Steps for Becoming a Licensed Social Worker in North Carolina However, each university will offer their own unique options for available electives, field education placement opportunities, and area focus. All CSWE-accredited university programs follow a similar curriculum that balances classroom studies with fieldwork. A bachelor’s degree in any field is the first step towards an MSW however, if a BSW has already been completed, students may be eligible for “advanced standing” status, which can allow them to complete the program in an expedited term of one year rather than two. In the state of North Carolina, an MSW is the minimum educational degree required for any social work position higher than that of a CSW. Some common jobs for a CSW include child welfare counselor, case manager, residential counselor, and social worker. Upon completion of the BSW program, and after obtaining the required North Carolina state certification, the graduate will be eligible to begin work as a CSW. An accredited social work program will also include substantial fieldwork as a means to utilize learned classroom techniques in a real-world environment. The BSW is a four-year baccalaureate program that consists of coursework in topics such as human behavior and development, family dynamics, the use and development of community resources, social welfare policy and services, social work values, social work research, and human and cultural diversity. A BSW is recognized as the entry-level degree for practice in both public and private social agencies, as well as preparation for graduate training should a student decide to take that route. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)Ī BSW is the minimum acceptable degree required to be licensed as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) in the state of North Carolina.
Depending upon the type of license or certification you decide to pursue, a certain amount of field experience may also be required.
In North Carolina, those interested in pursuing a career as a social worker must complete a degree in social work from a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Featured Online Social Work Programs How to Become a Social Worker in North Carolina Educational Paths On this page, you’ll learn more about the requirements set by the Board for social work licensure in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) is the acting regulatory authority for social workers in the state. 1 This state is home to 24 universities offering social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which creates a favorable climate for those who want to become a social worker and who have a desire to help families, individuals, and/or groups. The ninth-most populous state in the US, North Carolina is an ideal location for aspiring social workers due to its population and a vast array of social work training programs.