South Carolina has 2 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, both at the University of South Carolina, covering clinical-community and school psychology. Both are full-time Ph.D. programs that include a dissertation and supervised clinical training. Graduates pursuing licensure must also complete supervised experience and pass the EPPP through the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology.
South Carolina’s psychology doctoral offerings are concentrated at a single flagship program, so the state’s applicant pool tends to weigh in-state options against out-of-state or online alternatives more than in larger states. If you’re still exploring what a psychology doctorate generally involves, it helps to start there before comparing South Carolina’s specific programs. From here, it also helps to understand the difference between the two doctoral tracks most schools offer nationally.
PhD vs. PsyD in Psychology
Both the Ph.D. and the Psy.D. lead to licensure and require passing the EPPP, but they train psychologists differently. The Ph.D. follows a scientist-practitioner or clinical-science model, weights coursework toward research methodology and dissertation work, and is more often funded through research or teaching assistantships. The Psy.D. follows a practitioner-scholar model, weights coursework toward clinical training and applied practice, and is more often tuition-funded. For a full breakdown of the differences, see PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology: What’s the Difference?
South Carolina’s APA-accredited programs are currently Ph.D. only. Applicants specifically seeking a Psy.D. will need to look at online programs or schools in neighboring states.
South Carolina Psychology Programs at a Glance
Both programs listed below are accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation.
| School | Degree | Focus | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina | Ph.D. | Clinical-Community Psychology | Columbia, SC |
| University of South Carolina | Ph.D. | School Psychology | Columbia, SC |
University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s Department of Psychology, located on the university’s Columbia campus, houses both of the state’s APA-accredited doctoral programs.
Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology
This concentration combines clinical training with a community psychology lens, preparing graduates to work across individual treatment and broader public health and prevention settings. The curriculum considers environmental, social, and cultural factors alongside individual psychological health rather than treating clinical work and community intervention as separate tracks. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree complete 57 hours of concentration coursework, including practicum training, plus a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation research. As with all APA-accredited health service psychology programs, a supervised predoctoral internship is required before graduation.
Ph.D. in School Psychology
This concentration follows the scientist-practitioner model and prepares graduates for school-based and academic settings. Current research areas include school mental health programs, school-based intervention, childhood disabilities, and neuropsychological assessment. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree complete 69 hours of concentration coursework, including practicum training, plus a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation research.
Accreditation: The Clinical-Community concentration is accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. The School Psychology concentration carries dual accreditation from the APA Commission on Accreditation and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
South Carolina’s psychology job market is also expanding. According to Projections Central, employment of clinical and counseling psychologists in South Carolina is projected to grow 22.8% between 2022 and 2032, adding an average of 40 job openings per year statewide. BLS data show a median annual wage of $92,700 for clinical and counseling psychologists in South Carolina as of May 2025. For a broader look at pay by specialty and state, see psychology salary and job outlook by state.
South Carolina’s small doctoral roster means most applicants also weigh neighboring-state and online options alongside the University of South Carolina’s two programs. Whichever path you choose, licensure runs through the same state board and exam regardless of where you earned your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs does South Carolina have?
South Carolina has 2 APA-accredited doctoral programs, both housed in the University of South Carolina’s Department of Psychology: a Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology and a Ph.D. in School Psychology.
Does South Carolina have any APA-accredited PsyD programs?
Not currently. South Carolina’s APA-accredited doctoral offerings are Ph.D. only. Applicants who specifically want a Psy.D. typically look at online programs or schools in neighboring states.
What does it take to become a licensed psychologist in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology requires a doctoral degree in psychology, two years of supervised experience totaling at least 3,000 hours (with at least one year completed post-doctorally), and a passing score of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Candidates must also pass a Board-administered oral jurisprudence exam. Requirements vary by state and can change, so confirm current standards with the state licensing board before applying.
Is a school psychology doctorate the same as a school psychologist certification?
No. A doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program like the one at the University of South Carolina prepares graduates for full licensure as a psychologist. Many school-based roles only require a master’s or specialist-level degree and separate certification through the state Department of Education, which is a different, shorter path.
Select your state below to find accredited psychology programs, application links, and licensing requirements for your jurisdiction.
2025 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data and Projections Central 2022-2032 job growth forecasts for Psychologists (including Clinical & Counseling, Industrial-Organizational, and School Psychologists) and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2026.