About
More than anything, we want our student to succeed in their chosen field after they graduate. The South Carolina Semester offers students an opportunity to combine special academic study with a custom-designed internship in the Columbia, SC area.
Each spring, students selected for The South Carolina Semester take part in courses (six credit hours) that explore the history, politics, and culture of the Palmetto State. Service opportunities, field trips, and writing assignments emphasize issues surrounding women, civic leadership, and the formation of public policy. Highlighting the experience is a twelve-week internship (3 to 6 credit hours) arranged according to each participant’s area of interest.
- Our students have interned in a variety of settings including:
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Nikki Haley for Governor Campaign
Richland County Sherriff’s Department
First Citizens Bank
City of Columbia – Mayor’s Office
Fort Jackson – Public Relations Office
Voices for SC’s Children
United Way of the Midlands
SC Victims Assistance Network
Sexual Trauma Services
SC ACLU
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
SC Attorney's General Office
SC NAACP
Senator Lindsey Graham
SC Christian Action Council
SC Petroleum Marketers Association
Girl Scouts
Historic Columbia Foundation
Lutheran Family Services
SC Interfaith Community Services
SC State Legislature
SC State Museum
SC Lottery Commission
SC Department of Education
Richland County Solicitor’s Office
SC Democratic Party
Lexington County Public Defender’s Office
Richland County Public Defender’s Office
National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina
U.S. District Court (District of SC)
WIS-TV
SC Republican Party
Judiciary Committee, SC State Legislature
Rep. Jim Clyburn
Conservation Voters of SC
Harvest Hope Food Bank
SC Department of Probation and Parole
Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Who Can Participate?
The South Carolina Semester is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors from all academic majors, with preference given to juniors and seniors. Final selection is determined by:
- Strong academic achievement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Initiative in working independently
- Desire to explore new intellectual, social and personal challenges
- Endorsement by student’s academic advisor and department chair
- Successful completion of the South Carolina Semester application form
Up to ten students are selected to participate in the program.
Where Do I Stay?
We encourage students to live on campus during their S.C. Semester.
Cost
The cost of the S.C. Semester program is the same as the comprehensive fee for tuition, room, and board for the Spring semester on the Columbia College campus.