South Carolina Social Work License Requirements and Programs: Become a Social Worker in SC
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
As the demand for social services continues to rise, so does the growing need for social workers in South Carolina. Pursuing a career as a social worker can be a rewarding pathway for professionals committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
Different levels of South Carolina social work licenses reflect varying educational levels and scopes of practice. Use this guide to learn about social work licensing options in South Carolina.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
South Carolina Social Work Licensing Requirements
The South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners oversees the licensing process, offering options for individuals with a bachelor of social work (BSW) or a master of social work (MSW) degree who are over 21 years of age. Clinical licensure distinguishes those who have completed a minimum number of supervised direct-service hours with clients over a designated period.
Reflecting on your education, clinical experience, and career goals can help you determine the right South Carolina social work license for you.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker
A licensed baccalaureate social worker (LBSW) provides generalist, non-clinical services under the supervision of a more experienced social worker. Case management and child welfare roles are possible for a social worker with an LBSW. LBSWs might work in hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, serving as mental health aids, housing specialists, or care coordinators.
South Carolina licensure requirements for LBSW include:
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Accredited bachelor’s degree in social work
- Passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelors exam
Licensed Master Social Worker
While a licensed master social worker (LMSW) can provide clinical services in South Carolina, they must do so under the supervision of a licensed independent social worker. Treatment planning, case management, and counseling are roles often assumed by an LMSW.
LMSWs might work in hospitals, schools, and inpatient or outpatient mental health treatment settings. These professionals can help address mental health or substance use concerns, grief and loss, and social-emotional development.
South Carolina licensure requirements for LMSW include:
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Passing score on the ASWB masters exam
Licensed Independent Social Worker – Clinical Practice
Licensed independent social worker-clinical practice (LISW-CP) is the highest level of social work licensure available in South Carolina. An LISW-CPs can provide counseling services in private or group practice settings, hospitals, and schools.
Working independently allows LISW-CPs to focus their practice on a particular specialty, whether that includes a certain population, treatment intervention, or theoretical orientation. LISW-CP practitioners can assume supervisory and management roles as they progress in their career.
South Carolina licensure requirements for LISW-CP include:
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work
- Documentation of 3,000 hours of social work practice under clinical supervision
- Passing score on the ASWB clinical exam
Social Work License Reciprocity in South Carolina
South Carolina does not hold licensing reciprocity agreements with other states. Out-of-state applicants who currently hold an equivalent level of licensure in another state can apply to the state board, along with the required $45 application fee and exam scores from the ASWB.
Out-of-state LCSWs can also register with the state board to provide telebehavioral health services remotely to clients in South Carolina without having to obtain an additional license. This only applies to out-of-state social workers providing online therapy services remotely, not to those who plan to open a practice in South Carolina or otherwise provide in-person services in the state.
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education in South Carolina
Social workers in South Carolina must complete 40 hours of approved continuing education every two years. Continuing education activities may be tracked using a free account with CE Broker. Candidates can earn credits through courses, conferences, and seminars approved by the board. Lecturers and workshop leaders may receive two hours of continuing education credit per hour of presentation time, to account for the development of materials.
The deadline for licensing renewal and completion of continuing education hours is December 31 of even years.
BSW Programs Available in South Carolina
- Benedict College — Columbia (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $536 per credit hour full time; $648 per credit hour part time
- Columbia College — Columbia (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Child Welfare Certificate
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Online
- 2024 Tuition: $21,414 annual full time; $711 per credit hour part time; $407 per credit hour online
- Limestone University — Gaffney (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Child Welfare Certificate
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Multiple cohorts per year
- 2024 Tuition: $742-$1,113 per credit hour
- South Carolina State University — Orangeburg (On Campus)
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $4,764 per semester in state; $10,109 per semester out of state
- University of South Carolina — Columbia (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Addictions, Trauma, and Military certifications
- Enrollment Type: Full Time
- 2024 Tuition: $6,144 in state per semester; $16,764 out of state per semester
- Winthrop University — Rock Hill (On Campus)
- Available Concentrations: Social Welfare minor, Child and Youth Well-Being minor, and Gerontology minor
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time
- 2024 Tuition: $6,999 full time, in state; $13,998 full time, out of state
MSW Programs Available in South Carolina
- Limestone University — Gaffney (Online)
- Available Concentrations: Mental Health
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- 2024 Tuition: $650 per credit hour; $550 per credit hour for active military
- University of South Carolina — Columbia (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist Concentration; Addictions Certificate, Military Certificate
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing
- 2024 Tuition: $6,867 full time in state; $14,880 full time out of state
- Winthrop University — Rock Hill (On Campus, Online)
- Available Concentrations: Advanced Generalist concentration, Child Welfare certificate
- Enrollment Type: Full Time, Part Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- 2024 Tuition: $7,813 full time in state; $15,050 full time out of state
South Carolina Social Worker Career and Salary Information
Social workers can work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. On average, social workers make less in South Carolina than the national average. However, this reflects the lower cost of living in the state. While healthcare social workers bring in the highest salary in the profession, highly specialized social workers serving in unique roles, including forensics and criminal justice, have even greater earning potential.
According to Projections Central, social workers across South Carolina could see job growth between 10% and 21.5% from 2022-2032. The lowest job growth projections belong to the specialized, “social workers, all other” category, while healthcare social workers enjoy the highest job growth projections.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $44,960 | $21.62 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $61,150 | $29.40 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $46,860 | $22.53 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $78,120 | $37.56 |
Social Work Associations in South Carolina
- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), South Carolina Chapter: The NASW offers information about regional chapters within the state, upcoming conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
- The South Carolina Society for Clinical Social Work (SCSCSW): The SCSCSW offers professional development and continuing education opportunities for clinical social workers, advocates for the field, and helps members connect.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Social Work
What are the different types of social workers in South Carolina?
Social workers can serve in a variety of roles, including healthcare social work, school social work, child welfare, clinical social work, and beyond.
How do I get licensed as a social worker in South Carolina?
To get licensed as a social worker in South Carolina, you must earn a degree from an accredited program, pass the corresponding ASWB exam, and complete any required clinically supervised practice hours before applying for licensure with the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners.
How much do social workers in South Carolina make?
Social workers in South Carolina make, on average, anywhere between $44,960 and $78,120 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salary potential varies based on licensing level, educational attainment, years of experience, and employer.
How long does it take to become a social worker in South Carolina?
It takes a little over four years to become a bachelor’s-level licensed social worker, two additional years to earn a master’s-level license, and 2-4 more years of post-graduate supervised experience to earn a clinical license.
