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

South Carolina Senior awarded Rotary Global Grant to Thailand

Honors College senior Clare Steiner has been named a recipient of the Rotary Global Grant to pursue graduate studies abroad in 2022-2023.

Verzyl Named to USA Diving Pan American Team

Honors college freshman, Sophie Verzyl, has been selected by USA Diving to compete in the UANA Junior Pan American Championships. Verzyl is one of four women who were selected to the A-group and one of 30 athletes who will be competing for Team USA.

Composer David “Clay” Mettens Wins Hermitage Prize

Honors alum, and accomplished composer, David "Clay" Mettens has won the 2021 Hermitage Prize in Composition. Clay's compositions have been performed by the Brussels Philharmonic, Washington National Opera, Spektral Quartet, and Ensemble Dal Niente, among others.

Freeman-ASIA Scholarship awards three UofSC students in 2021

Three University of South Carolina students, Madison Clark, Hannah Gardner and Chloe Penaflor, have been named 2021 Freeman-ASIA Scholars.

Former leader of Columbia’s Trustus Theatre assumes marketing role with SC Philharmonic

Honors graduate Chad Henderson will be beginning his journey as the new marketing and communications director for the South Carolina Philarmonic starting August 16th. With an impressive background in directing with the Trustus Theatre, we are excited to see him in this new role.

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