by Chris Hilburn-Trenkle
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work recently launched a pair of introductory social work courses for undergraduate students.
SOWO 101 (Strategies for Social Good: From Analysis to Action) and SOWO 102 (Families in Focus: Navigating Challenges, Inspiring Change) are open campuswide to college students interested in learning more about the social work profession.
The courses represent a new focus for the School of Social Work, which is in the midst of implementing a Bachelor of Social Work program for the first time as part of its mission to increase enrollment to 1,000 students by fall 2029. The school is on track to welcome undergraduate students majoring in social work beginning in fall 2027 with a cohort of 25 students. At full maturity, each cohort will encompass 75 students.
“To say we are excited to introduce the field of social work to undergraduate students at UNC–Chapel Hill is truly an understatement — we are thrilled,” said Amy Levine, associate dean of undergraduate education. “Carolina undergraduates are bright, innovative thinkers who are eager to engage with issues that shape the world around them. Our social work courses are designed to build on that interest by introducing students to contemporary social challenges and encouraging them to think critically about what meaningful change can look like. We look forward to partnering with undergraduate students as they explore how social work can shape positive social change.”
SOWO 101
Adam Milano, a clinical instructor at the school with a secondary appointment as assistant director of global engagement in the Global Social Development Innovations research center, is teaching the SOWO 101 course.
Milano was recruited to UNC from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 2024. His research is primarily focused on mental health, embedded support, education and loneliness/belonging. In addition to his teaching and research experience, Milano is a United States Army veteran.
“It was a joy to see the class fill up so quickly during the registration period. Already in our first two weeks of class I am struck by the excitement, commitment and intelligence of the undergraduate students,” Milano said. “We have a range of majors, graduation years and motivations for taking this course within our first cohort. All signs are pointing to a great semester.”
Students enrolled in Milano’s class will learn about the structural, economic and social factors that create and contribute to problems in daily living while exploring solutions to foster social change for good. Along the way, they’ll engage in reflective assignments, social issue analysis and solution identification related to promoting well-being, empowering communities and addressing human needs.
“Offering social work 101 means exposing undergraduates to an academic discipline previously not offered at Chapel Hill,” Milano said. “This course serves as an introduction to the field of social work that not only prepares students who are interested in becoming social workers or pursuing a Master of Social Work but also provides a new perspective to students across disciplines.
“I believe that the foundational texts, values and approaches inherent in the 101 curriculum are beneficial to a range of scholarly and professional endeavors. Regardless of whether an MSW or a job in social work is the end goal, I firmly believe that this course will positively impact the way in which all students approach their work, be it in the classroom, the lab or the community.”
SOWO 102
Paul Lanier, professor and the L. Richardson Preyer Distinguished Chair for Strengthening Families at the School of Social Work, is teaching the SOWO 102 course.
Since returning to his alma mater, Lanier has served as associate director for child well-being for the school’s Jordan Institute for Families, faculty fellow for the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, and co-director of behavioral health services and systems research at the UNC Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research.
Lanier’s research expertise includes improving access to high-quality services delivered in child welfare, behavioral health and early childhood systems.
SOWO 102 encourages students to investigate the policy, economic and social issues that are shaping the lives of families and children statewide and beyond. Students will utilize a person-in-environment framework to explore interventions at the micro, macro and mezzo levels to address social complexities and promote family well-being. All the while, students will gain knowledge related to the intersection of policy, practice and advocacy and learn about contemporary issues facing families.
“Teaching one of the new undergraduate social work courses has already been incredibly energizing,” Lanier said. “UNC undergraduates bring so much to our school community and will create new opportunities for connection across campus. I have been really impressed with the students’ curiosity about social work and the passion they bring for social change. Finally being able to meet this demand is both exciting and deeply rewarding.”
Interested in learning more about the Bachelor of Social Work program? Click here.