Open to MSW and MAEd in Counseling students in the final year of their graduate program, the OPTIMISE program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rural behavioral health. Participants complete their internship or practicum at an OPTIMISE-designated site in southeastern North Carolina, receive targeted training in rural mental health care and earn a stipend for their participation. This program is designed to prepare students to serve where the need is greatest — while strengthening the pipeline of behavioral health professionals in underserved communities.
Department of Social Work
Degrees, Licensures & Certificates
Social work at UNC Pembroke prepares students to become leaders in improving quality of life and addressing the unique challenges facing rural communities. With a strong focus on equity and advocacy, the program empowers students to support at-risk populations and advance economic, political and social justice across all communities.
UNC Pembroke’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students for advanced generalist practice in a variety of settings and with diverse populations. With a focus on rural and indigenous communities, students gain the skills to navigate complex social issues and connect individuals with local resources. The program also fosters a global perspective, helping students understand the broader context of historical and contemporary social challenges.
Field practicum is a vital part of social work education at UNC Pembroke, allowing students to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Under the supervision of a licensed social worker, students gain hands-on experience — often managing a caseload and working across micro, mezzo and macro systems. It’s an essential step in developing the skills, values and confidence needed for professional practice.
Students enrolled in UNC Pembroke’s BSW or MSW programs — as well as professionals with a CSWE-accredited degree currently working in North Carolina public schools — have the opportunity to pursue a specialty in school social work. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates may be recommended for school social work licensure through the N.C. Department of Public Instruction.
UNC Pembroke’s Department of Social Work is a proud partner of the North Carolina Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC). Through this program, BSW students can complete the state-mandated pre-service training required by all N.C. Department of Social Services agencies — enabling them to begin work in child welfare immediately after graduation. The CWEC program is ideal for students who are passionate about social work and committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
To enroll in any minor course the student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. Students interested in declaring a minor should schedule an appointment with their advisor.
The North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board has approved the UNCP Social Work as a “Criteria C” program. “Criteria C” Master’s degree programs serve as a prerequisite for applicants pursuing North Carolina Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) licensure. Because these programs incorporate the LCAS criteria into their curricula, students graduating with a Master’s degree from a “Criteria C” program can be assured that they are receiving the necessary LCAS material infused into their plan of study.
7th Annual Social Work Conference
The Southeastern Social Work Conference brings together practitioners, educators, students and advocates to explore timely issues impacting rural and underserved communities. Hosted by UNC Pembroke, the 2026 conference — Voices from the Field — will highlight innovative solutions in policy, education, justice and ethics that shape the future of social work in the Southeast.
Student Involvement
Campus Association of Social Workers (CASW)
Phi Alpha Honor Society
OPTIMISE Rural NC
Department Chair
Connect With Us
Weinstein Health Sciences Building, Room 361
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.775.4090
Fax: 910.775.4091
socialwork@uncp.edu
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.
Program Outcome Assessment Reports