South Carolina · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near North Charleston, SC (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
North Charleston, South Carolina (population 121,469) 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.
Best MSW programs in North Charleston, SC
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside North Charleston, SC. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near North Charleston, SC
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of North Charleston, SC, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Charleston · ~8 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
Online MSW programs available in North Charleston, SC
South Carolina-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, SC in 2026?
North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $52,310 versus $51,800 statewide in South Carolina and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the South Carolina median.
Where do social workers work in North Charleston, SC in 2026?
North Charleston, South Carolina sits in Charleston County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center (SC DMH)
- Trident Medical Center and MUSC Health
- Charleston County School District
- Charleston County Department of Social Services
- Carolina Youth Development Center
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 North Charleston, SC?
After an MSW from North Charleston, 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 North Charleston, SC?
How much do social workers earn in North Charleston, SC?
Can I earn an MSW online from North Charleston, 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.