North Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Greensboro, NC (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Greensboro, North Carolina (population 302,296) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 2 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 6 North Carolina programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for North Carolina licensure.
What are the best MSW programs in Greensboro, NC?
Accredited programs with a campus in Greensboro, NC, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Greensboro, NC
North Carolina A&T State University / University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative
Greensboro, NC, NC · CSWE-accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
5.1
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
North Carolina A&T State University / University of North Carolina at Greensboro Collaborative has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Greensboro, NC). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. The program runs on a full-time plan of study. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
What are the best MSW programs near Greensboro, NC?
The best MSW programs near Greensboro, NC are the accredited ones whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of it, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Chapel Hill · ~45 mi
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC, NC · CSWE-accredited since 1920 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has held CSWE accreditation since 1920, 106 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chapel Hill, NC). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Visit the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Durham · ~52 mi
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC, NC · CSWE-accredited since 2008 · On-Campus
4.3
1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
North Carolina Central University has held CSWE accreditation since 2008, 18 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Durham, NC). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Visit the North Carolina Central University MSW program site
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 3.2
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
Which online MSW programs can you take from Greensboro, NC?
North Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Greensboro, NC residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 1920 | Yes | #44 |
| East Carolina University | 1974 | Yes | #87 |
| Appalachian State University | 2006 | Yes | #138 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | 2004 | Yes | #170 |
| Western Carolina University | 2006 | Yes | #176 |
| University of North Carolina at Pembroke | 2008 | Yes | #228 |
How much do social workers make in Greensboro, NC in 2026?
Greensboro, North Carolina sits within the Greensboro-High Point, NC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,720 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $60,820 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 390 | $60,820 | $38,810 – $75,710 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 230 | $59,550 | $38,260 – $90,220 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,050 | $59,780 | $45,470 – $76,600 |
| Social workers, all other | 50 | $46,400 | $38,800 – $109,140 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 350 | $78,190 | $53,180 – $120,390 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Greensboro, NC earn a median of $59,780 versus $59,610 statewide in North Carolina and $59,550 nationally. That is at or above the North Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in Greensboro, NC in 2026?
Greensboro, North Carolina sits in Guilford County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Guilford County Behavioral Health and Department of Health and Human Services
- Cone Health
- Guilford County Schools
- Sandhills Center (LME/MCO)
- Youth Focus
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Greensboro-High Point, NC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Greensboro, NC?
The social work license you need in Greensboro, NC is a North Carolina license, and after an MSW from here or anywhere these are the ones the state issues, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | , | Masters |
| Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM) | Bachelor of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Certified Social Worker (CSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | , | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | , | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the North Carolina state board before applying.
Common questions about MSW programs in Greensboro, NC
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Greensboro, NC?
How much do social workers earn in Greensboro, NC?
Can I earn an MSW online from Greensboro, NC?
What license do MSW graduates need in North Carolina?
Which other North Carolina cities have MSW programs?
Other North Carolina cities with MSW programs in them or within commuting distance are listed below, ordered by how many. The count after each city is programs inside it, then programs nearby.
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for North Carolina license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-10-05. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.