Substantive Change
Institutions of Higher Education are dynamic entities in a state of continuous change. Faculty modify the focus of their teaching and their techniques to reflect feedback from students, new teaching pedagogies, student interest, and new developments within their disciplines. Some minor changes can be reflected within a course by emphasizing or presenting a learning objective in a different manner. Other times, entirely new courses and degree programs are developed. Oversight of the University of South Carolina Aiken's changing landscape is assigned by the South Carolina Code of Laws, §59-1117-10 et seq. to the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina. Further, the South Carolina Code of Laws, §59-103-35 stipulates that all South Carolina college and university programs require oversight approval from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (SCCHE). In keeping with these laws, new programs, modifications of programs, program terminations are among the myriad submissions to both the Board of Trustees and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education for review and approval.
Institutions are also required to notify the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) of substantive changes in accordance with the SACSCOC substantive change policy and, when required, seek approval prior to the initiation of changes. Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion of the nature and scope of an accredited institution. SACSCOC also requires institutions to have a policy and procedure to ensure that all substantive changes are reported to the Commission in a timely fashion.
The University of South Carolina System has established a system-wide policy and procedure for the creation and revision of academic programs, as well as a system-wide substantive change policy. In accordance with system-wide policy, the University of South Carolina Aiken has established its own substantive change process.
The SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison should be contacted early in the planning process as programmatic changes are being considered. Many changes are not substantive, while others may take 6 months to a year or more before they can be implemented. As soon as all internal review and approval processes are complete, institutional and programmatic changes are tracked to ensure appropriate notifications and approvals are secured from the Board of Trustees, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and SACSCOC. Substantive change determinations and supporting documentation of additions and modifications since 2010 are provided below. Questions regarding the possiblity of changes being substantive should be directed to the SACCOC Accreditation Liaison.
Table of Change Determinations and Compliance Documentation
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics 08/30/2024
College of Sciences and Engineering 10/23/2024
Courses and Curriculum Committee 11/15/2024
University Planning Committee 10/23/2024
Faculty Assembly 12/04/2024
Provost 01/17/2025
Chancellor 01/17/2025
Substantive Change Determination:
The Department of Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, in consultation with the local business community, has proposed the establishment of a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering focused on educating students with the ability to design, build, test, analyze, implement, and maintain electrical and electronic systems. It is conservatively estimated that the program will enroll 39 students by its 5th year. This new major within the Bachelor of Science degree consists of 16 new courses and will require the hiring of new faculty with expertise in electrical engineering. This proposal is a substantive change and will require the submission of a prospectus to SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 pending
Board of Trustees:
🔗 pending
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 20, 2025
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 pending
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 pending
Prospectus submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 pending
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 pending
Anticipated implementation term:
Fall 2026
Name of Program:
Master of Science in Management Science
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 02/19/2024
University Planning Committee 03/15/2024
Graduate Advisory Council 03/20/2024
Faculty Assembly 03/29/2024
Provost 04/02/2024
Chancellor 04/09/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
This 30 hour graduate level program will be launched utilizing existing capacity and there are expected to be no new expenses in the first four years. The average number of students added to existing class capacity is 2 students/course for year one, 9 students/course for year two, 18 students/course for year three, 22 students/course for year four and 27 students/course for year five. In the Fall of 2023, the MBA courses relevant to the M.S. program had an average enrollment of 27 students. With an enrollment cap of 50, we experienced additional capacity of an average of 23 seats per course. Thus, there is additional current capacity sufficient to support the proposed program. Because the program uses existing graduate level classes, this propsal does not represent a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 pending
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 pending
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 pending
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Anticipated implementation term:
Fall 2026
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Internal Reviews:
Department of Chemistry and Physics 03/08/2024
College of Sciences and Engineering 03/15/2024
University Planning Committee 04/09/2024
Courses and Curriculum Committee 04/18/2024
Faculty Assembly 04/23/2024
Provost 04/30/2024
Chancellor 05/06/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry will be closed due to low student interest. There was one student in the program who graduated in Spring 2024. Students interested in Chemistry as a major will be directed to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Chemistry. No faculty or staff members will be impacted by the closure. In accordance with SACSCOC policy, a notification and approval of the closure will be sent to SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 pending
Board of Trustees:
🔗 pending
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 pending
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 pending
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 March 18, 2025
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 pending
Anticipated implementation term:
Fall 2025
Name of Program:
Certificate in Strategic Communication
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Communication and Emerging Media 01/02/2024
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 01/04/2024
Provost 01/04/2024
University Planning Committee 01/17/2024
Courses and Curriculum Committee 02/16/2024
Faculty Assembly 02/23/2024
Chancellor 03/04/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
This is a 12 hour undergraduate certificate consisting of currently available courses that can serve as a micro-credential. No additional resources are required and there are adequate faculty within the department already teaching the courses. This new program is not a significant departure from existing offerings and is thus not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 August 15, 2024
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 21, 2024
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2025
Name of Program:
Certificate in Spanish for the Clinical Encounter
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures 03/05/2024
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 03/07/2024
Provost 03/07/2024
Courses and Curriculum Committee 04/18/2024
University Planning Committee 04/18/2024
Faculty Assembly 04/23/2024
Chancellor 05/06/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
This is a 12 hour undergraduate certificate. Three of the 12 hours (25%) consists of a new course not previously offered by the institution. No additional resources are required and there are adequate faculty within the department already teaching the courses. Because 25% to 49% of the material in the program is new, the program is a substantive change requiring notification to, but not approval from SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 August 15, 2024
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 21, 2024
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗
April 7, 2025
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 pending
Implementation effective term:
Summer 2025
Name of Program:
Certificate in Real Estate
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
School of Business Administration 11/20/2023
University Planning Committee 01/17/2024
Courses and Curriculum Committee 02/16/2024
Faculty Assembly 02/23/2024
Chancellor 03/04/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
This is a 12 hour undergraduate certificate consisting of currently available courses that can serve as a micro-credential. No additional resources are required and there are adequate faculty within the school already teaching the courses. This new program is not a significant departure from existing offerings and is thus not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 19, 2024
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 August 15, 2024
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 21, 2024
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2025
Name of Program:
PACER Life Program
Nature of Change:
Program Modification
Internal Reviews:
School of Education: 08/2024
University Planning Committee: 09/11/2024
Faculty Assembly: 10/29/2024
Chancellor: 11/2024
Substantive Change Determination:
The institution plans to extend the current two-year comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities to a four-year program. This change is not a substantive change as defined by SACSCOC policy and, therefore, neither notification nor approval is required. In order for our students to receive financial aid, we will submit another Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary (CTP) program application which requires a letter documenting that SACSCOC is aware of the proposed change, thus SACSCOC will be notified.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 4, 2024
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 9, 2024
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2025
Name of Program:
Master of Education in Educator Leadership
Nature of Change:
Program Modification
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 09/12/2023
University Planning Committee: 09/06/2023
Graduate Advisory Council: 09/15/2023
Faculty Assembly: 09/26/2023
Chancellor: 10/17/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
The Master of Education in Educator Leadership has added a track that will lead to certification of school principals. The program has been and will continue to be offered fully online. The University of South Carolina Aiken was approved for distance education in July of 2010. Twelve of the 36 credits for this graduate program (33% of the didactic material) originate from four new courses not previously offered. Because there is over 25% new didactic material but less than 50% new material, a letter of notification to SACSCOC is required.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 December 19, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 19, 2023
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2024
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 9, 2024
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 6, 2024
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 June 20, 2024
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 July 1, 2024
Approval from the South Carolina Department of Education:
🔗 March 6, 2025
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2025
Name of Program:
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics: 11/01/2022
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 11/02/2022
Graduate Advisory Council: 12/01/2022
University Planning Committee: 01/31/2023
Faculty Assembly: 02/27/2023
Chancellor: 05/02/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
The proposed Master of Science degree in Computer and Information Science is a 30 semester program. The program is expected to have an enrollment of 8 students in the first year, rising to to 36 students by Fall of 2028. Some of the notable strengths in support of the program are the Savannah River National Laboratory, the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, and the South Carolina National Guard’s Cyber Readiness Center. The University was also recently designated a National Security Agency Center of Academic Excellence in the area of cyber defense. The curriculum for the program consists of 24 semester credit hours of core coursework and 6 semester credit hours of elective courses under two tracks: Information Technology and Cybersecurity. All of the course work is new. A total of two full-time equivalent faculty are needed to support the program. Three new faculty appointments will be made to address the need to decrease the teaching load that accompanies faculty who teach graduate courses. Existing library, learning resources, and academic support services are adequate to support the program. A $650,000 recurring state appropriation is being provided to offset expenditures until the program reaches cost neutrality by way of tuition dollars. This is a significant departure from current offerings; thus, a propectus will have to be submitted to SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 21, 2023
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 October 26, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 2, 2023
Prospectus submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 December 21, 2023
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 February 23, 2024
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2024
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics 02/03/2023
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 02/07/2023
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 02/09/2023
University Planning Committee: 04/04/2023
Faculty Assembly: 04/25/2023
Chancellor: 05/02/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This new major within the Bachelor of Science degree consists of 69 major credits. Only 15 of the 69 credits (22%) come from five new 3-credit hour classes. While there are currently sufficent faculty within the department, two new faculty are anticipated to be hired in support of the growth of degree programs within the department. One new tenure-track faculty position in software engineering will be hired to start in the Fall of 2024. One additional computer science faculty will be added in year 2 to address anticipated increases in teaching loads. Existing library, learning resources, and academic support services are adequate to support the program. Because there is less than 25% new didactic material, this program is not considered a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 21, 2023
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 October 26, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 2, 2023
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2024
Name of Program:
Certificate in Network Security and Information Technology
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics: 09/15/2022
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 09/20/2022
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/21/2022
Faculty Assembly: 02/27/2023
Chancellor: 03/03/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This certificate will be a 16 hour micro-credential of an existing program. There are no new classes associated with the proposed program. There are no new cost for facilities, library resources, or equipment. There is capacity within existing courses to accomodate students. Because there are no new courses or resources that are required, this is not a substantive departure from existing offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 12, 2023
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2024
Name of Program:
Certificate in Data Science
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering & Mathematics: 09/14/2022
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 10/04/2022
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/21/2022
Faculty Assembly: 04/25/2023
Chancellor: 05/02/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This proposed undergraduate certificate program will consist of 23-credit hours. This computer science program is to be delivered blended/hybrid with 50% or more of the program delivered online. Ten of the 23 credits for this certificate program (i.e., 43%) originates from three new courses not previously offered by the institution at the baccalaureate instructional level. We intend to initiate the Certificate in Data Science program at the start of our Fall term’s second eight-week session scheduled to begin October 23, 2023. Because more than 25%, but less than 50%, of the curriculum is new, SACSCOC must be notified.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 12, 2023
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 13, 2023
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 23, 2023
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2023
Name of Program:
Certificate in Cybersecurity
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics: 09/15/2022
Sciences and Engineering Council: 09/20/2022
Faculty Assembly: 04/25/2023
Chancellor 05/02/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This proposed undergraduate certificate program will consist of 17-credit hours. This computer science program is to be delivered blended/hybrid with 50% or more of the program delivered online. Six of the 17 credits for this certificate program (i.e., 35%) originates from two new courses not previously offered by the institution at the baccalaureate instructional level. We intend to initiate the Certificate in Data Science program at the start of our Fall term’s second eight-week session scheduled to begin October 23, 2023. Because more than 25%, but less than 50%, of the curriculum is new, SACSCOC must be notified.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 12, 2023
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 13, 2023
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 23, 2023
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2023
Name of Program:
Certificate in Cloud Computing and Security
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics: 02/08/2023
Sciences and Engineering Council: 02/21/2023
Faculty Assembly: 04/25/2023
Chancellor 05/02/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This 22-semester hour certificate will be blended/hybrid offering focused on a new paradign in secured cloud computing. No new faculty, library holdings, facility, or student support resource allocations are required. Current course offerings can accomodate students who might be interested in pursuing the certificate. New courses constitute under 25% of the program, so this is not a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 12, 2023
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2023
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences: 03/31/2023
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 03/31/2023
University Planning Committee: 04/11/2023
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 04/14/2023
Faculty Assembly: 04/25/2023
Chancellor 05/03/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This new 120-credit hour baccalaureate level program is to consist of 47-48 credit hours of general education courses and 72-73 credit hours of required and elective courses within the major. Thirty of the 72-73 credit hours within the major (i.e., 41%-42%) originate from ten new courses not previously offered by the institution at the baccalaureate instructional level. This proposed program will require a letter of notification to be sent to SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 9, 2023
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 21, 2023
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 October 26, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 2, 2023
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 November 3, 2023
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 November 6, 2023
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2024
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
Nature of Change:
Program Modification
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics: 09/14/2022
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 10/04/2022
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/21/2022
Faculty Assembly: 02/27/2023
Chancellor 05/03/2023
Substantive Change Determination:
This program modification involves the creation of a new concentration within the Applied Computer Science major in the area of Data Science to help prepare highly needed Data Analysis workforce professionals. The concentration involves the addition of four new classes representing 13 credits of the 67 credit hour major (i.e., 19%). This modification does not represent a significant departure from existing offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 23, 2023
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 21, 2023
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 October 26, 2023
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 November 2, 2023
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2024
Name of Program:
PACER Life
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
School of Education: 11/2021
Provost: 11/2021
University Planning Committee: 01/24/2022
Faculty Assembly: 02/28/2022
Chancellor 03/2022
Substantive Change Determination:
The Pacer life program will provide adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to attend a two-year residential program on the college campus to gain the knowledge and skills related to academics, employment, and independent living. Modified syllabi and/or personal learning contracts will be offered to Pacer LIFE students who are auditing coursework. Students enrolled in credit-bearing courses will be required to complete all course requirements as outlined in the syllabus, which are the same standards and expectations for degree-seeking students. The goals of Pacer LIFE are aligned with this mission and the core values of the University. While the addition of the program does not constitute a substantive change as defined in SACSCOC policy, the institution will be submitting the program to the US Department of Education to be recognized as a Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. One of the requirements for a CTP program is that we notify our accrediting body of the program.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 June 10, 2022
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 24, 2022
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 27, 2022
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 27, 2022
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2023
Name of Program:
Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologies
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Internal Reviews:
School of Education: 08/17/2020
Provost: 08/04/2020
Graduate Advisory Council: 09/2020
Faculty Assembly: 10/2020
Chancellor 08/2020
Substantive Change Determination:
The Master of Education in Learning Design and Technologies which was a joint venture with USC Columbia will be closed due to decreasing student interest. There are two students in the program who are expected to complete the program in spring 2022. The degree program will continue to be available at the USC Columbia campus, but not as a joint venture. No faculty or staff members will be impacted by the closure.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 April 28, 2021
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 December 3, 2021
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2022
Name of Program:
Exercise and Sports Science
Nature of Change:
Program Modification
Internal Reviews:
Department of Sports and Exercise Science: 02/18/2022
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 03/01/2022
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 03/2022
Faculty Assembly: 03/29/2022
Chancellor 04/2022
Substantive Change Determination:
The department has proposed a change in the Fitness Management concentration of the BS degree in Exercise and Sports Science to now be Health and Fitness Management. Based on faculty expertise in the department, several changes were proposed to the curriculum including an overall reduction of 5 credts so that the total credit hour requirement is 120 or 121, depending on the concentration; and more course selection flexibility within the concentrations that place an emphasis on certification options and preparation for differing careers This is a non-substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 1, 2022
South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2022
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing @ Union
Nature of Change:
New Off-campus Instructional Site
Internal Reviews:
School of Nursing 01/2019
Faculty Assembly 01/2019
Chancellor 01/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program on the Aiken campus. In addition, it has an approved RN to BSN completion program delivered online. When the USC Union program starts, USC Aiken will be providing the same offering on the USC Sumter site - an approved site for USC Aiken. A substantial proportion of the proposed program will be delivered via distance education, and USC Aiken is approved to deliver programs of study online. There are no new courses associated with this program. USC Aiken has the faculty with the expertise to teach the program; however, an on-site program supervisor and an additional onsite faculty member will be hired. There will be some technological resources allocated toward the new program with several classrooms on the Aiken and Sumter campuses being equipped for synchronous distance education delivery. Academic and student support resources are adequate as are library resources. There is a need for additional facilities upgrades and equipment on the Union campus. A dedicated lab equipped for health and skills assessment will be required on site similar to that which is present on the USC Aiken campus. This is a new site of instruction for USC Aiken, thus a prospectus will have to be submitted.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2019
Prospectus submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 December 11, 2020
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 May 21, 2021
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2021
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics: 10/16/2020
Sciences and Engineering College Council: 10/23/2020
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/23/2020
University Planning Committee: 11/13/2020
Faculty Assembly 12/07/2020
Chancellor 01/2021
Substantive Change Determination:
This new major within the Bachelor of Science degree consists of 81 major credits. Only 13 of the 81 credits (16%) come from new courses. While there are currently sufficent faculty within the department, an additional faculty member is to be hired in support of the growth of degree programs within the department. Existing library, learning resources, and academic support services are adequate to support the program. Because there is less than 25% new didactic material, this program is not considered a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 13, 2021
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 3, 2021
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2021
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Visual and Performing Arts: 09/15/2020
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences College Council: 10/23/2020
Provost: 10/23/2020
Courses and Curriculum Committee:
University Planning Committee: 11/13/2020
Faculty Assembly: 12/07/2020
Chancellor 01/07/2021
Substantive Change Determination:
The university has had a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts degree program for many years. Within the Fine Arts major, one concentration program has been Theatre. This new 120 hour degree program elevates the Theatre concentration to that of a major. The program is intended for those who seek broad studies in the discipline and seek the ability to refine skills in an active theatre production program. In addition, unlike the current B.A. in Fine Arts, the program offers students a strong core foundation in all aspects of theatre: acting, directing, design, management, technical, and theatre history. The program requires no new courses or faculty. Existing library, learning resources, and academic support services are adequate to support the program. This proposed program is not a signifcant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 February 19, 2021
Board of Trustees:
🔗 February 19, 2021
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 25, 2021
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 13, 2021
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 3, 2021
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2021
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Nature of Change:
New Program
Internal Reviews:
Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures: 08/25/2020
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences College Council: 10/23/2020
Provost: 10/23/2020
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/30/2020
University Planning Committee: 11/13/2020
Faculty Assembly: 12/07/2020
Chancellor 01/07/2021
Substantive Change Determination:
This new 120 hour degree program utilizes existing courses in Spanish. The program requires no new courses or faculty. Existing library, learning resources, and academic support services are adequate to support the program. This proposed program is not a signifcant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Academic Excellence and Student Experience Committee:
🔗 February 19, 2021
Board of Trustees:
🔗 February 19, 2021
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 25, 2021
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 13, 2021
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 3, 2021
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2021
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Industrial Mathematics)
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken will terminate the BS in Industrial Mathematics program and direct students into its BS in Applied Math or BS in Industrial Process Engineering. No external teach-out of the program or costs to students within the program. We will stop formal admissions to the program immediately after approval from SACSCOC. Under current rights of bulletin policy, we expect students to be able to complete the program until 2028. No faculty or staff will be affected by the program closure. This is a procedure 3 change that requires notification and approval from SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 October 19, 2018
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 February 13, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 March 5, 2020
Notification submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 March 23, 2020
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 11, 2020
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Art)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department: 08/16/2019
College Council: 09/26/2019
University Planning Committee: 11/15/2019
Faculty Assembly: 12/05/2019
Chancellor: 01/06/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) program. The BA (Fine Arts) has existed for over 20 years with “specialization tracks” that have allowed students to focus their studies in theater, music, or studio art. This proposed program breaks out the studio art track of the BA (Fine Arts) into a specific degree. There are 6 new courses being proposed to support various concentrations in the new degree program, 3 include curriculum that build on existing classes and 3 are capstone classes in support of different concentration options within the new degree. There are no new admissions requirements, no new faculty, and no new resource requests associated with the proposed program. This is not a significant departure from current offerings – it is a repackaging and restructuring with minor additions.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 30, 2020
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 June 9, 2020
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 July 9, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 July 30, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Earth Systems Science)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department: 08/23/2019
College Council: 08/27/2019
Faculty Assembly: 09/26/2019
Chancellor: 10/30/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has been offering a minor in Geology for several years. The proposed program combined the existing Geology classes with others from different science disciplines to create a transdisciplinary program. The department already has 3 full-time faculty and 2 adjuncts who teach in the area. The program will not require additional faculty. There are four new courses to be added to complement existing Geology courses. Library resources and student support services are adequate. There are no new faculty required to support the program. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 17, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 June 6, 2020
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 July 9, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 5, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Special Education) online completion program
Nature of Change:
New Online Completion Program
Internal Reviews:
School of Education: 01/2019
Provost: 01/2019
Chancellor: 01/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Special Education) and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The proposed program of study provides the junior and senior education classes online. There are no new courses associated with the proposed program. The university was approved to offer 50% or more of a program online in July 2010. The program will require no additional library support, no additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 July 30, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken will terminate the BA in Psych program and direct students into its BS in Psych program. No external teach-out of the program or costs to students within the program. We will stop formal admissions to the program immediately after approval from SACSCOC. Faculty advisors have been directing students interested in psychology to go the BS route; nevertheless, under current rights of bulletin policy, we expect students to be able to complete the program until 2024. No faculty or staff will be affected by the program closure. This is a procedure 3 change that requires notification and approval from SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 October 19, 2018
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 February 13, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 March 5, 2020
Notification submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 July 1, 2020
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 January 31, 2020
Implementation effective term:
Summer 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Applied Computer Science)
Nature of Change:
New Online Completion Program
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science (Applied Computer Science) and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The proposed program of study places the junior and senior classes for the Cybersecurity track online. There are no new courses and no new faculty associated with the proposed program. The university was approved to offer 50% or more of a program online in July 2010. The decision to move online will require no additional library support, no additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 22, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Summer 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Nature of Change:
New Online Completion Program
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The proposed program of study places the junior and senior classes online in an effort to reach students who may have left college having completed only the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. There are no new courses and no new faculty associated with the proposed program. The university was approved to offer 50% or more of a program online in July 2010. The decision to move online will require no additional library support, no additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 22, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Communication)
Nature of Change:
New Online Completion Program
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The proposed program of study places the junior and senior classes online in an effort to reach students who may have left college having completed only the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. There are no new courses and no new faculty associated with the proposed program. The university was approved to offer 50% or more of a program online in July 2010. The decision to move online will require no additional library support, no additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a significant departure from current offerings.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 22, 2020
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2020
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Notification:
Covid-19 Emergency
Nature of Change:
Relocation of Instruction
Substantive Change Determination:
As the University of South Carolina Aiken continues to monitor the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), our first concern is the health, welfare, and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and community. In response to a declared state of emergency by Governor Henry McMaster, the University extended its spring break into the week of March 16-20, 2020 and directed faculty to use the extended break to prepare to teach their courses remotely. Non-essential employees have been directed to work from home March 16 – 31, 2020. To ensure continuity of instruction, all previously scheduled online classes are continuing as planned, and all face-to-face classes will now be delivered remotely, effective March 23, 2020. The University of South Carolina Aiken was approval for distance delivery July 19, 2010 and thus we do not require a distance-delivery waiver of policy. We will continue to monitor data related to COVID-19 in our service area and if necessary, we are prepared to extend online instruction for the remainder of the spring semester, the summer, and next year if ncessary.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Notification to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: 🔗 March 23, 2020
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Music Education)
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Internal Reviews:
Department: 02/2018
College Council: 02/2018
University Planning Committee: 09/21/2018
Courses and Curriculum Committee: 10/2018
Faculty Assembly: 12/05/2018
Chancellor: 01/16/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken will terminate the BA (Music Education) program and direct students into its new BA in Music program. No external teach-out of the program or costs to students within the program. We will stop formal admissions to the program immediately after approval from SACSCOC. Faculty advisors have been directing students interested in music education to go the BA Music route since it has a concentration option in music education; nevertheless, under current rights of bulletin policy, we expect students to be able to complete the program until 2028. No faculty or staff will be affected by the program closure. This is a procedure 3 change that requires notification and approval from SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 28, 1019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 5, 2020
Notification submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 11, 2020
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 11, 2020
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Math & Computer Science)
Nature of Change:
Program Closure
Internal Reviews:
Department: 09/18/2017
College Council: 09/22/2017
University Planning Committee: 09/21/2018
Chancellor's Cabinet: 09/25/2017
Chancellor: 11/01/2017
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken will terminate the BS (Math and Computer Science) program and direct students into either the applied computer science degree or the applied math degree. No external teach-out of the program or costs to students within the program. Will stop formal admissions to the program immediately after approval from SACSCOC. Under current rights of bulletin policy, we expect students to be able to complete the program until 2028. No faculty or staff will be affected by the program closure. This is a procedure 3 change that requires notification and approval from SACSCOC.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 28, 1019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 August 5, 2020
Notification submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 11, 2020
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 September 11, 2020
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2020
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Chemistry)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 04/18/2018
College Council 08/13/2018
University Planning Committee 09/21/2018
Courses and Curriculum Committee 10/04/2018
Faculty Assembly 12/05/2018
Chancellor 12/05/2018
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The Bachelor of Arts (Chemistry) and the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) differ only with respect to whether the cognate for the degree is in the arts or sciences. There are no new courses, no new faculty, and no new resource requests associated with the proposed program. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 6, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Communication & Digital Arts)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 11/03/2017
College Council 11/06/2017
Courses and Curriculum Committee 11/19/2018
Faculty Assembly 12/05/2018
Chancellor 01/06/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) and a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts). This proposed program of study combines existing courses from the Fine Arts and Communication. While funds are being made available for an additional faculty member to support this program, it is not essential – currently 10 faculty exist to support the program. Similarly, there are no new courses, no new library resources, no additional student support services, and no new facility or equipment required for the proposed program. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 6, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Music)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 02/2018
College Council 02/2018
University Planning Committee 09/21/2018
Courses and Curriculum Committee 10/2018
Faculty Assembly 12/05/2018
Chancellor 01/06/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 6, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts (Writing)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 01/2018
College Council 01/2018
Provost 02/2018
Faculty Assembly 11/05/2018
Chancellor 01/06/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 6, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Early Childhood Education) @ Sumter
Nature of Change:
New Completion Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 01/2019
Provost 01/2019
Chancellor 01/06/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Nursing) @ Sumter
Nature of Change:
New Completion Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Nursing 01/2019
Faculty Assembly 01/2019
Chancellor 01/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 20, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Elementary Education) @ Salkehatchie
Nature of Change:
New Completion Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 01/2019
Provost 01/2019
Chancellor 01/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Arts in Education (Elementary Education) @ Sumter
Nature of Change:
New Completion Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 01/2019
Provost 01/2019
Chancellor 01/2019
Substantive Change Determination:
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 March 15, 2019
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 March 28, 2019
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 14, 2019
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 May 20, 2019
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Master of Education (Educator Leadership)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Education 02/17/2017
Chancellor's Cabinet 03/20/2017
University Planning Committee 04/04/2017
Faculty Assembly 04/25/2017
Chancellor 11/01/2017
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has another approved online MEd program. Only 6 new classes will be developed out of 25 that are available in support of the program as core and elective classes. There are no new faculty required (although there are plans to hire another instructor after enrollment numbers exceed 20). The University has faculty expertise to teach and assess the quality of the program. The existing MEd graduate coordinator will oversee the proposed program. The current monograph and journal collection at the library is adequate to meet the needs of the proposed degree program, nevertheless a relatively small addition of $5,000 has been allocated to the library to add additional e-books to support the online aspects of the program. USC Aiken was approved by SACSCOC to deliver 50% or more of programs online in 2010. No additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 19, 2017
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 27, 2018
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 24, 2018
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 7, 2018
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2018
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Applied Computer Science)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 09/18/2017
College Council 09/22/2017
Chancellor's Cabinet 09/25/2017
University Planning Committee 10/03/2017
Faculty Assembly 10/24/2017
Chancellor 11/01/2017
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science. This proposed program of study breaks out computer science and math into two separate degrees. There are several new courses in computer science but they are reflective of options and electives and build upon computer science courses already in existence. Library resources and student support services are adequate. An additional faculty member is being proposed to handle the expected increase in teaching for each of the two tracks associated with the program (Gaming and Cybersecurity), but the department has five computer science faculty already teaching computer science courses. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 19, 2017
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 27, 2018
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 24, 2018
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 7, 2018
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Applied Mathematics)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department 09/18/2017
College Council 09/22/2017
Chancellor's Cabinet 09/25/2017
University Planning Committee 10/03/2017
Faculty Assembly 10/24/2017
Chancellor 11/01/2017
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science in Math and Computer Science. This proposed program of study breaks out computer science and math into two separate degrees. There are a few new courses in math but they are reflective of options and electives and build upon math courses already in existence. Library resources and student support services are adequate. There are no new faculty, the department has a sufficient complement of math faculty to support the program. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 19, 2017
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 September 27, 2018
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 May 24, 2018
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 7, 2018
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2019
Name of Program:
Master of Business Administration
Nature of Change:
Program Modification
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has been approved to offer the MBA from SACSCOC as of October of 2014. The proposed change is to offer instruction fully online. The university was approved to offer 50% or more of programs online in July 2010. The decision to move fully online will require no additional library support, no additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is not a substantive change.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 9, 2017
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 June 23, 2017
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges: not required
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2021
Nature of Change:
New Mission Statement
Internal Reviews:
Ad-hoc Mission Review Committee 07/18/2016
Faculty Assembly 08/16/2016
Classified Employee Assembly 09/28/2016
Substantive Change Determination:
Thew new mission statement of USC Aiken reflects the changing environment and evolution of the institution. The overall purpose of the university as a regional and comprehensive institution of higher education has not changed, so the new mission statement is not a substantive change. The statement was updated to better reflect the university's practices and values. A notification letter to inform the accreditating agency of the changes is all that is required.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 December 13, 2016
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 February 27, 2017
Notification Letter to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 March 7, 2017
Action Letter from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 July 21, 2017
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2017
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Clinical Laboratory Science)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Department of Biology and Geology 09/13/2013
College Council 04/17/2014
Courses and Curricula Committee 03/17/2014
Academic Council 04/08/2014
Faculty Assembly 04/29/2014
Chancellor 12/2014
Substantive Change Determination:
This proposed program of study uses existing courses with one new class that integrates information from two existing classes, plus two new internship classes. The program is portrayed as 3-1 program where student complete course work in three years, then spend the final year completing internships in medical technology at a local hospital. Twenty-four of the 120 credits for the degree (20%) will be completed at the hospital. The program is a collaboration between USC Aiken and University Health Care Systems (UHCS). UHCS is not certified to participate in Title IV programs. Existing library resources, student support services, departmental resources, and faculty are sufficient to support the program. This is a level 2 substantive change requiring us to notify SACSCOC and providing them with a copy of the signed agreement.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 April 24, 2015
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 June 11, 2015
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 July 15, 2015
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 September 3, 2015
Notification Letter submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 19, 2015
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2016
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science (Industrial Process Engineering)
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
Chancellor's Cabinet 09/25/2013
Department 01/13/2014
Academic Council 03/04/2014
University Planning Committee 03/17/2014
Courses and Curricula Committee 03/17/2014
Faculty Assembly 04/02/2014
Chancellor 04/02/2014
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has been offering the first two years of engineering classes with students having to transfer to USC Columbia. It is being proposed that we offer this Engineering program in its entirety. To do so will require several new faculty, an allocation of significant resources for software and lab equipment (Engineering is an expensive major), additional resources in the library, and a large number (15) of new classes. This is a substantive change requiring the submission of a prospectus.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 April 25, 2014
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 October 16, 2014
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 January 8, 2015
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 February 5, 2015
Prospectus submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 May 28, 2015
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 November 13, 2015
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2016
Name of Program:
Master of Business Administration
Nature of Change:
New Program of Study
Internal Reviews:
School of Business Administration 01/22/2013
Chancellor's Cabinet 01/28/2013
Academic Council 02/05/2013
University Planning Committee 02/08/2013
Graduate Advisory Council 02/13/2013
Faculty Assembly 02/26/2013
Chancellor 02/27/2013
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has other graduate degree programs and has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration but this is the first time it will deliver a graduate program in Business Administration. There are no other graduate programs offered by USC Aiken that are related to this program. The entirety of the curriculum is new. Two new faculty are required to support the program. The library requires to upgrade EBSCO databases in the first year of the program. No additional academic support services are required; no substantive modifications to existing facilities or new facilities are needed, and existing equipment is adequate. This is a Procedure 1 substantive change requiring submission of a prospectus to SACSCOC. The institution is expanding at current degree levels but with a significant departure from current programs.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
Board of Trustees:
🔗 June 17, 2013
Advisory Committee on Academic Programs:
🔗 October 17, 2013
Committee on Academic Affairs and Licensing:
🔗 January 9, 2014
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 February 6, 2014
Prospectus submitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 March 24, 2014
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 October 30, 2014
Implementation effective term:
Spring 2015
Name of Program:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Business Administration) online
Nature of Change:
New Program Delivery
Substantive Change Determination:
USC Aiken has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program and this proposed program of study has the same major requirements. The proposed program of study places the junior and senior classes online in an effort to reach students who may have left college having completed only the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. An online BSN completion program has been offered on campus for two years as has a MEd Ed Tech program offered jointly with Columbia. There are no new courses and no new faculty associated with the proposed program. SC-CHE has requested a copy of a letter of notification to be sent to SACSCOC, so a notification will be submitted.
Dates of External Approval (links to supporting documents):
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education:
🔗 March 16, 2010
Letter of Notification to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 February 4, 2010
Request for additional Information from Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 June 25, 2010
Letter of Reply to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 June 7, 2010
Action Letter from the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges:
🔗 July 19, 2010
Implementation effective term:
Fall 2010