The Joint M.S.W. program is a joint effort between NCA&TSU and UNCG. This means that both schools contribute resources to the success of the program. Students are students of both universities. Classes are held on both campuses; faculty from both schools teach; students have library and parking privileges on both campuses; and the degree is granted jointly by both universities.The diplomas even have the seals of both schools.

Currently, no. The Joint M.S.W. program is a full-time, face-to-face program. On occasion there is an evening class, but the majority of course work and internship placements are during regular business hours.

It’s been done. That said, it’s not recommended. Two-year and advanced standing students take 15 credit hours per semester (except in summer, when advanced standing students take 6 credit hours during each summer session). In addition to classes, first year students are in field placement two days a week 8 a.m.-5 p.m.In the second year, students are in field placement 8 a.m.-5 p.m. three days a week. A choice to work does not excuse you from responsibilities in class or field placement.

If you are still in college, you might want to consult your local office of career planning or advising. Local social workers will also be able to give you a good overview of the career and what it entails.These links might also be helpful:

• Beasocialworker.org
• National Association of Social Workers
• National Association of Social Workers: General Fact Sheets
• US Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook

No, just one. Admissions rotates between the two universities every four years. Currently, the UNCG Graduate School is handling admissions paperwork. See here to access the online application.Once all successful applicants have been accepted, students will be randomly assigned to either UNCG or NCA&TSU for purposes of tuition and fees, registration, financial aid, and access to all fee-based services, including student health services. This will be considered the student’s “home” campus. The “home campus” has no bearing on class location or faculty.

Applications are available online.

Applications must be submitted online by January 15.

We do not require an undergraduate degree in social work for 2-year students. Past students have had undergraduate majors ranging from art to zoology. The only requirement is that the undergraduate degree be from an accredited college or university. However, advanced standing applicants must have a BSW from an accredited social work program within the past 7 years.

Undergraduate GPA (or graduate GPA if the applicant has a graduate degree or 9 hours of graduate level coursework), experience in the field of human services (paid, internship, or volunteer), personal statement, case analysis and recommendations.All five elements are considered in the admission decision making process. Instructions for the personal statement, case analysis, and volunteer/work experience form are located within the online application. Recommendations are also submitted online.

For more information, see our Admissions Requirements.

No, we do not require GRE scores from Joint M.S.W. applicants.

Yes. See here for our GPA Replacement policy.

Yes, if you are applying for the 2-year program. If you are accepted, you will have until the end of your first fall semester to take the missing pre-requisite class(es) and earn a minimum grade of C. Prerequisite courses may be taken at any accredited institutions, including community colleges in a state system.We strongly suggest that students take prerequisite courses before beginning their Joint M.S.W. coursework due to the heavy course load of the Joint M.S.W. program. You can contact the Joint M.S.W. Admissions Coordinator to ensure the courses meet requirements before enrolling. Advanced Standing applicants must have completed all prerequisites before beginning the program.

If you email your official or unofficial transcript(s) to the Joint M.S.W. Admission Coordinator, that person may be able to look over your transcripts to see if you meet GPA and course requirements for admission.

Yes, under certain circumstances. See here for the details of our transfer credit policy.

Yes, the Joint M.S.W. Program admits every year for the Advanced Standing Program. Those classes begin in the first summer session. See our program options.

Most applicants no longer have control over their undergraduate GPA. If you do not have the minimum GPA of 3.0, you may wish to use the GPA Replacement policy. This leaves four areas: experience, recommendations, personal statement, and case analysis.

• Experience: If you feel you need a little more experience, try volunteering in a social service agency.
• Recommendations: Choose professional or academic recommendations over personal ones. We do not accept personal recommendations, and submitting this type of recommendation may result in your application not being reviewed or the review process being delayed while you seek other, appropriate recommendations. Remind your recommenders that they will need to complete the recommendation form even if they choose to write a letter. Be sure to check the online application site to verify your recommendations have come in.
• Personal statement: Follow the guidelines provided exactly and answer all the questions clearly and directly. Thoroughly proofread, including the use of spell- and grammar-checking programs. If writing is not your forte, enlist the aid of a friend to give your statement a once-over.
• Case Analysis: Answer the question(s) clearly and concisely. Provide a rationale for your responses. Thoroughly proofread as for personal statement.

Do not include materials that were not requested in the application packet, such as papers, portfolios, or news clippings.

Interviews are not required in the Joint M.S.W. admissions process. If you feel there are specific issues that the admissions committee needs to know about, you may include a brief statement (1-2 pages) in your application.

Due to the busy schedules of our faculty, individual appointments with all applicants cannot be scheduled. We have two information sessions in the fall. Check the main Joint M.S.W. Admissions webpage for dates and to RSVP. Joint M.S.W. faculty members are available at those sessions to answer your questions and provide an overview of the program. Prospective applicants are welcome to visit either or both campuses on their own.

You are welcome to email questions to the Joint M.S.W. Admissions Coordinator, Dr. Grace Gowdy at gmgowdy@ncat.edu.

Tuition and fees payments are made to the home campus to which students are randomly assigned after they have been accepted to the program. If you are admitted to the Joint M.S.W. Program, you will receive that information in March or April.

You will apply for financial aid through your home campus. However, you will need to list both UNCG and NCA&TSU on your FAFSA because you will not receive your home campus assignment until March or April. The federal school code for UNCG is 002976, and for NCA&TSU is 002905.

Yes. However, you must be admitted to the program before you can apply for such assistance. Incoming students should always plan to cover their expenses in case they do not receive any of these financial awards. If you are admitted, we will send you information about program-specific assistance that may be available to you.See Financial Opportunities for additional information.

For financial aid that is not handled through the Joint M.S.W. Program, such as federal loans, consult the individual programs for their deadlines. You can find the FAFSA deadlines on that web page.For advanced standing applicants:
If you are currently in your senior year and will need federal loans or other financial assistance for the two summer sessions, be aware that you will have to revise your current year FAFSA and complete a new FAFSA for the upcoming year.

Regardless of which university is your home campus, your tuition will be the same. However, tuition does change from year to year, and usually is not posted until late spring or early summer. You can look up current tuition and fees at both UNCG and NCA&TSU websites.

See Financial Opportunities for information.

Field placements are arranged and assigned by the Co-Directors of Field Instruction. Generalist placements are generic and may not necessarily coincide with student interests. If possible, we try to ensure that the generalist placement will also not be in an area of practice in which students may already have prior work experience. (Exception: Child Welfare Collaborative students).For specialist placements, students have some input as to specific agencies, and placements must agree with students’ selected area of practice. However, placements are still arranged and assigned by the Co-Directors of Field Instruction.

Yes. All effort is used to arrange placement assignments in or close to the student’s home when possible. Students should be aware, however, that placements are arranged within a 150-mile radius of Greensboro.