MSW Social Work at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Train in counseling, advocacy and policy analysis to help people overcome social and economic challenges and prepare for a career in health care, education, government, business and nonprofits. As one of the largest at the university, our competitive master's program in a capital city features a robust field education network and close proximity to lawmakers and state leaders to explore your policy and advocacy interests. Multiple specialty centers provide student employment and research opportunities.

Faculty: College of Social Work | Duration: 30 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Become an advanced generalist practitioner able to serve diverse communities. Students train to respond to a variety of changing needs to alleviate oppression and advance cultural and human rights and social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Learn to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate while developing a strong professional identity.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Therapist, Mental Health Coordinator, Crisis Interventionist, Social Welfare Manager, School Social Worker, Social Justice Advocate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): The admission policy for the M.S.W. degree program applies to every applicant. All applicants must fulfill the general admission requirements of both The Graduate School and the College of Social Work. Applicants must be recommended to The Graduate School for acceptance by the MSW Program. Acceptance by The Graduate School and the M.S.W. Program is based on the evaluation of an applicant’s total academic profile. The M.S.W. Program is committed to diversity in its student body. Admission is limited and competitive. Admission to the College of Social Work is contingent upon admission to The Graduate School. Deadlines The deadline for Advanced Standing Program admissions is March 1. Classes begin in the summer. The deadline for Full-time and Part-time Program admissions is April 1. Classes begin in the fall. Minimal requirements for admission include: A bachelor’s degree from an...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences