School Social Work
Make a difference in the lives of children and families with school social work licensure at UNC Pembroke. These pathways are designed for social work students & practitioners who want to work in North Carolina public schools. In our program, you'll gain the tools to support student success, remove barriers to learning, and become eligible for A-level or M-level school social work licensure.
Earn Your A-level School Social Work Licensure
This licensure track prepares BSW students and practitioners 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 College 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 as a School Social Work Intern under the supervision of a licensed school social worker (A-Level or higher). To begin, contact Denise Presnell.
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, contact Denise Presnell.
Want to learn more about A-level?
or call us at 910.521.6262
Send us a message, and one of our counselors will get back to you.
Earn Your M-Level School Social Work Licensure
Designed for MSW students and current school social work professionals, this licensure path qualifies you for M-Level School Social Work Licensure in North Carolina.
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Be currently enrolled in UNCP's MSW program
OR - Hold an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, be employed full-time as a school social worker in a North Carolina public school, and have applied and been accepted by the UNCP Graduate School.
To qualify for licensure, candidates must:
- Earn a C or better in all required coursework
- Complete a field practicum in an NC public school under a licensed school social worker (M-Level)
- OR complete one year of full-time employment under a licensed school social worker (M-Level)
Required documentation includes:
- Official transcript
- Final field or employment evaluation
- Final School Social Work Evaluation Instrument
- Request for Licensure Recommendation Form
Before beginning this process, contact Denise Presnell, who will evaluate the documentation. You and the College of Education Licensure Specialist and/or NC Department of Public Instruction will be notified of approval or disapproval of your application.
MSW students at UNCP pursuing M-Level school social work licensure must complete:
- SED 5120 Advanced Study of Exceptionality in Children
- SWK 5730 Advanced Practice in School Social Work
- SWK 5500 Advanced Generalist Practicum I and Seminar
- SWK 5800 Advanced Generalist Practicum II and Seminar
Your practicum must be completed in an NC public school as a School Social Work Intern under a school social worker licensed at the MSW (M-Level). Coursework should be completed before or during field placement.
To begin, contact Denise Presnell.
MSW graduates employed full-time in an NC public school may complete their licensure while working. Requirements include:
- One year of full-time employment under a licensed M-Level school social worker
- Completion of:
- SED 5120 Advanced Study of Exceptionality in Children
- SWK 5730 Advanced Practice in School Social Work
Want to learn more about M-level?
or call us at 910.521.6271
Send us a message, and one of our counselors will get back to you.
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.
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Similar Programs
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.