In order to comply with SACSCOC requirements, please use the following language for your accreditation and/or external review documentation.
University Primary Mission
The primary mission of the University of South Carolina, a multi-campus public institution
serving the entire state of South Carolina, is the education of the state's diverse
citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and service. Founded in 1801
in Columbia, the University of South Carolina began providing programs in communities
statewide in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, a network of campuses was established
in response to community initiative and support for accessible, affordable educational
programs principally for local citizens. The University of South Carolina System confers
nearly 40% of all bachelors and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in
South Carolina. The University of South Carolina Columbia campus is ranked in the
top 20 in start-up company creation among US public research institutions, and was
placed in the highest research and public service categories by the Carnegie Foundation.
The University of South Carolina System strives to have a large impact on the future
of South Carolina in terms of education, technology, services, and commerce.
Flagship Campus in Columbia
The largest campus of the University of South Carolina system has a profound relevance,
reach and impact on the people of the state. As a major teaching and research institution,
and located in the state capitol in Columbia, USC Columbia bears a special responsibility
to state and society to promote the dissemination of knowledge, cultural enrichment,
and an enhanced quality of life. The University has long offered a comprehensive range
of undergraduate and graduate programs through the doctoral level. USC Columbia employs
a selective admissions policy, enrolling approximately 25,000 undergraduates, and
approximately 8,000 students in graduate and professional program. Approximately 20%
of the student body consists of minority students.
Palmetto College Campuses
Accredited with USC Columbia by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,
the Palmetto College campuses in Lancaster, Allendale and Walterboro (both served
by USC Salkehatchie), Sumter, and Union principally provide the first two years of
undergraduate education, as well as selected associate degree programs mainly for
their locales. The Palmetto College campuses also provide for the completion of bachelor degrees by offering selected
upper division course work in conjunction with the Aiken, Beaufort, Columbia, and
Upstate campuses. Combined, the Palmetto College campuses enroll over 4,200 students, approximately 35% of whom are minority students.
Statement of Accreditation
The University of South Carolina Columbia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. The regional Palmetto College campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union) are branch campuses of the University of South Carolina Columbia; the branch campuses’ accreditation is dependent on the continued accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina Columbia.
Academic Program Review Dates
Search the table below by college, school, major or degree type to view program accreditation and review dates.
College/School | Program | Review Type | Primary Accrediting Agency | Specialized Professional Assoc. | External Review |
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Arts and Sciences | African American Studies, B.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Spring 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Anthropology, B.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Anthropology, M.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Anthropology, Ph.D. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Applied Statistics, M.A.S. | External | Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Education, B.F.A. | Accredited | NASAD/CAEP Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Education, M.A. | Accredited | NASAD/CAEP Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art History, B.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art History, M.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Studio, B.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Studio, B.F.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Studio, M.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Art Studio, M.F.A. | Accredited | NASAD Last Review: Spring 2017 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S. | Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Biological Sciences, B.S. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Biological Sciences, M.S. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Biological Sciences, Ph.D. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Cardiovascular Technology, B.S. | External | New Program: Fall 2017 Next Review: Fall 2024 | ||
Arts and Sciences | Chemistry, B.S. | External | Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Chemistry, B.S.C. | Both | ACS Last Review: Fall 2015 Next Review: Fall 2019 |
Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Chemistry, M.S. | External | Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Chemistry, Ph.D. | External | Last Review: Fall 2018 Next Review: Fall 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Creative Writing, M.F.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2021 Next Review: Spring 2028 |
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Arts and Sciences | Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Spring 2025 |
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Arts and Sciences | Criminology and Criminal Justice, M.A. | External | Last Review: Spring 2018 Next Review: Spring 2025 |