SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

n 1896, South Carolina State University was founded with the mission to provide students in-state with a quality education at an affordable cost. Our history of excellence has carried over into the next century, as we currently serve over 3,100 students from all across the country and all over the globe.

On March 3, 1896, the South Carolina General Assembly enacted legislation establishing the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina. Thomas E. Miller, a former Congressman from South Carolina, became the first president (1896-1911). During Dr. Miller’s tenure, and that of his initial faculty of thirteen South Carolinians, the College plant consisted of 135 acres, eight small buildings, a minimal dairy herd, and a few other farm animals. Because of the meager facilities, academic instruction was given primarily on logs hewn from the campus forest—logs that were later made into lumber for the first dormitory and classroom buildings.

South Carolina State University (SC State) is a historically Black public 1890 land-grant senior comprehensive institution.

Located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, SC State University is committed to providing affordable and accessible quality baccalaureate programs in the areas of business, applied professional sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, engineering technology, education, arts, and humanities. A number of programs are offered at the master’s level in teaching, human services and agribusiness, and the educational specialist and doctorate programs are offered in educational administration. 

SC State University prepares highly skilled, competent and socially aware graduates to enable them to work and live productively in a dynamic, global society. Through technology and traditional methods of teaching and learning, research and service, the University enhances the quality of life of citizens and contributes to the economic development of the state and nation.