Degree Programs & Application Requirements
We offer 230+ graduate degree programs at the master's, specialist, doctoral and certificate levels.
Application Fee
The base $50 graduate application fee is automatically waived for all applicants until further notice. Our ApplyWeb application is free (no waiver code is needed). However, additional fees may remain on applications through discipline-specific vendors.
Supporting Materials
Submit supporting materials with your application.
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. The general graduate school application opens terms a year in advance. Fall applications open in the prior September; Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May. Deadlines are program-specific. Refer to our Degree Programs & Application Requirements page for details.
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.
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 is automatically waived for all applicants until further notice. Our ApplyWeb application is free (no waiver code is needed). However, additional fees may remain on applications through discipline-specific vendors.
- English Proficiency Requirement: TOEFL, IELTS , PTE or Duolingo scores for applicants whose native language is not English (see all International Student requirements and exemptions.
Submitting Official Test Scores
You must submit official test scores directly from the testing service before they expire. Academic test scores are valid for five years from testing date; language test scores are valid for two years from testing date. Copies of scores are not considered official. Use the following codes for the University of South Carolina to submit official scores:
- 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.