South Carolina Honors College

At the South Carolina Honors College, you can choose from hundreds of engaging courses designed specifically for you, live with high-achieving classmates, and experience learning that takes you far beyond the classroom.

The Best of Both Worlds

When you combine the resources of a top-tier research university and the feel of a small liberal arts college, you get the top-ranked public honors college in the United States. You get the best of both worlds, the South Carolina Honors College.

Choose What You Want to Study

Your academic experience at the Honors College will inspire you. You'll carry what you learn here throughout the rest of your life and career. As you explore your interests, you'll also have access to some of the coolest courses on campus. With nearly 600 honors courses offered each year, you and your dedicated honors advisor can find perfect courses that fit your major and your interests. And speaking of majors, if you can't find one that fits your unique educational goals, you have a unique option available only to Honors College students — the Baccalaureus Artium et Scientiae [BARSC] degree, which allows you to design your own major.

Experience Life at the Honors College

Once you're here, you'll have access to special campus housing for honors students as well as all the amenities the University of South Carolina has to offer. No doubt you are accustomed to challenging course work and strong academics, but there's a great big world beyond the classroom and Honors College students are encouraged, make that required, to apply what they learn through research projects, study abroad, service learning and internships. As you navigate that big world, you'll also be part of a supportive community, including other honors students and a devoted team of faculty and staff.

Become Part of an Active Alumni Network

Our alumni live and work all over the world, and we make every effort to keep you in touch with each other. From alumni awards to regional events, getting together with this accomplished group can open doors for you.

Schedule a Visit

We have information sessions for prospective students on a weekly basis. Staff and students share their experiences, discuss the academic offerings provided by the college, review the application process and requirements and answer your questions. We look forward to meeting you! We also encourage applicants to learn more about Honors life through our prospective student page!

News

From the front lines

Explore alumni reflections from an internist/hospitalist, pharmacist, advanced practice registered nurse, and pediatric critical care physician – all of whom are teaching future generations of medical professionals.

'Teaching what history is'

Woody Holton, 2022 Michael A. Hill Professor of the Year, details why studying history is so important for American's today.

First-generation student finds love for journey to USC

Sarah Tra shares her story and experiences as a first-gen student and USC ambassador in the hope that other first-gen students will find their place at the Honors College and the University of South Carolina.

Family firsts - First-generation college students add energy, resilience to USC campus

First- Generation and Honors College student Chris Loftis discusses how attending the University of South Carolina was a necessary step for him reaching his goal of becoming a computer programmer.

Honors class gives deeper meaning to horror films

For author, professor and horror lover Julia Elliott, horror movies have much more to bring to the table than simple jump scares.

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Honors on the coast

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.