University of South Carolina – Columbia

1 University Boulevard, Bluffton, SC

University of South Carolina at Columbia is a four-year institution of higher education that offers 324 academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.  The university is considered a top-tier research institution. Since 1805, the university has grown the "Horseshoe" area of its campus from a few buildings to 11 buildings.  The university is now expanding its campus to accommodate growth in its research initiatives that focus on nanotechnology, health sciences, the environment, information technologies, and more.  This expansion has been dubbed "Innovista Research District" and promises to raise the state's per-capita income through high-paying jobs in these research and business areas.

In addition to its main campus in Columbia, the University of South Carolina has four-year campuses in Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate (Spartanburg-Greenville) South Carolina.  It also has two-year campuses in Lancaster, Sumter, and Salkehatchie (Allendale and Walterboro).

The faculty at the University of South Carolina at Columbia is outstanding, having generated more than $218 million in funding for research, training programs and outreach in 2010.

History

The University of South Carolina at Columbia was founded as "South Carolina College" in 1805. It was chartered as the "University of South Carolina" in 1906. The school underwent many changes and closings during the Civil War, Reconstruction and other challenging events in American history.  The university continued to grow throughout its history, building a reputation as a top-notch research institution.

Academics

The athletic calendar of the University of South Carolina at Columbia follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

The University of South Carolina at Columbia has 14 degree-granting colleges and schools:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Moore School of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Computing
• The Graduate School
• College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
• School of Law
• School of Mass Communications and Information Studies
• School of Medicine
• School of Music
• College of Nursing
• College of Pharmacy
• Arnold School of Public Health
• College of Social Work

Student Life

In addition to the 20 fraternity and sorority houses in the University of South Carolina's "Greek Village," students at the university can get involved in numerous student groups, clubs, organizations and activities.  There are also support programs that help students keep on track academically, including:

• Academic Centers of Excellence in the residence halls
• Student Success Center at Thomas Cooper Library
• Supplemental Instruction from peers for core courses
• The Sophomore Initiative

Students at the University of South Carolina already have a host of support services at their disposal, but will benefit from the unprecedented growth that is taking place at the school.  There are many brand-new and still-developing facilities that include a state-of-the-art Wellness and Fitness Center, the Academic Enrichment Center for Gamecock student-athletes, a new riverfront baseball stadium, and more.

Traditions

The athletic nickname for the University of South Carolina's intercollegiate teams is the "Gamecocks."  Its school colors are garnet and black.

Athletics

The University of South Caroline "Gamecock" athletics teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Equestrian
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its flagship campus in Columbia, South Carolina, the University of South Carolina has satellite campuses in South Carolina at:

• Aiken
• Beaufort
• Lancaster
• Salkehatchie
• Sumter
• Union
• Upstate (Spartanburg)

Community Life

The Columbia campus of the University of South Carolina is located in the heart of the state's capital.  It offers students and visitors many opportunities for exploration including entertainment venues, sports and recreation, shopping, the arts, and more.

The Columbia campus itself offers many activities for diversion. The McKissick Museum has many art exhibits.  The School of Music has a full roster of performances throughout the year.  There are also performances in theatre, music and dance from the university's Koger Center for the Arts.  Additionally, the Colonial Life Arena offers many concerts, rodeos, monster truck shows, and Gamecock sporting events.