South Carolina – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Are you considering earning a master of social work (MSW)? Online MSW programs in South Carolina can put you on track for a career in a state with high employment growth projections and above-average pay for certain social work specialty areas. Learn more about the state’s online MSW programs, what accreditation to look for, and the benefits of online learning.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs in South Carolina
Limestone University
- Areas of Concentration: Mental Health
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, multiple cohorts per year
University of South Carolina
- Areas of Concentration: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Winthrop University
- Areas of Concentration: Empowerment Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, multiple cohorts per year
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in South Carolina
When researching online MSW programs in South Carolina, ensure those on your list hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) programmatic accreditation. The CSWE regularly reviews MSW curricula and training to ensure academic quality and effective preparation for social work careers. Each of the online programs listed in the section above holds CSWE accreditation.
The other organization to look for is the institutional accrediting body. In South Carolina, colleges and universities with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation meet national higher education standards.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in South Carolina
Online MSW programs provide flexibility, access to programs outside your geographic area, potential cost savings, and the opportunity to continue working while pursuing your degree. Cost savings can include reducing commuting costs, such as gas and parking, paying discounted or in-state tuition rates, and avoiding the expense of having to relocate closer to the school.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
This section details the characteristics of different online course delivery methods. Understanding your own learning style can help you select an online MSW program in South Carolina with the most effective class format.
- 100% Online: Fully online programs generally do not require any in-person attendance. Courses may use asynchronous or synchronous delivery exclusively, or the program may combine both. This type of distance learning offers the most flexibility.
- Hybrid: Hybrid learning blends online and in-person formats. You might take some courses online, with the remainder requiring on-campus attendance. Alternatively, your courses may be online, with required on-campus seminars, intensives, or experiential learning.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous course content comprises recorded lectures and materials, which you can access 24/7 and complete on your schedule. This format requires self-discipline and time management, as your study schedule is entirely up to you. Communication with faculty and fellow students takes place through message boards.
- Synchronous: Classes are held virtually at set times through streaming platforms. To accommodate working students, courses often take place in the evening or on weekends. This delivery style can keep you accountable with scheduled classes and provide more interaction with instructors and classmates.
Regardless of the course format, all online MSW programs in South Carolina require in-person participation for fieldwork and internships. Distance learners can often complete field experiences in their local communities. Programs may arrange placements, or they may require students to find their own opportunities.
South Carolina Social Worker Career and Salary Information
This section includes a table listing average annual salaries and projected job growth rates for four categories of social work career paths. Online MSW programs in South Carolina can lead to state licensure and careers with strong projected job growth rates during 2022-2032.
Child, family, and school social worker and mental health and substance use social worker salaries in South Carolina fall below the national averages of $59,190 and $63,870, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state’s healthcare social worker pay rates dip just below the $67,430 national average.
However, in the “all other” social workers category, South Carolina wages exceed the $68,800 national average. This category includes criminal justice social workers, adult protective service social workers, and forensic social workers. These social workers find employment in top-paying industries, including government agencies and legal services.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $44,960 | 12.2% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $61,150 | 21.5% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $46,860 | 16.4% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $78,120 | 10% |
