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Building partnerships has been the cornerstone of the University of South Carolina Aiken since its inception in 1961. It was then that the Aiken community citizens voiced the need for a local institution of higher education. In a real demonstration of grassroots politics, the community rallied to show their support for a college founded in the area. A governing board was formed through state legislation, the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education, which continues to oversee the University's mission. Today, USC Aiken has ranked in the top three public baccalaureate colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report's guide "Best Colleges" for twenty-one consecutive years. More than 3,500 students attend the University, and approximately 500 students graduate each year. USC Aiken provides bachelor's and master's degrees in 50 programs of study while delivering many of a large university's offerings on a small, friendly campus with intimate class sizes and personal attention. The commitment to continuing partnerships is woven into the fabric of the campus' culture. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional disciplines. All programs of study are grounded in a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Its commitment to transformative teaching distinguishes USC Aiken through high impact learning practices, undergraduate research, small classes, and individual attention. The University encourages excellence in research and creative pursuits. It prepares students for success by challenging them to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, to learn independently, and to acquire breadth and depth of interdisciplinary knowledge. USC Aiken attracts students from South Carolina, the United States, and the world to form a diverse community of individuals engaged in educational experiences and services necessary to pursue meaningful work in an enlightened, inclusive, and economically vibrant society. A progressive hub for innovation, collaboration, and creativity, USC Aiken contributes to the community by enriching the region's quality of life through various activities, including the visual and performing arts, intercollegiate athletics, continuing and distance education, educational outreach, and leadership. A trip to Aiken means getting outdoors, experiencing history, meandering through beautiful parks, and bustling shopping. As you explore Aiken, you will notice a thriving downtown that has much to offer. Aiken hosts world-class events and festivals, showcasing music, dance, outdoor concerts, food, history, and much more. In Aiken, there is always something new to discover. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities, and service. We offer degrees in the arts and sciences and the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All degrees are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to provide students with the educational background necessary to succeed in any chosen field. At USC Aiken, we believe deep learning and understanding are enhanced when students can connect disciplines. All of our undergraduate programs and majors are grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. This means that students begin their college education by taking classes in many different subjects and building skills geared toward more than just training in one profession. Exciting discoveries often come from where disciplines overlap, and concepts and solutions from one field of study are applied to problems in another. By studying the liberal arts and sciences, students develop healthy critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students steeped in the liberal arts and sciences gain more excellent mental flexibly, learn to think across multiple domains and communicate effectively. These are skills employers say they value most. In today's labor market, career paths are changing, and new career options are being created at a dizzying rate. Thus, those graduates who can draw from various skillsets to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities will have the most significant advantage. A commitment to providing significant fields of study in conjunction with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is at the heart of a USC Aiken education. At USC Aiken, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through undergraduate research projects, real-world experience, international study opportunities, and engaged learning practices, USC Aiken students explore, understand, and master their interest areas in depth. This is an educational approach that prepares students for a successful life, professional success, global understanding, and civic engagement. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities, and service. We offer degrees in the arts and sciences and the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All degrees are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to provide students with the educational background necessary to succeed in any chosen field. At USC Aiken, we believe deep learning and understanding are enhanced when students can connect disciplines. All of our undergraduate programs and majors are grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. This means that students begin their college education by taking classes in many different subjects and building skills geared toward more than just training in one profession. Exciting discoveries often come from where disciplines overlap, and concepts and solutions from one field of study are applied to problems in another. By studying the liberal arts and sciences, students develop healthy critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students steeped in the liberal arts and sciences gain more excellent mental flexibly, learn to think across multiple domains and communicate effectively. These are skills employers say they value most. In today's labor market, career paths are changing, and new career options are being created at a dizzying rate. Thus, those graduates who can draw from various skillsets to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities will have the most significant advantage. A commitment to providing significant fields of study in conjunction with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is at the heart of a USC Aiken education. At USC Aiken, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through undergraduate research projects, real-world experience, international study opportunities, and engaged learning practices, USC Aiken students explore, understand, and master their interest areas in depth. This is an educational approach that prepares students for a successful life, professional success, global understanding, and civic engagement. View full university