The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education announced the approval of 15 new academic programs at institutions across the state today.
The new programs help strengthen South Carolina’s talent pipeline in high-demand fields including education, business, healthcare, communications, counseling, hospitality, law, and STEM disciplines.
Key trends across the new programs include:
- A significant focus on preparing teachers and school leaders across multiple disciplines, including early childhood, English, math, science, and social studies.
- Multiple programs tie directly to key sectors of South Carolina’s economy such as tourism and hospitality, finance, and accounting. This reflects alignment between academic offerings and workforce demand to ensure graduates are prepared for careers in industries that drive the state’s economic growth.
- The inclusion of multiple doctoral and specialized master’s programs supports the development of high-level talent for leadership roles in academia, healthcare, public service, and industry, while also helping address shortages in critical areas like mental health services and research capacity.
About the Approval Process
New academic programs are developed and approved at the institutional level before being submitted to the CHE for a multi-stage review process. Proposals are first evaluated by Office of Academic Affairs and Licensing staff and the Advisory Committee on Academic Programs (ACAP), then advanced to the Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing (CAAL) and ultimately considered for final approval by the full Commission. This structured process builds accountability by ensuring that new programs are carefully vetted before implementation and are also aligned with statewide priorities.
Each proposed program is assessed for demonstrated student demand, alignment with workforce and economic needs, duplication or unnecessary competition with existing programs, institutional capacity (including faculty, facilities, and financial resources), and projected outcomes. Institutions must also provide evidence of long-term sustainability and how the program supports the state’s higher education goals, delivers value to students, and strengthens South Carolina’s talent pipeline and economy.
Below is a detailed list of the programs, by institution, that were approved on May 7. Program descriptions followed by an asterisk support a priority occupation as defined by the South Carolina Unified State Plan for Education and Workforce Development:
Clemson University
Ph.D. in Communication and Media: Prepares advanced scholars, researchers, and industry leaders in strategic communication, digital media, public relations, organizational communication, and media analytics. Graduates may pursue careers in higher education, corporate communications, market research, media strategy, and consulting. *
Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision: Prepares highly qualified counselors, counselor educators, and clinical supervisors to meet growing demand in mental health and education fields. Graduates may work in universities, mental health agencies, schools, private practice, and leadership roles overseeing counseling programs. *
B.S. in Athletic Leadership: Prepares students for careers in athletic administration, sports management, coaching operations, student-athlete development, and recreation leadership across schools, colleges, and sports organizations.
Coastal Carolina University
M.S. in Finance: Equips students with advanced skills in financial analysis, investment strategy, risk management, and corporate finance. Graduates may pursue careers in banking, wealth management, financial planning, insurance, consulting, and corporate leadership roles. *
Francis Marion University
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Prepares educators to become principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and district administrators, strengthening leadership capacity in South Carolina’s K-12 schools. *
University of South Carolina – Columbia
M.S.L. in Environmental Law and Sustainability: Focuses on legal and policy frameworks related to environmental regulation, sustainability practices, and compliance. Graduates may serve in business, government, nonprofit, consulting, and sustainability leadership roles. *
University of South Carolina – Upstate
B.S.B.A. in Hospitality and Tourism Management: Prepares students for careers in hotel and resort management, tourism development, event planning, destination marketing, and customer experience leadership in South Carolina’s robust tourism industry. *
B.A. in Applied Languages and Global Studies: Combines language proficiency, cultural competency, and global awareness with practical workforce skills. Graduates may pursue careers in international business, logistics, education, government service, nonprofit work, and translation. *
Lander University
M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education: Prepares future educators to serve children in foundational learning years, supporting early literacy and long-term academic success. *
B.A. in Secondary Education, English: Prepares future middle and high school English teachers with strengths in literature, writing, and communication, helping meet statewide teacher workforce needs. *
B.S. in Secondary Education, Chemistry: Prepares science educators equipped to teach chemistry and laboratory sciences, strengthening the STEM teacher pipeline. *
B.S. in Secondary Education, Mathematics: Prepares future mathematics teachers for secondary schools, addressing demand in a critical shortage area and supporting college and workforce readiness. *
B.S. in Secondary Education, Social Studies: Prepares educators to teach history, civics, economics, and geography while promoting informed citizenship and critical thinking. *
B.S. in Accounting: Prepares students for careers in public accounting, auditing, tax services, corporate finance, and governmental accounting, supporting organizational growth and fiscal stewardship. *
B.S. in Financial Services: Focuses on banking, financial advising, insurance, investments, and client relationship management. Graduates may pursue careers in financial institutions, wealth management firms, fintech companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. *
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