Western Carolina University · Cullowhee, North Carolina
Social Work (B.S.W.)
What Should You Know About Social Work (B.S.W.) at Western Carolina University?
Social Work (B.S.W.) is a BSW program at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, offered on campus. It requires 120 credits and takes 4 years average. Federal tuition and fees: $4,532 a year in-state (2023-24). Western Carolina University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | BSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | 120 credit hours (42 liberal studies, 67 social work, 11 electives) |
| Length | 4 years average |
| Admission to the major | Begin as Pre-Social Work majors; apply after at least 35 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA; 2.5 GPA maintained each semester |
| Field practicum | 400 hours of full-time supervised field practicum in a fall or spring semester |
From wcu.edu, reviewed October 1, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Western Carolina University's federal tuition and fees, $4,532 a year in-state (2023-24), compare with a median of $13,212 across schools with a CSWE BSW.
- Its 400-hour field practicum compares with a median of 430 among programs that state their hours (CSWE requires at least 400).
After This BSW: Licensing in North Carolina
- First years: general education and intro coursesPsychology, sociology, human biology, intro to social work
- Apply to the social work majorUsually in the second year, with a GPA minimum
- Senior field practicumAt least 400 supervised hours in an agency
- License: CSW (ASWB Bachelors)Or an MSW in about a year with advanced standing
North Carolina licenses BSW graduates as the Certified Social Worker (CSW). North Carolina BSW license from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
BSW Programs at Nearby Schools
- FormatOn campusTuition$40,290per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOn campusTuition$37,270per year, tuition and fees 2023-24 · NCESAccreditationCSWE
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (Knoxville Campus) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville school profile · Knoxville, TNFormatOn campus500-hour practicumTuition$11,560per year · resident rateAccreditationCSWEBachelor of Social Work at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Tennessee Wesleyan University school profile · Athens, TNFormatOn campusTuition$31,820per yearAccreditationCSWE
Social Work (B.S.W.): Common Questions
How Much Does Social Work (B.S.W.) at Western Carolina University Cost?
Federal undergraduate tuition and fees for 2023-24: $4,532 in-state, $8,532 out-of-state. Grants lower most students' price; confirm current rates with Western Carolina University.
How Do You Get Into Social Work (B.S.W.)?
Begin as Pre-Social Work majors; apply after at least 35 credit hours with a 2.5 GPA; 2.5 GPA maintained each semester, according to Western Carolina University's pages.
How Many Field Practicum Hours Does Social Work (B.S.W.) Require?
400 hours of full-time supervised field practicum in a fall or spring semester, according to the school's program page.
Can Graduates of Social Work (B.S.W.) Go on to an MSW?
Western Carolina University's own Master of Social Work (Standard and Advanced Standing; Cullowhee and Asheville Biltmore Park) admits BSW graduates with advanced standing. Any CSWE BSW qualifies you for advanced standing at other schools too.
Is Social Work (B.S.W.) CSWE Accredited?
Western Carolina University's BSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.