MSW Programs in South Carolina
South Carolina has two CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. Graduates are eligible for all four levels of state social work licensure, from LBSW through LISW-CP. Median annual pay for social workers in SC is $49,360, and job growth across social work roles is projected between 12% and 22% through 2032.
South Carolina’s need for qualified social workers runs deep. The state has significant rural health care gaps, high rates of child poverty, and communities still recovering from decades of economic disinvestment. An MSW doesn’t just open career doors in SC; it opens them everywhere. It positions you for the work the state actually needs.
If you already know you want to do therapeutic work, whether that’s running a private practice, working in a hospital, or providing clinical services in a community mental health center, the MSW is the degree that gets you there. Without it, the upper tiers of South Carolina’s social work licensure structure are closed off. With it, you’re eligible for every level, including the clinical license that authorizes independent practice.
SC Social Work Licensure Tiers
South Carolina has four levels of social work licensure, overseen by the SC Board of Social Work Examiners. Each level corresponds to a degree requirement and scope of practice. The MSW makes you academically eligible for all four, but the upper two specifically require a master’s degree.
| License | Degree Required | Practice Scope |
|---|---|---|
| LBSW (Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker) | BSW from a CSWE-accredited program | Non-clinical generalist practice, with supervision required for clinical work |
| LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | Master’s-level practice with supervised clinical work |
| LISW-CP (Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice) | MSW + 3,000 supervised clinical hours completed after LMSW licensure | Independent clinical practice, including diagnosis and treatment |
| LISW-AP (Licensed Independent Social Worker – Advanced Practice) | MSW + supervised hours (contact the SC Board for current requirements) | Independent practice at an advanced level, the scope differs from LISW-CP |
For full licensure requirements at each level, visit our South Carolina social work licensure guide. Current requirements are also available directly from the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in South Carolina
To qualify for licensure in South Carolina, or in most other states, your MSW must come from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). South Carolina has two CSWE-accredited MSW programs, each with a distinct focus and structure.
University of South Carolina – The UofSC College of Social Work, based in Columbia, is the state’s most established program. The program covers five client system levels: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Campus locations include Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, with an online option available. The GRE is not required for admission (subject to change; confirm current policy with UofSC).
Winthrop University – Based in Rock Hill, Winthrop’s MSW program focuses on Empowerment Practice Across Systems, an advanced generalist approach covering both clinical and macro-level practice. The program is available in full-time, part-time, and fully online formats.
Traditional vs. Advanced Standing
When you apply to an MSW program, you’ll choose between two tracks based on your undergraduate background.
The traditional track is for students with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than social work. It typically takes two years full-time, with foundation coursework in the first year and a specialization concentration in the second. Most programs also offer part-time options that extend the timeline to three or four years.
The advanced standing track is for students who already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Because foundation competencies are already established, you bypass most first-year requirements. Advanced standing programs average 30 to 39 credit hours, compared to 60 for a traditional program, and can typically be completed in about one year. If you have your BSW, this track can get you licensed and working considerably faster.
Online MSW Programs in South Carolina
Both CSWE-accredited programs in SC offer online MSW programs. Winthrop’s online MSW program is primarily online, with minimal to no campus requirements, though you should confirm the current format directly with the program. If cost is a deciding factor, our guide to affordable CSWE-accredited MSW programs covers tuition comparisons across accredited programs nationwide. The University of South Carolina’s online option uses the same curriculum and faculty as its on-campus program.
Online programs still carry the same field education requirements as campus-based ones. You’ll complete supervised practicum hours in an approved placement near where you live. If you’re in a rural part of the state, look for programs that offer a dedicated practicum placement specialist. Placement coordination support varies, and it matters more when you’re not near a major city.
Social Work Salaries and Job Outlook in South Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in South Carolina earn a median annual salary of $49,360. The upper end of the pay range reaches $62,550, which typically reflects licensed clinical social workers in independent or supervisory roles.
Job growth projections for SC social work roles are strong across the board. Healthcare social workers are expected to grow by 21.5% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 250 job openings per year. Social and community service managers are projected to grow 20.9% over the same period. Child, family, and school social workers are the largest segment of the state’s social work workforce and are projected to grow 12.2%, generating an average of 490 openings annually.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers are also in demand, with a 16.4% growth projection through 2032. That’s a field that’s already stretched thin in many parts of SC, particularly in rural counties where mental health access is limited.
Loan Forgiveness for South Carolina Social Workers
If you plan to work in an underserved community after graduation, federal loan forgiveness programs are worth factoring into your decision before you settle on a repayment plan. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program offers up to $50,000 in loan forgiveness for qualifying social workers placed in Health Professional Shortage Areas. Most of rural South Carolina qualifies. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program offers forgiveness after 120 qualifying monthly payments for those working full-time in government or nonprofit organizations. Many social work positions in SC meet that standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn an MSW in South Carolina?
A traditional MSW program takes two years full-time, or three to four years part-time. If you already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, an advanced standing track can typically be completed in about one year. Both SC programs offer advanced standing options.
Do MSW programs in South Carolina require GRE scores?
The University of South Carolina does not require the GRE or MAT for MSW admission. Check requirements directly with Winthrop, as these can vary and are subject to change.
What’s the difference between LMSW and LISW-CP in South Carolina?
The Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is the entry-level master’s license, allowing supervised practice after you earn your MSW. The LISW-CP is the clinical license that authorizes independent practice, including diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. To qualify for the LISW-CP, you need 3,000 supervised clinical hours completed after LMSW licensure and a passing score on the ASWB clinical exam.
Can I earn an MSW online and still get licensed in South Carolina?
Yes. CSWE accreditation applies to the program regardless of delivery format. As long as your MSW program is CSWE-accredited, an online degree meets South Carolina’s academic requirement for licensure. You’ll still need to complete the required supervised practicum hours in an approved field placement.
What careers can I pursue with an MSW in South Carolina?
An MSW positions you for roles across health care, child welfare, mental health, community development, and school settings. Specific titles include licensed clinical social worker, healthcare social worker, school social worker, child welfare case manager, and social services administrator. With the LISW-CP, you can also establish a private practice.
Key Takeaways
- Two CSWE-accredited programs – UofSC and Winthrop both offer online and advanced standing options.
- The MSW unlocks all four SC licensure tiers – including the LISW-CP, which authorizes independent clinical practice.
- Strong job growth statewide – healthcare social workers are projected to grow 21.5% in SC through 2032, with 250 average annual openings.
- Loan forgiveness is available – NHSC and PSLF programs can significantly offset repayment costs for social workers in qualifying roles.
- Median pay is $49,360, with clinical and supervisory roles reaching $62,550 and above, per BLS data.
Ready to explore your options? Compare CSWE-accredited programs in South Carolina and find the track that fits your background and goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.
