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APA Style and Writing Resources

Clear, logical, and organized writing is an essential skill for social work professionals. As a graduate student, you are expected to use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Assocation (“APA style”) to prepare your written assignments for SSW classes. You will use APA style to format your papers and cite your references.

Where To Find Help

SSW Writing Support Team

If you need to strengthen your writing skills, our School’s Writing Support Team is available to help enrolled social work students by sharing strategies for organizing information, presenting a cohesive argument, ensuring clear communication, and mastering APA style.

The SSW Writing Support Team can help you learn and master skills to write more effectively. Please note that the team is not a copyediting service and cannot provide last-minute assistance. Plan ahead before your assignments are due. Email the SSW Writing Support Team to request a consultation appointment at your preferred day and time. Writing support is available in person, by email, or by phone.

UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center

Writing coaches at UNC-Chapel Hill Writing Center work with students face-to-face or online at any stage of the writing process, for any kind of writing project. The center also offers online resources for tips about many common writing challenges.

Additional Resources

APA Style and Citations

Formatting Papers

Writing Clearly and Effectively

Understanding Plagiarism

Librarians from UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolna Central University and North Carolina State University collaborated to create an interactive site that focuses on how to recognize plagiarism and how to avoid it.