The 3-Year MSW Program offers a Chapel Hill option for students who live within commuting distance of Chapel Hill, who are employed in the helping professions, and who cannot accommodate two academic years of full-time study.
Students in the 3-Year MSW Program take two years, instead of one year, to complete the Generalist Curriculum. Students take these classes together with their cohort — peers in their program who started in the same program option at the same time. This process allows students to build strong working relationships with their peers. Over these first two years, students complete 32 credit hours at the Generalist level.
During the first year, students take two classes each Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). In addition, to ensure that students are applying what they are learning in the classroom, they must either be employed in a human services job or be involved in a regular volunteer role that offers similar experiences.
During the second year, students take two classes each Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), complete 16 hours of practicum education each week, and attend a practicum education seminar every other Friday.
During the third year, students complete the Specialization Curriculum (including practicum education) as a full-time student in Chapel Hill. Students and their cohort share classes with peers from the Advanced Standing Program and the 2-Year MSW Program, who are also beginning the Specialization Curriculum.
Throughout the second and third years of the program, students complete their practicum education placement in their home community. Practicum placements are scheduled concurrently with fall and spring academic terms. To request an exception for special circumstances — for example, an employer-based practicum placement or a summer term practicum placement — students must consult with the director of the 3-Year MSW Program option.
To apply for 3-Year MSW Program (Chapel Hill), follow the same application process as all MSW admissions. Our School’s policies apply to all MSW students. In addition, applicants to the 3-Year MSW Program are required to interview with the program director and a faculty member.
Academic year tuition and fees are linked on the UNC Cashier website — scroll to find current year charges for the School of Social Work.
For the Chapel Hill option, classes in all three years are held at the UNC School of Social Work main building, Tate-Turner-Kuralt Building on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus.