Degree Programs & Application Requirements
We offer 230+ graduate degree programs at the master's, specialist, doctoral and certificate levels.
Supporting Materials
Submit supporting materials with your application or after you've applied.
Refer to our Degree Programs & Application Requirements page for your specific program to verify which supporting materials, including test scores, are required for the current application cycle. If no requirements are listed, follow the link to your specific program's website or contact the program for more information.
Which application should I use?
Many degree programs use the general graduate school application, with a few exceptions.
General Graduate School Application
Use this application unless your desired degree program is part of one of the schools listed below.
Darla Moore School of Business
The business school has its own application for all business graduate program applicants.
Arnold School of Public Health
Many public health graduate programs use a special application. Find out more about the graduate admissions process on the Arnold School website.
College of Nursing
Use the College of Nursing application for all graduate nursing programs. (Summer 2024 applications use the general graduate school application.)
Professional Degree Program Applications
Professional degree programs are not managed by the Graduate School and use their own applications.
Required Application Materials for All Departments
- Bachelor's Degree: From an accredited college or university (or international equivalent)
- Official Transcripts: From all colleges and universities attended for credit. Unofficial transcripts are required to be uploaded to your application.
- Official Test Scores: Consult your program for specific score requirements
- Letters of Recommendation: Consult your program for the number of letters required
- Application Fee: Effective July 15, 2023, the base $50 graduate application fee will be waived for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 admission terms. The fee may remain for cohorts that opened prior to July 15. Additional fees may remain on discipline-specific applications. No refunds will be processed for applications that have already been submitted.
- English Proficiency Requirement: TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores for applicants whose native language is not English (see all International Student requirements)
Submitting Official Test Scores
You must submit official test scores directly from the testing service. Academic test scores are valid for five years; language test scores are valid for two years. Copies of scores are not considered official. Use the following codes for the University of South Carolina to submit:
- GRE: 5818
- MAT: 1719
- GMAT: JV2
- MCAT: No numerical code - choose "University of South Carolina, Graduate School"
- TOEFL: 5818
- IELTS: No numerical code - choose "University of South Carolina, Columbia Graduate Admissions." Our address is 1705 College St, Close-Hipp Suite 552, Columbia, SC 29208.
- PTE: University of South Carolina
Consult with your program about further required materials.
Many programs require statements of purpose, resumes, writing samples, portfolios and/or licensure.
Areas of Study
Combination Degree Programs
Combination degree programs allow you to work on two degrees at the same time with a preset program of study. By combining credits, you take fewer courses than you would need if you pursued each degree separately.
Non-Degree Admissions
If you're not seeking a graduate degree, applying for non-degree admissions status can allow you to take classes for personal or professional development, licensure or re-certification or participation in a USC exchange program.
International Applicants
If you are applying as an international student, you may need to submit additional documentation.
What Next?
After You Apply
You've submitted your application to grad school. Fantastic! Now what happens?
Application Status
Applicants using the general graduate school application can log in to their Application Status portal (linked above) to check on their application after submission. If your application was from another vendor, please follow instructions from your college's Student Services office.
Update Application
Already submitted your application but need to make changes? No problem. Be aware that some types of updates require a small payment.