North Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Raleigh, NC (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Raleigh, North Carolina (population 482,295) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 3 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.
Best MSW programs in Raleigh, NC
Accredited programs with a campus in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC, NC · CSWE-accredited since 2004 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
North Carolina State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Raleigh, NC). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). 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 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
Best MSW programs near Raleigh, NC
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Raleigh, NC, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Chapel Hill · ~23 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
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 Fayetteville · ~55 mi
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, NC, NC · CSWE-accredited since 2003 · On-Campus
6.1
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Fayetteville State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Fayetteville, NC). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Mental Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Durham · ~18 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
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
Online MSW programs available in Raleigh, NC
North Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC in 2026?
Raleigh, North Carolina sits within the Raleigh-Cary, NC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,650 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $69,090 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 | 660 | $69,090 | $44,100 – $94,000 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 410 | $59,380 | $42,850 – $95,010 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,460 | $62,700 | $44,700 – $76,950 |
| Social workers, all other | 120 | $53,560 | $44,000 – $108,720 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 810 | $85,850 | $59,200 – $128,470 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Raleigh, NC earn a median of $62,700 versus $59,610 statewide in North Carolina and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the North Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in Raleigh, NC in 2026?
Raleigh, North Carolina sits in Wake County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Wake County Health and Human Services
- Alliance Health, the regional LME/MCO
- WakeMed and Duke Health
- Wake County Public School System
- SouthLight Healthcare
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 Raleigh-Cary, NC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Raleigh, NC?
After an MSW from Raleigh, NC or anywhere, these are the North Carolina social work licenses, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Raleigh, NC?
How much do social workers earn in Raleigh, NC?
Can I earn an MSW online from Raleigh, NC?
What license do MSW graduates need in North Carolina?
MSW programs in other North Carolina cities
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.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.