South Carolina’s Master of Social Work educational landscape showcases the Palmetto State’s commitment to expanding access to quality graduate social work education through innovative online delivery methods. The state features a growing collection of CSWE-accredited online MSW programs that are specifically designed to accommodate working professionals while maintaining the rigorous academic standards expected of graduate-level social work education. South Carolina’s online MSW offerings typically feature flexible scheduling options, comprehensive field education coordination, and specialized concentrations that prepare students for the state’s diverse social service needs ranging from rural community practice to urban healthcare settings.

To get licensed as a social worker in South Carolina, you must earn a degree from an accredited program, pass the corresponding ASWB exam, and complete any required clinically supervised practice hours before applying for licensure with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners. For those pursuing clinical licensure, the LISW-CP requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience within 2-4 years, with supervision by a licensed LISW-CP, ensuring that online MSW programs prepare graduates for comprehensive post-graduation professional development.

The career environment for social workers in South Carolina reflects the state’s diverse population centers and rural communities, creating abundant opportunities for MSW graduates across healthcare systems, mental health services, child welfare, and community development sectors. South Carolina’s growing emphasis on integrated healthcare delivery, substance abuse treatment, and trauma-informed care aligns perfectly with contemporary online MSW curricula that emphasize evidence-based practice and cultural competency. The state’s coastal communities, metropolitan areas like Charleston and Columbia, and rural regions generate demand for social workers skilled in addressing varied population needs and service delivery models. Online MSW programs prepare practitioners to navigate this dynamic landscape through comprehensive field education experiences that connect students with local agencies while building competencies essential for advancing social work practice throughout the Southeast.

2026 Best South Carolina MSW Programs Online

Looking for the best South Carolina MSW programs online? MastersInSocialWorkOnline.org ranks top options to help you choose. Online programs offer flexibility for students balancing work or family, making distance learning accessible. We evaluate schools based on key factors like accreditation and student support. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

Limestone University

Gaffney, SC - Private 4-year - limestone.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice in Mental Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

Limestone University's online Master of Social Work program, accredited by CSWE, specializes in Advanced Generalist Practice in Mental Health, requiring no entrance exam. It offers a 48-credit curriculum focused on assessment, intervention, and advocacy in mental health settings, with flexible full-time or advanced standing options for completion in 12-24 months. The program emphasizes social justice and cultural competence, preparing graduates for diverse roles in social services and healthcare, with a cost of $1,950 per course and a 3.0 GPA requirement.

  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Generalist Mental Health Focus
  • $1,950 per course
  • 48 credit hours total
  • Advanced standing for BSW graduates
  • Specialization in Mental Health Practice
  • Full-time completion under 2 years
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Field instruction components
  • Diverse career opportunities
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2023 release.

List of South Carolina Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Gaffney, SC

Limestone University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice in Mental Health - Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • Advanced Generalist Mental Health Focus
    • $1,950 per course
    • 48 credit hours total
    • Advanced standing for BSW graduates
    • Specialization in Mental Health Practice
    • Full-time completion under 2 years
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023. National Center for Education Statistics. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online South Carolina MSW Program Options

This table shows 10 affordable online MSW program options in South Carolina for 2026. These programs are available at the bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, and doctorate levels. Online education is important because it offers flexibility for students across the state, including in cities like Columbia and Charleston, through distance learning and virtual formats.
Limestone University
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Generalist Mental Health Focus
  • $1,950 per course
  • 48 credit hours total
  • Advanced standing for BSW graduates
  • Specialization in Mental Health Practice
  • Full-time completion under 2 years
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • $10,000 - $15,000 (Graduate)
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

List of South Carolina Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced Standing MSW programs in South Carolina provide an accelerated educational opportunity for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, enabling them to complete their master’s degree through a streamlined, intensive curriculum. These programs emphasize disaster preparedness and recovery, historical trauma intervention, and Lowcountry community practice to serve South Carolina’s coastal regions, rural inland areas, and the diverse populations throughout the state’s changing social and economic landscape.

Jump to City:

Columbia, SC

University of South Carolina

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Accredited by CSWE.
    • Online and campus options.
    • Advanced Standing available.
    • Focus on social justice.
    • Requires BSW for Advanced Standing.
    • Multiple recommendation letters needed.
    • Statement of purpose required.
    • CV or resume submission.

Rock Hill, SC

Winthrop University

  • Master's - Online Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online courses
    • CSWE-accredited program
    • Part-time, flexible schedule
    • Advanced Standing option available
    • Dedicated practicum assistance
    • Exceeds national licensure pass rates
    • Focus on empowerment practice
    • 60-credit Traditional program
*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

2026 Affordable Online South Carolina Advanced Standing MSW Programs

This table lists 10 online advanced standing MSW programs in South Carolina for 2026, offering degrees like Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate. These virtual options are important for flexibility, allowing students in cities like Charleston or Columbia to study from home. Distance learning makes education more accessible for busy professionals.
Winthrop University
  • 100% online courses
  • CSWE-accredited program
  • Part-time, flexible schedule
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • Dedicated practicum assistance
  • Exceeds national licensure pass rates
  • Focus on empowerment practice
  • 60-credit Traditional program
  • $13,000 - $19,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $24,600 - $36,900 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of South Carolina
  • Accredited by CSWE.
  • Online and campus options.
  • Advanced Standing available.
  • Focus on social justice.
  • Requires BSW for Advanced Standing.
  • Multiple recommendation letters needed.
  • Statement of purpose required.
  • CV or resume submission.
  • $11,000 - $16,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $24,100 - $36,200 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Postsecondary data from: IPEDS 2023, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/