Obsessing about your college plans? You’re in good company. Most students feel unsure about their choice of school, program, or degree. If you’re leaning toward a degree in psychology, you’ve already made your first big decision. Your next step is to find the best psychology programs and schools in South Carolina and zero in on the one that’s the best fit.
Studying psychology equips you with the tools to positively impact people’s lives — plus it’s an excellent way to prepare for well-paying job opportunities. With this list of top psychology programs in South Carolina as a starting point, you’ll be well on the way to making the choice that’s right for you.
Best Psychology Colleges in South Carolina
A college education is easier to access than ever before, but not all degree programs are created equal. Some schools are prohibitively expensive, and others don’t have the accreditations that you’re looking for. Diving into all of those details can quickly lead to information overload.
We’ve started the search for you. This list is a preview; look for more comprehensive rankings later in 2024. But if you’re already on the hunt, the information and recommendations below will aid you in minimizing wasted effort and endless Google searches. Our candidates for the top psychology programs in South Carolina represent standout choices with regards to reputation, affordability, and student experience. Take a look.
Founded in Columbia, South Carolina in 1923, Columbia International University (CIU) has a long history of making higher education accessible. Accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), it ranks high among both traditional and online institutions in the state. What’s more, average class sizes are very small, with a 10 to one student to teacher ratio. Even for online programs, the learning environment is as personal as possible. The school offers a Christian education.
Undergraduate admission requirements include:
- 2.0 GPA minimum from high school and/or previous college coursework
- SAT score minimum of 970
- ACT score minimum of 18
- CLT score minimum of 62
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling
- Master of Arts in Care and Counseling
- Master of Arts in Chaplaincy
- Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mission Care and Counseling
Specialization Options:
- Addiction
- Counseling
- Counselor Education
- Chaplaincy
- Human Services
- Mission Care
- Psychology
- Youth Ministry and Families
Founded in 1970, Francis Marion University (FMU) is located in Florence, South Carolina. As a smaller institution with just over 4,000 students, the school offers an average class size of 20 students or less and a student to faculty ratio of 15 to one. Costs for some programs vary, but for most majors undergraduate tuition is more affordable than at many larger universities: $5,192 per semester for South Carolina residents and $10,384 per semester for out-of-state residents. Graduate tuition starts at $5,306 per semester for in-state students and goes up to $19,528 per semester for out-of-state doctoral students.
FMU is accredited by SACSCOC and offers a number of notable degree programs related to psychology. The university prioritizes on-campus learning, making it a good fit for first-time college students. That said, FMU does have options for part-time learners, so local residents can avail themselves of an affordable education at a top psychology program in South Carolina.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Anthropology Track)
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Criminal Justice Track)
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology (General Track)
- Bachelor of Science in Sociology (Health Track)
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
- Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Anthropology
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Clinical Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- General Psychology
- Health
- School Psychology
- Sociology
Clemson University
The oldest of our three top picks, Clemson University was founded in 1889. It’s home to over 22,000 undergraduates and nearly 6,000 graduate students. Despite its larger size, the student-to-faculty ratio is in line with our other two picks, at 16 to one.
Clemson boasts a proud history as a military- and veteran-friendly institution. Originally built as a military school, it still offers opportunities and support programs for service members and veterans alike; more than 10,000 alumni have served in the armed forces over the years.
Clemson is fully accredited by SACSCOC. Tuition costs for resident undergraduates come in at $7,560 per semester and $19,532 per semester for nonresidents. While students can choose from a host of online and hybrid degree programs, psychology and psychology-adjacent areas of study are all strictly on campus.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor Arts/Bachelor of Science in Sociology
- Certificate in Business Anthropology and Human Behavior
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Social Science
- PhD in Human Factors Psychology
- PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Applied Psychology
- Business Anthropology and Human Behavior
- General Psychology
- Human Factors Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Social Science
- Sociology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in South Carolina
Not everyone is in a position to tether their life to a college campus. Many of us are better served by a university education that comes to us. That’s where this part of our list comes in. Online programs are readily available these days, and most of the labor of picking a school involves sifting options by price, admission requirements, and program strength. The following recommendations give you a leg up on discovering the best online psychology programs in South Carolina.
Again, these three picks are a preview; expect a more extensive version of the list later this year. That said, these are among the top online psychology programs in South Carolina so there’s a solid chance that these schools will meet your needs.
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina (USC) was founded in 1801. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, USC boasts an extensive network of satellite campuses and locations. To that point, several of these subsidiaries provide fully online degree options for both undergraduate and graduate students.
As a prestigious and historic university, while USC has plenty of traditional on-campus options for study, the school offers a growing number of hybrid and virtual options as well. For the purposes of this list, we’re focusing only on the programs that can be completed without setting foot in a physical classroom.
Undergraduate Programs:
Graduate Program:
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging
Program Options:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specializations Offered:
- Aging
- Psychology
- Sociology
While Columbia International University (CIU) was mentioned among the top psychology programs in South Carolina listed above, the school merits another mention here among top online programs. The bulk of CIU’s catalog is available online, with a number of individual courses being offered only online (no on-campus counterparts).
All of the psychology degree programs at CIU can be completed online. Professors are actively working in the field, bringing real-world experience and current practices into the classroom. Online students have access to the library and any other materials you’ll need to complete your coursework. Online tuition for psychology-related programs ranges from $445 to $625 per credit, depending on your program and level of degree.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry, Family, and Culture
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling
- Master of Arts in Care and Counseling
- Master of Arts in Chaplaincy
- Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
- PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mission Care and Counseling
Program Options:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specializations Offered:
- Addiction
- Counseling
- Counselor Education
- Chaplaincy
- Human Services
- Mission Care
- Psychology
- Youth Ministry and Families
Charleston Southern University
Another example of a technology-forward Christian university, Charleston Southern University was founded in 1964 as a Baptist college. Fully accredited by SACSCOC, the school offers a mix of the top traditional and online degree programs available in South Carolina.
With tuition costs as low as $515 per credit hour and accelerated seven-week courses, students progress through their studies as time or budget allows. For students who must accommodate other schedule demands, Charleston Southern University helps them learn wherever they call home, without the need to visit campus. Classes at this top online psychology program in South Carolina are asynchronous, meaning students can listen to lectures and complete assignments at the time that suits them best. All course materials are included in tuition costs.
Undergraduate Programs:
Graduate Programs:
Program Options:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specializations Offered:
- Clinical Counseling
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in South Carolina
In general, you can find the same categories of degree programs as you’d find in other states: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, etc. That said, this is psychology and most occupations in this discipline require a baseline level of education (typically a four-year degree). Let’s dig into the specifics, and you’ll see what we mean.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in South Carolina
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Two-year degrees are common in some professions and fields, but not here. The majority of accredited schools that have the best psychology programs in South Carolina stick to minors, majors, and graduate-level offerings; very few have dedicated associate degree tracks that focus on psychology or related fields. Most two-year programs are only offered by technical schools and community colleges. The idea is that students earn an associate degree and then transfer to a university to continue their education for a bachelor’s degree and beyond. Despite the rarity of these programs, we found two examples worth a closer look.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Midlands Technical College (Online or On-Campus)
- USC (Online)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
This is the bread-and-butter of top psychology degree programs in South Carolina. Nearly all schools that offer degrees in psychology have either a bachelor of arts, a bachelor of science, or both. These four-year degrees serve as the foundation of a solid professional career, as well as qualifying learners for postgraduate pursuits such as certifications, master’s degrees, and beyond. The bottom line is that most fields are looking for this level of training and expertise at a minimum to prove competence.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Coastal Carolina University (On-Campus)
- Charleston Southern University (Online)
- USC (On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in South Carolina
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
In most cases, a master’s-level degree or higher is required for clinical roles, roles related to education, and other heavily regulated or licensed industries. Most who pursue top psychology programs in South Carolina don’t stop at a four-year degree. While counselors, case managers, and therapists do include bachelor-level graduates, most professionals who we label as “psychologists” pursue education to at least to the master’s level to prepare for these roles.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- The Citadel (On-Campus)
- CIU (Online)
- USC Aiken (On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
PsyD and PhD programs represent the full extent of psychology education. The only things that remain outside these two degrees fall under the umbrella of certifications and licensure. In other words, the only way you can be more of an expert at this point is to become a teacher or clinician. This degree prioritizes the latter. PsyD graduates are the ones most likely to go on and become practicing mental health professionals, dealing directly with patients and clients.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with PsyD Programs:
Psychology PhD Programs
For those who don’t own a chaise lounge, a PhD in psychology may be the degree for them. While PhDs can and do practice in a clinical context, most who choose this degree go on to roles in education, research, and other nonclinical occupations. That being said, despite the clear distinction in coursework requirements, the professional distinctions between the psychology PhD and PsyD are much less defined. Plenty of practitioners from each designation end up on the other side of the aisle.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- Clemson University (On-Campus)
- USC (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Graduate certificates offer a way for graduate-level learners to increase their expertise and commitment to a given specialization without requiring them to double their time at college. It’s not for everyone, and there are some trade-offs involved. You’ll spend less in tuition and time, but you may also limit your employment options. However if you already have other credentials, a graduate certificate from a top psychology program in South Carolina is a smart way to add skills and specialize.
Accredited South Carolina Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- The Citadel (On-Campus)
- FMU (On-Campus)
- Winthrop University (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in South Carolina
Those hoping for assistance in paying for their psychology education may be in luck. In addition to standard forms of financial aid and scholarships, psychology is a field that often receives grants, research funding, institutional scholarships, and so forth.
In other words, you have more options available than many of your peers pursuing degrees in other fields. Graduate students especially can expect to find opportunities for outside funding. You’ll need to do a little digging and coordinate with the school you’ve chosen to pin down the specifics.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in South Carolina
Just about any way you look at it, psychology is a growth industry. Whether you’re looking to become a practicing clinician or you intend to ply your newfound understanding of the human psyche in other ways, you’ll find plenty of moderate- to high-paying opportunities for those with a psychology degree from a top program in South Carolina.
That said, there are two big trends to note: First, on average, the higher your education, the higher your pay. Second, while good money can be made in clinical and public service contexts, most of the big dollars are found in less traditional applications of psychology such as market research and human resources.
| Job Growth Rate (2018-2028) | Average Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 12% | 90 | $89,290 |
| Social Worker | 13% | 490 | $64,360 |
| Mental Health Worker | 10.6% | 90 | $56,230 |
| Marketing Analyst | 28.3% | 1,100 | $78,880 |
| Human Resource Manager | 13.3% | 180 | $145,750 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
South Carolina Psychology Professional and Student Resources
Below you’ll find links to noteworthy resources, including professional organizations, state departments, licensing boards, and so forth. Organizations such as these will provide the critical information you’ll need in your journey toward your psychology degree and career.
- The American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA is the nationwide organization for psychology professionals. The association is a good place to look if you like keeping up with industry trends or if you intend to study in South Carolina but don’t necessarily expect to stay there forever. - South Carolina Association of School Psychologists (SCASP)
Another membership-based professional organization, SCASP focuses specifically on the field of professionals that work with and serve the needs of schools and educational institutions. The group’s goals include promoting the mental and behavioral well-being of students in South Carolina and the pursuit of positive learning outcomes. - South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology
This state-run organization serves as the licensing and regulation board for clinical psychologists in South Carolina. For anyone looking to pursue licensure or clinical practice, this website will make it easier to chart your course and meet the requirements. - South Carolina Department of Mental Health
In addition to a state health department, South Carolina also has a dedicated organization for promoting and improving mental health across its population. This site may prove useful for degree seekers and new professionals in a range of specialties and levels of education. - South Carolina Psychological Association (SCPA)
This professional organization is the only organization that represents “all areas of psychology: academic, practitioner, public service, and student.” The SCPA works to advance both the field of psychology and the professionals who work in it, to the betterment of the community as a whole.
