MSW Programs in South Carolina

There are three master of social work programs in South Carolina. Each of these have been accredited by the CSWE, meaning that they have been vetted to offer a high-quality education. Each of these offer both an online and in person option, which can accommodate all kinds of students. 

Social workers are an important part of the community. They can play a part in improving the lives of those around them. According to the Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity website, some of the biggest issues in South Carolina include poverty, food insecurity, a low minimum wage, and unemployment. Social workers can help improve these issues through a variety of strategies. They might meet with families going through poverty to help them find rental assistance, housing, food, and employment. A social worker might advocate for a higher minimum wage or other social policy changes to benefit their community. They also could play a role by helping someone gain the skills needed to get a job. Certain kinds of social workers with a license, called Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) can provide mental health therapy to help clients with their mental illness or life stressors. 

A social work master’s degree can also allow someone to become involved in social issues through the above ways and more depending on a number of factors. Hospitals, rehab facilities, Veterans Associations, social service organizations, non-prpfits, and many more need social workers. With a master’s degree, you might even qualify to become licensed as an LCSW or become a supervisor at a social services organization. 

Below is an overview from O*Net Online of what to expect for income and job growth for social work careers in the state of South Carolina. These statistics include information for bachelor’s level social work careers as well, so it’s important to keep in mind that the opportunities may be slightly different for master’s-only statistics. The amount of pay to expect can also vary based on location in the state, type of organization, and more. 

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 13% (faster than average growth)
  • Average Annual Wages: $44,390
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 11% (faster than average growth)
  • Average Annual Wages: $48,220
• Healthcare Social Workers
  • Projected Growth: 17% (much faster than average growth)
  • Average Annual Wages: $60,230
• Social Workers, All Other
  • Projected Growth: 2%
  • Average Annual Wages: $82,830
• Social and Community Service Managers
  • Projected Growth: 16% (much faster than average growth)
  • Average Annual Wages: $68,730

Earning a master’s degree might be for you whether you are interested in the field or already work as a bachelor’s level social worker. To become a social worker in South Carolina, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. This can be in any related field, but a bachelor’s in social work may allow you to complete your master’s degree faster. The MSW program might take one to four years to complete, and if you attend a CSWE-accredited institution, it will prepare you to take any licensing exams. 

Below is information on the MSW programs offered in South Carolina.

South Carolina Online Masters in Social Work

There are three MSW programs in South Carolina that offer an online component. Online programs are beneficial for students who need a flexible school schedule or prefer to work in an online environment. This often applies to those who work full time or have other obligations such as a family. The programs reviewed in this section are CSWE-accredited, making them likely equal in quality to their in-person counterparts. Coursework is completed online as well. Some programs may involve virtual classes that take place at a specific time, while others may have class content that can be completed at your time. Each of these programs also offer an in-person option. If you enroll in the online program, you will still have to complete your practicum at a local agency, and you may have to go to the campus a couple of times during the semester.

CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in South Carolina

There are three CSWE-accredited MSW programs in South Carolina. Accreditation is an important feature of a social work program. In the US, the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) is the sole agency responsible for assessing social work programs and awarding accreditation in the US. This organization strives to create innovative social work programs that keep up with the times and provide professional development opportunities for social workers. 

Accreditation ensures that the program is continuously innovating their social work education. It benefits students because it ensures that they are receiving a good education that will prepare them for their future careers and licensing exams. Accreditation creates consistency across the state as well, which can be helpful if a social worker needs to transfer their license across state lines.

No GRE Required MSW Programs in South Carolina

None of the MSW programs in South Carolina require the Graduate Record Exam, or GRE.  The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a multiple choice exam that tests skills including math, data analysis, vocabulary, critical thinking, and problem solving. This is because MSW programs try to consider more holistic aspects of an individual. Instead of the GRE, masters of social work programs in SC often require an essay component, a certain minimum undergraduate GPA, professional references, and career or volunteer experiences. Other universities or programs may have different requirements for enrollment.

South Carolina MSW Programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options

Each of the three MSW programs in South Carolina offer an advanced standing program. To qualify for advanced standing, a student must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work specifically from a CSWE-accredited institution. The benefit of an advanced standing program is that it allows you to essentially skip the first year of the traditional program and earn your degree in half the time. For full-time enrollment, this can take one year instead of two. For part-time enrollment, this can take two years instead of one. If you didn’t earn your bachelor’s degree in social work, you are still free to apply to the traditional MSW program.

Affordable MSW Programs in South Carolina

Figuring out how to afford higher education can feel overwhelming for many students. Luckily, there are strategies you can try to make the cost more accessible. For one, it’s important to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA, each year. This application determines if you qualify for any federal grants or loans based on things like your income and family size. It has granted millions of students financial aid and helped them afford school. You should also look for CSWE scholarships or scholarships through your chosen university website. 

Choosing a university with an affordable tuition is also a good strategy for affording your education. While affordability is subjective, certain institutions are more affordable than others, particularly state schools that you are a resident of. There are only three MSW programs in South Carolina, and below is an overview of the cost of attendance for your assessment. 

• Limestone University
  • Tuition: $23,400 total
• University of South Carolina
  • Tuition: $7,867 per semester
• Winthrop University
  • Tuition: $7,813 per semester

Conclusion

Social work is a rewarding career that offers a lot of opportunities in the field. As a social worker, you could help people at hospitals, those in rehab, individuals experiencing homelessness or mental illness, and much more. Earning a master’s degree may increase your career and income opportunities more than if you have a bachelor’s degree. Many fields of social work are in demand in South Carolina, including Child, Family, & School Social Work, Mental Health & Substance Abuse, Healthcare, and Social and Community Service Managers. A master’s degree can allow you to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and provide therapy, or you might be able to become a supervisor. There are several MSW programs in South Carolina that will provide you with a high-quality education for your future career.