As the state’s flagship university, the University of South Carolina is consistently developing innovative educational pathways that support the demands of the South Carolinian workforce. Several programs have been launched since the fall of 2023, with many more on the roster this fall to address workforce development needs around data skills and career-boosting certificates.
Focus areas: New areas of study addressing AI, cybersecurity and data analytics demonstrate how USC is adapting its academic offerings to meet evolving needs.
“At USC, we are constantly monitoring economic, labor market and other industry trends to anticipate the jobs of the future," says Shannon Means, vice provost for strategy and innovation. "We want to expand our academic offerings so we can prepare our students to become leaders in growing and emerging fields."
What’s happening
Starting in the fall 2023 semester, students had the opportunity to enroll in the following programs:
- B.A., Special Education
- M.S., Information Technology
- M.S., Information Security and Cyber Leadership
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate, Information Security and Cyber Leadership
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Health Care Compliance
Three undergraduate certificates were also launched in the spring of 2024:
- Data Analytics and Visualization
- Project Leadership and Management
- Strategic Thinking and Communications
The latest
Additional programs began accepting students this summer:
- M.A. Dance Studies
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate, Behavioral Health in Athletic Training
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate, Critical Incident Management & Primary Care in Athletic Training
Looking ahead
Several other programs are launching this fall:
- B.S., Data Analytics
- B.S., Data Science
- B.A., Sports Media
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate, Sustainability in Business
- Post-baccalaureate Certificate, Trauma-Informed Practice
What they’re saying:
“The university’s commitment to developing innovative degree and certificate programs is rooted in a belief that we are preparing the next generation of leaders to address the complex challenges facing our state and world. By offering programs that align with the evolving needs of South Carolina’s workforce, we are empowering our students to make a profound impact on their communities and beyond.” – Donna Arnett, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost