Best Online MSW Programs in South Carolina
Online MSW programs South Carolina are flexible programs that allow you to balance work and personal commitments while pursuing a curriculum on clinical practice, policy analysis, and research methods. These graduate programs align with licensure requirements and emphasize experiential learning through internships, preparing you for impactful careers in social service.
Key Takeaways:
- Winthrop University achieves a 61% graduation rate, placing in the top 29% nationally for student success.
Limestone University has a low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ranking in the top 23% nationwide. We appreciate that it offers personalized instruction.
Our ranking methodology for the best online MSWs in South Carolina involves online enrollment data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We show the most popular online schools hosting master's degrees in social work online.
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winthrop University | $13,630 | N/A | Yes | ||
| Limestone University | 184 | $31,200 | N/A | Yes |
Best Online MSW Programs in South Carolina
Winthrop University Winthrop University Winthrop University
- Online Enrollment: 551
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $13,630
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: WU ranks highly for its total online enrollment at the graduate level, reflecting a solid commitment to distance learners in its Master of Social Work program. With a 100% recommendation rate, online students express exceptional satisfaction. WU鈥檚 CSWE-accredited program offers two pathways: a 60-credit Traditional program and a 39-credit Advanced Standing program. It emphasizes empowerment practice, preparing graduates for specialized roles within diverse power systems. Field placement support and above-average national licensure exam pass rates equip students well for state social work licensure, all delivered through 100% online coursework designed for working adults.
Limestone University Limestone University Limestone University
- Online Enrollment: 184
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $31,200
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: LU is recognized for its total online graduate enrollment of 184 students, showcasing its commitment to accessibility in education. With a solid student-faculty ratio of 11:1, LU fosters personalized learning essential for advanced studies. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers an Advanced Generalist Practice in Mental Health specialization. This program can be completed full-time in under two years or via advanced standing in twelve months, with a curriculum that includes courses in Social Work Intervention, Diversity, Advanced Theory, and Field Instruction, totalling 48 credit hours.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in South Carolina
Social workers in South Carolina are also known as Social Work Examiners. They are mental health professionals who are often responsible for direct counseling or administrative work, such as providing supervision and education services. South Carolina social work requires interested parties to obtain a social work license before they are allowed to practice. Individuals wondering how to become a social worker must obtain the education credentials necessary to qualify as a Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) from an accredited program. Licensed Independent Social Workers are then further divided into Advanced and Clinical designations. When these qualifications are met, Social Work Examiners in South Carolina can be employed to work with children, families, schools, public health facilities, counseling centers, and other areas.
Becoming a Social Worker in South Carolina
Graduates holding a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work (BSW) are eligible for LBSW licensure, while graduate students who have attained their master鈥檚 degree in social work (MSW) can apply for LMSW licensure. In both cases, degrees must have come from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Each type of licensure also requires social workers to pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Obtaining a social work license is necessary to work in this field in South Carolina.
For those individuals who already possess LMSW licensure, acquiring the Licensed Independent Social Worker license with either clinical practice (LISW-CP) or advanced practice (LISW-AP) requires them to complete 3,000 hours of work experience and a separate exam.
Each of these three licenses opens up a variety of potential career paths. Social Work Examiners with LBSW licensure are qualified for general social work duties, including jobs as caseworkers and administrators. LMSW-level workers can engage in advanced case management and administrative duties but are not authorized to conduct clinical work. Clinical work is reserved for LISW-CP workers and may include diagnostic and mental health services. Finally, LISW-AP workers may be responsible for administering social service departments or even entire organizations.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Work
Obtaining a social work license is necessary to work in this field in South Carolina. In order to qualify for the LBSW, applicants should first ensure that their bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work was completed at an accredited college. In some cases, students in the final semester of their education may be allowed to apply for licensure in advance. If they meet this educational requirement, applicants can apply for a baccalaureate-level licensure online. The application process entails a non-refundable application fee, and applicants are also required to send their official college transcripts directly to the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners. Without these materials, the Board will not permit applicants to sit for the baccalaureate level exam. It is only after the exam has been passed that social workers will be rewarded with LBSW licensure. Applicants can also check on the status of their pending applications by visiting the South Carolina social work website.
Licensed Master Social Work
Students pursuing LMSW licensure to practice South Carolina social work must also meet a certain set of criteria in order to qualify. First, applicants must have obtained either a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited university. In some situations, students in the final semester of their program may be permitted to apply for the exam at that time. The next step is to apply to take the exam for Master鈥檚 level licensure with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
This exam requires applicants to pay a single non-refundable fee, as well as send their official university transcripts are sent directly to the Board office. When these materials have been received, students will be permitted to sit for the master's level social work license exam. Students who have applied but are still waiting for the results of their application may check their current status at any time by visiting the Board鈥檚 website.
Licensed Independent Social Work - Clinical Practice
In South Carolina, social work at the clinical level is performed by those with a LISW license. This is known as a LISW-CP and indicates that the individual is authorized to engage in Clinical Practice. Working independently with this qualification does require an individual to obtain the state鈥檚 most advanced social work license. Unlike those with an LBSW, LMSW, or LISW-AP, individuals holding LISW licensure will be permitted to work independently in a clinical setting to assess, diagnose, and treat their patients.
The first step in becoming a social worker at the clinical level is to ensure that all pre-testing requirements are met. Candidates must have a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree from an accredited university, including 45 academic contact hours in the fields of psychopathology and psycho-diagnosis. Candidates must have completed 15-20 academic contact or continuing education contact hours in professional ethics, and they must complete a LISW Supervision Contract with their supervisor. Finally, applicants are expected to demonstrate that they have completed 3,000 hours of social work practice under clinical supervision. When these requirements are met, applicants will be allowed to pay the application fee and take the LISW licensure exam.
Licensed Independent Social Work - Advance Practice
Candidates wondering how to become a social worker authorized to practice independently in South Carolina may want to consider applying for licensure as a LISW-AP. This type of social work license indicates that an individual is practicing independent work at an advanced level. Social Work Examiners with LISW-AP licensure can also work at the LMSW level. This is a different type of certification than the clinical license, with more limitations, but there are still many requirements that must be met before an applicant will be qualified for independent South Carolina social work.
Applicants must already hold a master鈥檚 or doctoral degree from an accredited university, and they must demonstrate that they have completed 90 hours in advanced social work practice with communities and organizations. Another requirement is that candidates must complete 15-20 contact hours or continuing education contact hours in professional ethics. Applicants must also finish 3,000 hours of supervised social work and complete a Supervision Contract with their supervisor. Only when this supervision is complete and has been evaluated by the Board will students be permitted to pay the application fee and take the LISW-AP exam.
Social Work License Reciprocity in South Carolina
Individuals with a social work license in another state who are wondering how to become a social worker in South Carolina must follow a few steps in order to become licensed in the state. South Carolina does not have formal reciprocity with any other state. For example, this means that an LMSW from another state will not automatically be allowed to practice South Carolina social work at the Master鈥檚 level. However, the Board will generally grant an equivalent license if individuals have already passed a licensure test from another state. In order for this to happen, social workers must contact the ASWB to have an official copy of their test scores sent directly to the Board office. Upon receipt, the Board will evaluate their scores and determine whether an equivalent license can be granted.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
A social work license must be renewed every two years in South Carolina. Applicants must pay a fee in order to have their license renewed; an additional late fee may apply if the deadline has already passed. Similarly, if a former Social Work Examiner has allowed their license to lapse and would like to learn how to become a social worker again, they must reapply and pay a reinstatement fee. These renewals and/or reinstatement fees apply to anyone who wants to continue practicing South Carolina social work, regardless of whether they intend to practice at the LBSW, LMSW, or LISW level. Renewals can be processed directly on the Board鈥檚 website.
If affordability is your top priority, explore our curated list of the most affordable online MSW programs to find a degree that fits both your budget and career goals.