FAQs for MSW Program

If an applicant wishes to be considered for multiple MSW program options (e.g. 2 Year Traditional MSW and the 3-Year Online MSW), multiple applications need to be submitted. One (1) application will not be considered for all program options. There is limited seating in each cohort within each program option, so applicants must submit one application for each program for which they wish to be considered. An applicant may use the same application materials for multiple applications (same statement of purpose, same recommendations, etc).

If an applicant is considering more than one plan of study, they may contact our Admissions Team (sswadmissions@charlotte.edu). While our team cannot decide for an applicant which plan of study to apply to, our Admissions team may be able to give insight into which program may be best suited for an applicant.

The Distance Education (online) MSW program is generally targeted toward those who live in the North Carolina region, but UNC Charlotte is authorized to offer online programs and courses in all US states and territories (Practicum Education availability may be impacted based on individual state, contact the School of Social Work Practicum Office for more information). UNC Charlotte is not currently authorized to offer any of its online programs outside of the United States, according to the School of Professional Studies. If a student listed in their application that they live in the North Carolina region and they are admitted, then it is with the understanding they plan to live in the North Carolina region throughout the duration of the program. If a student plans to move out of the North Carolina region during the program, they should consult with the MSW Program Director, Practicum Director, and UNC Charlotte Online to further discuss the program as this may impact the ability to complete the program. Please review the State Authorization from the UNC Charlotte School of Professional Studies for more information.

Post-baccalaureate students may enroll in courses, but availability is limited. If offered admission to the MSW Program, students can transfer up to 12 credits for courses taken as a post-baccalaureate student. Please contact sswadmissions@charlotte.edu for more information.

For more information on taking Post-Baccalaureate classes

Charlotte Online/distance education students may take a limited number of on-campus courses (face-to-face or hybrid).

Learn More. 

An applicant can request to transfer a maximum of 12 credits into the MSW Program, if the applicant did not already apply the credits toward an earned degree. The applicant should contact mswprogram@charlotte.edu for additional information and assistance with this process. Transfer credits are evaluated for consistency with the UNC Charlotte MSW curriculum.

There are no required pre-requisite courses that applicants need to complete prior to the start of the program. We advise applicants to know something about the practice of social work before they apply to a rigorous graduate program, but we do accept applicants with diverse educational backgrounds. The School of Social Work does consider the applicant’s familiarity with the social work field, leadership contributions, commitment to social justice/advocacy efforts, and the extent of community engagement (e.g. – length of commitment, types of activities, populations served) as described in the applicant’s resume and Statement of Purpose.

No, the standardized test scores are not required for MSW applicants. Applicants can still opt to submit standardized test scores, but this is not required.

Applications must be submitted through the Graduate School portal by the School of Social Work priority deadline of January 15th for full consideration. Applications submitted after January 15th will be reviewed by the School of Social Work on a space-available basis. Applicants are encouraged to their submit their documents (i.e. application, resume, transcripts, etc.) at least 30-45 days before priority deadline for the particular plan of interest. It takes time for the Graduate School to process an application and the School. The Graduate Schools verifies that the applicant has submitted transcripts for all colleges and universities attended and also completes a background check on applicants. Often, the Graduate School finds applications to be incomplete due to missing transcripts or recommendations and this delays the application from being sent to the School of Social Work for review. Building in time for the application to make its way to the School of Social Work before the priority deadline is highly recommended for full consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed only on a space-available basis.

UNC Charlotte has had tremendous response to the MSW program and each year is typically very competitive. Our suggestion is to apply by the listed priority deadline. If you are not accepted, you will need to submit a new application and processing fee to the Office of Graduate Admissions, which will put your application in the next year’s pool.

Please visit the Financial Services website – http://finance.uncc.edu/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees – for up-to-date tuition and fee information. Students in our traditional on campus programs (1-Year Advanced Standing and 2-Year) are charged at the general graduate rate.

Students in our Charlotte Online programs (2-year Advanced Standing, and 3-year) are charged at the online rate. Please see the https://ninercentral.uncc.edu/billing-payments-refunds/tuition-and-fees/distance-ed-tuition-fees for information on online tuition rates. Tuition may vary depending on residency status.

Campus MSW Program Options: 1-Year Advanced Standing and 2-Year

International applicants can apply to on-campus programs at UNC Charlotte. The UNC Charlotte Graduate School requires additional materials be submitted by international applicants such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please read more about these requirements at: https://gradadmissions.charlotte.edu/admissions/international-applicants. International Student and Scholar Office: https://isso.charlotte.edu/

Online MSW Program Options: 1-Year Advanced Standing and 2-Year

Students enrolled in either online MSW program option must live within the United States. To be as clear as possible, students enrolled in our Distance Education program may not live outside of the United States. The Graduate School is not able to accept any applicants living outside of the United States into either Distance Education MSW program at UNC Charlotte. Because of this, those who intend to live outside of the United States throughout the duration of the online MSW program are not eligible to apply. https://distanceed.charlotte.edu/programs/msw

Note to International Applicants:

The UNC Charlotte Graduate School requires additional materials be submitted by international applicants such as TOEFL or IELTS scores. Please read more about these requirements at: https://gradadmissions.charlotte.edu/admissions/international-applicants.

See the Graduate School’s website at http://graduateschool.charlotte.edu/.

Applicants who have earned a BSW more than ten years ago may submit a written request for consideration. Submit a one-page detailed statement of your social work experience and continuing education activities along with a standard resume to the MSW Director, Dr. Travis Hales (thales@charlotte.edu). Dr. Hales will review your request and pending approval, you may apply for the MSW advanced standing program.

Students interested in graduate certificates should contact the program of interest for details. Students should keep in mind that they may or not be able to complete the certificate before graduating with the MSW as it depends on the timing of course offerings and each student’s schedule while in the MSW Program. Some of the graduate certificates available at UNC Charlotte include: Certificates in Substance Abuse Counseling, Gerontology, Non-Profit Management, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Play Therapy. The School of Social Work and the College of Educaton have partnered to offer a Certificate in Early Childhood Mental Health. See a complete list of certificate programs.

Applicants to our 2-Year and 3-Year plans of study do not need to have an undergraduate social work degree to apply.

Applicants must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in order to apply to the Advanced Standing plans of study.

We advise applicants to know something about the practice of social work before they apply to a rigorous graduate program, but we do accept applicants with diverse educational backgrounds. It is looked upon favorably if the applicant has been exposed to the human service field, such as through volunteer work, because it may mean the applicant has an basic understanding of the social work profession. You do not need to have an undergraduate degree in social work or employment in the field in order to apply.

Application Tips for Recommendations

• Three electronic recommendation forms must be submitted.
• Applicants are encouraged to select recommenders who can attest to your potential for success as a graduate student and as a master level social worker. This might include faculty members, social workers, internship/volunteer supervisors and other human service professionals. Applicants are discouraged from asking family and friends to serve as recommenders.
• When submitting the recommendation forms, space will be provided for recommenders to upload a letter of support. Letters of support are helpful in the review process but optional.
• An application is not able to be reviewed until all materials are submitted, including recommendations. Be sure to log into your portal to check the status of submission on your recommendations and reach back out to your references to submit in a timely manner, if needed.
• Graduate School Recommendations Process

Application Tips for Relevant Volunteer and/or Paid Experience

• Applicants are required to upload their resumes to the application system.
• The School of Social Work gives consideration to the applicant’s familiarity with the social work field, leadership contributions, community engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as described in the both the applicant’s resume and Statement of Purpose.

Application Tips for Statement of Purpose

• Applicants are required to upload their resumes to the application system.
• The School of Social Work gives consideration to the applicant’s familiarity with the social work field, leadership contributions, community engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as described in the both the applicant’s resume and Statement of Purpose.

General Note: Life experience does not factor into the admission decision making process

* 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.

Applicants are encouraged to complete FASFA forms because many scholarships are need-based and you cannot be considered if you have not completed a FASFA. Financial Aid information here: https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/financial-aid-loans/

General Scholarships: There are some scholarships available through the University, College of Health and Human Services, and School of Social Work. For more information, visit the UNC Scholarship portal at: http://scholarships.charlotte.edu/

Stipends related to Internships: There are very few agencies that offer stipends for practicum placements, but there are a few.

Graduate Assistants: The School of Social Work employs a limited number of Graduate Assistants for approximately 10 hours per week at an hourly rate. Any opportunities will be shared via email. There also may be other assistantships available on campus. For more information on those, see the Graduate School’s webpage at: http://graduateschool.charlotte.edu/funding

Primarily, loans are available to help fund your graduate education. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.