Barbara Tolson-Haywood graduated from the University of South Carolina, with a BS in Criminal Justice, and went on to study at Winthrop University, graduating with a Master's of Art, teaching English. As an undergraduate, she was on the Dean's List, and the President's list, graduating cum laude, and Phi Beta Kappa. While an undergraduate she was recognized by both the English Department and the College of Criminal Justice for excellence in scholarly writing.

She earned her law degree from the University of South Carolina where she served as an intern in Lexington County Family Court during her final year. She has spent a major part of her career developing a Family Law practice, in private practice and as a staff attorney in the public sector. As a staff attorney with the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, she worked in seven Pee Dee counties petitioning the Family Court for Orders of Protection from Domestic Abuse.