Program Overview

The MSW program offers a competency-based curriculum. Our graduates are expected to demonstrate professional competencies across levels of practice. These competencies are informed by social work knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes and applied in the service of enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.

Our specialized areas of practice are Children, Youth and Families; Health and Mental Health; and Community, Social, and Economic Development. 

Program Options

The MSW program is designed to help you earn your degree on a timeline that best fits your needs. 

Pathways to degree completion include the following options:

• Two-Year Full-time Program in Columbia
• Three-Year Part-time Program in Columbia, Greenville and Charleston
• 11-Month Advanced Standing Program in Columbia for students who have earned a bachelor's degree in social work. 

Degree Requirements

Our program’s academic regulations are consistent with The Graduate School and in accordance with accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.

Full-time and Part-time students must complete 60 credit hours, and Advanced Standing students must complete 42 credit hours. All graduate-level studies must be completed in six years.

All students must also successfully complete a comprehensive assessment that is distinct from program course requirements. The comprehensive assessment requires students to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and apply theories and principles to aspects of professional practice and research in social work.