About the BSW Program

Overview

The UNC Charlotte BSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work education programs. The BThe UNC Charlotte BSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national accrediting body for social work education programs. The BSW degree prepares graduates for generalist social work practice. Generalist practice relates to utilizing multiple types of intervention that would be useful for different types of social systems and client populations. Emphases are placed on the following:

  • development of therapeutic working relationships with clients
  • assessment of client systems from a diversity-affirming, ecological systems perspective
  • establishment of accurate and appropriate problem definitions and goals for intervention
  • utilization of varying intervention approaches, depending on the unique characteristics and needs of diverse client systems; linkage with resources
  • empowerment through identifying client strengths and enhancing client problem-solving, coping, and developmental capacities
  • application of baccalaureate-level research and evaluation methods

All of these emphases related to generalist practice are centered in professional social work values and ethics within an increasingly global environment and are designed to affirm the human rights of diverse groups of people, especially populations-at-risk and groups which have historically been oppressed due to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, age, and ability.

UNC Charlotte BSW graduates are employed in a variety of areas such as child protective services, substance abuse treatment, hospitals, youth and children services, criminal justice, adoptions/foster care, hospice, and long term care. They work from the coast to the mountains of North Carolina as well as all across the United States.

Why Choose Our Program?

Faculty Excellence:

Our diverse faculty have a reputation for being accessible, inclusive, and invested in student success

  • Our faculty are experts in the field of social work, with many different research interests and areas of expertise including mental health, racial institutional inequity, trauma, public health, substance abuse, gerontology, social justice, youth development, grief and loss, and much more. Our faculty present research at conferences nationwide, such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and Society for Social Work Research (SSWR).
  • Our faculty have a reputation for being accessible, inclusive, and invested in student success, with some faculty working with students on research projects and publications. Faculty have also been recognized for their teaching, research, and community service as recipients of several awards including Faculty Excellence Awards within the College of Health and Human Services, NASW recognition, and other university or community awards for service.
Students Experience:

Through our cohort model, students provide support to one another as they move through the program

  • “The BSW program at UNCC has been amazing and the staff is so supportive! My favorite time during this program was definitely my [Practicum Education] internship with Center 360! The experiences I have gained in the field have led me to grow even more as a future social worker. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure we are supported as well as educated in all aspects of the social work profession and enables us with all resources needed to be the best social workers we can be! ” – BSW Alum
  • “As a non traditional student the BSW Program at UNC Charlotte has made it possible for me to easily transition to the student life after 20 years out of the student life. The professors and student connections that you are able to develop during your time as a BSW student and the hands on knowledge that the program provides are paramount to the ultimate outcome in Social Work, to be prepared to serve with competence.” – BSW Alum
  • “As an adult student in the BSW Program at UNC Charlotte, the staff and faculty were supportive and respectful. During classes, open communication was always encouraged and my life events were valued and kept confidential. As a non-traditional student in the BSW Program, it is still possible to make lifetime connections.” – BSW Alum
Community Engagement:

The School of Social Work has partnerships with over 300 urban and rural practicum placement agencies serving vulnerable populations in the Charlotte region and beyond, enabling students, practicum instructors, and practicum faculty work together to ensure students gain the knowledge and build the skills they need to be competent practitioners

Hands-On Learning:
  • Practicum education bridges classroom learning with professional social work experience. Students complete practicum in the fall and spring semesters of their senior year.
  • Students are placed in settings that align with their professional social work interests (to the extent feasible). These placements must provide generalist practice learning opportunities and meet all requirements for BSW practicum instruction.
  • Students must complete an application to the Practicum Office a semester before beginning practicum. The Practicum Office must initiate all placements. Visit BSW Practicum Education for additional information.
Advancement:

Alumni have indicated they feel well prepared for entry-level social work positions and to succeed in MSW Programs

Strong Connections:

In addition to strong academics, UNC Charlotte offers many opportunities to enrich students’ lives both online and on campus. Students create connections through athletics, student organizations, on-campus housing, clubs, social events, and more.

Helpful Links:

* Offered in support of the School of Social Work’s mission statement, which is responsive to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s accreditation requirements.