Best Psychology Schools in South Carolina
Ready to dig into psychological science and begin a career path that truly allows you to make a difference? Going through a psychology program can be the perfect way to break into the mental health field. You'll have a myriad of options for psychology programs in South Carolina, including both online and in-person degree paths. Here, we'll explore everything you need to know about getting started with a psychology program at a South Carolina higher education institution.
How to Find a Psychology Program in South Carolina
There are several factors that you’ll need to consider as you search for the right psychology program for you in South Carolina.
Psychology Degree Pathways in South Carolina
First, you’ll need to choose the type of degree you want to get. An associate’s degree typically takes about two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four. A master’s degree takes two additional years following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. A doctoral degree, such as a PhD or a PsyD, can take up to eight years following the completion of a bachelor’s degree.
Choose a Psychology Specialty
If you’re earning an advanced degree, you may want to focus on a specialty area of psychology. Common specialties include:
- Developmental psychology
- Educational psychology
- Family psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Psychology research
Accreditation
It’s key that you choose a program that’s been accredited by a governing body so that you’ll be able to earn your license to practice after you complete your program. The American Psychological Association is a governing body that accredits many psychology programs in the United States.
Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in South Carolina
Choosing between an online and traditional psychology program is a key part of deciding what psychology school in South Carolina is the right fit for your needs. Some students prefer a traditional face-to-face experience with their professors, while others prefer the flexibility offered by an online program. Talking with your academic advisor can help you decide what type of program is the right fit for your needs.
Becoming Licensed As a Psychologist in South Carolina
In order to become a psychologist in South Carolina, you’ll need to complete your doctoral degree, then submit your preliminary application for licensure. Then, you’ll need to go through two years of supervision (you can count one year of work completed during your doctoral program toward this requirement). Finally, you’ll need to pass the oral exam from the Board of Examiners in Psychology to receive your license.
List of Psychology Degree Programs in South Carolina
Are you looking for a psychology degree program in South Carolina? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.
Bluffton, SC
University of South Carolina Beaufort
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- B.A. in Psychology
- Online or in-person
- Small class sizes
- Hands-on research opportunities
- Flexible learning options
- Close faculty relationships
- Diverse career preparation
- Community projects involvement
Central, SC
Southern Wesleyan University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- BS in Psychology
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- Campus-based program
- Minimum C- grade required
- Includes capstone project
- Research methods course
- Statistics included
- Ethical principles focus
Charleston, SC
Charleston Southern University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- On-campus and online options
- Christian faith integration
- Internship opportunities available
- Directed research with faculty
- Covers psychopathology, research methods
- Prepares for counseling, marketing careers
- Accredited program
- Accessible faculty
- Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Marriage and Family, Addiction Treatment, Christian Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Concentrations available.
- Prepares for licensure.
- Ethical practice focus.
- Cultural competence training.
- Faith integration option.
- Flexible scheduling.
- On-campus format.
- Professional career preparation.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
- Master's - Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 72 credit hours total program
- 1200 clock hours internship
- NASP fully recognized program
- Minimum 3-year completion time
- Prepares 'School Psychologist II' certification
College of Charleston
- Bachelor's - Psychology, B.A.
Campus Based - Website
- 47+ credit hours required.
- Campus-based program.
- Includes core and elective courses.
- Strong foundation in psychological science.
- Opportunities for advanced study.
- Located in historic Charleston, SC.
- Prepares for diverse career paths.
- Integrates with general education.
Clemson, SC
Clemson University
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Concentration: Industrial and Organizational Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Two-year master's program
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology concentration
- Three program options: thesis, internship, research
- 39 total credit hours
- Research-oriented curriculum
- Prepares for workforce or doctoral studies
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Health Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Research-focused doctoral program
- Full-time, in-residence training
- Interdisciplinary health research
- Faculty mentorship opportunities
- Competitive funding packages
Columbia, SC
Columbia College
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online learning format
- 36 credit hours required
- Covers statistics and research
- Flexible for busy students
- Prepares for diverse careers
Columbia International University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- 120 credit hours required
- Biblical integration focus
- Diverse psychology courses
- Flexible major electives
- General education included
- Prepares for multiple careers
- Research methods training
- Doctorate - Counselor Education & Supervision, PhD
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three-year full-time study program
- Online courses with summer residencies
- Minimum 48-hour master's degree required
- 3.5 GPA graduate coursework minimum
- Dissertation research focus
- Biblical worldview integration
- Advanced research methodology training
- Leadership and supervision development
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Applied Sport Psychology and Counseling
Campus Based - Website
- Unique state-only sports psychology degree
- Accelerated advanced degree pathway
- Expert faculty collaboration
- Interdisciplinary course approach
- National leader in program offering
- Potential careers in sports psychology
- Multiple workplace settings available
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Offers BA and BS degrees
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Supports pre-health students
- Requires 2.25 GPA for transfers
- Focus on scientific method
- Strong foundation in sciences
- Options for specialization
- Dedicated faculty support
- Master's - Applied Behavior Analysis, M.Ed.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for BCBA exam
- Two track options
- 24 credit hours of didactic courses
- USC Practicum Track: 39 credits
- Independent Fieldwork Track: 30 credits
- Includes ethics in behavior analysis
- Covers functional behavioral assessment
- Master's - Educational Psychology and Research, M.Ed.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid on-campus and online options
- Research methods and statistical training
- Foundational topics in educational psychology
- Flexible for various career paths
- Reduced tuition for SC certified teachers
- Opportunities for faculty research involvement
- Accepts students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds
- Doctorate - Clinical-Community Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Doctoral-level psychology training
- APA-accredited program
- 100% internship placement rate
- Community-based research focus
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness
- Federally funded research opportunities
- Doctorate - Educational Psychology and Research, Ph.D.
Concentration: Educational Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
- Concentration in Educational Psychology
- Campus-based program
- Minimum 60 credit hours
- Core courses in educational psychology
- Includes dissertation preparation
- Requires letter of intent for admission
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Doctorate - Educational Psychology and Research, Ph.D.
Concentration: Educational Research - Campus Based - Website
- Two concentration options available
- 60-hour doctoral program
- Advanced research methodology training
- Prepares for university faculty roles
- Strong focus on ethical research practices
- Comprehensive learning outcomes
- Specialized research and psychology tracks
- Advanced statistical training
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Psychology
Concentration: School Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- APA and NASP Accredited Program
- 100% Internship Placement Rate
- Extensive Clinical Field Experience
- Mentorship with Research Faculty
- Broad Career Setting Opportunities
Conway, SC
Coastal Carolina University
- Bachelor's - Psychology, B.S.
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credit hours.
- Campus-based program.
- 'C' or better required.
- Includes research methods.
- Financial aid available.
- Bachelor's - Psychology: Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration, B.S.
Concentration: Behavioral Neuroscience - Campus Based - Website
- Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration
- Campus-based program
- Requires 'C' or better in key courses
- Includes psychological statistics
- Research methods coursework
- Human neuropsychology topics
- Physiological psychology included
- Prepares for graduate study
- Master's - Psychology: Mental Health Concentration
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credit program
- Campus-based learning
- Focus on mental health
- Research methods included
- Capstone experience required
- 'C' or better in key courses
- Prepares for graduate studies
- Entry-level career ready
Due West, SC
Erskine College
- Bachelor's - Psychology, General
Campus Based - Website
- B.A. and B.S. options
- Hands-on internships
- Independent research projects
- Opportunities to publish
- Covers key psychology areas
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Focus on applied psychology
- Emphasis on research fields
Florence, SC
Francis Marion University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 38-hour psychology major.
- Options for minor or collateral.
- Emphasizes critical thinking.
- Prepares for graduate studies.
- Includes research design.
- Covers career planning.
- Strong science background recommended.
- Develops scientific writing skills.
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited MPCAC program
- Clinical/Counseling option available
- Scientist-practitioner training model
- Focuses on diversity and excellence
- Faculty-student collaborative research
- Community service opportunities
- Fall semester admission only
- Most courses in-person
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Concentration: Applied Behavior Analysis - Campus Based - Website
- BCBA exam coursework certified
- 7-course ABA sequence
- Versatile career opportunities
- Empirically-based training
- Multiple professional settings
- Master's - Master of Science in Applied Psychology
Concentration: Clinical/Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- MPCAC Accredited Program
- Clinical/Counseling Concentration Focus
- Scientifically Trained Practitioners
- Limited Scholarships Available
- Fall Semester Entry Only
- Primarily In-Person Courses
- Courses During Business Hours
- Master's - Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Accredited by MPCAC.
- NASP approved.
- Blends theory and practice.
- Limited enrollment.
- Requires M.S. and S.S.P. for certification.
- Focus on diagnostics and assessment.
- Practical training included.
- Campus-based program.
- Master's - Specialist in School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Accredited by MPCAC
- NASP approved
- Requires master's degree
- Focus on practical applications
- Training in diagnostics and assessment
- Includes practica and internship
- Prepares for certification
Gaffney, SC
Limestone University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
- Prepares for graduate school or careers.
- Flexible, asynchronous online format.
- Comprehensive curriculum covers behavior analysis.
- Financial aid options available.
- Emphasizes theoretical and practical skills.
- Opportunities for research and conferences.
- Psychology Club and Psi Chi involvement.
Greenville, SC
Furman University
- Bachelor's - Psychology, B.A.
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Requires 2.00 GPA in psychology
- Includes research methods courses
- Capstone experience required
- Major Field Test for seniors
- Diverse course offerings
- Strong foundation for careers
- Located in Greenville, SC
Hartsville, SC
Coker University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in General Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 33 credit hours required
- Faculty-mentored research opportunities
- Annual student research symposium
- Flexible course options
- Prepares for diverse careers
- On-campus program
- Broad psychology topics covered
- Accessible to minors
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in General Psychology
Concentration: Counseling - Campus Based - Website
- Counseling concentration available.
- Faculty-mentored research opportunities.
- Annual student research symposium.
- Flexible curriculum.
- Competitive admission requirements.
- On-campus program.
- Prepares for mental health careers.
- Emphasizes ethical standards.
Newberry, SC
Newberry College
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- 45-51 credit hours for major
- 60-66 hours for Forensic concentration
- Includes foreign language requirement
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Strong foundation for graduate studies
- Focus on critical thinking skills
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: Forensic Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- Forensic Psychology concentration
- 60-66 credit hours
- Campus-based program
- Includes criminal justice courses
- Focus on critical thinking
- Data analysis skills
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Psychology fundamentals included
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Flexible 18-month completion
- $405 per credit hour
- Fall and spring starts
- No application fee
- Financial aid available
- Transfer credits accepted
- Diverse career possibilities
Orangeburg, SC
Claflin University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: General Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- General Psychology concentration
- Campus program format
- Core competencies in teamwork
- Opportunities for internships
- Participation in Psi Chi
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Includes research skills enhancement
- Offers practical experience
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: General Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Focus on General Psychology
- Prepares for diverse careers
- Includes core psychology courses
- Opportunities for internships
- Participation in student organizations
- Emphasizes global fluency
- Designed for working adults
Rock Hill, SC
Winthrop University
- Master's - Master of Science/Specialist in School Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 3-year full-time program
- Campus-based format
- 72 total credits
- Paid traineeship and internship
- NASP accredited
- 100% employment rate
- Competitive admissions
- Diverse client focus
Spartanburg, SC
University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- BA and BS degree options
- Diverse course offerings
- Research methods training
- Internship opportunities
- Comprehensive psychology curriculum
Tigerville, SC
North Greenville University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Average class size 14
- Two concentrations available
- Over 20 diverse electives
- Hands-on research experience
- Christian approach to psychology
- State-of-the-art lab facilities
- Participation in psychology clubs
- Prepares for diverse careers