College of Arts and Sciences

Russian

The Russian Program at the University of South Carolina immerses students in the study of Russian culture, language, and literature. Students studying Russian at USC have been attracted to the program by innovative classes, awarded-winning teaching, and individual attention; committed faculty dedicated to the success of their students; and engaged and motivated fellow classmates. The program offers the only major in Russian in South Carolina. Many students choose to double major in Russian and another field, often International Studies, business, or one of the science. Each year, the Russian Programs' Ludmilla Ignatiey Callaham Award provides a $3000 scholarship to an advanced student in Russian and the sciences. Russian program graduates have gone on to a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Students relieve guidance in exploring study abroad options.

Spanish

The Spanish major is designed to provide students with a working proficiency in practical communicative skills in Spanish and familiarity with the cultures in which it is spoken. The Spanish major progresses from courses in basic language skills through intermediate and advanced courses in conversation, grammar, composition and linguistics to the study of the masterpieces of Spanish and Spanish American literature, representative Hispanic films, and the historical and contemporary civilizations of Spain and Latin America. Applied Spanish courses in business Spanish and specialized Spanish vocabulary for various professions are also offered. Approximately one-third of the Spanish faculty are native speakers from Spain and several Latin American countries, while the remaining faculty are native speakers from Spain and several Latin American countries, while the remaining faculty all have spent extensive periods of time in study, teaching or research in various Spanish-speaking countries. IN terms of career opportunities, a major in Spanish helps students prepare for a wide variety of careers in education, politics, foreign service, the helping professions, travel and tourism, and communication

Theatre

The USC Theater department stages great plays of the present and the past, with large casts and is proud of its three fully-equipped theaters. Longstreet Theater is the best arena theater in the southeast, a modern gem build inside of an antebellum chapel. Drayton Hall, the main proscenium theater, was recently remodeled and is intimate and warm. The black-box theater offers room to experiment. A fully-independent undergrad theater organization plans up to six plays a semester. The program has opportunities for undergraduate majors to act, direct, design, stage manage, or learn about technical theater or marketing. Assistant-ships, scholarships and awards are available for undergraduates. Study abroad and Student Exchange programs allow undergraduates to learn more about theater internationally or at other American universities. Some alumni have active careers in the visual and performing arts and media. Because USC undergrads receive a liberal arts education, they are welcome in business too. Other undergrads to on to study at top graduate schools and professional training programs

Comparative Literature

The comparative literature program offers a major and a minor. CPLT 270 (World Literature), CPLT 300 (Introduction to Comparative Literature), and the three survey classes CPLT 301,302, and 303 form the core of both the major and the minor. Both the major and the minor ensure study in the student's chosen foreign language as well as in various literature and literary relationships across the boundaries of language communities. The major also requires some study in a second foreign language

Dance

The dance program offers a bachelor of arts with a focus in classical ballet. There are two tracks: Dance Performance/Choreography and Dance Education. The degree program provides professional training in performance and pedagogy, and prepares students for graduate work and advanced studies in dance. The curriculum includes daily classical ballet classes at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as intensive Point work and classical repertory studies. Careers include dance instructor, choreographer, professional performer, dance studio management, college or school teaching, management of an arts organization, work with fitness centers and athletic teams, and many others. An audition is required to be admitted into the dance program

French

The major integrates language skills with cultural content across the curriculum to ensure that students will, by the time of graduation, understand French as spoken by a proficient speaker, speak French at a higher level, read and write French with grammatical accuracy and clarity, and demonstrate knowledge of the geography, history, socio-political structure, and artistic and intellectual contributions of French societies. Initial placement depends on the results of the placement test required of all students prior to their enrollment in French courses

European Studies

The undergraduate major in the Contemporary European Studies Program is designed to provide a broadly based, interdisciplinary foundation for undergraduates in the College of Liberal Arts who are interested in Contemporary European history, geography, politics, and economics. It encompasses an examination of recent developments through Western, Central, and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Mediterranean region. CESP majors are required to develop a working knowledge of a second European language and to acquire some experience studying in the region. Each student is required to develop a program of study that combines work from two or more academic departments.

Physics

The undergraduate program in physics is designed to provide a fundamental understanding of both experimental and theoretical physics. It provides a strong basis for either graduate study in physics or employment by industrial or governmental laboratories. By a suitable choice of electives, students will also be prepared for graduate study in other science, mathematics, engineering, or medicine. A new track is available to students: engineering physics; it is a distinctive interdisciplinary program specifically designed to mesh the science with the engineering in order to produce graduates that are not only trained in fundamental physics but who are also trained in the practical pursuits of engineering

Statistics

There are three options for Statistics majors: the General Major, the Major with Emphasis in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics, and the Intensive Major. The Major with Emphasis in Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics is designed for students planning a career as an actuary. The Intensive Major is designed for students planning on graduate study in statistics. Statisticians evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs for pharmaceutical companies. Insurance companies use statisticians to estimate the risks of life, health care, and casualty events. Conducting the Federal census and estimating the inflation rate are two of many tasks done by government statisticians. Industrial statisticians design experiments to improve manufacturing processes and to maintain quality. Market research firms use statisticians to improve he efficiency of their mass mailing campaigns. Statisticians develop credit scoring algorithms for financial service companies. Educational testing companies use statisticians to measure the validity of standardized test questions

Classics

This major allows concentration in Greek or Latin languages or Classical Studies. Minors are offered in Greek, Latin, or Classical Studies. The program offers courses in Greek and Latin, courses in translation (CLAS); and courses in the departments of art history, comparative literature, history, philosophy, and religious studies to provide a variety of enhancements to the study of literature and language of the ancient world

Art Education

This major is intended for undergraduate students seeking certification in teaching art. Since a broad knowledge of art is required of art educators, students are exposed to studio art, art history and criticism, and aesthetics

Cardiovascular Technology

This major offers three years of study at the University, followed by a clinical internship at an accredited hospital. After their internship is completed, students take the national registry examination in cardiovascular technology. A passing score on this examination, combined with a satisfactory academic transcript, are the requirements to become a licensed cardiovascular technologist. The Cardiovascular Technology degree program helps prepare students to work directly with heart patients. students in this major utilize their study of anatomy, human physiology, organic chemistry and physics to assists physicians in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of heart patients. The role of the cardiovascular technologist may range from recording an or/reviewing patient's history, performing cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and analyzing patient data for interpretation by a physician.

Philosophy

Through studying Philosophy students gain the ability to think and write clearly and to work out successful resolutions of problems in committees or groups. Career options that are directly related to philosophy include: administrator, advertising executive, bank officer, computer systems analyst, congressional staff member, consumer protection agent, development manager, diplomat, editor, educational tester, insurance executive, intelligence research specialist, investment broker, grant developer, management analyst, policy and planning consultant, professor, public information specialist, technical writer, and many others. A major or minor in philosophy is widely regarded as excellent preparation for law, medical, or divinity school

Sociology

Through studying sociology students develop the ability to wonder about social life and to explore it carefully. Students learn to question common sense, raise significant questions, examine arguments, synthesize information, analyze data, make conclusions, and present your understanding orally and in writing. An undergraduate degree in sociology provides strong preparation for entry level positions in social service, government, and business. A major in sociology produces a firm liberal arts foundation for entering professional schools in law, education, social work, and other fields Of course, and undergraduate degree in sociology is excellent preparation for graduate work in sociology to become a researcher, professor, or consultant The Sociology Department has recieved a No. 12 ranking for its graduate training in social psychology in the latest U.S. News and World Report edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools." With the ranking, South Carolina's program is the fastest-rising in the nation

Chemistry

USC has one of three undergraduate Chemistry programs in South Carolina that was recognized for its excellence by the Commission on Higher Education. Chemists are in demand in industry, government, and academic labs. Divisions within the program include Analytical, Biochemistry, Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry. Students who major in Chemistry go on to have careers in many areas including, Chemical Information Specialists, Chemical Sales, Chemical Technology, Consulting, Consumer Product Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Food and Flavor Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Geochemistry, Hazardous Waste Management

Geology and Geophysics

USC is one of only two institutions in the southeastern U.S. that offers a Geophysics undergraduate majore degree. The Geology department has a large and diverse faculty with broad scientific expertise, including earthquakes, volcanoes, groundwater, climate change, and the coastal oceans, among others. Graduates find jobs in companies of all sizes, where they commonly work on problems related to groundwater, natural resources, natural hazards, environmental and engineering issues. There are many first hand employment opporutnies through summer intersnhips with: The S.C Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, environmental firms, and governmental agencies. Geology and geophysics students enjoy small class sizes (nearly always less than 25) and the tutelage of faculty members who are greatly involved with student success. A semester abroad is also encouraged of students in the geology department.

History

USC's history faculty includes outstanding scholars in fields ranging from North America, Latin America, Europe, and the non-Western world. Graduates become educators, researchers, communicators or editors, information managers, advocates, or even businesspeople

Religious Studies

Undergraduate courses in Religion at USC cover the historical, theological, social, and cultural dimensions of world religions. The mission is to further the understanding of the religious dimension of human life and culture, through the study of its many expressions. It creates a forum for intellectual interaction and dialogue on issues of particular interest to our society and community. The study of religion leads in many directions, qualifying undergraduates for further study in graduate school and giving them a leg up in certain areas of the job market. In addition, many religions majors or minors go on to study law, business, education, and medicine in graduate school. Some students choose to make religion the center of a professional career, either as the leader of a religious community, or as an academic specialist in higher education

Women's Studies

Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina promotes an understanding of the experiences of women and other underrepresented groups through a complete program of teaching, research, and service to the University, the local community, the state, the nation, and the global community. Through its teaching mission, Women's and Gender Studies shares this knowledge with students so that they learn to think critically, to communicate effectively, to solve problems, and to interpret human experience. At the core of the program are broad but fundamental questions that drive examinations of the intersections of race, gender, ethnicity and other dimensions of inequality

College of Arts and Sciences

enrollment: 7161 undergrads(largest college) Faculty: >500 90% of freshman/sophomore courses taught through the college $25 mill awarded for research grants in 2005 22 Departments and 12 Programs in college 44 majors and >60 minors

English

the english undergraduate program offers a diverse curriculum with courses in literature, creative and expository writing, linguistics, and film. Students learn to analyze literary and non-literary texts within cultural and historical contexts, to think critically, to write clearly and persuasively, and to understand ideas different from their own. With this solid academic background, graduates pursue careers in traditionally popular fields like teaching, publishing, public relations, and management. Many continue their studies in graduate and professional schools earning degrees in law, business, and other related fields

International Studies

International Studies is a branch of the political science department. Major courses should be distributed between one or two fields within international studies, identified by the student (e.g., international security, international economics, US foreign policy, global environmental politics, international human rights, Latin American studies, European studies, African studies, Asian studies, international development, etc). Internships in this major are highly encouraged, and resources are available to help students find the right fit

Mathematics

Majoring in math provides students with a variety of educational experience in pure, applied, and computational mathematics. Exciting research and educational opportunites are available through the department' Research Initiatives in Industrial and Applied Mathematics, which is transferring rhe results of innovateive mathematics research directly into the industrial setting. Math majors select one of five emphases: 1. General Mathematics 2. Mathematics Education 3. Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics 4. Applied Mathematics and 5. INtensive Mathematics

Latin American Studies

The Latin American Studies Program is a multi-disciplinary, broadly based undergraduate degree program that offers courses in Latin American history, politics, anthropology, geography, and literature. Students can select from an array of courses that enable them to explore Latin America from a variety of perspectives, although they also will have an opportunity to focus their studies on a particular field or theme. LASP majors are encouraged to undertake a study abroad program, either the USC summer program in Mexico or a semester-long program offered through another academic institution

Biochemistry

The National Science Foundation reports that South Carolina's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is rated 38th in the nation in federally funded research, ahead of institutions such as Georgia Institute of Technology (39), Emory University (40), the University of Southern California (45) and the University of Pittsburgh (47). The department is also ranked among the top 50 chemistry departments in the nation. The department is ranked in the top 20 nationally for the number of doctoral graduates it produces annually.

Anthropology

Anthropology provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to appreciate the cultural and biological diversity of humans and to apply their knowledge to a variety of career endeavors. The Anthropology department offers a a general program leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree and a Research Track/Intensive Major leading to a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Anthropology. Anthropology is a social science concerned with the study of humans within a broad context that includes the social and physical development of our species. The divers discipline is divided into four main areas: Cultural Anthropology (comparative analysis of different cultures and their environments), Archaeology (the study of past people and societies through their artifacts). Linguistic Anthropology (spoken language to learn about cross cultural development between languages and culture), and Biological Anthropology (the study of the physical nature and development of human beings, behavior and anatomy of nonhuman primates, and human variations). Anthropology Program provides a comprehensive overview as a discipline and allows students to specialize on of the four sub fields: 1. Archaeology 2. Cultural Anthropology 3. Linguistic Anthropology 4. Biological Anthropology has general and intensive track. Intensive track requires students to complete extended research and students are encouraged to apply for the Magellan Scholars Program

Art History

Art History gives students a broad knowledge of Western art and the cultures that generate it. Students develop skill sin theory, research, analysis, and criticism. Art history majors generally pursue careers in gallery or museum administration, teaching, or working with historical organizations

Economics

Economics majors in the college of liberal arts may earn the b.a or b.s degree by completing the 24-hour major requirement along with the college core, distribution requirements, and cultural-awareness and writing-emphasis requirements as described in the basic degree requirements in liberal arts. Students are encouraged to talk with an advisor in the economics department to learn more about the difference between the liberal arts economics major and the business economics major

Geography

Geography has been defined as the study of the earth as the home of humans with interestes in weather and climate, landforms, mapping, economics, societies, politics, environmental problems, and even the aesthetics of landscapes. The Department of Geopgraphy at USC has a national and internation reputation as one of the leading centers for Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing instruction, and the undergraduate program offers a number of courses in computer cartography, geographic information systesm, and air photo interpretation/remote sensing. The undergraduate program also offers courses in political and regional geography - including courses on South Carolina, North america, Latin america, Erope and Africa - in addition to systematic areas like economic, urban, historical, and recreation geography

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Both provide training in the theories and practices of psychology, combined with a liberal arts background. Mental health, academics, and research are just some of the major areas of interest a psychologist might pursue. Many psychologists also work in applied settings like ergonomics and human factors. Psychologists are also well suited to work in business, government, education, and mental health The University's doctoral program in school psychology is No. 3 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's rankings The clinical psychology program has been ranked in the top 10 nationally in the most recent Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science major is designed to give students a strong scientific background wile allowing them the flexibility to choose courses that address their specific interests. The purposes of the major are to promote awareness of environmental issues on the campus, contribute to the success of the campus as a model for sustainable behavior, and utilize the campus as a laboratory to demonstrate positive change and provide leadership for a sustainable future. Other goals of the major are to educate and coordinate basic and applied research to address state, national and world ecological issues, and to provide outreach to the business, environmental, and the education communities for lief-long learning regarding the interactions of humans and the environment.

Film Studies

The Film and Media Studies Program at USC offers an undergraduate major, and a minor, devoted to the critical study of moving image culture, its history, theory, and criticism. Students learn about their international history, theories of how we consume, enjoy, resist, and interact with them, and a range of critical methods for analyzing their meaning sand implications in multiple contexts - social, historical, political, aesthetic, and psychological. The curriculum also includes some film and media production courses as well.

Marine Science

Ranked 5th of 115 such programs by The Gourman Report, it is one of the premier educational programs in the nation, with prominent research affiliations, competitively awarded research grants and an interdisciplinary academic curriculum. The Marine Science Program is designed to be interdisciplinary; that is, to draw upon subject matter in many different fields of scientific endeavor. Courses can be combined from Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Environmental Health and Social Sciences into an individually-tailored curriculum. Students in Marine Science may choose to specialize in biological, chemical, geological or physical oceanography or coastal resource management/marine affairs Marine Science The University's Marine Science program (marine biology, biological oceanography, and physical oceanography) has been ranked in the top 10 nationally in the most recent Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index Marine Scinece Students in Marine Science may choose to specialize in biological, chemiocal, geological, or physical oceanography, as well as coastal resource management and marine affairs

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students can either obtain their Bachelor of Science degree or their Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice over four years. The degree requirements are based upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the social sciences. An array of professional criminal justice courses are offered to support the particular interests of various students. Students are also encouraged to participate in community service activities. Pursuant to this, the department provides information on opportunities for volunteer work and involvement in the criminal justice field.

Biology

Students that major in Biology are interested in ca reers in medicine, biologically relevant research, management of natural resources, or teaching

Art Studio

Studio art is geared toward students serious about becoming professional artists or pursuing graduate-level study. Options in design, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, pointing, inter media, 3-D studies, and photography. Students pursuing degrees in studio art have many options once they graduate; most seek careers as professional artists or designers.

African American Studies

The African American Studies major offers interdisciplinary approaches to the history, culture, and contemporary situations of African Americans in South Carolina, the South, the United States, and beyond. A specific course of study will be designed to meet the needs of each student accepted for the program.

Media Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts prepares students to design, produces, manage and distribute media. Career options for media arts graduates include entertainment, commercial, and independent productions, as well as Web development and design. Majors study film, photography, audio, script writing, and new media. An internship is required as one of the core courses to complete the major Media Arts grads worked with James Cameron on a recent film, USC grad does all steady cam work for Quentin Tarantino films, USC Grads workin on General Hospital, 30 Rock, and other big shows

Political Science

The Department of Political Science has programs providing major or minor fields in American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Public Administration, Political Theory, and Methodology. Departmental faculty research interested represent virtually all of the major sub-fields of modern political science, with particular strengths in: American foreign policy; judicial politics; state politics and policy; American Politics; international conflict; international organizations and world order; and public administration

German

The German major is designed to provide students with the language skills necessary for work or study in German speaking countries: Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Students also learn about German culture and literature while practicing reading, speaking, and writing. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers ranging from business, international law, the hospitality and tourism industry, or teaching translating. They go to work for international airlines or one of the one hundred twenty German companies in South Carolina; they become teachers, translators, foreign operations secretaries, hotel managers, overseas shipping managers, communication specialists, travel guides, and more.