Welcome to the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. Whether you are exploring our programs, reconnecting as an alum, considering a partnership or learning more about our work, you will find a college committed to excellence, innovation and the people and communities we serve.

USC Nursing prepares graduates who care, inspire and lead to advance science, practice and policy to optimize health for all. Through education, research and partnership, we are strengthening South Carolina’s nursing workforce and advancing health across the state and beyond.

Academic excellence and student opportunity

USC Nursing offers four accredited degree programs: BSN, MSN, DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing Science. Twelve graduate specialty tracks, seven post-master’s certificates and expanded entry and advanced-practice pathways support students at every stage of their careers.

Faculty and staff promote student success through academic resources, clinical learning, simulation and interprofessional education. Our Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for Teaching/Education and Multi-Site programs, extending high-quality experiences across both campuses

The college’s programs are recognized nationally for their quality and outcomes.

• U.S. News & World Reportrecognized USC Nursing with six Top 25 rankings across undergraduate, graduate and online nursing education, including No. 2 overall for online master’s in nursing, No. 3 for online nursing education, No. 4 for online psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs and No. 7 for online family nurse practitioner programs.
• The college also holds national rankings of No. 18 for MSN, No. 22 for BSN and No. 37 for DNP programs.
• The BSN program ranks No. 1 in South Carolina and among the top 1% nationally for NCLEX pass rates.
• USC Nursing’s graduate programs also rank No. 1 in South Carolina.

Academic excellence and student opportunity

Our faculty advance research that serves patients, families and communities. The college secured $10.2 million in sponsored awards in the last year, a 19% increase, and ranks No. 1 in South Carolina in NIH funding. Full-time faculty are 100% doctorally prepared, with 26 faculty holding fellowships and 40 national recognitions.

• Centers of distinction. Five centers advance the college’s work in leadership, simulation, cancer survivorship, chronic care, and perinatal, pediatric and family research.
• Leadership development. The Center for Nursing Leadership prepares nurse leaders for the profession and the communities they serve. Since 1996, the Amy V. Cockcroft Leadership Fellowship has graduated more than 300 nurse executive leaders.
• Workforce impact. Since opening the Clinical Education Building in 2024, USC Nursing has increased pre-licensure graduates by 24% over two years and is projected to graduate 400 pre-licensure nurses in 2027.
• Clinical partnerships. Partnerships, including Lexington Health, expand learning opportunities and help prepare practice-ready nurses. Seventy percent of our graduates remain in South Carolina, strengthening care across the state.

A community with lasting impact

The College of Nursing is strengthened by more than 2,300 students, 160 faculty members and 12,500 alumni across 49 states. Alumni, clinical and community partners, supporters and friends help create opportunities for students, advance research and extend the college’s impact.

As interim dean, I am committed to building on this strong foundation, supporting the people who make USC Nursing exceptional and serving our students, communities and the nursing profession with excellence. I invite you to explore our programs, research and partnerships, and stay connected as we shape the future of nursing.