Last updated: May 28, 2026

Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in South Carolina, Ranked (2026)

The 2 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in South Carolina for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours (1 year pre-doctoral + 1 year post-doctoral), EPPP plus the SC oral examination, and South Carolina's PSYPACT status (effective July 2023).

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina has only 2 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, both housed at the University of South Carolina (Columbia): the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD (last APA site visit November 2019, awarded full accreditation for the longest possible period, next site visit 2029) and the School Psychology PhD (NASP-approved; historically significant as the third school psychology program in the United States to receive APA accreditation in 1974).
  • No APA-accredited PsyD in South Carolina as of 2026. No APA-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. MUSC does not offer an APA-accredited doctoral degree; MUSC's role is as a Charleston Consortium internship site (founded 1972; MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA; APA-accredited internship for 18 to 24 interns per year from APA-accredited programs nationally), NOT a degree-granting program. The Citadel offers MA in Clinical Counseling and Ed.S. in School Psychology only. Clemson University I-O and Human Factors PhDs are NOT APA-accredited (APA does not accredit these specialties; both follow SIOP and HFES standards respectively). Francis Marion University PsyD is actively pursuing APA accreditation but is not yet accredited.
  • South Carolina licenses psychologists through the SC Board of Examiners in Psychology (SC LLR). Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours minimum across two years, with at least one year required post-doctoral. Each year requires minimum 1,500 hours including direct service, training, and supervision. Pre-doctoral internship/residency may count as one of the two years.
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; exam fee ~$688 including ASPPB and Pearson VUE). Plus a structured oral examination administered by Board members (not a written jurisprudence test). Post-doctoral supervision requires a minimum of 1 hour per week face-to-face supervision from an SC-licensed psychologist in the candidate's specialty area.
  • Fees: Preliminary application fee $500; biennial license renewal $395 (late fee $75); 24 CE hours every 2 years.
  • South Carolina is a PSYPACT operational state since July 17, 2023 (H3204 enacted May 16, 2023). Earlier H3833 was signed May 13, 2022 making SC the 32nd state to enact, with operational implementation via H3204 in 2023. SC licensees in good standing can apply for the E.Passport and APIT/IPC to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.
  • South Carolina rebranded SC DMH under the SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (SC DBHDD), Office of Mental Health; legacy "SC DMH" still appears in older documents. Major state psychiatric facilities include G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital (Columbia, opened 1966) and William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute (Columbia, child/adolescent).
  • South Carolina has aggressive workforce loan repayment. SC Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (administered via SC AHEC) awards qualified behavioral health professionals (including psychologists) up to $25,000 per year for 2 years ($50,000 total) for 2-year service commitment at public or nonprofit private entity in federally designated HPSA.
Accredited Programs
2
Ranked in this guide
South Carolina, Ranked Median
Near or slightly below national; verify with BLS SC table
vs national $96,100 (Slightly below national; COL-adjusted near par)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist
Supervised Hours
3,000
over Two years (3,000 hours minimum) with at least 1,500 hours per year; one year must be post-doctoral with 1 hr/week face-to-face supervision from SC-licensed psychologist min.

South Carolina runs the most concentrated APA-accredited doctoral psychology landscape in the US Southeast: only 2 programs total, both at the University of South Carolina Columbia. USC Clinical-Community Psychology PhD is the marquee program. APA-accredited with last site visit November 2019; awarded full accreditation for the longest possible period; next site visit 2029. ~6 to 8 students per cohort admitted from approximately 150 to 180 applications per year. 5+ years to completion with assistantships in the first 5 years. Tuition grants cover ~90-100% of in-state tuition; 9-month base stipend supplemented by summer research funding. GRE optional. Concentrations emphasize community-engaged research focused on social and cultural dimensions of health plus psychophysiological/neural-cognitive functioning. The Behavioral-Biomedical Interface Program (BBIP) is available via NIH T32 training grant. Notable affiliations include the on-campus Psychological Services Center and the Charleston Consortium internship pipeline (MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA).

USC School Psychology PhD is APA-accredited and NASP-approved. Historically significant as the third school psychology program in the United States to receive APA accreditation (1974). ~5 years to completion with 78 to 81 coursework hours plus 12 dissertation hours. USC Columbia graduate tuition is $14,134 per year in-state and $30,160 per year out-of-state ($572 per credit in-state; $1,240 per credit out-of-state).

Important clarifications on what is NOT an APA-accredited doctoral degree in SC: (1) Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) does not house an APA-accredited doctoral psychology degree program. MUSC's role is as a Charleston Consortium internship site, founded 1972, jointly with Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. The Charleston Consortium is an APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program with 18 to 24 interns per year recruited from APA-accredited PhD programs nationally. It is one of the most celebrated psychology internships in the US Southeast, but it is an internship, not a degree program. (2) The Citadel offers MA in Clinical Counseling and Ed.S. in School Psychology only, not APA-accredited doctorates. (3) Clemson University Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD and Human Factors Psychology PhD are NOT APA-accredited because APA does not accredit these specialties; both follow professional standards (SIOP for I-O, HFES for Human Factors) which are the industry equivalents. (4) Francis Marion University PsyD is actively pursuing APA accreditation but is not yet accredited.

The SC Board of Examiners in Psychology licensure path requires a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution, 3,000 hours of supervised experience across two years with one year required post-doctoral, the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and a structured oral examination administered by Board members (not a written jurisprudence test). Preliminary application fee $500; biennial license renewal $395 (late fee $75). 24 CE hours every 2 years. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.

South Carolina has been a PSYPACT operational state since July 17, 2023. SC licensees holding the E.Passport and APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states. Combined with aggressive workforce loan repayment (SC Behavioral Health LRP up to $50,000 over 2 years via SC AHEC; NHSC LRP up to $55,000 or $60,000 with Spanish proficiency), South Carolina offers a strong economic structure for psychology licensure despite the small in-state doctoral pipeline.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in South Carolina

All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of South Carolina (Clinical-Community PhD) ~$14,134/year (in-state, USC Columbia graduate); ~$572/credit. Tuition grants cover ~90-100% of in-state tuition for funded students On-campus
2 University of South Carolina (School Psychology PhD) ~$14,134/year (in-state, USC Columbia graduate); ~$572/credit On-campus
1

University of South Carolina (Clinical-Community PhD)

Columbia, SC On-campus APA-accredited PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology

In-State

~$14,134/year (in-state, USC Columbia graduate); ~$572/credit. Tuition grants cover ~90-100% of in-state tuition for funded students

Out-of-State

~$30,160/year (out-of-state); ~$1,240/credit

Length

5+ years with assistantships in first 5 years

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at on-campus Psychological Services Center; Charleston Consortium internship pipeline (MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA)

Concentrations

Clinical-Community Psychology PhD
  • APA-accredited with last site visit November 2019; awarded full accreditation for the longest possible period; next site visit 2029
  • ~6 to 8 admits per cohort from ~150-180 applications/year
  • GRE optional
  • 9-month stipend + summer research funding; tuition grants cover ~90-100% of in-state tuition
  • BBIP behavioral-biomedical interface NIH T32 training grant; Charleston Consortium internship pipeline (MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA)
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
Visit Program
2

University of South Carolina (School Psychology PhD)

Columbia, SC On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$14,134/year (in-state, USC Columbia graduate); ~$572/credit

Out-of-State

~$30,160/year (out-of-state); ~$1,240/credit

Length

~5 years; 78-81 coursework hours + 12 dissertation hours

Field Hours

1,500+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD
  • Historically significant: third school psychology program in the United States to receive APA accreditation (1974)
  • APA-accredited + NASP-approved
  • 78-81 coursework hours + 12 dissertation hours; ~5 years to completion
  • GRE optional (verify with program director)
  • Part of USC Department of Psychology, leading psychology training hub in South Carolina
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
Visit Program

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in South Carolina

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology (SC LLR)

(803) 896-4664

Board Website Verify a License

South Carolina regulates psychologists through the SC Board of Examiners in Psychology under SC LLR (110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC).

Education requirement is an earned doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution.

Required supervised experience is two years (3,000 hours minimum), with one year required post-doctoral. Each year = minimum 1,500 hours including direct service, training, and supervision. Pre-doctoral internship/residency may count as one of the two years. Post-doctoral supervision requires a minimum of 1 hour per week face-to-face supervision from an SC-licensed psychologist in the candidate's specialty area.

Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; exam fee ~$688). Plus a structured oral examination administered by Board members (not a written jurisprudence test) after application materials are submitted.

Fees: Preliminary application fee $500; biennial license renewal $395 (late fee $75); 24 CE hours every 2 years. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral internship/residency (counts as one of the two required years)

Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential

Hours

N/A

Duration

Associate

Exam: Not applicable

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for SC LPs holding APIT/IPC

Hours

3,000

Duration

Two years (3,000 hours minimum) with at least 1,500 hours per year; one year must be post-doctoral with 1 hr/week face-to-face supervision from SC-licensed psychologist

Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + structured oral examination administered by Board members (not a written jurisprudence test)

Reciprocity & out-of-state licensing

South Carolina does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the SC structured oral examination.

South Carolina is a PSYPACT operational state since July 17, 2023. Earlier H3833 was signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 13, 2022 making SC the 32nd state to enact, with operational implementation via H3204 enacted May 16, 2023 (effective July 17, 2023). SC licensees in good standing can apply for the E.Passport, Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT), and Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC) through the PSYPACT Commission to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.

Clinical Psychologist Salary in South Carolina

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

South Carolina psychologist wages run at or slightly below national medians. The BLS South Carolina OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median + Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, and Greenville-Anderson-Greer MSAs). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100 (May 2024). National School Psychologist median is $86,930. South Carolina cost of living runs below national average. Note: BLS updated metro definitions in May 2024 based on 2020 census; Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin was renamed Greenville-Anderson-Greer.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

Near or slightly below national; verify with BLS SC table Slightly below national; COL-adjusted near par
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: Greenville-Anderson-Greer ~$99,100 per 2023 secondary source; verify with BLS (Greenville-Anderson-Greer (highest per secondary sources), Columbia, Charleston)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

SC district schedules vary Varies
State
U.S.

National median: $86,930

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Greenville County (largest), Charleston County, Lexington-Richland 5)

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)

Typically suppressed at state level Data may be suppressed
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Clemson + Greenville (SIOP I-O training))

South Carolina Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

South Carolina has a deep psychology employment market with major hubs in the Lowcountry (Charleston), Midlands (Columbia), and Upstate (Greenville). Major employers fall into five buckets.

Academic medical centers and health systems: MUSC Health (Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; the state's largest academic medical center; houses Charleston Consortium internship), Prisma Health (Greenville + Columbia; the largest health system in South Carolina with 2,400+ providers; Behavioral Health and Wellness Pavilion at Greenville Memorial; pediatric psychology and neuropsychology services in both Upstate and Midlands), Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Charleston), Self Regional Healthcare (Greenwood), AnMed Health (Anderson), Lexington Medical Center (West Columbia), Trident Health (Charleston, HCA system), and Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (Spartanburg).

State psychiatric facilities (SC Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities / SC DBHDD, Office of Mental Health, formerly SC DMH): G. Werber Bryan Psychiatric Hospital / BPH (220 Faison Drive, Columbia; adult civil, child/adolescent, and forensic inpatient programs; opened 1966), William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute (Columbia; child/adolescent psychiatry), Just Care Forensic (forensic services), and SC Department of Corrections (mental health/forensic psychology roles).

VA medical centers: Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (109 Bee Street, Charleston; 145-bed primary/secondary/tertiary care; serves ~80,000 veterans across coastal SC and Chatham County GA; tertiary teaching hospital; Charleston Consortium internship partner) and Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia).

K-12 school districts (employers of school psychologists): Greenville County Schools (largest district in SC), Charleston County School District, Lexington-Richland District 5, and Beaufort County School District.

Charleston Consortium internship pipeline: Founded 1972 as a joint MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program, the Charleston Consortium recruits 18 to 24 interns per year from APA-accredited clinical, counseling, or school psychology programs nationally. It is one of the most celebrated psychology internships in the US Southeast and a major career pipeline for psychologists who eventually practice in South Carolina.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

SC Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (SC AHEC): Up to $25,000 per year for 2 years ($50,000 total) for qualified behavioral health professionals (including psychologists). 2-year service commitment at a public or nonprofit private entity in a federally designated HPSA. Minimum 40 hours/week, 45 weeks/service year, ≥20 hours/week direct patient care.

SC State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Administered by SC Department of Public Health Primary Care Office. Eligible licensed mental/behavioral health providers (psychologists eligible).

NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Health service psychologists eligible. Up to $55,000 for 2-year full-time commitment in mental HPSA. 2026 enhancement: one-time +$5,000 for Spanish-language proficiency (total up to $60,000). Awards tax-exempt from federal income/employment tax.

VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Ralph H. Johnson VA (Charleston) and Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA (Columbia) employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): SC psychologists employed by qualifying nonprofit/government employers (SC DBHDD state hospitals, VA, public school districts, MUSC, USC, nonprofit health systems including Prisma Health, Roper St. Francis, AnMed) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in South Carolina

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Choosing a South Carolina clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 2 APA-accredited options (both at USC Columbia). Here is how to actually narrow it down.

If you want a Clinical-Community PhD with NIH T32 training: USC Clinical-Community Psychology PhD (last site visit November 2019, awarded full accreditation for the longest possible period, next site visit 2029, ~6 to 8 admits/year, Behavioral-Biomedical Interface Program via NIH T32 training grant, community-engaged research on social/cultural dimensions of health, GRE optional).

If you want a School Psychology PhD: USC School Psychology PhD. Historically significant as the third school psychology program in the US to receive APA accreditation (1974). NASP-approved. 78-81 coursework hours + 12 dissertation hours; ~5 years to completion.

If you want zero GRE friction: Both USC programs have moved GRE to optional/may be submitted status.

If you want the Charleston Consortium internship: One of the most celebrated APA-accredited psychology internships in the US Southeast. Founded 1972 as a joint MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA program. 18 to 24 interns per year from APA-accredited PhD programs nationally. Strong post-internship pipeline into MUSC academic medicine and SC private practice.

If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: South Carolina has been PSYPACT operational since July 17, 2023. SC LPs with APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.

If you want aggressive loan repayment: SC Behavioral Health LRP via SC AHEC awards behavioral health professionals (including psychologists) up to $50,000 over 2 years at HPSA sites. Combined with NHSC LRP up to $55,000 ($60,000 with Spanish proficiency), SC offers one of the strongest loan repayment landscapes for psychologists in the Southeast.

Caveats worth knowing before applying: MUSC does NOT offer an APA-accredited doctoral degree (MUSC is a Charleston Consortium INTERNSHIP site, not a degree program). The Citadel offers MA and Ed.S. only, not APA-accredited doctorates. Clemson I-O PhD and Human Factors PhD are NOT APA-accredited because APA does not accredit these specialties (Clemson follows SIOP and HFES standards which are the industry equivalents). Francis Marion University PsyD is actively pursuing APA accreditation but is not yet accredited. No APA-accredited PsyD in South Carolina as of 2026. No APA-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. With only 2 APA-accredited doctoral seats per year (~14 to 16 students combined across both USC programs), South Carolina has one of the most competitive in-state doctoral psychology pipelines in the US.

Related Pages

Counseling Programs in South Carolina

CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the SC LPC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate

MSW Programs in South Carolina

CSWE-accredited social work programs and South Carolina LISW-CP licensure

ABA Programs in South Carolina

BACB-verified course sequences and South Carolina BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis

Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State

Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state

Frequently Asked Questions

South Carolina has only 2 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, both at the University of South Carolina Columbia: Clinical-Community Psychology PhD (last APA site visit November 2019, next 2029) and School Psychology PhD (NASP-approved; historically significant as the third school psychology program in the United States to receive APA accreditation in 1974). No APA-accredited PsyD in South Carolina. No APA-accredited Counseling Psychology doctoral programs. MUSC does NOT offer an APA-accredited doctoral degree (MUSC is a Charleston Consortium internship site, not a degree program).
South Carolina requires: (1) a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited institution, (2) 3,000 hours of supervised experience across two years with at least one year post-doctoral (each year minimum 1,500 hours; pre-doctoral internship may count as one year), (3) passing the EPPP (scaled score 500), (4) passing a structured oral examination administered by Board members (NOT a written jurisprudence test), and (5) paying $500 preliminary application fee + $395 biennial renewal (late fee $75) + 24 CE hours every 2 years. Total timeline runs 7 to 9 years post-bachelor's.
Yes. South Carolina has been a PSYPACT operational state since July 17, 2023. Earlier H3833 was signed by Governor Henry McMaster on May 13, 2022 making SC the 32nd state to enact, with operational implementation via H3204 enacted May 16, 2023 (effective July 17, 2023). SC licensees in good standing can apply for the E.Passport, APIT, and IPC through the PSYPACT Commission to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.
The Charleston Consortium Psychology Internship is one of the most celebrated APA-accredited psychology internships in the US Southeast. Founded 1972 as a joint MUSC + Ralph H. Johnson VA APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program. The Consortium recruits 18 to 24 interns per year from APA-accredited clinical, counseling, or school psychology programs nationally. It is an internship, NOT a degree-granting doctoral program. Strong post-internship pipeline into MUSC academic medicine and SC private practice.
University of South Carolina School Psychology PhD was the third school psychology program in the United States to receive APA accreditation in 1974, making it one of the foundational APA-accredited School Psych programs nationally. NASP-approved. The program continues to anchor SC's school psychology training pipeline. Affiliations across the USC Department of Psychology ecosystem and SC public school districts including Greenville County (largest in SC), Charleston County, Lexington-Richland 5, and Beaufort County.
South Carolina psychologist wages run at or slightly below national medians. BLS South Carolina OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median plus Columbia, Charleston-North Charleston, and Greenville-Anderson-Greer MSAs). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100. Note: BLS updated metro definitions in May 2024; Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin was renamed Greenville-Anderson-Greer. South Carolina cost of living runs below national average.
Clemson University Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD and Human Factors Psychology PhD are NOT APA-accredited because APA does not accredit these specialties. APA accreditation is limited to Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, School Psychology, and Combined programs. Clemson's I-O PhD follows Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) guidelines, which is the professional standard for I-O training (the industry-recognized equivalent of APA accreditation for this specialty). Clemson's Human Factors PhD follows Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) standards. Both Clemson PhDs are rigorous and well-respected; they are simply outside the scope of APA accreditation.
Yes, South Carolina has aggressive workforce loan repayment. The SC Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program (SC AHEC) awards qualified behavioral health professionals (including psychologists) up to $25,000 per year for 2 years ($50,000 total) for 2-year service commitment at a public or nonprofit private entity in a federally designated HPSA. The SC State Loan Repayment Program (SC DPH) adds another option. Federal NHSC LRP adds up to $55,000 for 2 years ($60,000 with Spanish proficiency in 2026). VA EDRP awards Ralph H. Johnson VA (Charleston) and Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA (Columbia) employed psychologists up to $200,000 over 5 years. Federal PSLF applies broadly at qualifying nonprofit/government employers.