School Social Work
Advance your impact with M-Level school social work licensure through UNC Pembroke’s MSW program. Meet the complex needs of students and families in North Carolina public schools. This pathway is approved by the NC Department of Public Instruction. Whether you're currently pursuing your MSW at UNCP or already working as a school social worker, this program prepares you for full licensure at the master’s level.
Earn Your MSW 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 and be employed full-time as a school social worker in a North Carolina public school
To qualify for licensure, candidates must:
- Earn a C or better in all required coursework
- Complete a field practicum in a 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
The School Social Work Program Coordinator will evaluate the documentation. You and the School 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 a NC public school under a school social worker licensed at the MSW (M-Level). Coursework should be completed before or during field placement.
To begin, join the School Social Work Canvas Shell and follow the outlined steps.
MSW graduates employed full-time in a 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
School Social Work for MSW
Step into leadership with M-Level School Social Work Licensure, designed for MSW graduates
ready to make a greater impact in K–12 schools. Through advanced training in student
support, intervention strategies and family advocacy, you’ll be equipped to lead teams
and champion student success.
School Social Work for BSW
Already have a BSW and ready to take the next step?
UNCP’s A-Level School Social Work Licensure program is designed to help you build
on your foundation and become licensed to practice in school settings. Gain specialized
training to support students, collaborate with educators and make a lasting impact
in K–12 communities.
Master of Social Work
Don’t have your MSW yet?
UNC Pembroke offers a flexible, CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program that
prepares you for licensure and positions you for leadership in the field. Whether
you're just starting out or shifting careers, our program combines academic rigor
with real-world experience, helping you build the skills and confidence to serve diverse
communities and drive meaningful change.
After UNCP
The highlight of my BraveNation experience was being able to do a simulation alongside nursing students during my 2nd year of my master's program. This experience gave us all the opportunity to dive deeper into the struggles that marginalized, underserved and low-income populations endure day to day. From struggling to find transportation or food to being on the verge of eviction, the stress they face is unimaginable. It deepened my passion for social work and made me even more excited to be in the field working to impact lives.
Elayna Locklear
Social WorkCommon Careers
Adding school social work licensure to your MSW expands your impact and career possibilities. This specialized credential equips you with the skills to support students, families, and school communities — opening doors to roles in K–12 education and beyond.
- Public school social work
- Behavioral and academic support teams
- Family engagement coordination
- Youth mental health support
- Community partnership roles
- Advocacy and education policy work
Want to learn more?
or call us at 910.521.6271
Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you.
Meet Our Faculty
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.