jmcomicÂþ»­

When I found out I was accepted into one of the top Social Work schools in the nation, I was beyond excited. Based on their reputation I expected to be in an inclusive, diverse learning environment, that was open to different perspectives and experiences. I couldn't have been more wrong. The majority of students are white, female, cisgender students from white collar backgrounds that came straight out of undergrad, typically from UNC. Students are not encouraged to have different ideas or perspectives,... Read More only views that coincide with the unrealistic ideals of the white collar professors, most of who have never experienced any type of adversity and do not know how to work with those who have. Any challenges are met with placation and the Dean is notorious for brushing issues under the rug. When counseling future social workers, I strongly encourage them to seek other opportunities.

When applying to this school I was attracted by their rating as one of the top programs in the country. I understand this to be because we have really impressive professors with extensive research backgrounds and who are still making amazing discoveries in the field. However, I had high expectations that a high rating would also mean that we'd receive lots of extra attention outside of coursework to help us prepare for the professional field. What I found was that level of instruction was dependent... Read More on instructor availability when signing up for classes. Placement services were not the best either because there was very little freedom for student input towards their preferences. Most of all, there wasn't much guidance on selecting concentrations. For all of those reasons I wouldn't recommend this social work program to others. Compared to my undergraduate experience it was definitely failing on several levels. I'm still finding it very hard to find employment even with my new credentials.

UNC School of Social Work offers a wide variety of academic and professional development opportunities. The staff and faculty encourage evidence-based practices while challenging students to explore new initiatives that work to solve systemic problems and empower clients to advocate for better livelihoods. The faculty is comprised of some of the best practitioners in the field. Professors are willing to engage students within and beyond the classroom. Clinical lecture series provide avenues for students... Read More to learn current practices and network with other professional disciplines. It is a rigorous program, but students create a compassionate and supportive atmosphere. Self-care is not only emphasized, but also practiced. I do not live in Chapel Hill, so my only complaint is transportation and parking.