(Formerly known as the Asheville program)

The Distance Education MSW program is tailored for the working adult in human services who already has a liberal arts undergraduate degree. This program is part of the UNC-Chapel Hill family of extension MSW programs and is designed to serve the western region of North Carolina. The curriculum is equivalent to the School of Social Work's full-time program, which has been recognized as a top program in the country.

Students select from three concentrations:

• Direct Practice: Prepares students to provide social interventions and services to individuals, families and groups.
• Management and Community Practice: Prepares students for leadership careers in organizations and community development and for social interventions in larger systems.
• Self-Directed: Prepares students to provide services in direct practice and management and community practice settings.

Students must also take 12 credit hours of elective courses, which may be selected from the School of Social Work, other schools and departments from within UNC-Chapel Hill or from other educational institutions.  

Students in the Distance Education program complete their foundation courses on a part-time basis at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C. over a two-year period. The third year (final year) of concentration courses are completed on campus in Chapel Hill.

Plan of study

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Who will teach the courses?
Courses are taught by UNC-Chapel Hill faculty members and selected experienced contract faculty.

2.How can the MSW degree help me?
The MSW often leads to career advancement such as movement into management or administrative positions. In addition, the MSW is required for advanced practice licensure in North Carolina.

3.How long will it take to get my MSW?
By following the outlined plan of study, a typical student can receive the MSW degree in three years.

4. Can I continue to work while enrolled in this program?
Students are generally able to work full-time during the first year of the program. The curriculum in this program is identical to the full-time program, so all students must complete the same requirements. However, full-time employment is not advised during the final year of study since all Mountain Area students are required to attend the program full-time.

5.Where will I attend classes?
During the first two years, all classes are held at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, N.C. Students attend third year classes at UNC's School of Social Work. 

6. How do I apply?
Prospective students must submit two applications: one to the UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate School and one to the School of Social Work. Please see our application procedure.

7. When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Feb. 15 of the year you plan to enroll. For more information, visit Masters Admissions.

8. What are the tuition costs? How do I apply for student loans?
For current costs, please visit the Cashiers Office. Students admitted to the program may apply for federal student loans by completing a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority deadline is March 15.

The N.C. Child Welfare Education Collaborative provides financial support for selected graduate students who commit to employment with North Carolina departments of social services at the county or state level. For more information, contact Wanda Reives at 919-962-8982 or at wreives@email.unc.edu.
 

For more information, contact:

Kelly Reath, MSW, PhD
Director, UNC Distance Education Mountain Area MSW Program
Blue Ridge Community College
Flat Rock, NC 28731
(828) 337-4267
kbreath@email.unc.edu

Sharon Holmes Thomas, MSW
Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Aid
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work
(919) 962-4367
sharon_thomas@unc.edu

Linda T. Wilson
Student Services Manager
UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work
(919) 962-6442
ltw2517@email.unc.edu