Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at North Carolina State University is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities enhance their well-being and improve their quality of life. This comprehensive undergraduate program provides students with a strong foundation in social work principles, ethics, and practice methods, equipping them with the skills necessary to address complex social issues in diverse settings.

Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines coursework in social welfare policy, human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, research methods, and field education. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, fostering critical thinking, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making. Students will learn to assess client needs, develop intervention strategies, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

Field education is a core component of the BSW program, offering students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world environments under the supervision of experienced social work practitioners. This hands-on experience takes place in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, mental health agencies, child and family service organizations, and community programs, providing valuable exposure to the diverse roles social workers play.

The program also emphasizes social justice, human rights, and the importance of advocacy, encouraging students to become agents of positive change within their communities. Students are supported by dedicated faculty members who are experts in the field, committed to mentoring and guiding them toward successful careers in social work.

Graduates of the BSW program are well-prepared for entry-level social work positions and are eligible to pursue advanced studies in social work or related fields. They are equipped to work in settings that serve vulnerable populations, promote social change, and contribute to the development of healthier and more equitable communities. Upon completion of the program, students will possess the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through compassionate and professional social work practice.

​- English: ENG 101 (4 credit hours)

- Math: Two math courses, one of which must be ST 311 (6 credit hours total)

- Foreign Language: Intermediate level (201 or higher, 3 credit hours)

• Humanities:

​- History: One course from history group I and one course from history group II (6 credit hours total)

- Literature: One course from literature group I and one course from literature group II (6 credit hours total)

• Philosophy: One course (3 credit hours)
• Social Sciences:

​- Sociology: 1 course *SOC 202 recommended* (3 credit hours)

- Any Social Science from the Social Science GEP Course List (3 credit hours)

- Anthropology: One course *ANT 252 recommended* (3 credit hours)

- Psychology 200 (3 credit hours)

• Natural Sciences:

​- BIO 105/106 or BIO 181, BIO 183, BIO 212 (4 credit hours)

- Any Natural Science from the Natural Science GEP Course List (3 credit hours)

• Arts and Letters: One course from approved list (3 credit hours)
• Additional Breadth: One course from approved list (3 credit hours)
• Interdisciplinary Perspective: Two courses from approved list (5 – 6 total credit hours)
• Health and Exercise Studies: Two courses (2 – 3 total credit hours)

- Students must take a 100 level AND a 200 level health and exercise studies course

- HESF 100 is a two-credit Health an Exercise Studies course that fulfills both the 100 level and 200 level equipment. This is the only health and exercise studies course that can double-count for both requirements. 

• Free Electives: 15 total credit hours (courses can be from any discipline and can be taken pass/fail as long as they are not counting towards a major or minor. Students are limited to 12 S/U credit hours for free electives).

A complete application includes:

• application submitted through the Common Application or the Coalition Application
• a non-refundable $100 application fee.  International applicants do not qualify for fee waivers.
• proof of English proficiency
• official secondary school transcripts and external examination results (Records not issued in English must be accompanied by an English translation that is certified by an appropriate school official, official translator, or U.S. embassy or consulate official.)
• Certificate of Financial Responsibility (only required for students needing F-1 and J-1 visas)
• online portfolio and essay (required for studio-based major programs)

Letters of Recommendation are not required and not recommended. The College Report, Secondary School Final Report, and Mid-term Report on the Common Application are not required and not recommended.

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at North Carolina State University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in social service fields. Regarding financing studies, the program provides various options for funding, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans. North Carolina State University offers merit-based scholarships for incoming students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service, which can significantly offset the cost of education. Additionally, the university participates in federal and state financial aid programs, allowing eligible students to apply for need-based grants such as the Federal Pell Grant and North Carolina Need-Based Grant. Work-study programs are also available, enabling students to gain practical experience while earning funds to help cover tuition and living expenses. Federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, are accessible to qualifying students, with terms and interest rates established by the federal government. The university's financial aid office provides counseling and assistance to help students navigate the application process for all available funding sources. Besides institutional financial aid, students are encouraged to seek private scholarships from community organizations, foundations, and professional associations related to social work. The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status, housing choices, and family income, but North Carolina State University maintains transparency and provides detailed estimates for tuition and fees, which are updated annually. The university also offers payment plans to spread the costs over manageable installments. Many students utilize a combination of these funding sources to finance their social work studies, making higher education accessible for those committed to advancing social justice and community well-being. Detailed financial planning is recommended early in the academic process to ensure all resources are maximized and any potential debt is manageable post-graduation. Ultimately, North Carolina State University strives to support students financially through robust aid programs, helping them focus on their academic and professional development in social work.

What can I do with a degree in Social Work?

Social Work is a very versatile degree. Many students enter the field of social work because they think that they want to go into counseling, but that is just one possible career choice. A counselor is just one type of social worker. Social workers also work in public health, substance abuse, mental health, child welfare, veteran affairs, schools, case management, social services, clinical therapy, community development, criminal justice and corrections, developmental disabilities, employee assistance, lobbying, policy making, etc.