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Special Academic Opportunities Special academic and cultural programs whose scope extends beyond the disciplinary field of any specific college, school, or department are offered at the University. Cognates and MinorsThe University recognizes the importance to students of in-depth study of an area to supplement their major field. Most colleges within the University require either a cognate or a minor in addition to the major as part of degree requirements. Some programs require neither. The cognate is a minimum of 12 hours in advanced-level courses related to, but outside, the major. It is intended to support the course work in the major. Cognate courses may be drawn from one or more departments, depending on the individual interests and requirements of the student as determined by the student's departmental major advisor. A cognate differs from a minor in that the courses must be above prerequisite level and may be distributed over more than one subject area. The minor is normally a minimum of 18 hours of prescribed courses in one subject area. It is intended to develop a coherent basic preparation in a second field of study. It differs from the cognate inasmuch as the courses must be concentrated in one area and must follow a structured sequence. A key distinction between a minor and a cognate is the point of origin. Minor course requirements are predetermined by academic disciplines and are offered to students not majoring in that field of study. Cognate course requirements are determined on an individual basis by a student and the major academic advisor. A cognate, consisting of courses outside a student's major, may be concentrated in one discipline or may include several disciplines. Students are advised to consult their academic dean as to whether a minor or cognate is required for their degree program. The following disciplines offer minors to students not taking a major in these fields; requirements for individual minor programs of study are available from the student's academic dean. Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics Teacher PreparationTeacher education programs at the University of South Carolina Columbia offer prospective teachers opportunity for liberal arts study in the humanities, the social sciences, the natural sciences, mathematics, and the arts integrated with professional education experiences. Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Level Teacher Education. Students who seek teacher certification in early childhood, elementary, or middle level education pursue an undergraduate degree in the College of Education in the area of their choice. Certification levels for students graduating after September 2005 are early childhood (preK-grade 3), elementary (grades 2-6), and middle level (grades 5-8). (Note: Students wishing to pursue a bachelor's degree outside of the College of Education and a fifth-year master's degree in either early childhood or elementary education should contact the College of Education's Office of Student Affairs at 803-777-6732 or via e-mail at Teach@gwm.sc.edu. This option is not available to anyone entering the University after September 1, 2003.) Programs in Secondary Education. Students interested in teaching in high schools may pursue undergraduate degree programs in the subject area they wish to teach. Students should consult an advisor in the appropriate college for information on course work required for teacher certification. This will include subject area and education courses. As early as the sophomore year, students observe and actively participate in classroom settings. Students then complete a fifth-year Master of Teaching (M.T.) degree. This program begins the summer after completion of the undergraduate degree. Deadline for application to the M.T. degree is October 1 prior to the summer of enrollment. To receive a recommendation for professional certification, students must complete both the baccalaureate degree and the M.T. in Education in the College of Education. K-12 Programs. Students who wish to prepare to become art teachers may pursue an undergraduate degree program in the College of Liberal Arts; those who wish to become physical education teachers will pursue an undergraduate degree program in the College of Education; those wishing to become music teachers will pursue an undergraduate degree in the School of Music. These programs are designed to offer prospective teachers intensive academic study in the subject area in combination with professional training for teaching kindergarten through the 12th grade. Information regarding teacher preparation programs is available from the Office of Student Affairs, College of Education, Wardlaw College, Room 113. South Carolina Honors CollegeSouth Carolina Honors College was established in 1978 as a means of encouraging gifted students to develop their full intellectual capacities. For additional information, please refer to the section on South Carolina Honors College. Interdisciplinary Independent StudyInterdisciplinary Independent Study provides the opportunity for students to pursue an area of particular interest which involves two or more academic departments. Through an independent study project of their own device, students may pursue topics beyond the scope of regular curricula or explore traditional problems more intensely than regular courses would permit. Interdisciplinary Independent Study projects may be assigned up to 15 hours of variable credit, depending upon the nature of the individual project. This total is divided between major, elective, and/or cognate credit as determined by the student, the academic advisor, and the project directors. No more than nine hours, however, may be applied to a student's major requirements. Study AbroadMore than 300 students study abroad each year, and study abroad advisors help them select the appropriate program and prepare for the experience. Study abroad also assists faculty in developing short-term international programs, provides support services for exchange students who attend USC for a semester or a year, and administers exchanges between USC and international universities. Visit Study Abroad in the H.W. Close Building, 6th Floor, or go to www.sc.edu/ips/homesa.shtml for more information. University 101University 101 is a 3-credit-hour seminar course provided for and offered to freshmen and to other undergraduate students (i.e., transfer students) in their first semester at USC Columbia. This course provides an introduction to the nature and importance of university education and a general orientation to the functions and resources of the University. Many sections are offered for students enrolled in a specific USC college or academic major. The course helps new students adjust to the University, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic success skills. It also provides students a support group in a critical year by examining problems common to the new-student experience. Extensive reading, writing, and research assignments relevant to the student's college experience are required. Offered in small classes of 20-25 students, University 101 is taught by faculty members and administrative personnel who have a special interest in working with new students. The course may be taken as part of a student's regular load or as an overload. Course credit is awarded on a letter-grade basis. Credit is applicable as either elective or required credit toward most baccalaureate degrees offered by the University. Women's StudiesEstablished in 1974, women's studies at the University of South Carolina provides students with the opportunity to learn about the achievements, experiences, and perspectives of women in various disciplines throughout the curriculum. Because of its interdisciplinary focus, the courses offered through women's studies are not restricted to one college at the University. In addition to individual courses, students may elect to pursue a minor or cognate in women's studies. A student may also pursue an emphasis in the field through the Bachelor of Arts in Women's Studies degree program. For details, see the section on women's studies. Further information may be obtained from the College of Liberal Arts or the Women's Studies Program. Career and Pre-Professional CounselingStudents interested in careers requiring postgraduate professional training should plan their undergraduate curricula to meet the entrance requirements of the professional schools involved. Special advisors are available to offer assistance in career and curriculum planning in the following fields of postgraduate specialization: Law (Eileen Korpita, pre-law advisor). Most law schools require for admission a B.S. or B.A. degree and an acceptable score on the Law School Admission Test. A solid liberal arts education is the best academic background for the study of law. Hence, no particular major or specific courses are required for successful performance in law school. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Optometry, Podiatry (Eileen Korpita, health careers advisor). Students may obtain general advice concerning health related careers from the health careers advisor in Rooms 127-129, Sumwalt. Medical schools urge undergraduate students to obtain a broad liberal arts education but also require certain specific courses for admission. These include courses in the areas of biology, chemistry, English, mathematics, and physics. A very high scholastic average and a good score on the appropriate national admission examination (MCAT, DAT, etc.) are also essential for admission. Premedical, predental, preveterinary medicine, preoptometry, and prepodiatry students should have their course programs approved by the faculty advisor beginning with their freshman year in order to increase their chance for admission to a professional school. Religious Vocations (Carl D. Evans, advisor). The professional schools of theology and religious education usually require a B.A. degree for admission. In regard to the undergraduate program, a broad liberal arts education with emphasis in religious studies, philosophy, English literature, history, and languages is recommended. Students planning professional religious vocations should work with the advisor in planning their academic program to be sure that they are adequately prepared for graduate professional study. Education (Office of Student Affairs). Students may obtain general advice concerning teacher preparation from the Office of Student Affairs in the College of Education, Room 113, Wardlaw College. Continuing EducationContinuing Education Academic Credit Programs are designed for students who need courses at convenient sites and times compatible with their jobs or other schedule restrictions. Undergraduate courses are offered for regular academic credit through the Evening Program, Fort Jackson Program, and Weekend Program. For further information about Continuing Education Academic Credit Programs, contact the offices described below. Adult Student ServicesSupporting the academic courses, the Adult Student Services Office provides information and assistance as follows: Advisement. This office provides academic advisement for continuing education (undergraduate, nondegree seeking) students. This office also offers adult students information concerning admission, registration, course selection, financial aid, career planning, academic assessment, placement/proficiency testing in math and foreign languages, and other campus services. Orientation. A special orientation program for newly admitted adult students is held prior to the beginning of each semester. Scholarships. Incentive scholarships are available to adult students beginning their college careers. Continuing education scholarships are available to currently enrolled adult students to assist them in earning degrees. Advisors in the Adult Student Services Office (803-777-9446) can provide information concerning any of the areas listed above. Evening ProgramThe Evening Program offers a wide range of undergraduate courses. A number of undergraduate degrees may be earned taking evening classes only. Semester-long courses generally meet twice per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) for 1-1/4 hours, beginning either at 5:30 or 7 p.m. Accelerated sessions (fall I and II; spring I and II) generally meet twice per week for 2-3/4 hours over a term of approximately seven weeks. For further information, call 803-777-8155. Fort Jackson ProgramWhile the USC Fort Jackson Program is designed specifically for active-duty military personnel and their family members; civilians (including Columbia-campus students) are welcome to take courses on a space-available basis. Classes meet on post in the evening twice a week for eight weeks. The program offers a wide range of general education courses, as well as some upper-division courses. It awards the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees; but, only active-duty military personnel and their family members are eligible to earn these associate degrees. Students at this site may also work toward the B.A.I.S. degree awarded by the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management. For further information, call 803-782-8810. Degree Requirements(For Active-Duty Personnel and Their Family Members Only)
The Weekend Program offers a variety of undergraduate credit courses on Saturdays. Most classes meet for five hours every other Saturday over a 16-week semester; a few meet for 2-1/2 hours every week. For further information, call 803-777-9446. Distance EducationIndependent Learning by CorrespondenceIndependent learning courses are designed for students who are unable to attend classes on campus. Teachers and persons in business fields often find these courses useful for professional development, and many take courses for self-improvement. Admission. Independent learning courses may begin at any time. Formal admission to the University is not required. However, degree-seeking students are responsible for determining that courses are applicable for their purposes. An application must be completed for enrollment. Textbooks are available online through the University Bookstore from MBS Direct. Academic Regulations. The courses offered through independent learning meet the same University standards of prerequisites, sequence, etc., that are required in residence work. The maximum time for completion of a course is 12 months from the date of enrollment. The minimum time limit for completion for a college-level course is two months from the date of enrollment. University of South Carolina students who wish to enroll in independent learning courses must secure the approval of the dean of the school or college in which they are registered. Students planning to transfer independent learning credits to another institution should secure the approval of that institution prior to enrollment. A maximum of 30 semester hours earned through independent learning may be applied toward a degree. Students who wish to take independent learning courses during the last 30 semester hours of degree credits must petition for permission through the dean of the school or college in which they are majoring. Examinations. Examinations must, when possible, be taken at the University. Otherwise, the examination must be supervised by an official approved by the Office of Distance Education. In order to receive credit for an independent learning course, a student must make a passing grade on the final examination. Students are expected to maintain a passing average on all written assignments, but the assignment grades will not be counted toward the final grade unless the student passes the final examination. Teacher Certification. Independent learning credits may be applicable for educator certificate renewal. Specific questions concerning South Carolina certification or renewal of teaching credentials should be directed to Division of Teacher Quality, Office of Teacher Certification, South Carolina Department of Education, 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500, Columbia, SC 29204. Call them at 803-734-8466, or visit them on the Internet at www.sde.state.sc.us/. Teachers in other states should contact their respective Departments of Education. For further information, contact the Office of Distance Education, 915 Gregg Street, 803-777-7210, or toll free at 800-922-2577. A course catalog is available at www.sc.edu/deis/ss. Technology-Assisted LearningThe Office of Distance Education coordinates for various academic units courses offered with the assistance of technology. Courses are offered each fall, spring, and summer semester. Information about course offerings is available at www.sc.edu/deis/ss. Students interested in courses offered through distance education must be admitted through undergraduate admissions or The Graduate School of the University. All courses meet the same University standards of prerequisites, sequence, etc., that are required in residence work and are subject to the same academic regulations. For further information, contact the Office of Distance Education, 915 Gregg Street, 803-777-7210, or toll free at 800-922-2577. Return to Academic Programs
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