USC Union

The University of South Carolina Union offers the Associate in Arts degree and the Associate in Science degree to those students who have earned at least 60 unduplicated hours of credit approved by the dean. These degrees are awarded to those students who have completed the following requirements:

1. Required Courses Semester Hours

A.A. A.S.

ENGL 101, 102 with grades of C or higher 6 6

umerical and Analytical Reasoning, e.g., MATH 111 or higher, CSCE, STAT, PHIL 110–111 3 6

Humanities and Fine Arts, e.g., AFRO, ARTH, ARTS, ENGL (200 level or above), FORL, HIST, MUSC, PHIL (except 110, 111), RELG, THSP 12 3

Social and Behavioral Sciences, e.g., ANTH, ECON, GEOG, GINT, PSYC, SOCY 3 6

Natural Sciences, e.g., ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, GEOG 201–202, GEOL, MSCI, PHYS, WOST 113 3 7

Electives 33 32

TOTAL 60 60

2. Cumulative 2.00 GPA at USC

3. Fifteen semester hours earned at USC Union

Second Associate’s Degree

At times the University of South Carolina Union confers a second associate’s degree upon candidates who have completed all requirements for the second degree, provided that the additional requirements for the second degree include a minimum of 12 semester hours beyond those required for the first degree earned at USC Union and a minimum of 72 semester hours total. Under this policy a student may apply for two degrees at one time or separately. In either case the student would receive two diplomas.

Application of Credits to Baccalaureate Degrees

Many students who enter the Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science degree programs intend to apply these credits toward a baccalaureate degree awarded by another institution. These students are advised to work closely with their advisor to outline a program of study for the first two or more years that will meet the preliminary requirements of the four-year major they wish to pursue. Details about baccalaureate degree requirements may be found in the USC Columbia Undergraduate Studies Bulletin, the USC Spartanburg bulletin, or the bulletin of any other four-year institution to which the student intends to transfer.

USC Union is a fully accredited campus of the University of South Carolina, and lower-division credits (with the exception of developmental courses) generally apply to programs of other institutions; with the permission of the baccalaureate institution, upper-level credits (300-level and above) will transfer as well.

Undergraduate degree programs on the Columbia campus are offered through the College of Criminal Justice; The Darla Moore School of Business; College of Engineering and Information Technology; College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management; College of Journalism and Mass Communications; College of Liberal Arts; School of Music; College of Nursing; College of Pharmacy; School of Public Health; College Science and Mathematics; and the South Carolina Honors College. The College of Library and Information Science, College of Social Work, and College of Education offer courses for undergraduate credit, but these colleges do not offer undergraduate degrees (though a bachelor’s degree in physical education is offered through the College of Education). Prospective teachers will receive their baccalaureate degrees through the college which offers their subject areas while the College of Education, in cooperation with the relevant colleges, offers certificate programs providing preparation for certification by the South Carolina State Department of Education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A.I.S.)

A unique degree conferred by USC’s College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management in Columbia, the B.A.I.S offers students great flexibility in designing a program of study to meet specific academic goals. Students must complete a special application form after they have earned 45 semester hours of credit and before they have earned 75 semester hours of credit. The B.A.I.S. degree conforms to all general University academic regulations for baccalaureate degrees and in addition stipulates that a minimum of 30 semester hours must be earned after acceptance into the B.A.I.S. degree program.

Special Academic Opportunities

Undergraduate Teacher Preparation

Teacher preparation programs are available in the areas of early childhood, elementary, and secondary education; K-12 programs are offered in art, music, physical education, and special education.

Students who seek initial teacher certification in early childhood or elementary education may select any degree program at the University as long as they are able to incorporate appropriate course selections and the education minor. As early as the sophomore year, students observe and actively participate with children in classroom settings. Students then complete a fifth year Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.). This program begins the summer after completion of the undergraduate degree. Deadline for application to the M.A.T. 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.A.T. in the College of Education.*

Students who seek initial teacher certification in secondary education must 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 with children in classroom settings. Students then complete a fifth year Master of Teaching (M.T.) degree. This begins the summer after completion of the undergraduate degree. Deadline for application to the M.T. is October 1 prior to the summer of enrollment. To receive a recommendation for professional certification, students must complete both a baccalaureate degree and the M.T. in the College of Education.*

Students who wish 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 in the College of Education; those wishing to become music teachers will pursue an undergraduate degree in 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 12th grade. To receive a recommendation for professional certification, students must complete both a baccalaureate degree and the professional program in education in the College of Education. Students should complete the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education for initial teacher certification in special education.*

Information regarding teacher preparation programs is available from the Office of ITESA, College of Education, Wardlaw 113 at USC Columbia, or from your advisor.

*M.A.T. programs designed for career-changers are described in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. The five-year undergraduate/graduate M.A.T. and M.T. programs are also described in the Graduate Studies Bulletin.

Professional M.B.A.

The Darla Moore School of Business at USC Columbia enables working professionals to pursue a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with limited travel to Columbia. The University of South Carolina Columbia broadcasts live courses via satellite to such public locations as USC Union.

Program details are available in the academic dean’s office at USC Union.

Opportunity Scholars Program

The Opportunity Scholars Program is federally funded and designed to assist students throughout their college career. Academic support for eligible students includes academic counseling, tutoring, mentoring, and cultural activities programming.

Generally, financial aid recipients, first-generation college students, and disabled students are eligible for program services.

USC Spartanburg

The University of South Carolina Spartanburg offers the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, the Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, and the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education. See your advisor or the USC Spartanburg bulletin or visit USCS’s Web site at www.uscs.edu for further information.

R.N. to B.S.N.

The University of South Carolina Union and the Mary Black School of Nursing at USC Spartanburg work in partnership to offer educational opportunities to R.N.s who have graduated with an accredited associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Bachelor of Science in Professional Nursing courses are available on South Carolina Educational Television. The courses are taught by USC Spartanburg faculty and viewed at USC Union.

Information on the R.N. to B.S.N. program may be acquired by contacting USC Union’s Admissions Office or the Mary Black School of Nursing at USC Spartanburg.

University 101

University 101 is a three-hour seminar course, open for credit only to freshmen and to other undergraduate students (i.e., transfer students) in their first semester at USCU. 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.

The course helps new students adjust to the University, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire essential academic survival skills. It also provides students a support group in a critical year by examining problems common to the new-student experience. Extensive reading and writing assignments relevant to the student’s college experience are required.

Organized in small groups 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 elective credit toward almost all baccalaureate degrees offered by the University.

Evening Program

For the benefit of those whose personal or work schedules make day attendance impossible or impractical, USC Union offers numerous courses after 5 p.m., in two different formats: one hour and 15 minute classes meet twice per week in the early evening, and 2 hour and 45 minute classes meet once per week in the later evening.

Off-Campus/Laurens Classes

USC Union offers a variety of courses in Laurens at a facility leased at 102 Spring Street. This program offers area citizens the opportunity to begin their postsecondary education career near home. Students may expect to complete their freshman year before having to commute to Union or other area institutions to complete their degree. The local phone number is 864-984-6233.

Independent Learning by Correspondence

Independent 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 may be ordered from the University Bookstore. A textbook order form and price list are included in the Independent Learning Bulletin.

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 Teacher Certification, South Carolina Department of Education, 1600 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Call them at 803-734-8466, or visit them on the Internet at licensure@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, Columbia, SC 29208, 864-777-7210, or toll free at 800-922-2577.

Independent Study

These courses, numbered 399, are available for advanced students who wish to engage in additional study and research in specific areas of interest. Students work under the supervision of a USC Union professor, and a contract approved by the instructor, advisor, and academic dean is required.

Graduate Studies

USC Union provides a variety of graduate opportunities for students through careful integration of traditional on-campus courses and use of the latest technology.

The Extended Graduate Campus Program offers courses each semester in areas such as early childhood education, elementary education, and school administration and curriculum. In addition, through distance education capabilities, USC Union makes available two complete master’s degree programs, in business administration and engineering; the first year of the Master of Social Work (with the exception of methods courses); core courses in the master’s programs in nursing; courses from several colleges to assist educators with certificate renewal needs; and courses designed specifically for library and information science professionals including school library media specialists and other educators. The Extended Graduate Campus Program director on campus can provide application forms and information about course offerings and schedules. Admitted students should seek advisement from the appropriate graduate director at USC Columbia.

The University endeavors to coordinate graduate offerings in such a way as to follow selected programs of study. However, the University does not guarantee that a graduate student will be able to complete a degree program at USC Union.

Graduate students attending courses at USC Union are subject to the same academic regulations and requirements as students in attendance at USC Columbia, as stated in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. Doctoral students cannot meet residence requirements through enrollment at USC Union.

Continuing Education

The University of South Carolina Union provides a program of continuing education for the people of the region. The continuing education program consists of short courses, workshops, seminars, and activities covering a variety of topics. The purpose of continuing education is to allow people to increase their general knowledge, learn a skill, or satisfy a long-held curiosity. Participants in this program do not receive traditional grades but may be awarded continuing education units (CEUs) in recognition of satisfactorily completing a USC nondegree program.

Baccalaureate Degree Programs

These students are also strongly advised to obtain and use a copy of the bulletin for the Columbia campus or refer to the bulletin online at www.sc.edu/bulletin when determining specific degree requirements. Preliminary general education course work toward the following USC degree programs may be taken at USC Union:

Business Administration

Accounting
Business Economics
Finance
Insurance and Risk Management
Management
Management Science
Marketing
Real Estate

Criminal Justice

Education

Physical Education
For other areas of study, see "Liberal Arts" below

Engineering

Chemical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management

Administrative Information Management
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Retailing
Sport and Entertainment Management

Journalism and Mass Communications

Advertising
Journalism
Print
Public Relations

Liberal Arts

African-American Studies
Anthropology
Art
Classics
Economics
English
Foreign Languages French German Greek Italian Latin Spanish
Geography
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
International Studies
Latin American Studies
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Theatre and Speech

Music

Nursing

Pharmacy

Science and Mathematics

Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Medical Technology
Physics
Statistics