North Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Winston-Salem, NC (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Winston-Salem, North Carolina (population 252,975) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program 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 Winston-Salem, NC?
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Winston-Salem, NC. See the nearby and online options below.
What are the best MSW programs near Winston-Salem, NC?
The best MSW programs near Winston-Salem, 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 Greensboro · ~24 mi
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
Which online MSW programs can you take from Winston-Salem, NC?
North Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina sits within the Winston-Salem, NC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,260 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $86,150 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 | 410 | $61,030 | $47,290 – $78,710 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 140 | $60,110 | $38,430 – $91,080 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 630 | $58,930 | $45,010 – $73,600 |
| Social workers, all other | 80 | $86,150 | $38,410 – $117,040 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 220 | $79,720 | $50,580 – $120,740 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $58,930 versus $59,610 statewide in North Carolina and $59,550 nationally. That is below the North Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
Winston-Salem, North Carolina sits in Forsyth County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Forsyth County Department of Social Services
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
- Partners Health Management (LME/MCO)
- The Children’s Home of Winston-Salem
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 Winston-Salem, NC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Winston-Salem, NC?
The social work license you need in Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem, NC
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Winston-Salem, NC?
How much do social workers earn in Winston-Salem, NC?
Can I earn an MSW online from Winston-Salem, 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.