Appalachian State University
Social Work (MSW)
Application Deadlines
Summer Session 2 Admission
February 1 (Advanced standing)
Fall Admission
February 1
Application Requirements
Entrance exam: Not required
Application requirements vary by program. Learn more
Location
On campus (regular and advanced standing)
Online (advanced standing)
Completion Time
1 year (full-time, advanced standing)
2 years (full-time, regular & part-time, advanced standing)
4 years (part-time, regular)
Help those in need.
App State’s Master of Social Work program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), will aid you in engaging in advanced social work practice and making a difference in your community.
Through this program, you can develop the clinical knowledge, professional skills and personal competencies to make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable people — from children in foster care, to individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders, to communities experiencing difficulties and challenges. Training includes coursework in practice skills, including assessment, intervention and evaluation, leadership and supervisory skills, and program planning and administration.
Applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work and are accepted into the advanced standing program can complete App State's MSW in as little as one year — at the Boone campus or online. Students pursuing the regular MSW program option (available at the Boone campus) can complete the degree in as little as two years.
App State’s master’s degree in Social Work is also offered fully online — learn more by visiting App State Online.
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at [email protected] or 828-262-7559.
A 2025 Best
The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and the Southeast for 2025.
Top 3
U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top 3 university for innovation for 8 consecutive years.
Top School for 2024–25
Forbes magazine ranked App State among “America’s Top Colleges” for 2024–25.
Concentrations and Courses
Careers and Mountaineers
Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go!
Careers
- Social Worker
- Clinical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Hospital Social Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- Hospice Social Worker
- Child Protective Services Worker
- Adult Protective Services Worker
- Agency Director
- Supervisor / Administrator
- Policy Worker
- Advocate
- Community Organizer
- and more
Employers
With an MSW degree, individuals will be prepared for clinical licensure as well as direct practice and supervisory or administrative positions in:
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Health departments
- Mental health centers
- Child and family service agencies (including adoption, counseling, foster care)
- Substance abuse programs
- Group homes and residential education programs
- Schools
- Adult and juvenile correctional facilities
- Departments of social services
- Adult and child welfare services
- Disability services
- Housing programs and shelters
- Domestic violence programs
- Advocacy agencies
- Legislative offices
- Military branches
- Community development / community planning organizations
- Non-governmental / community-based organizations
- Non-profit / grassroots organizations
- International programs / development
- Other public and private human service agencies and programs
Career information resource
App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.
More to Explore at App State
International Experience
Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more
Professional Development
Invest in yourself with opportunities designed to stimulate career growth. Learn more
Graduate Assistantships
Earn some money while you earn your degree. Learn more
Apply
Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.
Admissions questions? Contact us.
Connect
Program Contact
Dr. Michael L. Howell
Program Director
828-262-7682
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Admissions Events
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