UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Q. How do I find out what graduate programs and degrees you offer?
All degrees and programs are listed in The Graduate Bulletin. You also can contact individual academic departments by using links available at this website.

Q. How do I get a graduate school application and/or catalog (The Graduate Bulletin)?
The preferred way for you to apply is online at Admission, where you also can look at The Graduate Bulletin. US residents can get a paper application by writing, calling, or emailing us at:

Email:gradapp@sc.edu
The Graduate School Phone: (803) 777-4243
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

Q. What entrance exam test scores do I need to make to be admitted to a program?
This answer depends on the program and department in which you are interested. By going to Programs Offered you can contact individual academic departments.

Q. When is my application due for a specific term?
The Graduate School's general deadlines for applications are published in The Graduate Bulletin. However, some programs have earlier deadlines, so you should check with the program that interests you by clicking Programs Offered.

Q. What is the status of my application?
If you have applied online (the preferred way to apply), you can check at the same web site where you applied by using the application ID number and PIN number that were given to you when you submitted your application. If you submitted a paper application, you can call the graduate director of the program to which you have applied, or you can call The Graduate School at 803-777-4243 or email us at gradapp@sc.edu.

Q. Can I check the application status of a friend who is out of the country?
No. Under FERPA regulations, applicants and students may receive information only about their own applications and records.

Q. How long will I have to wait to hear whether I am accepted?
That depends upon the program to which you applied. Many programs have a designated time of the year when they review complete application files (usually in January, February, or March). These programs usually notify successful applicants during that time period. Others have a rolling admissions policy throughout the year. They try to notify successful applicants within two to four weeks of receiving a complete application file. By going to Programs Offered, you can contact the program that interests you and ask about its anticipated application review schedule.

Q. Can I get any help to pay for graduate school?
Yes. The two types of financial aid used by most graduate students are Assistantships and Fellowships. You should contact the graduate director of your program about both of these types of aid. You also can get information about Fellowships from The Graduate School Fellowships and Awards page. You also may be able to obtain a loan. For information, you should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, or write to:

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
1714 College St.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

Q. How long will it take to complete my degree?
The time it takes to complete a degree varies from program to program. Contact your program to find out the minimum number of credit hours required for your specific degree. Generally, if you are enrolled full time, certificates take from one to two years, master's and specialist degrees take two to three years, and doctorates take three to five years.

Q. Do you have night or weekend programs?
Many degree programs now offer evening and weekend classes. Contact your program to learn whether you can take courses at those times.

Q. Can I be admitted to a degree program from a non-accredited institution?
One of the requirements for admission to a degree program is a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university. See The Graduate Bulletin for additional information about admission requirements.

Q. How much is tuition? How much is a course?
The fee structure for students is complex and is subject to annual changes by the University Board of Trustees. To see the current fee schedule, go to the home page of the University Bursor.

Q. Can I pay my fees by credit card?
Yes. You may use VISA, MasterCard, or Discover to pay tuition and fees. There is no service charge on credit card payments for application fees (including a Change of Status request). However, a service fee applies to all other credit card transactions.

Q. Can I enroll in or apply to two programs at once?
You may enroll in only one program at a time, unless you are applying to a dual degree or graduate certificate program (as listed in The Graduate Bulletin). If you have already applied to a program and wish to apply to another program, you may do so, but, except for applications to certificate programs, upon admission to the new program, your new application will cancel your earlier application--even if you have already enrolled in that program.

Q. Will you accept my copy of my transcript?
Yes. Transcripts that arrive in envelopes sealed by the university registrar or other official records administrator will be recognized as official. International applicants may submit certified copies of transcripts (do not send the original documents).

Q. Can I take a course without being admitted to a degree program?
Yes. You must apply to The Graduate School as a non-degree student. If you do, you may receive permission to enroll in up to 12 hours of graduate course work. If you later decide to enroll in a degree program, you may transfer into your degree program only six of the graduate credits that you earned in a non-degree status. Please note: Access to some courses may be restricted.

Q. Can I take courses at USC that will transfer to another institution where I am studying for a degree?
Yes. You may apply to take courses as a transient student. In addition to completing our non-degree application and paying the $40 fee, you will need a letter of good standing from the registrar or dean at that institution. USC graduate students have similar privileges at most other institutions.

Q. I earned a graduate degree from USC several years ago. How do I apply to another degree program?
You must apply as if you were a first-time graduate student.

Q. I took courses at USC a few years ago; what do I need to do to take more courses?
If it has been more than three years, you must re-apply--either as a non-degree student or as a degree-seeking student, depending upon your goal

Q. I have been enrolled in a degree program, but I sat out the last year or two; what do I need to do to start back?
If it has been more than three years, you must re-apply. If it has been less than three years, and you wish to continue pursuing the same degree, you must contact The Graduate School to have your file updated. If you wish to enter a different program, you must re-apply.

Q. How long is my application good for?
Paid applications are kept for twelve months from the date you submitted it. If you are not admitted or if no other action is taken within twelve months, your application and all supporting documents are destroyed and the application fee is forfeited. Applications and supporting documents received without a fee are kept for only sixty days.

Q. Who should I ask to send my transcripts to another school?
The Registrar's office handles those requests. The current charge for this service is $8.00 per transcript.

If you have other questions, please contact us at gradapp@sc.edu or (803)777-4243. Email: gradapp@sc.edu