Page 172 - 2020 Statistical Abstract

Appendix 1 - Types of Public Institutions in South Carolina by Mission

Changes to the SC State Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, arising from Act 359 of 1996, set forth the missions of public higher education, as well as for each
type of public institution in the state (Sections 59-103-15 (A) and 59-103-15(B)). The missions are excerpted and printed below.

Mission Identified for Higher Education in South Carolina:

The General Assembly determined that the mission for higher education is to be a global leader in providing a coordinated, comprehensive system of excellence in
education by providing instruction, research, and life-long learning opportunities which are focused on economic development and benefit the State of South
Carolina.

Goals to be achieved through this mission include: high academic quality; affordable and accessible education; instructional excellence; coordination and
cooperation with public education; cooperation among the General Assembly, Commission on Higher Education, Council of Presidents of State Institutions,
institutions of higher learning, and the business community; economic growth; and clearly defined missions.

Missions Identified for Each Sector of South Carolina Public Higher Education:

Research Institutions Four-Year Colleges and Universities (Comprehensive Teaching Institutions)
▪ college-level baccalaureate education, master’s, professional, and ▪ college level baccalaureate education and selected master’s degrees which lead
doctor of philosophy degrees which lead to continued education or to employment or continued education, or both, except for doctoral degrees
employment currently being offered
▪ research through the use of government, corporate, nonprofit- ▪ doctoral degree in Marine Science approved by CHE B.S. degree in Mechanical
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organization grants, or state resources, or both Engineering approved by CHE at South Carolina State University; B.S. degree in
▪ public service to the State and the local community Electrical Engineering approved by CHE at South Carolina State University;
doctoral degree in Nursing Practice approved by CHE at Francis Marion
University; doctoral degree in Nursing Practice approved by CHE at the
Two-year Regional Campuses of The University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Aiken; doctor of philosophy degree in Education
▪ college level pre baccalaureate education necessary to confer Administration approved by CHE at Coastal Carolina University; doctor of
associate’s degrees which lead to continued education at a four-year philosophy degree in Computer and Information Science approved by CHE at the
or research institution College of Charleston
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▪ public service to the State and the local community ▪ limited and specialized research
▪ public service to the State and the local community

State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education System
▪ all postsecondary vocational, technical, and occupational diploma and associate degree programs leading directly to employment or maintenance of
employment and associate degree programs which enable students to gain access to other postsecondary education
▪ up-to-date and appropriate occupational and technical training for adults
▪ special school programs that provide training for prospective employees and existing industry in order to enhance the economic development of South Carolina
▪ public service to the State and the local community
▪ continue to remain technical, vocational, or occupational colleges with a mission as stated (in this section for State Board for Technical and Comprehensive
Education System) and primarily focused on technical education and the economic development of the State
▪ an applied baccalaureate in Advanced Manufacturing Technology degree approved first by the Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education and then
CHE
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1 2012 Act No. 213, Section 1, eff June 7, 2012; 2017 Act No. 14 (H.3793), Section 1, eff April 24, 2017; 2018 Act No. 260 (H.4931), Section 1, eff July 2, 2018
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