Development and Family Studies, Peace & Conflict Studies, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, etc
- Students can work towards a simultaneous degree in Peace & Conflict Studies
Degrees Offered
At the master’s (MSW) level, we concentrate on multicultural clinical practice with a focus on justice, inclusion, and opportunity for those of all backgrounds. The doctoral (Ph.D.) curriculum encourages students to explore several aspects of research including quantitative, qualitative, and community-engaged approaches. Using the teacher/scholar model, the doctoral program encourages students to prepare for careers in academia and as leaders in the community. Eighty percent of all graduates gain employment in the social work field within one year of graduation.
| Degree Name | Degree Type | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Social Work | B.S.W. | In-Person |
| Licensure in School Social Work | B.S.W | In-Person |
| Social Work | M.S.W. | In-Person (Joint with NC A&T) |
| Social Work | Ph.D | In-Person (Joint with NC A&T) |
| Social Work | Undergraduate Minor | |
| Also see our Gerontology Program |
Bachelor of Social Work Program (B.S.W.)
The Department of Social Work provides an undergraduate program in social work which prepares students for beginning generalist social work practice. The undergraduate social work program is
- a 41-hour major
- with two community-based volunteer placements
- and a 440-hour internship during which students apply theoretical knowledge and skills to social work practice.
We have a joint B.S.W. field education program with North Carolina A&T State through which students are placed in a wide variety of practice settings to complete their internships. Our B.S.W. Program has been continuously accredited since 1973.
Joint Master of Social Work Program (M.S.W.)
The Department of Social Work implemented a collaborative graduate program in social work with North Carolina A&T State University in fall 1997. This Joint Master of Social Work Program requires completion of 60 credit hours and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
There are two program concentrations:
- Advanced generalist practice with families and youth at risk
- Advanced generalist practice with people affected by health and mental health issues.
Each M.S.W. student completes 1008 hours of internships in community agencies. A 36 credit hour Advanced Standing option is available for highly qualified students who have graduated from a CSWE-accredited B.S.W. Program; these students complete a 672 hour advanced internship.
JOINT Doctorate IN SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM (Ph.D.)
The Department of Social Work added a collaborative doctoral program in social work with North Carolina A&T State University in fall 2019. This Joint Ph.D. in Social Work Program requires completion of 48 credit hours.
International Education Opportunities
International study opportunities are available through our relationship with:
- A 3-week long summer cultural immersion program in Costa Rica
- Study abroad opportunities through the Global Work with Immigrant Kids (GWIK) Program
Research and Scholarship
Our research is applied and aimed at understanding and solving problems in social welfare. Our work is developed in partnership with community agencies, provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student participation, and is published in high quality refereed journals. During 2010-2011, social work faculty received almost $400,000 in external funds. See the faculty pages for information about their areas of research.