The Winston-Salem Distance Education Program is tailored to the needs of working adults who have an undergraduate liberal arts degree and live within commuting distance of Winston-Salem. The curriculum is equivalent to the School of Social Work's full-time program, which has been recognized as one of the Top 10 programs in the nation.

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.  

The Advanced Standing Distance Education program in Winston-Salem also offers a curriculum equivalent to the School's MSW Advanced Standing program. 

Plan of study

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who will teach the courses?
Classes in the Winston-Salem Distance Education MSW program are taught by faculty from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work and MSW practitioners from the community with expertise in specific areas of practice.

2. How will the MSW degree help me?
The education and experience gained through the MSW program often leads to career advancement and movement into management and administrative positions. In addition, a MSW degree is needed for advanced practice licensure in North Carolina.

3. How long will it take to complete the MSW?
The MSW can be completed in three years if students enroll in classes in Chapel Hill their final year. It may be completed in three and a half years if students choose to remain in Winston-Salem and complete the management and community practice concentration curriculum along with the Winston-Salem advanced standing students. See plan of study.

4. Can I continue to work while enrolled in the program?
Yes. During the first two years of the program, classes meet all day on Fridays at the Forsyth County Department of Social Services. Although it may be difficult to work full-time in the 2nd and 3rd years of the program because of the field placement requirement, many students are able to continue working part-time.

Currently, the Winston-Salem program only offers the management and community practice concentration for the advanced curriculum option. Students choosing the direct practice concentration will complete their 3rd year on campus in Chapel Hill; therefore working full-time during that year may be challenging because of distance and the field practicum requirement.

5. Where will I attend classes?
Classes are held during daytime hours on Fridays at the Forsyth County Department of Social Services in Winston-Salem. Students choosing the management and community practice concentration complete all coursework in Winston-Salem. Students choosing the direct practice concentration complete the final year of classes on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. 

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 Jan. 16 of the year you plan to enroll.

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:

Tina Souders, MSW, LCSW, JD
Director, Winston-Salem MSW Programs
336-703-3398
tsouders@email.unc.edu

For questions about admissions, financial aid or the status of your application, contact:

Sharon Holmes Thomas, MSW
Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Aid
919-962-4367
sharon_thomas@unc.edu