Celebrating the class of 2026!
Celebrate the University of South Carolina Class of 2026 from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences through graduate reflections, student stories and next steps after graduation.
Theatre and psychology major combines both disciplines toward future in clinical counseling
After discovering she could pursue both her interests as majors, Rachel Vanek brought together her work in theatre and psychology to build a future focused on helping others.
Statistics major finds confidence in the variables
Bennett entered the statistics major wanting to explore what opportunities the field had to offer. She did just that, taking on research projects and internships that showed her a wide range of ways she can make an impact with her statistics degree.
English and biochemistry degrees take graduating senior into health field
At USC, Brayden O'Dell channeled his curiosity into an English and biochemistry double major. He'll used what he learned about the "how" and "why" of human nature as he heads into the biomedical sciences graduate program at MUSC.
Humanities majors lead to path in public health
Blending global perspectives with a passion for equity, Sarah Kouyate turned her majors in international and African American studies into a future in public health and bioethics at Johns Hopkins University.
USC names McCausland Chair in Civic Engagement to direct civic leadership center
Christopher Tollefsen will lead the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, focused on preparing students for active citizenship and fostering civic engagement in South Carolina.
Study abroad and internships prepared Honors College senior for career in energy policy
After studying abroad and leading hands-on energy efficiency projects, University of South Carolina Honors graduate Ella Michel is launching a career in energy policy.
Class of 2026
As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
A moment to slow down: USC poets on why poetry matters
USC poets describe poetry as a powerful, accessible way to slow down, process experiences, and connect through language and shared human emotions, regardless of one’s background or path to it.
USC astronomers open the skies at Congaree National Park
USC astronomers bring stargazing to Congaree National Park, supporting dark sky certification and inspiring public interest in astronomy and night sky preservation at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
USC expert on molecular plant genetics named AAAS Honorary Fellow
Award-winning professor Beth Krizek has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Honorary Fellow. Learn more about her research in plant biology.
USC public history program marks milestone anniversary
The University of South Carolina's Public History Program celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its national impact, hands-on approach to training historians and vision for a more community-engaged future.
A grandmother's diagnosis inspires neuroscience senior's path in healthcare
Motivated by her grandmother's neurological illness, neuroscience senior Jane Poinsette aims to pursue medicine to better support patients and families.
University of South Carolina names new dean of McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He'll assume the role July 1.
Sullivan winner dedicated to improving drug treatments for diseases
A decades-long fascination with life has inspired Rachel Kiser, one of two Algernon Syndey Sullivan Awards recipients, to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.
Bobby Donaldson receives Order of the Palmetto
USC historian Bobby Donaldson was awarded South Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, for his decades-long work preserving and elevating the state's civil rights history through research, education and public engagement.
Senior chemistry student turns his degree into a career in cybersecurity
Chemistry senior Christian Ruff's journey from the lab to a cybersecurity role at Mastercard highlights how exploring beyond your major can open unexpected career paths.
AutismConnect serves more than 1,000 people in its third year
AutismConnect at USC brings together researchers, families and providers to support individuals with autism, offering workshops, resources and community through the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
Conference will explore civic education as a solution, producing report for South Carolina
University of South Carolina's conference on civic engagement and the constitutional order will bring scholars and campus leaders together to explore civic education, democratic challenges and a new report on civic literacy in South Carolina.
Mutual aid and self-sufficiency are key to life near USSR's contaminated nuclear test zone in Kazakhstan
Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.
How a chemist became nationally recognized for studying the biology of plants
Learn how USC professor Beth Krizek transitioned from chemistry to plant biology, earning national recognition for her research on transcription factors and mentoring students at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.
USC researchers put humans at the center of the AI conversation
Artificial intelligence can churn out a 2,000-word essay in seconds. It can even replicate some of the world's most famous pieces of art in incredible detail. Could it soon replace human creativity altogether?
Remembering Lacy K. Ford
"History, fairly and accurately told, is a valuable guide. It gives us the opportunity to make better decisions."
Discover USC student Ansley Martin shares innovation
Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Neuroscience junior Ansley Martin shares how presenting has helped her bring greater innovation to her research.
Cool Classes Fall 2026
We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2026. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.