Overview

Palmetto Programs, housed in the Division of System Affairs and Extended University, is an umbrella through which Regional Campuses students have broader access to baccalaureate-level opportunities.

A half century ago, the University of South Carolina began to distinguish itself as a leader in outreach by creating “extension centers” in response to need from outlying communities across the state for access to University-level courses and degrees. Since 1959, thousands of students have been successful in earning the first two years of their baccalaureate degree at regional campuses and, through much sacrifice, many have completed the upper-division requirements by moving to Columbia or another four-year campus in the state. A large number, however, have of necessity ended their academic pursuits at the associate level.

Palmetto Programs was created to enable place-bound students to complete selected baccalaureate degrees without leaving the Regional Campuses. The use of distance education provides baccalaureate-level courses to students whose family or employment obligations prevent them from relocating to complete a degree.

Faculties from Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union, as well as Continuing Education in Columbia, use two-way interactive video to teach students at multiple sites simultaneously. This delivery mechanism gives students access to many more course options than are available live on their campuses.

The initial degree offered through Palmetto Programs is the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, first available in Fall 2007. It is awarded through Columbia but is available to students at the four Regional Campuses. Students choose courses from one of three major options: Social/Behavioral Sciences, Arts/Humanities, or Science/Mathematics. Other requirements include a course in South Carolina studies, an internship that links coursework with community settings, and a capstone course producing a major paper.

For information about the BLS degree, contact your USC advisor or the person on your campus who heads academic affairs.

Additional Information

• Blackboard
• Course Listings (Spring 2008)
• Course Listings (Fall 2008)
• Streaming Video
• Textbooks

Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

• Program of Study
• Advising Guide