North Carolina State University

What you'll study

The BSW is a four-year, professionally oriented undergraduate programme that combines liberal arts foundations with core social work practice, policy and research coursework. Early years focus on general education and foundational social science subjects, while upper-level study emphasises direct practice skills, social welfare policy, diversity and human behaviour.

• Core practice courses: social work practice with individuals, families and groups; community and organisational practice; clinical skills and intervention methods.
• Human behaviour and populations: human behaviour in the social environment, lifespan development, courses on vulnerability, diversity and culturally responsive practice.
• Policy and advocacy: social welfare policy analysis, policy practice, community organising and advocacy for systemic change.
• Research and evaluation: research methods, programme evaluation and applying evidence to practice.
• Ethics and professional issues: ethics in social work, legal responsibilities, and professional development.
• Field education: supervised practicum placements in community agencies, schools, health settings or child welfare organisations that integrate classroom learning with hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent and meet the university's overall admission standards. Typical departmental expectations include a competitive cumulative GPA and completion of college-preparatory coursework.

• Recommended preparatory subjects: English, social studies, introductory psychology or sociology, and courses that develop writing and critical thinking skills.
• Application materials: university application, personal statement describing motivation for social work, and academic transcripts. Admissions may also consider letters of recommendation and evidence of community or volunteer experience.
• Progression into upper-level BSW courses often requires meeting department-specific prerequisites and maintaining a minimum GPA; selection for field placements may involve additional screenings such as background checks and health requirements.
• Transfer students should provide college transcripts and may need to satisfy course equivalency and practicum timing requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for generalist social work practice and a range of entry-level professional roles across public, non-profit and private sectors. Career paths commonly followed by BSW alumni include:

• Child welfare and family services worker
• Mental health and substance-use support worker
• School social worker (with appropriate credentials or further certification where required)
• Community outreach and case management in healthcare, homelessness services and veteran support programmes
• Policy and advocacy roles with government agencies or non-profit organisations

Many graduates also pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) for clinical licensure (such as LCSW) or for advanced practice and leadership positions.

Why study at North Carolina State University

NC State offers the BSW within a university recognised for strong connections to community partners across the Raleigh–Durham region, providing plentiful practicum placement options in urban, suburban and rural settings. The programme emphasises a blend of applied practice, research-informed teaching and social justice, supported by faculty who are active in community-engaged scholarship.

• Robust field education network with local child welfare agencies, health systems, schools and community organisations.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as public health, psychology and policy to broaden practice perspectives.
• Support services for students including academic advising, career services and workshops to prepare for licensure or graduate study.
• Professional accreditation that aligns the curriculum with national social work standards and helps prepare graduates for entry into the profession.

Overall, the programme is suited to students seeking a rigorous, practice-focused education with strong community links and clear pathways to professional social work careers or graduate study.