School Social Work
Make a difference in the lives of children and families with school social work licensure at UNC Pembroke. This pathway is designed for BSW students who want to work in North Carolina public schools. Through a mix of coursework and supervised field experience, you’ll gain the tools to support student success and remove barriers to learning. Graduates are eligible for level-A school social worker licensure.
Earn Your BSW School Social Work Licensure
This licensure track prepares BSW students and graduates to become licensed school social workers in North Carolina public schools.
To qualify for school social work licensure through the BSW program, you must:
- Be currently enrolled in or have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW program
- Earn a grade of C or higher in all required courses
- Complete a field practicum in a North Carolina public school supervised by a licensed school social worker (for current students)
- Or complete one year of full-time paid employment in a NC public school under a licensed school social worker (for practitioners)
Additional documentation includes:
- Official transcript
- Final field or employment evaluation using the NC School Social Work Evaluation Instrument
- The School Social Work Licensure Data Form
- The Request for Licensure Recommendation Form
The School Social Work Program Coordinator will evaluate the documentation. You and the School of Education Licensure Specialist and/or NC Department of Public Instruction will be notified of approval or disapproval of your application.
Students currently enrolled in the BSW program must complete the following courses:
- SED 3310 Introduction to the Exceptional Child
- SWK 3540 School Social Work Practice
- SWK 4900 Field Work
- SWK 4910 Integrative Seminar for Field Work
Field experience must be completed in a NC public school under the supervision of a licensed school social worker (A-Level or higher). To begin, join the School Social Work Canvas Shell and complete the outlined steps, including uploading required documentation.
BSW graduates currently working as school social workers in NC public schools may qualify for licensure through this path. Requirements include:
- One year of full-time, paid employment under a licensed school social worker
- Completion of the following courses:
- SWK 3540 School Social Work Practice
- SED 3310 Introduction to the Exceptional Child
Coursework must be completed while employed. To begin, join the School Social Work Canvas Shell and follow the steps to submit your transcript, employment verification, supervisor licensure and final evaluations.
Make a meaningful impact in schools and communities. Advance your impact with school social work licensure.Earning Your BSW
Use your social work skills to support students’ academic success and personal development
in K–12 settings. The School Social Work Licensure can be added on to your undergraduate
social work degree at UNCP. Ourprogram prepares you to foster strong partnerships
with families, educators and school leaders — helping students thrive in and out of
the classroom. Graduates meet the licensure requirements set by the North Carolina
Department of Public Instruction, opening doors to careers in school social work across
the state.
School Social Work for MSW
Already hold an MSW or seeking graduate-level licensure? UNCP’s MSW-based licensure
pathway equips you to become a licensed school social worker through the North Carolina
Department of Public Instruction. Build on your graduate training and take the next
step toward serving students, families, and schools across the state.
Support Beyond the Classroom
Get involved and take your learning further through student organizations and real-world partnerships.
Campus Association of Social Workers
Join the Campus Association of Social Workers to meet others, grow as a leader and help your community. Members take part in workshops, work with local groups and advocate for justice both on and off campus.
Child Welfare Education Collaborative
The Child Welfare Education Collaborative supports students preparing for careers in child protective services. This partnership with the NC Division of Social Services includes scholarships, training and guaranteed job interviews upon graduation.
After UNCP
If you want to make a positive difference in a child's life, I urge you to consider becoming a GAL volunteer. Not only does being a GAL volunteer serve families in your community, but it's also a deeply rewarding experience for the volunteer, as they get to have a significant impact on the lives of children in the area. As a Social Work student at UNCP, this internship has provided me a strong foundation to build upon in the future, and I can't thank the staff and volunteers enough for all the support provided to me.
Erika Fox
Social WorkCommon Careers
- Public school social work
- Behavioral and academic support teams
- Family engagement coordination
- Youth mental health support
- Community partnership roles
- Advocacy and education policy work
Want to learn more?
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UNCP Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. Accreditation of a baccalaureate or master’s social work program by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Board of Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.