Isothermal, UNC-Wilmington partner on social work program

By: Mike Gavin
Published: March 24, 2023

SPINDALE (March 15, 2023) – Earning a bachelor’s degree in social work just became easier in Polk and Rutherford counties. 

Isothermal Community College has partnered with UNC-Wilmington to create a seamless transfer opportunity for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. 

Students who have successfully completed an associate degree in the Human Services Technology program at Isothermal Community College and meet admission requirements of UNC-Wilmington's Bachelor of Social Work program will be admitted to the program. This means that students have a straightforward pathway to completing a bachelor’s degree. Social work courses will be offered online. Once admitted, students will receive individual advising on the program and required courses. 

“Students in rural counties do not have many affordable options to earn an undergraduate degree, particularly if they are working professionals,” said Dr. Stacey Kolomer, director of the UNC-Wilmington School of Social Work. “At the heart of social work is social justice. We know there are not enough mental health and substance abuse counselors to serve in these rural areas, so the School of Social Work is excited to provide a pipeline to train professionals to meet the needs of their communities.” 

The articulation agreement with UNC-Wilmington will open doors previously unavailable to Isothermal graduates, creating an enhanced pipeline to numerous job opportunities in mental health, childcare, family services, social services, rehabilitation, correctional, and educational agencies. 

“We are looking forward to this partnership and the opportunity it will provide our students,” said Ava Yamouti, Isothermal’s dean of Health and Public Services.  

Students who complete the A.A.S. Human Services Technology degree at Isothermal and the Bachelor of Social Work degree at UNC-Wilmington can easily progress into the Master of Social Work program with advanced standing, thus shortening the length of their time in graduate school. 

Find out more about the Human Services Technology program at Isothermal by contacting lead instructor Kimberly Snyder at ksnyder@isothermal.edu or 828-395-4165.