Application packets may be obtained from the USC Upstate Admissions Office. Applications for admission to graduate programs will be given consideration after receipt of all credentials.

Proof of Citizenship

USC students must present proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S. before enrolling. This policy has been adopted by the University in order to comply with section 59-101-430 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, which requires that lawful presence in the United States is verified before enrollment at any public institution of higher education. Verification of immigration status for non-citizens will be conducted by International student officials. For other students, a proof of citizenship verification process has been adopted to deter and prevent false claims of citizenship by unlawful aliens attempting to evade the eligibility requirements of section 59-101-430. Students who are not verified as citizens during the Federal financial aid application (FAFSA) process must present proof of citizenship in the form of one of the following acceptable documents:

• Copy of the South Carolina driver's license if the student first became a licensed driver in the state after Jan. 1, 2002;
• A Certified Birth Certificate indicating that you were born in the United States or a territory of the United States. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable.
• Current U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport that has not been expired more than 10 years;
• Certificate of Naturalization - USCIS Form (N-550 or N-570);
• U.S. government issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad;
• Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561);
• Unexpired U.S. Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (DOD DD-2)

The University can accept photocopies of birth certificates and other citizenship documents so long as we reserve the right to demand production of the certified original in the event we have any questions about whether the copy is true and accurate, or in the event any of the information on the copy is unreadable. For more information: http://registrar.sc.edu/html/citizenshipverification.stm.

Change of Academic Objectives

Students are admitted to a specific graduate program at the time of acceptance. Upon completion of that degree, further graduate study requires readmission to graduate studies.

Valid Period of Admission

Admission to graduate study at USC Upstate is valid for one year. If an applicant fails to complete any graduate course or part of the prescribed program within this period, the acceptance lapses, and the student becomes subject to any new requirements that may have been adopted. Students who do not enroll in classes within one calendar year of admission must reapply.

Students who have been admitted to graduate study at the University of South Carolina under regulations other than those now in force, and who have not completed any USC courses during a period of three or more years, are required to fulfill current admission requirements prior to attending USC Upstate for additional graduate work. Upon readmission, these students become subject to the current graduate regulations.

Applicants Not Seeking a Degree

Students wishing to enroll in either program courses or professional development courses but who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree at USC Upstate must submit the following admission materials:

• Application for Non-Degree Seeking Graduate Students (available at www.uscupstate.edu)
• Residency form with all requested information and supporting documents
• $10 application fee
• Proof of immunization for measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella) if born after Dec. 31, 1956.

Students admitted as non-degree students may take up to 18 hours of graduate work. In order to enroll in more than 18 hours as a non-degree student, the applicant must complete another non-degree application form and a state residency status form.

Disability Services

Students with disabilities are assisted through the Office of Disability Services. The staff works toward accessibility for all university programs, services, and activities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Services offered include priority registration, test proctoring, classroom adaptation, sign language interpreter, reader, braille, and note taker. If you have a disability and need assistance, contact the Office of Disability Services.

Graduate Tuition

Academic fees at the University of South Carolina Upstate are established by the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees and are subject to change.

Tuition

Please see Fees & Expenses section for more information.