The University of South Carolina Upstate—a separately-accredited, public comprehensive university within the USC System—is a major regional partner committed to the unique possibilities that accompany regionalism. True to its mission, USC Upstate is developing the next generation of globally competitive workers in Upstate South Carolina by providing an accessible, rigorous, career-relevant education that meets the needs of both students and industry. The university is a major engine of social, economic, and talent development, with an annual economic impact of more than half a billion dollars.

USC Upstate is located in Spartanburg, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. Among the fastest growing, baccalaureate-granting institutions in the nation, USC Upstate is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as #1 among Southern Regional Public Colleges. As a member of the Big South Conference, USC Upstate Spartans compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports.

Home to more than 5,000 students, USC Upstate offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs within five distinctive colleges. The Mary Black College of Nursing features a state-of-the-art simulation lab that represents the largest solely dedicated to nursing in the state. The George Dean Johnson, Jr. College of Business and Economics is among just 15 percent of business schools worldwide to be accredited by AACSB International, and the College of Education, Human Performance, and Health employs an interdisciplinary approach that underscores the importance of developing educators who understand the intersections of education and community health. The College is accredited by CAEP, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

In 2018, USC Upstate created two new colleges from the College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Science and Technology aims to meet the talent needs of enterprises focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), including in-demand careers in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and advanced materials. The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, centers on creativity and innovation, builds upon a strong foundation and dedicates itself to promoting the significance of the liberal and fine arts as well as the social and behavioral sciences, disciplines that have never been more vital than in today’s complex world.

USC Upstate is uniquely positioned to create transformative opportunities through higher education to better serve the needs of the region, fulfilling critical workforce needs while contributing to the social, cultural and economic development of the Upstate of South Carolina. More than 32,000 students have earned their degrees from USC Upstate, and nearly 85 percent of those alumni choose to remain in the Upstate to build their lives and careers.

Mission Statement

The University of South Carolina Upstate is a leading regional public university that transforms the lives of our diverse students, their families, and communities – advancing social and economic mobility throughout the Upstate region. Consistent with the international character of the Upstate, the University promotes global perspectives and serves as a driver of economic growth. We offer innovative courses and programs in a variety of accessible educational formats and locations to meet undergraduate and graduate student needs. We are a community of exceptional, diverse faculty, staff, and students who engage in high-impact experiential learning, cutting-edge research, and deeply-connected community engagement.  A University of South Carolina Upstate education empowers students to become lifelong leaders in their professions and communities.

History

The history of the University of South Carolina Upstate is a chronicle of remarkable development. In 1967, the university was founded in response to efforts undertaken by G.B. Hodge, M.D., together with fellow members of the Spartanburg County Commission for Higher Education, and a remarkably strong founding faculty primarily to avert a serious health care labor shortage crisis when Spartanburg General Hospital closed its diploma program for registered nurses. A citizen’s committee investigated the situation and ultimately requested that Spartanburg be included in the University of South Carolina system.

The Spartanburg Regional Campus, as it was first known, opened its doors in the fall of 1967 to 177 students on the first floor of the Spartanburg General Hospital nursing residence. Enrollment continued to increase, which resulted in the school becoming a four-year university in 1975 and being renamed the University of South Carolina Spartanburg.

Since its founding, USC Upstate has grown from a small, two-year campus into one of the leading metropolitan universities in the Southeast. This growth has been a direct response to the needs of the Upstate — a tradition that began with the University’s creation. The University has expanded well beyond nursing to include over 40 bachelor’s programs in the liberal arts, sciences, business administration, nursing, informatics, and teacher education, as well as master's degrees. The University moved to the graduate level, with master’s degree programs in elementary education and early childhood education in 1994, informatics in 2013 and nursing in 2014. The University’s numerous partnerships with public and private corporations and other educational institutions, coupled with the mission to offer baccalaureate education to the citizens of the Upstate of South Carolina, led to a name change. On June 30, 2004, with USC Board of Trustees approval, USCS changed its name to the University of South Carolina Upstate.

Accreditation

The University of South Carolina (USC) Upstate is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. USC Upstate also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of USC Upstate may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

Business programs are accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (600 Emerson Road, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63141-6762; Telephone 314-872-8481).

Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) (655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001; Telephone 202-463-6930).

Undergraduate education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington DC 20036; Telephone 202-223-0077).

The Art and Graphic Design program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) (11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190-5248; Telephone 703-437-0700).

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

The Engineering Management Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

The Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) (233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor, Chicago, IL 60601-5800; Telephone 312-233-1100).

Public Service

In addition to academic excellence, USC Upstate is dedicated to public service activities. The University’s initiatives in this area include:

The Scholars Academy.  The Scholars Academy is a joint venture between USC Upstate and the seven Spartanburg County school districts to provide advanced high school students with a quality education in a supportive learning environment. Through a partnership between Spartanburg County Schools and USC Upstate, the program allows youth to take college courses and adavanced high school classes over four years while still participating in classes and extracurricular activities at their own school.  For additional information, interested parents and students may call 864-503-5506.

ACHIEVE.  The ACHIEVE program is administered by the University of South Carolina Upstate.  ACHIEVE is an educational and employment program that serves high school dropouts and graduates who are unemployed or underemployed (ages 16-24) from Cherokee, Spartanburg and Union counties. The ACHIEVE program works with these out-of-school youth by helping them work toward completing their education, finding employment and enhancing their self-esteem in order for them to become productive citizens.

Support for Educational Community Programming.  Thousands of public school students have participated in university supported programs such as the Piedmont Regional Science Fair, an annual writing and art competition and History Day.  Additionally, each year the University offers a wide range of art exhibits, special lectures, music concerts, plays and other special events for students and the community.  Admission to these events is either free or at a nominal charge.

Community Board Membership.  Many of our faculty and staff serve on community boards, providing through collaboration expertise that strengthens both the university and the broader community.  This participation fosters mutually beneficial relationships, allowing universities to share research-driven insights, innovaive problem-solving approaches, and specialized knowledge that support local organizations.  At the same time, faculty and staff gain a deeper understanding of community challenges, which can enhance their teaching, research, and service-learning initiatives.   By bridging academic and civic engagement, university representatives help drive impactful policies, promote equity, and create sustainable solutions while reinforcing the institution's commitment to social mobility.  These connections also enhance students' learning opportunities through real-world partnerships and applications.

Volunteerism.  Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to volunteer in our community to foster civic engagement and community impact.  Through volunteer initiatives, students contribute to societal well-being, address local needs, and develop leadership skills that align with the university's commitment to service.  These experiences not only enhnace personal growth but also prepare students for lifelong civic responsibility.

Service Learning and Community Engagement

Service-Learning connects academic coursework with meaningful community engagement, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge while addressing real-world challenges through collaboration with community partners.  As a high-impact practice, service-learning develops critical thinking, leadership, and professional skills that enhance career readiness and graduate school applications, while fostering civic responsibility.  Through reciprocal partnerships at local, regional, national, and global levels, students and faculty across all university colleges have the opportunity to engage in projects and research that address critical community issues, integrating practical experience with academic studies to make tangible contributions to the public good.

Community Engagement initiatives exemplify the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources between higher education and broader communities.  Through academic integration via service-learning courses, community-engaged research, and public scholarship, we create reciprocal partnerships that enrich both scholarship and community impact.  Our career development and professional engagement programs, including clinical placements and board service, strengthen connections between university expertise and community needs.  Civic and community programs advance demonocratic values through non-partisan support of civic processes, structured volunteering, and focused advocacy work, while our cultural and educational outreach initiatives foster meaningful knowledge exchange through town-and-gown programs and artistic partnerships.  These diverse engagement categories, spanning local to global communities, collectively advance our mission to enhance curriculum, prepare engaged citizens, address critical societal issues, and contribute to the public good through sustained, reciprocal community partnerships.

Center for International Studies

The Center for International Studies (CIS) establishes and manages university partnerships worldwide to provide global engagement programs and support services that enrich the academic and professional development of students, faculty, and staff. Global engagement programs include study abroad for academic credits (short-term, semester, year abroad, and dual degree programs), international internships, service learning, research, volunteer, and teach abroad. We guide and support students through every step in the process of identifying a suitable international engagement, application, preparation for going abroad, support while abroad, and re-entry programs. CIS also offers support to faculty and staff with planning and implementing short-term international engagement and study abroad programs. We promote and support students and faculty to apply for grants and fellowships that are designed to provide both partial and full funding for international engagement. CIS manages and supports the exchange program for students and faculty.

The Center for International Studies is also “home away from home” for international students and scholars. Our Office provides advising and support services regarding visa, immigration regulations, and benefits related to F-1 and J-1 nonimmigrant visa categories. We assist new students and scholars with pre-arrival preparations, finding suitable housing, transportation from GSP airport, orientation, and a variety of programs and events throughout the year. Our programs are designed to facilitate transition into the USC Upstate community, cultural immersion and exchange. CIS offers guidance and support to international students and hiring managers regarding on campus employment. In addition, CIS provides guidance to international students who are interested in applying, and are eligible, for off campus employment through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). We offer assistance to international students and scholars who are interested in applying for a South Carolina driver’s license, social security card, and employment authorization.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center provides students with the tools and resources needed to make progress toward their degrees.  From the first day of class until graduation, we offer a variety of services that not only clarify students' academic goals but also enhance their ties to USC Upstate.  Our mission is to promote student achievement by providing skilled advisement, tutoring, and personalized academic support.

Tutoring and Academic Support

At the Student Success Center, we understand the challenges of academic life.  We offer a comprehensive services to assist students with their daily academic demands.  Our team is committed to providing the resources and support necessary for academic success.  Our free tutorial services, study group facilitation and Supplemental Instruction for difficult courses provide course-specific help.  Academic life coaches are available to assist with goal setting, study skills, and time management, helping students improve their overall academic performance.  Another key academic support initiative is University 101, an interactive first-year seminar designed to help new students successfully navigate the challenges of being an undergraduate student.

Advising Services

The Student Success Center provides professional advisors and academic life coaches who introduce students to the curricula and guide them through their early days on campus.  The staff helps students develop an educational plan and ensure they register for the correct sequence of classes.  The Student Success Center also aids students in exploring different majors to find the best fit with their interests and goals.  Advisors walk students through career placement assessment and help them with the change of major process when needed.  Additionally, advisors and coaches provide outreach and assistance to students on academic probation.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO SSS is a student support services program at USC Upstate made possible through a federal U.S. Department of Education grant. Earning an undergraduate degree can be extremely challenging, and TRIO SSS supports students as they transition from high school to college and beyond. The program provides various services, programs, and support to assist college students in striving to achieve their educational goals. Some specific services are academic advising, tutoring and mentoring, study skills workshop facilitation, financial aid assistance, and graduate school advising. First-generation college students, those who meet income guidelines, and/or students with a learning or physical disability may qualify for the program. Students who think they may be eligible to participate can find out more information on our website.

Career Management

Career Management empowers USC Upstate students and alumni to navigate the college-to-career journey with confidence. Committed to supporting professional growth at every stage, Career Management offers personalized career counseling, assistance with résumés, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles, personal statement development, graduate school preparation, and mock interviewing.  Career Management also provides access to skill-building workshops focused on communication, leadership, and other essential soft skills.  Through employer and community engagement events, students expand their networks by building connections that enhance their internship and career prospects.  Students and alumni can access Handshake to explore job postings, register for information sessions, and attend career events.  In addition, Career Management embraces emerging technologies to enhance career exploration, job search strategies, and lifelong career readiness.  Students can also utilize the Career Closet, which provides free professional attire to support professional presentation during interviews and networking opportunities.

The Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Support

The Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Support (SARS) provides programs and incentives to enhance the educational and professional development of USC Upstate students by supporting undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activities. The SARS office provides, on a competitive basis, logistic and monetary support for the pursuit of student projects performed under the guidance of USC Upstate faculty, staff and/or community professionals from throughout the Upstate region. The office also publishes a student research journal, hosts an annual research symposium, and assists students in traveling to professional meetings to present their work/findings. Opportunities provided by SARS contribute to students' overall academic experience and better prepare students for their professional careers.

Veterans Affairs

Students eligible to receive veterans’ educational benefits should contact the veterans’ coordinator located in the records office. Students receiving veterans’ benefits are required to report any changes in curriculum, including courses dropped or added, absences and withdrawal. Failure to report such changes results in termination of benefits