Start your career with endless beaches, countless Blue Ridge Mountain trails and a statewide network of approximately 9,470 social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

This career guide to becoming a social worker in South Carolina outlines educational requirements, licensing, social work organizations to join, and more. Once you complete the steps to become a social worker, you can embark on a meaningful, fulfilling career helping others in the Palmetto State. 

The information below was retrieved in February 2026 and is intended only as a high-level overview. Requirements may change; always check with the state licensing board for the most current information.

Sponsored Online MSW Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

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Common Steps to Become a South Carolina Social Worker

Before becoming a social worker in South Carolina, you must earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and a social work license, depending on what career path you choose. There may also be additional requirements depending on your license level, such as submitting official transcripts and required identification documents, passing the appropriate ASWB exam, and documenting supervised experience where required. Below are the steps for obtaining each type of license in South Carolina, as provided by the South Carolina State Board of Social Work Examiners.

1. Earn a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Degree

To become a licensed social worker in South Carolina, you will have to complete a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited BSW, Master of Social Work (MSW) program, or DSW. You can pursue these degrees in South Carolina through full-time, part-time, and online formats. 

2. Pass the appropriate ASWB exam and, if you’re pursuing independent licensure (LISW-CP or LISW-AP), complete the required post-master’s supervised practice

South Carolina has four levels of social workers, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:

Licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW): A person with an accredited bachelor’s degree in social work who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam. LBSWs may provide basic generalist social work services in organized settings (such as agencies), but they may not diagnose/treat mental illness, provide psychotherapy, or practice independently/private practice.

Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with an accredited master’s degree in social work who has passed the ASWB master’s exam. LMSWs can provide social work services under supervision.

Licensed independent social worker–clinical practice (LISW–CP): Someone with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work who has passed the ASWB clinical examination. LISW–CP applicants must complete 3,000 hours of post-LMSW clinical practice under board-approved clinical supervision over at least 2 years (and no more than 4), including at least 100 hours of face-to-face direct clinical supervision, and meet required coursework/ethics requirements set by the Board. 

Licensed independent social worker–advanced practice (LISW–AP): LISW-AP applicants must pass the ASWB Advanced (Advanced Generalist) exam and complete 3,000 hours of post-LMSW social work practice under advanced practice supervision (including required direct supervision), consistent with Board standards.

3. Get Licensed

In South Carolina, you typically submit your licensure application first, and then, once approved, take the required ASWB exam and complete any remaining steps for your license level.

Learn more about how to become a social worker.

There are many fully CSWE-accredited BSW and MSW programs in South Carolina. A bachelor’s degree in social work allows a student to enter an advanced standing MSW program, which can be completed in around one year. A BSW also prepares students for entry-level social work positions and is the minimum requirement for licensure as an LBSW in South Carolina. 

There are various accredited bachelor’s degree programs in social work based in South Carolina:

To become an LMSW or an LISW (CP or AP) in South Carolina, you must have a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.

MSW programs in South Carolina prepare students for advanced social work practice through graduate-level coursework and supervised field education. Common topics include human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy, practice methods, and intervention strategies with individuals, families, groups, and communities. South Carolina has two fully CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University.

South Carolina offers online MSW options through fully CSWE-accredited programs, including the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. Online MSW programs follow CSWE standards and include required field education (internships/practicum), while coursework is delivered primarily online. Program structure, scheduling, and faculty assignments can vary by school and cohort, so students should confirm format details (full-time vs. part-time, advanced standing availability, and field placement support) directly with each program.

Learn more about MSW programs:

South Carolina licenses social workers at three levels: baccalaureate (LBSW), master’s (LMSW), and independent practice (LISW), which includes two tracks, clinical practice (LISW–CP) and advanced practice (LISW–AP). While you can begin entry-level practice as an LBSW with a CSWE-accredited BSW, earning an LMSW or either LISW credential requires a master’s or doctoral social work degree, along with meeting the Board’s exam and other licensure requirements. The license information below is based on guidance from the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners and the state’s Social Workers Practice Act.

Becoming an LBSW allows you to provide generalist (non-clinical/non-psychotherapy) social work services in organized settings such as social, medical, or governmental agencies. LBSWs may not diagnose/treat mental illness, provide psychotherapy, or practice independently/private practice.

Becoming an LMSW allows you to provide master’s-level social work services in agency settings. LMSWs may provide clinical or advanced-practice services only under supervision in social, medical, or governmental agencies, and they may not practice privately or independently.

Becoming an LISW–CP allows you to provide clinical social work services independently, including services delivered in private or independent practice settings, after meeting the Board’s education, supervision, and exam requirements.

Becoming an LISW–AP allows you to provide advanced practice social work services independently (for example, community practice, administration, policy development, program evaluation, research, advocacy, and other nonclinical services). An LISW–AP may not practice clinical social work independently; independent clinical practice requires the LISW–CP credential.

Information on the above social work salaries in South Carolina was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for South Carolina, February 2026.

South Carolina students may be eligible for school-based scholarships and fellowships, including awards offered through university social work programs.” While each state has different offerings, below are a few scholarships and fellowships to help you become an LBSW, LMSW, LISW–CP or LISW–AP in the state of South Carolina.

South Carolina social workers and students can connect with several state and national organizations that offer advocacy, professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities. Better social work means better solutions for welfare, child welfare, elderly welfare, healthcare reform, and other issues affecting the disadvantaged populations in South Carolina and beyond.

South Carolina doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements, but the Board allows licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold an active, equivalent social work license in another state. To apply, submit the South Carolina application and $45 non-refundable fee, and provide required documentation such as official ASWB exam scores sent to the Board and verification that your out-of-state license is in good standing.

South Carolina social workers renew their licenses every two years. To renew, licensees must complete 40 clock hours of social work–related continuing education during the biennial reporting period, and at least 20 of the 40 hours must be provided by a trained social worker (BSW, MSW, or doctorate in social work). For the 2025–2026 renewal cycle, licensees must also include at least 1 hour of CE in suicide assessment, treatment, and management. The biennial renewal fee is $90. 

The easiest way to verify a South Carolina social work license is to use the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCLLR) Licensee Lookup. Choose Social Worker, then search by name (or license number) to view a licensee’s license number, status, and other public details. Note that the lookup site may require your browser to allow cookies and pop-ups. 

Information last updated: January 2026