About Our Social Work Graduate Programs at NCA&T and UNCG

Jointly Offered Programs in Social Work (JPSW)

The Jointly Offered Programs in Social Work (JPSW) are graduate programs provided by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCA&T) and the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG). Together, these two institutions offer high-quality, collaborative social work education designed to prepare students for meaningful social work careers.

NCA&T, a historically Black university and one of North Carolina’s two land-grant institutions, offers a diverse range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Meanwhile, UNCG, which was originally the Woman’s College until 1965, maintains a strong commitment to the Liberal Arts and is a minority-serving institution offering degrees at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels.

The campuses are just 2 miles apart, with a shuttle bus connecting them, providing students easy access to resources and activities at both universities.

What We Offer: Graduate Programs in Social Work at NCA&T and UNCG

We are proud to offer two distinguished graduate programs in social work:

• Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) – A joint program between NCA&T and UNCG.
• Doctorate in Social Work (Ph.D.) – A joint program between NCA&T and UNCG.

Both programs immerse students in a strong tradition of multiculturalism, social justice, and community-focused research, which are integral to the preparation of future social workers, scholars, activists, and researchers.

The Student Experience

As part of our graduate programs, students benefit from an enriching and collaborative experience across both campuses. Specifically, the student experience includes:

• Classes at both NCA&T and UNCG campuses
• Access to faculty from both universities
• Library and parking access at both campuses
• Comprehensive instructional and research support at both institutions
• A joint degree awarded by NCA&T and UNCG, with diplomas featuring the seals of both universities

This collaborative structure offers students a unique, well-rounded education in social work that enhances the students academic and professional development.

Masters PROGRAM (M.S.W.)

The joint Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program provides students with a comprehensive education through a collaborative, multicultural approach. This program prepares students for multicultural clinical practice, ensuring they are equipped to address the diverse needs of individuals and communities.

The program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 2000 and was re-accredited in June 2020, extending through 2028.

Degree options include:

• Two-Year Option (60 credit hours)
• Advanced Standing Option (42 credit hours, completed in one year)

For those interested in learning more, a History of our Joint Masters Program is available for download.

Doctorate PROGRAM (Ph.D.)

The joint Doctorate in Social Work (Ph.D.) program is designed to combine the strengths of two historic institutions – NCA&T, a historically Black institution, and UNC Greensboro, once the Women’s College of the UNC system. This unique collaboration focuses on:

• Diversity
• Multicultural responsiveness
• Community engagement

The curriculum incorporates a range of research methods, including quantitative, qualitative, and community-based approaches. Additionally, students have the flexibility to choose electives to specialize in specific areas of interest. The program follows a teacher-scholar model, which prepares students for careers in academia and leadership in the community.

The Ph.D. program requires 48-54 credit hours.

For more details, please refer to the official announcement from the UNC System Board of Governors.