School Details
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers over 350 degree options, making it a leading choice in the state. Founded in 1801, the university boasts excellence in academics and research. USC-Columbia is part of the University of South Carolina System, which serves students across eight campuses in 20 locations, in addition to a multitude of online programs.
USC-Columbia’s mission focuses on educating students through teaching, research, and community engagement. The university provides diverse academic pathways, including accelerated programs and professional certificates.
For students seeking flexibility and convenience, USC-Columbia offers over 50 online graduate and post-graduate options. The university’s online education empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals from anywhere in the world. Students can complete their studies remotely with access to nationally-recognized online programs.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of South Carolina-Columbia is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
The online Liberal Studies major is intended to equip professionals with knowledge that extends to a broad range of career fields. Learn how to apply critical thinking and problem solving skill sets as you complete general education and elective coursework. Focus your studies in social and behavioral sciences or arts and humanities. Choose from two areas of discipline to focus your studies on, ranging from biological sciences, environmental studies and mathematics to criminal justice, economics and psychology.
This bachelor completion program is offered through Palmetto College, part of the University of South Carolina System.
Business
The Organizational Leadership degree online provides a flexible and convenient pathway for students to earn a bachelor's degree. Gain knowledge and skills in managing workforce tasks, conflict resolution, professional writing and leadership.
Target studies in:
- Economics
- Business writing
- Industrial psychology
- Statistics
- Computer applications
This bachelor completion program is offered through Palmetto College, part of the University of South Carolina System. Courses are taught by faculty within the USC system.
Education
You can prepare for district-level leadership positions with the Education Specialist in Education Administration from USC. This online education administration graduate program leads to careers in such roles as:
- District coordinator
- Assistant superintendent
- Superintendent
Through critical educational praxis, the online education administration graduate program prepares you to lead PK-12 school districts. In South Carolina, this degree leads to your superintendency certification.
You can become a transformative leader with the Master of Education in Education Administration from USC. This online education administration master’s program leads to employment in such areas as:
- Teacher leadership
- Instructional leadership
- Principal leadership
Through the online education administration graduate program, you learn critical self-reflection, ethics, and educational praxis. Students appreciate the convenient 8-week courses and the weekly synchronous offerings for collaboration, discussion, and networking.
You can train to meet the literacy needs of diverse learners in grades PreK-12 with the Master of Education in Teaching / Literacy & Reading from USC. This online reading and literacy master’s program explores research-based practices.
All students participate in an action research project midway through their program. Your graduate-level training incorporates such skills as:
- Qualitative and quantitative research design
- Implementation
- Data analysis
You can become a strong advocate for children from varied ethnic, racial, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds with the Master of Education in Teaching / Multicultural Contexts in Education from USC. This online teaching master’s program prepares you to implement such culturally equitable practices as:
- Relevant curriculum
- Instructional strategies
- Classroom contexts
Those employed full-time appreciate the design of this online teaching graduate program. Graduates enjoy career advancement opportunities and educational enrichment.
University of South Carolina – Columbia offers an online Master of Education degree in Teaching. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking career advancement in teaching. The Project Based Learning concentration examines topics such as responding to problems, engaging in challenges, and investigating teaching methodologies for PreK-12 students.
You can train for a career in a library or media center with the Master of Library & Information Science from USC. This online library science master’s program prepares you to work for such employers as:
- Colleges and schools
- Communities
- Industries
- Businesses
Through the online library science graduate program, students can customize their plan of study to meet their career goals. All courses are offered online, while the practicum and internship must be attended in person.
University of South Carolina – Columbia offers an online Specialist degree in Library and Information Science. This program is a post-master’s degree designed for professionals in the field seeking advanced specialized knowledge. Curriculum covers areas that librarians and information managers need to know as the field becomes more modernized.
Engineering
You can train to advance our civilization’s infrastructure with the Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online civil engineering doctorate program boasts small class sizes and excellent teaching. You may choose a specialization from such areas as:
- Railway engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Water resources engineering
Through the online civil engineering graduate program, students gain skills in both civil and environmental engineering. Opportunities for in-depth research projects involve multidisciplinary teams with broad experience for a well-rounded education.
You can gain expertise in the latest technological advancements with the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering from the University of South Carolina- Columbia. This online computer engineering doctorate program covers the design, development, application, and testing of new computer hardware and software integration.
Through the online computer engineering graduate program, you will study computer architecture, digital design, and algorithms. Students may select from such electives as:
- Robotics
- Parallel computing
- System performance evaluation
- Fundamentals of VLSI chip design
You can prepare to work in higher education or research with the Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online mechanical engineering doctoral program offers excellent teaching, small class sizes, and high-quality funded research opportunities. Students may choose a specialization from such areas as:
- Engineering Mechanics
- Energy Systems
- Dynamics and Control
- Manufacturing
Through the online mechanical engineering graduate program, you delve into in-depth research at the frontier of mechanical engineering. Graduates gain skills for professional development and life-long learning.
You can train to design energy systems to power satellites and deep-space probes with the Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Engineering from the University of South Caroline-Columbia. If your sights are closer to home, you can design and operate nuclear power plants or develop diagnostic or industrial radiation processes. Students can select an area of specialization such as:
- Thermal hydraulics
- Advanced modeling and simulation
- Nuclear fuels and structural materials
Through the online nuclear engineering graduate program, you learn to advance the application of nuclear energy in government and civilian sectors. Graduates find success working in electricity generation, materials science, medicine and radiological sciences, or space power and propulsion.
You can take a practical path to your graduate studies in engineering with the Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online aerospace engineering master’s program contrasts with the master of science program, which is more scholarly and requires a thesis.
Through the online aerospace engineering graduate program, students take courses in aeroelasticity, composite materials, and finite element analysis. You can opt for a sub-discipline supported by faculty in such areas as:
Aerodynamics
Flight mechanics
Stability and control
Aerospace materials and structures
You can advance civilization’s infrastructure with the Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online civil engineering master’s program provides a practical path to your education. In contrast, the master of science program offers a scholarly approach and requires a thesis.
Through the online civil engineering graduate program, you develop expertise in your chosen concentration. You may select from such specializations as:
- Railway engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Water resources engineering
Avoid a thesis requirement with the practically oriented Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online mechanical engineering master’s program offers specialization tracks in such areas as:
- Manufacturing
- Energy systems
- Dynamics and control
- Engineering mechanics
Through the online mechanical engineering graduate program, you gain a broad understanding of machines and enjoy in-depth research experience working side-by-side with faculty. Graduates can contribute to groundbreaking research with the knowledge and skills they gain through this online program.
Are you looking for a lucrative area of engineering to gain expertise for a satisfying career? Check out the Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online nuclear engineering master’s program offers such areas of specialization as:
- Thermal hydraulics
- Advanced modeling and simulation
- Nuclear fuels and structural materials
Through the online nuclear engineering graduate program, you gain the skills to design and run nuclear power plants, develop diagnostic radiation tools, and power deep-space probes and satellites. Graduates appreciate the diverse and interdisciplinary education that allows them to work in a range of fields.
You can launch your career with the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online aerospace engineering master’s program requires a thesis and delves into such topics as:
- Aeroelasticity
- Aerospace Structures
- Composite Materials
- Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics
Through the online aerospace engineering graduate program, you will develop mathematical prowess and critical thinking skills. Students can specialize in sub-disciplines that coincide with faculties’ research interests, from aerodynamics to flight mechanics and more.
Through a thesis and a rigorous course of study, you can gain a scholarly education to improve our infrastructure with the Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online civil engineering master’s program leads to innovative and dynamic work in the realm of engineering.
Through the online civil engineering graduate program, you will experience excellent teaching and small class sizes while you study the frontiers of new technologies and research. You may choose a specialization from such areas as:
- Railway engineering
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Environmental engineering
You can gain expertise in hardware with the Master of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online computer engineering master’s program offers electives in such subjects as:
- Robotics
- Computer networks
- Parallel computing
- VLSI chip design
Through the online computer engineering graduate program, you may select a thesis or non-thesis option. Students work towards advancing the field of computing with projects and research initiatives funded by local industries and government agencies.
If small class sizes and excellent teaching appeal to you, consider the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina-Columbia. This online mechanical engineering master’s program requires a thesis for this scholarly approach to your education. Your online studies cover such topics as:
- Manufacturing
- Energy systems
- Dynamics and control
- Engineering mechanics
Through the online mechanical engineering graduate program, you gain knowledge and skills that are at the frontiers of engineering. Graduates appreciate the professional development and skills for life-long learning to keep on top of this field.
Second only to petroleum engineering in earning potential, consider the Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the Univesity of South Carolina – Columbia. This online nuclear engineering master’s program leads to work in such areas as:
- Design and operation of nuclear power plants
- Development of diagnostic radiation tools
- Energy system designs, including power for satellites and deep-space probes
Through the online nuclear engineering graduate program, you will enjoy a diverse and interdisciplinary education. Graduates appreciate a range of opportunities from medicine, radiological sciences, materials science, nuclear safeguards, and more.
Healthcare
The University of South Carolina offers the online Master of Health Information Technology. This program is designed to produce highly qualified professionals and leaders with expertise in both information technology and health administration. The program blends a technical IT foundation with coursework covering current clinical trends, government regulations, and healthcare-specific management practices.
Students will take courses in Integrated Information Technology, Health Services Policy and Management, Health Administration, and more.
The online Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior provides a diverse set of highly transferable, interdisciplinary skills that will help make students more impactful agents of change in their careers and in people’s lives. The program trains students to become leaders and advocate for change to facilitate healthful practices, develop programs aimed at promoting good health, and evaluate health programs to ensure they are meeting program and societal objectives. Students also learn to develop and disseminate knowledge through systematic research and evaluation.
The online Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Services Policy and Management provides the competencies needed to manage public health programs and direct population-based health improvement. The curriculum covers core elements of public health, including administration, biostatistics, epidemiology, health promotion, and environmental health, along with training in health services policy, public health finance, public health law, and program planning and evaluation. Graduates are prepared for careers in the management of the public health sector and community health programs, as well as public health-related programs in the private sector.
Nursing
For nurses with a MSN degree, a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Advanced Practice Nursing allows for certification in an additional clinical specialty. This particular track is designed for students already certified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and contains fewer required courses than the track for non-APRNs. Online didactic coursework is combined with clinical experiences in the student’s local area and on-campus immersion experiences to enhance learning in this online nursing program.
This certificate offers concentrations in:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
If you already have a Master of Science in Nursing degree, you can gain certification in an additional clinical specialty with the online Certificate of Graduate Studies in Advanced Practice Nursing. This particular track from the University of South Carolina at Columbia is designed for students who are not yet certified as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. The curriculum includes coursework to prepare students for their initial APRN certification. Online didactic coursework in this online nursing program is enhanced by clinical experiences in the student’s local community and on-campus immersion experiences.
Students can concentrate their studies on one of three nursing roles:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Nurses with a MSN degree can gain an additional certification in Nursing Administration with this online Certificate of Graduate Studies. The program prepares nurses to serve as key leaders within healthcare organizations. The curriculum is designed to be completed within one year, either full-time or part-time. Coursework for this online Nursing Administration degree is supplemented by precepted leadership experiences in clinical or other healthcare organization settings in the student’s local area.
Classes cover a range of topics, including:
- Clinical application of population analysis
- Financing healthcare
- Facilitative, coordinating, and integrative processes in nursing administration
- Conceptual basis of health systems
Gain a certification in Nursing Informatics with this online Certificate of Graduate Studies from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. The program is designed to allow MSN degree holders to add an additional nursing specialty.
The online Nursing Informatics program prepares nurses to identify and manage healthcare data. Nurses in these important roles can support clinicians and patients in decision making and improving health outcomes. Students can complete this program in four semesters, including online didactic coursework and practicum experiences in the student’s local area.
The curriculum includes course topics such as:
- Project management for health information systems
- Health database systems
- Financing healthcare
- Conceptual basis of health systems
Graduates of the online MSN in Nursing Administration will be prepared to oversee the delivery of nursing and healthcare services across a wide range of healthcare settings. This degree program from the University of South Carolina at Columbia features accelerated online courses along with practicum experiences that can often be completed in your current workplace.
Students learn organizational leadership principles including budgeting, strategic planning, and change management. Other courses focus on human resources and the employee experience. Graduates are eligible for national certification in Nursing Administration.
The Master’s in Nursing Administration online program covers subject areas including:
- Clinical application of population analysis
- Financing healthcare
- Facilitative processes in nursing administration
- Coordinating processes in nursing administration
- Integrative process in nursing administration
The University of South Carolina at Columbia offers an online Master of Science in Nursing for students pursuing certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. AGACNP students learn to oversee care for patients with acute and complex health needs.
Students gain skills and experience with assessment, clinical decision making, treatment planning, and diagnostic and interventional procedures. The program includes components of online coursework, on-campus immersion experiences, and clinical rotations in the student’s local area. Courses focus on the care of adult and elderly individuals.
Graduates of this program have found employment in acute settings including:
- Hospitalist inpatient care
- Critical care
- Trauma
- Cardiology
- Pulmonary
- Nephrology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgery
Gain the skills and experience you need to provide primary health care across the lifespan with the online MSN / Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of South Carolina at Columbia. Students gain a strong foundation in patient wellness and prevention, as well as treatment for health concerns ranging from mild ailments to serious conditions.
The online FNP program gives nurses the educational preparation necessary to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner exams from the American Nurse Credentialing Center and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. The program combines online coursework with hands-on training and on-campus intensive experiences.
Graduates can work in settings including:
- Outpatient care
- NP practices
- Clinics
- Physician’s offices
- Women’s health centers
- Schools
- Specialty care practices
The Nursing Informatics track of this online Master of Science in Nursing program gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and manage healthcare data. Graduates have the ability to support clinicians and patients with decision making and help improve health outcomes.
This nurse informatics degree online combines principles of computer science and informatics science with nursing practice. Students gain a solid understanding of system design life cycles, data management, and healthcare technology. Coursework prepares graduates for national certification in Nursing Informatics through the American Nurse Credentialing Center.
Graduates have found employment in roles such as:
- Clinical analyst
- Informatics nurse specialist
- Director of clinical informatics
- Clinical informatics educator
- Chief nursing informatics officer
The online Master of Science in Nursing program from the University of South Carolina at Columbia offers a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This degree prepares nurses to provide holistic mental health care to patients of all ages.
The curriculum integrates neuroscientific principles of behavior, experience, and psychopharmacology with psychotherapy, consultation, and trauma-related care. Online coursework is combined with hands-on clinical experiences with a preceptor and through telehealth delivery to patients in rural areas. Graduates are eligible to sit for the PMHNP exam from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Former students of this online Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program have gone on to work in settings including:
- Nurse-managed clinics
- Inpatient psychiatric facilities
- Home healthcare
- Private psychiatric practices
- Addiction centers
- General ambulatory clinics
- Schools