About the University of South Carolina

International expertise

Carolina has forged a number of international collaborations in research, and the University's global connections are also strong in academics, particularly in international business. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked the Moore School of Business (photograph, top) best in the nation for its undergraduate and graduate programs in international business; the undergraduate program is No. 1 for the 11th consecutive time, while the graduate program is No. 1 among public universities for the 18th consecutive year and No. 2 overall, continuing a streak of 18 years with a top-two overall ranking. The Financial Times of London in January 2008 ranked the Moore School No. 1 in the world for international business master's programs among public universities; No. 25 in the U.S. for all business master's programs; and No. 55 in world for all business master's programs.

 

Exercise science, public health leader

The Department of Exercise Science's doctoral program is ranked No. 1 in the nation in kinesiology and exercise science, according to the 2005 Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index by Academic Analytics. The index of doctoral programs at research universities considers journals and publications, citations of journal articles, research funding, and other awards and honors. The University is a research leader in the areas of health disparities and obesity prevention.

 

Supporting student success

Undergraduate education remains a cornerstone of the University, and South Carolina's support system for freshmen includes the acclaimed University 101 program—listed in U.S. News & World Report's latest “Programs to Look For” and previously No. 1 among the magazine's “Programs That Work.” University 101 helps students make the transition to University life. The course introduces students to academic resources and campus facilities while addressing areas such as time management, communication, research skills, and critical thinking.

 

The First-Year Reading Experience, begun in 1994, provides the freshman class with a common point of reference through reading and small-group discussion of a selected literary work. The Capstone Scholars program creates living-learning environments by housing students from similar academic disciplines together for their first two years and providing numerous extracurricular opportunities. The Sophomore Initiative helps students continue their momentum with academic advising and support.

 

Additional academic resources include the Student Success Center, housed in the main campus library, and a Supplemental Instruction program in which students who have mastered difficult core classes return to tutor their peers. The Magellan Scholars program provides $3,000 stipends to up to 100 undergraduates a year to promote and fund research opportunities.