Overview
The South Carolina Semester Program is a competitive internship program that affords students the opportunity to learn about South Carolina government operations through a 3 credit seminar class in the fall and an internship with a state agency in the spring. Students will earn academic credit for their internship.
The program supports students interning in state government and a broad range of state agencies. Through this practical experience, students have the chance to witness firsthand the operation of state government and various facets of public service. This program is applicable to all majors.
Eligibility
The South Carolina Semester Program is open to all University of South Carolina -Columbia students with 1) a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better and 2) sophomore, junior or senior classification based on the total number of hours earned at the University of South Carolina, credit transferred from other colleges, or AP/IB credit earned. Students must possess maturity and a strong work ethic to interact with state government officials and agency administrators as a representative of the South Carolina Semester Program.
Courses and Credits
The South Carolina Semester Program is a two semester commitment:
Fall Semester:
SCHC 333: S.C. Semester Seminar (3 credits)
Course attributes: Social Behavioral Science (Honors), GSS (Carolina Core)
Spring Semester:
SCHC 489: S.C. Semester Internship (3 credits)
Course attributes: Beyond the Classroom (Honors), Not Core
The S.C. Semester Seminar (SCHC 333) is completed in the fall, one semester prior to the S.C. Semester Internship (SCHC 489). The seminar dwells heavily on state government operations and policymaking processes. Students have the chance to discuss current issues with a range of guest speakers, including government officials and state agency administrators. The course will also guide students through their S.C. Semester Internship search.
The S.C. Semester Internship (SCHC 489) is completed in the spring. Students are required to work 15-20 hours per week throughout the spring semester and will complete academic coursework online.
Hours
Students are required to work 15-20 hours per week (at internship site) throughout the spring semester.
Application Instructions
Deadline to apply for the program is Sunday, April 18 by 11:59 p.m.
The application consists of:
- Student information (name, USC ID, GPA, major, etc.)
- Personal statement regarding interest in the program and relevance to educational and career goals (500 words or less)
- Resume
Questions? Contact Erica Elbery.
Internship Sites
Examples of recent internship sites include but are not limited to:
| Appleseed Legal Justice Center | Governor’s Office |
| Attorney General's Office | Lt. Governor’s Office |
|
Bureau of Community Health and Chronic Disease Prevention |
Office of Regulatory Staff |
| Department of Commerce | Retirement Investment System Commission |
| Department of Education | Richland Soil and Water Conservation District |
| Department of Health and Environmental Control | Senate Judiciary Committee |
| Department of Natural Resources | SC State Museum |
| House Democratic Caucus | SC Technical College System |
| House of Representatives | State Treasury Department |
| Human Affairs Commission | SC Supreme Court |