9 Accredited Master of Counseling Degree Programs in South Carolina

A master’s degree in counseling from South Carolina opens doors to a thriving career field. The state projects 23% growth in this sector, which stands well above the national average of 18%. The numbers tell a compelling story.

South Carolina residents face more mental health challenges compared to other states. The state’s adults who report depression and anxiety reach 33.1%, exceeding the national rate of 32.3%. The South Carolina Department of Mental Health has put $3.6 million into filling treatment gaps. This investment creates new opportunities for qualified professionals and drives up enrollment in clinical mental health counseling programs across the state.

The field offers meaningful work with solid compensation. Counselors throughout the United States earn median salaries of just over $50,000 per year. We’ve researched nine accredited counseling graduate programs in South Carolina to help you choose the right path. Our guide covers everything from tuition costs to each school’s career preparation opportunities.

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

The Citadel Military College’s Psychology department offers an exceptional master of counseling degree. The program creates ethical, multiculturally-competent practitioners ready to serve in mental health settings. Among South Carolina’s counseling graduate programs, it stands out for its scholarly practitioner model and strong job placement rates.

Program overview

The MA in Psychology: Clinical Counseling program prepares students for professional counseling careers in various settings. These include college counseling centers, hospitals, mental health agencies, and social services organizations. The curriculum aligns with the Council of Applied Masters Programs in Psychology (CAMPP) guidelines.

Students complete 60 credit hours through three sequential course blocks. The program emphasizes:

• Application of human development theories
• Understanding psychopathology through a multicultural lens
• Evidence-informed cognitive behavior change approaches
• Ethical professional practice

Students learn assessment and intervention skills they can use with different populations and problems. The program balances theory with practical application to prepare graduates who can handle complex mental health challenges.

Accreditation & format

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited the clinical mental health counseling program through June 2030. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) also fully accredits their School Counseling Programs.

The historic campus in downtown Charleston hosts evening classes after 4:00 PM. Students can choose between part-time and full-time study, with five years to complete the program. This setup helps working professionals advance their careers while keeping their current jobs.

Tuition & duration

Full-time students usually finish in 3 to 3½ years. The annual tuition is in-state $12,570 and out-of-state $37,752. Total costs, including food and housing, reach $35,942 for in-state and $59,986 for out-of-state students.

Financial aid is accessible to most students—83% receive some form of assistance. Cadet students get average packages of $22,910. Graduates with federal loans have a median debt of $21,096 at completion. This translates to roughly $224 monthly payments over 10 years at 5.05% interest.

Career preparation

The program’s job placement rates are impressive. 79% of graduates since 2016 found jobs before graduation, while another 17% secured positions within three months.

Graduate performance on licensure exams is exceptional. The program maintains a 100% first-time pass rate since 2015, compared to South Carolina’s overall rates of 72% on the NCE and 53% on the NCMHCE.

The Citadel Career Center helps drive this success by offering:

• Resume and cover letter preparation
• Interview skills development
• Salary negotiation techniques
• Professional networking opportunities

Graduates meet South Carolina’s educational requirements for Professional Counselor licensure and may qualify for Licensed Addictions Counselor credentials. Field placements often lead to full-time jobs after graduation, giving Citadel graduates an edge in starting their counseling careers.

Columbia International University

Columbia International University has a faith-based master of counseling degree that merges biblical principles with clinical excellence. The program stands apart from secular ones by balancing spiritual growth with professional training. Students learn to address both emotional and spiritual aspects of mental health.

Program overview

CIU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling prepares students to create therapeutic relationships that foster healing and growth within a biblical worldview. The program follows a unique three-part training model:

• Heart – personal and spiritual development
• Head – professional knowledge and research foundations
• Hands – effective interpersonal and clinical skills

This 60-credit curriculum meets all requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPC/A) in South Carolina. Students become skilled at counseling theories, assessment, diagnosis, and ethical considerations. They also develop expertise in multicultural counseling and trauma-informed care.

The program’s standout feature lies in its practicum (100 hours with minimum 40 hours direct service) and internship (600 hours with minimum 240 hours direct service). These experiences give students ground experience before graduation.

Accreditation & format

The counseling program holds accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) provides regional accreditation.

Students can choose from several flexible program options:

• Entirely on-campus
• Fully online
• A customizable hybrid approach

Whatever format you choose, you’ll need to attend two brief campus residencies (4-5 days each) during specific courses. These sessions let you interact face-to-face with faculty and peers.

Tuition & duration

The Clinical Counseling program’s tuition for 2025-2026 is $625 per credit hour. With 60 credits required, total tuition runs about $37,500 (not including fees and other expenses).

Most students complete the program in three years, though you can take up to seven years from your start date. Each semester’s student service fee is $500 for those taking 6+ credits or $250 for fewer credits.

Master’s students should plan for estimated total annual costs of $28,480, which includes housing, books, and transportation.

Career preparation

The Business & Career Development Center helps counseling students transition into professional practice. They offer:

• Career and calling assessments to identify strengths and interests
• Resume and cover letter development
• Individual coaching sessions
• Networking events with Christian professionals twice monthly

CIU also provides unique resources like whiteboard sessions for strategic planning and an open innovation lab. Students can work together on ground challenges across disciplines.

Most graduates become Professional Counselor Associates in South Carolina, but requirements vary by state. The typical path involves two years of supervised postgraduate work before full licensure.

Graduates work in mental health agencies, private practices, churches, and nonprofit organizations. These roles let them combine clinical skills with their faith-based approach to healing.

Winthrop University

56 years old, Winthrop University’s counseling program offers a practitioner-focused master of counseling degree that emphasizes hands-on clinical experiences. This time-tested program creates a perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Graduates excel in mental health settings of all types throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Program overview

The Master of Education in Counseling and Development at Winthrop offers two concentration options: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Students need 60 credit hours of coursework structured in three core areas:

• Required Core (27 semester hours)
• Specialized Studies (21 semester hours)
• Professional Clinical Experiences (12 semester hours)

Winthrop adopts the practitioner-scientist model, which emphasizes professional service competence and knowledge needed to conduct evaluations and understand basic research. The program aims to develop culturally competent, ethical counselors who can work effectively in a variety of settings.

Students experience unique skill-based learning through four experiential courses. They complete an original faculty-supervised practicum, followed by a second practicum and two internships in their concentration area, totaling 700 clinical hours. This practical approach helps students naturally develop their counseling identity from day one.

Accreditation & format

The Counseling and Development Program holds prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through October 31, 2024. This recognition ensures graduates meet professional standards and can pursue licensure in all 50 states.

On top of that, Winthrop University maintains regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Students progress through courses together in a specific sequence using a cohort model, typically completed in two years. The M.Ed. program now runs fully online, giving students the freedom to learn at their own pace. Class sizes remain small to aid meaningful learning through group discussions and case presentations.

Tuition & duration

Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration costs $653 per credit hour. Total tuition runs approximately $39,180 for the required 60 credits, not including additional fees. Students should plan for extra costs:

• Library Fee: $75 per semester
• Health & Counseling Fee: $180 per semester (for those enrolled in 9+ credit hours)

The program runs for three years (seven semesters total), with three semesters yearly. Students must finish all coursework within six years from their start date to receive their degree. This timeline lets students balance their professional commitments while advancing their education.

Career preparation

Winthrop’s counseling program graduates meet all educational requirements to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in South Carolina. The curriculum readies students for key professional examinations:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• National Counselor Exam (NCE)
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE)

Recent job placement data shows strong results – 66% of Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduates in 2022-23 found degree-related positions by graduation. Graduates work in mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, college counseling, and private practice.

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor positions show remarkable growth potential. These roles should grow by 18% between 2022 and 2032—more than three times the national average. This bright outlook makes Winthrop’s counseling graduate programs a smart choice for future mental health professionals in South Carolina.

Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University offers a master of counseling degree program with a distinct Christian view. The program gives students a faith-based foundation in mental health counseling. This new addition to South Carolina’s counseling graduate programs combines professional excellence with biblical principles.

Program overview

The D. Clifton Wood Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program, launched in January 2021, specializes in mental health counseling to meet the growing demand for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). Students get a complete education through this 60-credit hour graduate program that combines evidence-based approaches with a Christian worldview.

The program helps develop the whole person through courses that cover:

• Mental health theories and ethical practices
• Evidence-based therapeutic techniques
• Faith-integrated approaches to psychological wellbeing

Dr. Steven Hayduk, chair of the university’s Division of Social Science, believes the program helps “strengthen our community, especially in the much-needed area of mental health services”. Students learn to assess counseling theories, apply them to real-life problems, follow ethical standards, and understand their personal development.

Accreditation & format

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Colleges (SACSCOC) has approved the program, which is now seeking accreditation from professional counseling bodies. This approval helps graduates meet industry standards for professional practice.

Students can complete their coursework online and participate in person for internships and practica. This setup lets students choose their study time and location while they get complete support from dedicated faculty advisors.

The academic year has three 15-week terms (Fall, Spring, Summer), with graduate courses offered in two 7-week sub-terms per semester. SWU suggests students take one class at a time because of the program’s rigorous nature.

Tuition & duration

Graduate counseling program tuition costs $513 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. The total tuition for the 60-credit program comes to about $30,780, not including extra fees. Students need to add a $15 Masters in Counseling Fee.

Students usually finish the program in 24-30 months. They must complete all requirements within 5 years of their start date. SWU offers several payment options and financial aid packages. Many students attend “with little or no upfront costs”.

The university has a student-friendly refund policy. Students get full tuition credit if they submit withdrawal paperwork before the course starts. They receive 90% credit if they withdraw after the start date but before week two.

Career preparation

Graduates can take the National Counselor Exam and become Licensed Professional Counselors. Eight core exam preparation courses give students the knowledge they need for licensure.

The Career Services department helps students find their professional calling through personal guidance. Beyond resume and interview prep, students can use PathwayU—a free career assessment tool that shows their strengths and possible career paths.

SWU has helped more than 1,500 graduates start meaningful careers in the last seven years. Over 90% report positive outcomes after graduation. Mental health counseling graduates can work in clinical settings, private practices, and community organizations where they blend their faith with professional counseling skills.

The university connects students with many employers and provides resources to research companies, prepare for interviews, and explore salaries. These tools help students transition smoothly into professional practice.

Anderson University

Anderson University has launched a new master of counseling degree that focuses on clinical mental health. The program helps students become licensed counselors by building a strong foundation in Christian principles and evidence-based practices.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MSCMHC) at Anderson University needs 60 credit hours. Students can complete the program online through a mix of live and self-paced learning. The program ends with a detailed clinical internship worth 12 credit hours. The curriculum meets all standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Students who graduate will know how to:

• Use evidence-based theories in real-life counseling situations
• Build self-reflection and self-awareness skills
• Diagnose and treat mental health issues
• Lead individual and group counseling sessions

Students must keep a 3.0 GPA minimum to graduate. All but one of these courses must be passed with a “B” or higher. Any “C” grade needs to be retaken for a better grade. The program requires passing a drug screening and completing all 60 credit hours.

Accreditation & format

The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Anderson University. The MSCMHC program follows CACREP standards and criteria while working toward CACREP accreditation. This ensures students get education that matches industry needs.

Working professionals can benefit from the program’s flexible online format. The program maintains high standards through careful student selection. The admissions team looks at academic skills, counselor qualities, and career goals.

Tuition & duration

Most students finish the program in 24-30 months. They have up to 5 years to complete all requirements. Part-time undergraduate students will pay $1,565 per credit hour in 2025-2026. Graduate program costs are different for each field.

Graduate tuition ranges from $360 to $680 per credit hour. The total cost for 60 credits falls between $21,600 and $40,800, not counting extra fees and expenses.

Career preparation

The program prepares graduates to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in South Carolina. The Center for Career and Calling helps students with:

• Career tests to find their work interests and skills
• Help with resumes and cover letters
• Practice interviews
• Finding internships

Graduates can work in mental health agencies, private practices, churches, and nonprofit organizations where they use their counseling education effectively.

Clemson University

Clemson University offers one of South Carolina’s top counseling graduate programs. The master’s degree in counseling focuses on creating culturally responsive practitioners through academic excellence and hands-on field experience.

Program overview

The Counselor Education program at Clemson features a 60-credit hour curriculum with two specializations: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Both paths meet CACREP accreditation standards and help students become licensed professionals. The program highlights:

• Individual and group counseling skill development
• Real-world application of theory
• Meeting diverse population needs

The clinical mental health counseling track readies graduates to work in mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, substance abuse programs, and social service agencies. Students complete all coursework needed for the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential in South Carolina. The school counseling track prepares students for certification as school counselors at elementary, secondary, or both levels.

Accreditation & format

The program earned its original CACREP accreditation in 2000 and received reaccreditation in 2007 and 2015. Beyond CACREP, the programs hold Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) accreditation. The school counseling program also maintains National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (CAEP) accreditation.

Classes run Monday through Thursday during late afternoons and evenings, mostly face-to-face. Students attend one-third of their classes at Clemson University and the rest at the University Center in Greenville.

Tuition & duration

Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 varies by program tier. Tier 1 programs cost $6,781 per semester for residents and $14,638 for non-residents. Students pay additional fees of about $713 each semester. Full-time students typically complete the program in two years including summers. Part-time students have up to six years to finish.

Career preparation

Field experiences total 700 hours through practicum and internship placements. Students complete a 100-hour practicum (40 direct client contact) and a 600-hour internship (240 direct client contact). Students must get professional liability insurance before starting their field experiences.

The Center for Career and Professional Development provides career counseling, resume reviews, mock interviews, and job search help. Graduates can pursue licensure as professional counselors or school counselors based on their chosen specialization.

South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University offers a specialized master of counseling degree that prepares school counselors. The program stands out from other counseling graduate programs in South Carolina with its school-based focus and strong emphasis on multicultural competence.

Program overview

SC State’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education program lets students choose between elementary (PK-8) and secondary (7-12) school counseling through a 60-63 credit hour curriculum. Students get the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to work as professional school counselors in tech-savvy, culturally diverse settings.

The curriculum consists of:

• 12 credit hours in foundations core
• 18 credit hours in subject-matter core
• 18+ credit hours in specialization areas

Students must complete 700 hours of practicum/internship experience and score at least 159 on the School Counselor Praxis test. The program’s structure includes personal growth through individual and group counseling sessions as clients.

Accreditation & format

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has accredited SC State since 1941, with reaffirmation continuing through 2030. The Counselor Education program also holds prestigious CACREP accreditation.

Classes meet face-to-face once weekly during evenings (6-9 p.m. or 5:30-8 p.m.). Working professionals can take advantage of weekend courses from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m..

Tuition & duration

The 2019-2020 graduate tuition rates were set at $637 per credit hour for in-state students and $1,254 for out-of-state students. Students paid $9,928 (in-state) or $21,038 (out-of-state) plus $1,532 in extra fees for full-time study.

Students can finish the program in three semesters (fall, spring, summer). The recommended course load is four courses in fall and spring terms and two in summer. Your completion time might vary based on how many courses you take.

Career preparation

The Career Center gives students complete guidance on resume writing, cover letters, mock interviews, and professional soft skills. Students get help finding internships, job opportunities, and access to job fairs.

The program awarded 13 master’s degrees in 2019-2020, with an impressive 92.3% of graduates being racial-ethnic minorities – by a lot higher than the nationwide average of 36%. Recent graduates called the program “exceptional in preparation as a professional school counselor”. School counselor jobs should grow 11% over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, creating great opportunities for graduates.

Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University’s Master of Science in Clinical Counseling distinguishes itself from other counseling graduate programs in South Carolina. The program naturally combines professional clinical training with biblical principles. This terminal degree program helps foster counselors who are both fluent in clinical practice and spiritually grounded.

Program overview

Students must complete a 60-credit curriculum with 51 core credits and 9 elective credits. The final year includes detailed clinical training with a 100-hour practicum (40 direct client hours) and 600-hour internship (240 direct client hours). Graduates are prepared to become Licensed Professional Counselors who serve in settings of all types – private practices, college counseling centers, churches, hospitals, and social service agencies.

Accreditation & format

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited the program. Students have the flexibility to choose between traditional in-person learning or a fully online synchronous option without campus visits. Working professionals can attend evening classes, with online sessions scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tuition & duration

Most full-time students complete the program in 33 months over 8 semesters. The program costs $650 per credit hour, which amounts to about $39,000 total. Students must also pay a $300 background check and drug screening fee.

Career preparation

The Career Center offers detailed support with resume critique, mock interviews, and job search assistance. Students graduate ready to take the National Counselor Examination, which allows them to pursue licensure in South Carolina and other states.

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina’s master of counseling degree stands out with its 60-credit hour MA in Counseling and Rehabilitation program. Students can choose from three specialized practice areas: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Clinical Addiction Counseling, and Career Counseling.

Program overview

The program prepares counselors to help people with physical, mental, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. Students learn through coursework that covers professional counseling orientation, social diversity, human development, career development, counseling relationships, group work, assessment, and research. Their hands-on experience starts with a 150-hour practicum and continues with a 600-hour internship at community agencies.

Accreditation & format

The program’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling specialization is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) until March 2029. The university plans to submit accreditation applications for its newer Clinical Addiction and Career Counseling tracks. Working professionals can take advantage of the flexible hybrid format where they can join classes either in-person or online synchronously.

Tuition & duration

The semester tuition rates are $6,868 for residents and $14,880 for non-residents. With required fees, resident students pay about $10,637 per semester while non-residents pay $19,069. Students can access financial support through federal loans, assistantships, and scholarships.

Career preparation

The program’s graduates meet South Carolina’s academic requirements to become Licensed Professional Associates (LPC-A or LAC-A). They can work in mental health agencies, hospitals, and behavioral care settings, including the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, Vocational Rehabilitation Department, and Commission for the Blind. The university’s Career Center helps students with customized coaching, networking opportunities, and job search support.

Join a South Carolina Master’s in Counseling Today

A master’s in counseling program is a substantial investment in your professional future. These nine accredited South Carolina programs give you complete information about their structures, costs, formats, and career outcomes to help you make the right choice.

South Carolina’s counseling careers are growing at 23% – way above the national average. One-third of South Carolina’s adults report depression and anxiety symptoms, which means your skills will serve real community needs.

These programs come with their own strengths. Some take faith-based approaches while others specialize in rehabilitation or school counseling. Program formats vary too. Columbia International University and Southern Wesleyan offer fully online options. The Citadel provides evening classes, and the University of South Carolina uses a hybrid model.

Program costs range from $21,600 to $40,000. Most schools offer substantial financial aid packages that make these programs available to more students.

Accreditation is a vital factor in program selection. CACREP accreditation is common among these institutions, though some have MPCAC credentials. Whatever accreditation path they follow, all programs prepare you for professional licensure in South Carolina.

Students must complete 700 hours of field experience. This hands-on training combined with theoretical knowledge makes graduates highly employable, as shown by strong placement rates across programs.

Your final choice should match your career goals, priorities, financial situation, and personal values. South Carolina’s options are exceptional for aspiring counselors who want to make a difference. You can choose from military-affiliated schools like The Citadel, faith-based programs at Charleston Southern, or research-focused institutions like Clemson.