The Department of Social Work at North Carolina Central University is committed to recruiting applicants fromdiverse backgrounds. We are seeking students who are interested in working in a broad range of social work practice settings where children and juveniles and their families are the populations of interest. For example, we are seeking students who will work to enhance the quality of life for poor and oppressed populations living in urban areas.
The MSW Program is a two-year full time program. Classes are conducted on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:00-8:30) and all day on Saturday (9:00-4:00).
Students are in their field placement 16 hours a week (2 days) during the foundation/1st year of the program; and, 24 hours a week (3 days) during the advanced/concentration or 2nd year of the program. There are no exceptions to field. The Director of Field Education cannot guarantee evening or weekend placements. All students must satisfy the practicum hours to be in compliance with our accrediting agency, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and to meet the eligibility requirements for candidacy.
Goals of the MSW Program are to:
Prepare students with the skills of advanced generalist practice essential for working with individuals, families, organizations and communities with a specific focus on at-risk populations based upon socioeconomic and minority status. This goal is grounded in the Programs mission statement which focuses upon the education of advanced social work practitioners skilled in the promotion of social change at the individual, group, organizational and community levels of interventions that further the achievement of social and economic justice.
Prepare students with advanced skills essential for impacting upon the local and regional communities outside the university through scholarly research and active participation in community problem solving. This goal is grounded in the part of the Program's mission statement that addresses the Departments and the University's commitment to applying its knowledge and expertise to community problem-solving.
Prepare students with specialized skills essential for working with at-risk children and families with a special focus on the development, delivery, and management of services across an array of practice settings. This goal is related to the part of the Programs mission statement that reflects our committed to the education of advanced social work practitioners skilled in the promotion of social change at the individual, group, organizational and community levels of interventions that further the achievement of social and economic justice.
Prepare students with specialized skills essential for working with juveniles and their families with a special focus on gangs, and other youth issues impacting upon urban areas. This goal is related to the part of the Programs mission statement that reflects our commitment to the use of our knowledge and expertise to impact upon community problems associated with our urban setting. Some of the most intractable problems include crime, gangs, and family disorganization.
In addition to the admission requirements of Graduate Studies, applicants requesting admission into the MSW program must meet the following requirements:
An official transcript indicating completion of a bachelor degree from an accredited college or university. The applicant's transcript should indicate a strong liberal arts background, including courses in human biology, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, math, history, etc. International students must hold an equivalent degree based on a four-year curriculum; and, follow the admissions policies and procedures of North Carolina Central University Office of Graduate Studies.
A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or better (4.0 scale) and a grade point average of 3.0 or better (4.0 scale) in their major course of study.
A personal narrative statement reflecting the applicants ability to communicate in the written word, demonstrate critical thinking about social problems, and demonstrate introspection (e.g., understanding of self, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, acknowledge personal growth, etc.)
A professional resume. The applicant will submit a current resume that includes his/her work history, community/volunteer services, and evidence of some leadership skills.
Two professional letters of recommendation from persons who can speak to the applicant's ability and potential for success as a graduate student and professional social worker (e.g., former professors, employments supervisors, etc.).
Writing sample. The applicant will submit a writing sample (professional journal article provided) that reflects their writing skills, organization and integration of content, comprehension, and clarity.
A personal interview with the MSW faculty may be required of an applicant in order to better evaluate his/her potential for becoming a professional social work practitioner.
Although we seek students with life experience and previous work experience, we do not grant social work credit for these experiences.
The MSW Program at North Carolina Central University does not offer an Advanced Standing Program. Applicants who are transferring from a MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) may transfer up to six credits of courses taken during the foundation year/1st year and earned a grade of B or better in those courses.
The General Assembly of 1939 authorized the establishment of graduate study programs in liberal arts and the professions at North Carolina Central University. In ensuing years with the creation of several programs, the Graduate School has grown to offering degrees in the following.
College of Behavioral and Sciences
College of Liberal Arts
College of Science and Technology
School of Business
School of Education
School of Liberal Arts
School of Library and Information Sciences
The mission of the School of Graduate Studies is to provide world-class education and to produce leaders that are culturally sensitive and engaged in their respective fields of study.
The Department of Social Work at North Carolina Central University is committed to recruiting applicants fromdiverse backgrounds. We are seeking students who are interested in working in a broad range of social work practice settings where children and juveniles and their families are the populations of interest. For example, we are seeking students who will work to enhance the quality of life for poor and oppressed populations living in urban areas.
