The Aiken area has long been a social and cultural mecca. In 1900, Aiken rivaled Palm Beach as a Southern resort, and even today its gracious homes, lush gardens, and major equestrian events are testimonies to a still vital winter colony. Out of this setting has grown the University of South Carolina Aiken, established as a branch campus in 1961. In 1972 USCA moved to its present 453-acre campus. In 1976 USCA offered its first four-year degrees and became a senior institution. In 1984 the library doubled in size and a seven-building student housing complex opened. The Etherredge Center, a multimillion-dollar complex for the fine and performing arts, completed in January 1986, has become the cultural hub of Aiken County. The Science Building was completed in 1989 and the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center in 1991. A $10.1 million building for the Schools of Business and Education opened in the fall of 1994. The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center and the Walter F. O'Connell Economic Enterprise Institute are indicative of USCA's leadership in science education and the development of business community relationships. Student enrollment numbered 3,139 undergraduates and 143 graduates for fall 2001, and there are approximately 125 teaching faculty members. USCA currently offers 18 baccalaureate degrees and two associate's degrees. In fall 1995, USC Aiken offered its first graduate program, the Master's of Education in Elementary Education. The present list of degree programs is as follows:

Degree Programs Offered

Associate in Science in Nursing
Associate in Science in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts in History
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary)
Bachelor of Science in Education (Elementary, Secondary, Physical Education, Exercise, and Sports Science)
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing)
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies
Master of Education in Elementary Education
Master of Science in Applied Clinical Psychology