South Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Columbia, SC (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Columbia, South Carolina (population 142,416) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 2 South Carolina programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for South Carolina licensure.
Best MSW programs in Columbia, SC
Accredited programs with a campus in Columbia, SC, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Columbia, SC
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC, SC · CSWE-accredited since 1969 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of South Carolina has held CSWE accreditation since 1969, 57 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Columbia, SC; Charleston, SC; Greenville, SC). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Columbia, SC
South Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Columbia, SC residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina | 1969 | Yes | #41 |
| Winthrop University | 2005 | Yes | #166 |
How much do social workers make in Columbia, SC in 2026?
Columbia, South Carolina sits within the Columbia, SC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,410 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $100,420 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 660 | $62,130 | $37,760 – $83,330 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 210 | $48,250 | $30,480 – $71,650 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,380 | $50,610 | $39,030 – $72,840 |
| Social workers, all other | 160 | $100,420 | $70,260 – $122,280 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 430 | $78,240 | $50,380 – $140,890 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Columbia, SC earn a median of $50,610 versus $51,800 statewide in South Carolina and $67,310 nationally. That is below the South Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in Columbia, SC in 2026?
Columbia, South Carolina sits in Richland County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- South Carolina Department of Mental Health (state headquarters)
- Prisma Health Richland Hospital
- Richland County School Districts
- University of South Carolina
- LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council)
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Columbia, SC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Columbia, SC?
After an MSW from Columbia, SC or anywhere, these are the South Carolina social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Independent Social Worker-AP (LISW-AP) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Independent Social Worker-CP (LISW-CP) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the South Carolina state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Columbia, SC?
How much do social workers earn in Columbia, SC?
Can I earn an MSW online from Columbia, SC?
What license do MSW graduates need in South Carolina?
MSW programs in other South Carolina cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for South Carolina license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.