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 prospective students to check out our new "Prospective Student" page!

News

Fresh perspectives

Naomi Kemp is a study in contradictions. Or what, at first, might seem like contradictions. But as she approaches graduation, it’s obvious that her biology major and art studio minor have combined to create a unique Honors experience that led to her senior thesis and a future of devoting herself to others.

Class of 2021: Darren Burton

Darren Burton, who grew up in the tiny town of Estill, South Carolina and attended high school in Irmo, will graduate with leadership distinction in May with a degree in accounting from the Darla Moore School of Business and the South Carolina Honors College.

Piecing it together

Honors College senior Sophie Kahler discovers that sometimes the most interesting things are very close to home. Read how this geography major's interest in the mysteries abounding in the area she grew up led to her research being published and culminating into her senior thesis.

Columbia senior wins first place in annual state writing contest

Two South Carolina high school juniors and two seniors have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest. Presented by the South Carolina Honors College, the eighth annual contest asks the question: How can we make South Carolina better?

Upperclassmen turn extraordinary experiences into Honors College senior theses

In their senior theses, Honors students conduct research of their choice. These students are taking this opportunity to examine aspects of their personal life and develop them into valuable analyses.

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