About the Institution

The University of South Carolina has a strong commitment to serving adult students who cannot attend traditional classes on campus. With the assistance of television, interactive technologies, and independent learning, the University accommodates busy personal and professional schedules of adult learners. Many courses are transmitted through the state's digital satellite system to viewing sites statewide and include audio interaction. Sites include both USC campuses and selected technical colleges in the state.

Independent Learning is a part of the University of South Carolina undergraduate program. It is designed for students who desire some freedom in the selection of courses, who cannot schedule classes on campus or who need to supplement their schedules, and who desire to learn independently.

Independent learning allows students with time or distance restraints to take college-level courses for credit or for pleasure. As much as possible, the content of an independent learning course is the same as that of its corresponding campus-based course--only the method of study is different.

The USC courses listed in this catalog are designed primarily for undergraduate college credit work. However, we encourage individuals interested in learning for the sake of learning to enroll. Courses listed in this catalog are, for the most part, developed and taught by USC faculty.

How to Register for Courses in This Catalog

You may enroll in independent learning courses at any time. The only exceptions are semester-based courses, which are based upon availability and specific semester registration dates for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Additional information and enrollment applications may be obtained at our Web site or through the Independent Learning office. The approximately 120 general education undergraduate courses may be used in pursuit of undergraduate degrees, teacher certification, professional development or personal enrichment.

Fees

The tuition fee for standard correspondence courses is $125 per credit hour for resident and nonresident enrollments. The tuition for a three-credit-hour course is $375. Rental fees for audio CDs, if required, are listed in the course description. Tuition is subject to change without notice.

Degrees Available In-State

A Program of Graduate Engineering Education

The College of Engineering offers a master's degree (APOGEE) statewide and to border areas of North Carolina and Georgia. The college is also a member of the National Technological University (NTU), a consortium of 45 universities throughout the United States that offers graduate courses through satellite for credit toward master's degrees in several engineering disciplines.

Professional Master of Business Administration

The Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) degree offers South Carolinians a program responsive to its citizens, its industry, and the changing global market. The program enables both employers and employees to strengthen their competitiveness. Most PMBA students are working professionals already contributing to their employers' growth.

Master of Library Science

The School of Library and Information Science offers the Master of Library Science (MLS) degree and courses used by school library media specialists for certificate renewal and by other information managers for continuing professional development.

Other Opportunities for College Credit

The College of Social Work offers five foundation-year courses of the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through distance education. Courses are available in a regular sequence so that students can progress through this first year of the program while remaining in their local communities.

The Arnold School of Public Health offers graduate courses in its master's degree programs as well as courses for school health educators and other practicing professionals.

The College of Nursing offers core courses in its master's degree program and post-master's certificate programs as well as professional development courses for practicing nurses. More than 50 percent of the course work in the Health major (community health and primary care nurse practitioner options) is offered using satellite and videocassette delivery.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications offers courses in three areas: core courses in its master's degrees program, general interest communications courses for graduate students and upper division undergraduates, and scholastic courses for high school teachers.

Where to Get More Information

Students who would like more information may contact the Independent Learning Coordinator, toll free at 800-922-2577. You may also contact our office by mail at:

University Instructional Services
Distance Education
1244 Blossom Street, 2nd Floor
Columbia, SC 29208
800-922-2577 or
803-777-7210 or
Fax: 803-777-6264
E-mail: UTSQUEST@mailbox.sc.edu