Academic Tools & Resources
The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about courses and scheduling rests with the student. These resources can help students prepare for advisement and be as informed as possible of all requirements for degree progression, college and university policies, and much more!
Student Profile in SSC |
DegreeWorks - Most Important! |
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Major Maps |
Biological Sciences Major Maps may be different depending on when a student begins at USC. Students can look up their specific Major Map in the Bulletin (linked below). A curriculum change has taken place for the Fall 2022. Students admitted Fall 2022 can refer to the 2022-2023 Major Map. All other students who were admitted before then can refer to the 2021-2022 Major Map.
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Program Information and Regulations
Undergraduate Academic BulletinThe Undergraduate Academic Bulletin is the official document of record concerning academic programs, policies and regulations, including majors, minors, and grade policies. Each calendar year has a unique Bulletin, so be sure to search the Archives to find the correct year!
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College of Arts & Sciences Advising GuidelinesLike the Bulletin, the College Advising Guidelines booklet contains important information about college policies and regulations, college curriculum, placement test scores, AP and IB test scores, college scholarships, and much more.
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Learning About Courses
Carolina Core Foundational Courses |
Co-Requisites & Pre-Requisites |
All University of South Carolina undergraduates share a common academic foundation: the Carolina Core. Use this website to learn more about the Core and to find all the available options to complete those requirements.
Class Search FeatureStudents can easily search for classes in current and upcoming semesters using the Class Search page. This is best used when preparing for advisement as students are able to look at different course options that will be available and can plan their semester with more specific classes in mind.
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Pre-Requisites and Co-Requisites
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Grades & GPA
Grade Requirements
Minimum Grade Requirements
In college, you earn credit through passing courses that you take. All courses have a minimum grade required for you to pass them, but different classes can have different minimum grade requirements for different reasons. It is important to know what those requirements are as you work toward your degree.
In general, you must earn a minimum of a D to earn credit for a class. However, for many classes, like ENGL 101 and 102, Major and Minor courses, Cognate Courses, and classes that count as pre-requisites for other classes are all required to be passed with a C or better. You can read more about these requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Guidelines booklet.
In college, you earn credit through passing courses that you take. All courses have a minimum grade required for you to pass them, but different classes can have different minimum grade requirements for different reasons. It is important to know what those requirements are as you work toward your degree.
In general, you must earn a minimum of a D to earn credit for a class. However, for many classes, like ENGL 101 and 102, Major and Minor courses, Cognate Courses, and classes that count as pre-requisites for other classes are all required to be passed with a C or better. You can read more about these requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Guidelines booklet.
Grade Point Scale |
Grade Forgiveness &
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Academic Probation & Suspension |
Undergraduates who earn grades of D+, D, F, FN, or WF may take up to two undergraduate courses for a second time, on the USC Columbia campus or a USC Palmetto College campus (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter or Union), for the purpose of grade forgiveness.
USC has a GPA calculator available to students through Self Service Carolina.
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All students must maintain a cumulative University of South Carolina GPA of at least 2.0 to remain in good academic standing. Students who drop below a 2.0 may be subject to Academic Probation, and if they are unable to complete certain recovery steps, may be placed on Academic Suspension.
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How to Access Unofficial Transcript |
How to Calculate GPA |
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Retaking Classes & Progression Considerations
Many students end up wanting or needing to retake a class at some point in their educational career. Whether its to earn credit not previously earned, to get a better grade through Grade Forgiveness, or for credit towards graduate school, it is important to note that retaking courses can have an impact on progression within your degree. This video has helpful information for students considering retaking a class, including how to retake classes and whether or not you must retake a specific class.
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Other Important Resources That Impact Advisement...
As a student at USC, you are in control of your academic experience! Being informed on your Scholarships and Financial Aid, Housing, Dining, and course work is 100% up to you. Academic advisors don't have the ability to see your financial aid, housing, dining, billing, or grades (before they are finalized for the semester). You are accountable for knowing this information and how it affects other aspects of your university experience. Refer to these important campus resources to ensure you're in good standing and have all information necessary to maintain enrollment!
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Pre-Professional Support
The Office of Pre-Professional and Graduate Advising helps students plan their path on the pre-med, pre-health, and pre-law tracks, as well as students following paths into other Graduate programming. This office has many helpful resources to refer to regarding planning classes required and recommended for professional schools. Advisors defer to their expertise on these requirements!
*Note: All professional schools have different requirements and pre-requisite courses. It is the advice of the department that you seek the specific requirements from the admissions departments of the professional schools you wish to attend DIRECTLY, as that is the only resource that can confirm exactly which classes are required for each specific program.* |