The Department of Social Work at Appalachian State University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and housed within the Beaver College of Health Sciences, the Department of Social Work offers both undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) programs. The Department provides a collaborative and supportive community with dedicated faculty and quality instruction. We offer academic, social, service, international/study abroad, and field (internship) opportunities for students as they develop into social work professionals.


Guided by an overarching framework of social and economic justice, our mission is to promote the well-being of individuals, families, groups and communities. Our programs assist students in developing competencies for ethically and culturally competent social work practice within the distinct Appalachian culture of the region and across national and international contexts.

Hands-on, experiential learning is a signature component of Social Work curriculum. Students in both programs complete field placements in the region in order to integrate their coursework with experiences in social service and human service agencies.