South Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Mount Pleasant, SC (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (population 95,232) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 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.
What are the best MSW programs in Mount Pleasant, SC?
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Mount Pleasant, SC. See the nearby and online options below.
What are the best MSW programs near Mount Pleasant, SC?
The best MSW programs near Mount Pleasant, SC are the accredited ones whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of it, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Charleston · ~6 mi
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
Which online MSW programs can you take from Mount Pleasant, SC?
South Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant, SC in 2026?
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina sits within the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,320 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $99,340 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 | 400 | $60,680 | $43,830 – $82,620 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 50 | $42,060 | $31,370 – $57,140 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 740 | $52,310 | $39,570 – $95,580 |
| Social workers, all other | 130 | $99,340 | $52,680 – $118,580 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 290 | $79,130 | $58,560 – $132,300 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Mount Pleasant, SC earn a median of $52,310 versus $51,800 statewide in South Carolina and $59,550 nationally. That is at or above the South Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in Mount Pleasant, SC in 2026?
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina sits in Charleston County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Roper St. Francis East Cooper Medical Center
- Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center (SC DMH)
- Charleston County School District
- MUSC Health
- Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina
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 Charleston-North Charleston, SC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Mount Pleasant, SC?
The social work license you need in Mount Pleasant, SC is a South Carolina license, and after an MSW from here or anywhere these are the ones the state issues, 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.
Common questions about MSW programs in Mount Pleasant, SC
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Mount Pleasant, SC?
How much do social workers earn in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Can I earn an MSW online from Mount Pleasant, SC?
What license do MSW graduates need in South Carolina?
Which other South Carolina cities have MSW programs?
Other South Carolina cities with MSW programs in them or within commuting distance are listed below, ordered by how many. The count after each city is programs inside it, then programs nearby.
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.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-10-05. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.