South Carolina MSW Degree Programs

School	Program	Admissions
Winthrop University	Master of Social Work CSWE-Accredited. No GRE/MAT required for admission.	Website

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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

There are a few institutions that offer both an accredited undergraduate and graduate education in social work in the state of South Carolina: The University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. Salaries for social workers in health care range from $35,000 to $82,290 between the bottom and top 10 percent of employment in this category.

South Carolina CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited seven different institutions across the state of South Carolina. Of these schools, the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University at Rock Hill provide both a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree. Gaining a BSW provides an opportunity for students to complete the MSW in just one year.

Are there online MSW programs in South Carolina?

Yes, there are colleges in South Carolina with an online Master of Social Work degree program. Consider a featured online MSW program that is taking applicants right now, or move on to the list.

Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

List of online MSW programs in South Carolina that are CSWE accredited

Finding a Campus Based South Carolina MSW Program

Columbia is the location for multiple institutions to consider with accredited social work programs, including Benedict College, Columbia College, and the University of South Carolina. Specializations that students may consider when pursuing a Master's degree at USC includes community development, criminal justice, gerontology, and military social work.

Winthrop University's Online Master of Social Work

Prospective students have the option to pursue an MSW program at the Winthrop University Rock Hill campus or conveniently online. Credit hours required for the curriculum is based on if traditional or advanced standing enrollment, with the full program needed 60 total credit hours to complete. A generalist and specialized internship is required during the academic studies.

Online Format

The same program is offered at the campus and online with the same accredited faculty and mission for eventual graduates. Online studies are mostly asynchronous with on-demand lectures, but assignments and exams will have specific deadlines. There are no on-campus residency requirements needed, making the program completely available online with internships taking place near the student's home.

Field Experience

Three different internship courses are needed in this program, and the specialist portion is divided into two courses. 900 total clock hours are earned with the majority of this work (660 hours) needed in the specialization, and field experience is generally completed during normal work hours during the weekdays.

There is potential to utilize where the student currently works professionally with the field internship requirements, but this must be approved by the program director.

Admission Requirements

In order to be considered for either program, at least a Bachelor's degree is needed from an accredited institution. The traditional format requires a 2.8 cumulative GPA, but advanced standing must obtain a 3.0 overall GPA from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work.

Submissions in addition to transcripts include three letters of recommendation, professional resume, and personal statement detailing goals for the program and why Winthrop University was chosen for graduate study.

Review of campus-based South Carolina MSW programs

Careers, Licensures, and Salaries in South Carolina

The health care sector of social work is a strong specialization within the state of South Carolina. Over 2,000 workers are represented in this category according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and these opportunities are spread out in the major metropolitan areas of Columbus, Charleston, and Greenville. Health care workers analyze clients at hospitals and make their transition to and from health care simple.

Average Salary of a South Carolina Social Worker

Social workers in health care generally receive higher average salaries in most states, and this is also true in South Carolina. The annual mean wage statewide is estimated at $57,470, and this number blossoms over the $60,000 mark in many metropolitan areas, including Columbia and Charleston.

South Carolina Social Work Licensure Requirements

There are four different licensures offered by the South Carolina state board, and each depend on the type of education that the applicant has earned. Similar certification is earned within the Licensed Independent Social Worker designation, but there is a difference between the Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) and Advanced Practice (LISW-AP) clarification.

Holding the LISW-CP licensure allows independent clinical work when it comes to diagnosing problems and giving therapy. Having the LISW-AP designation allows for independent non-clinical work, and a different advanced generalist exam must be taken through the Association of Social Work Boards. Either licensure requires at least 3,000 clocked work hours after graduation.

Endorsement and Renewal Requirements

No licensures are endorsed by South Carolina, but those that have licensure from other locations can apply within the state if they are actively practicing and criteria is similar or more advanced. At least 40 credit hours of continuing education is needed to renew any license, and half of this education must come from a professional with at least a Bachelor of Social work. Renewal is required every two years in South Carolina.