Program Overview

Social Work, M.S.W.

College of Social Work

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.

Program Highlights

• Real Experiences: Learn directly in practicum opportunities both in Columbia and in rural areas and small towns around South Carolina.
• Focus Your Work: Pursue a specialization track for children, youth and families; health and mental health; or community, social and economical development.
• Career Options: Find great success with opportunities for fulfilling employment upon completion of the degree program.
• Prime Location: Take advantage of access to state government and governmental agencies through our location in the capital city.

What You’ll 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.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Advocacy: Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education and policy change
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support
• Problem Solving: Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies
• Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal or objective
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
• Communication: Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

• Therapist
• Mental Health Coordinator
• Crisis Interventionist
• Social Welfare Manager
• School Social Worker
• Social Justice Advocate

Job Titles of Alumni

• Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Therapist
• School Social Worker
• Behavioral Health Care Manager
• Care/Case Manager

Average Alumni Salary

Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $66,331

Workplace Settings

• Health Care
• Education
• Government
• Services
• Nonprofits
• Information Technology

Employers of Alumni

• Greenville Health System
• SC Department of Mental Health
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• University of South Carolina
• Medical University of South Carolina
• SC Department of Social Services

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Doctorate: Social Work, Ph.D. (College of Social Work)
• Certificate: Social and Behavioral Health with Military Members, Veterans, and Military Families, Certificate (College of Social Work)
• Certificate: Drug and Addiction Studies, Certificate (College of Social Work)
• Doctorate: Law, J.D. (Joseph F. Rice School of Law)