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" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "
- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major
Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.
"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."
- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major
"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."
- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major
"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."
- John Ellis, Communications major
"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major
"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "
- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major
"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "
- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major
"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."
- Jessica Walters, Nursing major
"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."
- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major
"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."
- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major
"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"
- Alesha Jones, Communications major
"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."
- Dana Hailat, Biology (pre-dental) major
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The mission of the Department of Biology and Geology is to provide an engaging learning environment through excellence in teaching and active faculty and student scholarship. Our main purpose is to develop in our students an understanding of the importance and application of the scientific method as it pertains to both the biological and geological sciences. This is accomplished through faculty/student interactions that reinforce the tenets of the scientific method and expose students to a diversity of discipline-specific problems and the means by which those problems are addressed.
We offer Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with a major in Biology, a minor in Biology, a minor in Geology, and three years of Geology curriculum transferable to other undergraduate institutions.
Within the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree program, students may choose the General Biology Track or a concentration in Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
- B.S. General Biology Track. This degree program is designed to provide students with a broad range of coursework and research experiences that can be drawn upon to prepare students for a career in biology as well as graduate and professional schooling in the medical, dental, and veterinary fields. View program plan (PDF).
- Environmental Remediation and Restoration. This degree concentration is designed to prepare students for a career in the environmental sciences. Graduates from this program will have opportunities for careers with local municipalities, consulting firms, as well as other state and federal agencies such as SC DHEC, the US Forest Service, and the Department of Energy. View program plan (PDF).
The Bachelor of Arts in Biology is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to combine their biology degree with a minor in another academic discipline. Minor requirements are specific to the chosen academic department and can be found in the USCA Bulletin. B.A. students may choose to undertake a senior research experience; however, a research experience is optional for their degree program. View program plan (PDF).
Pre-Professional Program. The Department of Biology and Geology offers a wide variety of courses required for entrance into professional schools (dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinarian). Students pursuing a professional career generally choose the B.S. General Biology Track and with the help of their academic advisor, plan a curriculum that is most appropriate for them. Because professional schools often have their own specific course requirements, it is incumbent on the student to review the particular professional school's admission requirements. Links to a number of local dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary schools are provided on our Pre-Professional Program page.