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The prime choice for engineering and computing students
Tucked into bustling Columbia is the University of South Carolina, a top public research institution in the state. The university has been the heart of South Carolina for over 200 years — making meaningful contributions to its economy and community. Above all, it serves one great purpose: to elevate and inspire its students in the pursuit of knowledge.
Its reputation has made it one of the best choices for graduate education — and for good reason. Here, more than 6,000 graduate students pursue over 250 programmes across the sciences, arts, education and more. They learn from accomplished scholars and industry leaders, all of whom use their knowledge to ensure programmes remain relevant to current industry standards.
Research efforts at the University of South Carolina are no less impressive. They tackle everything from global health to protecting the environment. Such positive outcomes have captured the attention of many. For example, the Carnegie Foundation has designated the university as an institution with “very high research activity” and faculty research has generated US$237 million in sponsored awards in 2022.
Naturally, this has resulted in strong industry networks and partnerships — many of whom seek out graduates from the university for employment. With countless opportunities, a world-class faculty and a caring, supportive community, it’s no wonder why students keep choosing the University of South Carolina.
As an international student from Nigeria, I am very pleased to be pursuing a PhD in chemical engineering here. The faculty is highly committed to research and their high-impact results have been truly inspiring. Furthermore, the college provides excellent opportunities for collaboration with other students and researchers across the world. The resources and technology available here are top-notch, providing the perfect environment for me to excel in my research in computational catalysis.
Mubarak Bello, Chemical Engineering
I am currently pursuing my PhD in structural engineering, specifically focused on sustainable materials. As an international student from Colombia, I have found the university to be welcoming and inclusive. I’ve expanded my knowledge and taken advantage of the strong and diverse academic programme that the department offers through supportive and experienced professors. As a graduate teaching assistant, I work closely with professors and students, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Overall, this past year at the University of South Carolina has been exceptional, and I am excited to continue collecting more knowledge and experiences that will be crucial to my future professional development.
Laura Villegas, Civil Engineering
Studying with the College of Engineering and Computing
For an outstanding education in the technical sciences, many flock to the university’s College of Engineering and Computing. Here, aspiring engineers and computer professionals are trained to develop new technologies and initiatives to improve their communities and the world.
Hands-on training is at the heart of this. Students learn in labs, in off-campus environments, with industry partners or as research assistants to the college’s cohort of expert faculty. They go on to do big things: working as inventors, entrepreneurs, project managers and CTOs at the world’s top companies.
The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing is an excellent option for graduate students looking to learn and earn an advanced degree. I highly recommend it; especially for those who already have a master’s degree, are international students, have a family or are on active duty or prior service in the military. Professors are well respected in their fields but are heavily and personally involved with their students and they have significant funding research opportunities for their students. The online programme has a long successful track record but if you come to Columbia, you will find a low cost of living with many options in and around town, especially for young families.
Aaron Horwood, Mechanical Engineering
I wanted to be in a programme that had a good reputation but also a heavily collaborative atmosphere. The nature of the work that I currently do, and that I wanted to do, involves many disciplines and I had the chance to collaborate with researchers in other fields. This environment also encourages professional development outside of graduate work — during my time here, I was able to pursue a passion project in founding a nonprofit organisation for increasing accessibility to higher education in STEM disciplines.
Candice Cheung, Biomedical Engineering
A dynamic campus experience
Living on campus at the University of South Carolina is an experience like no other. It has everything for a complete university adventure: new dining spots, comfortable residence halls, galleries, fitness studios, and more. It’s truly a home away from home, balancing excitement with warmth.
The result? A community that comes from all corners of the world, living and learning together in one spot. Resources and initiatives have been put in place to encourage diversity and inclusion at the University of South Carolina, from promoting racial harmony to supporting LGBTQ+ students. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of what they look like, believe in or come from.
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