Front row (Left to right): Marilyn “Murph” Fore, president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College and Suzanne Austin, executive vice president of Academic Affairs and Provost at the College of Charleston; Second row (left to right): Theresa Strong, dean of the School of Business, Computer Technology, and Personal Service at Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Jennifer Wilbanks, Executive Vice President for Academic and Workforce Development, Horry-Georgetown Technical College; Paul Schwager, dean, College of Charleston School of Business; Mark Del Mastro, Associate Provost for Academic and International Programs at the College of Charleston
Students at select South Carolina technical colleges now have a simpler path to a four-year degree from the College of Charleston through the new EPIC Scholars Program.
The School of Business at the College of Charleston has launched the Educational Partnerships to Increase Completion (EPIC) Scholars program. The program offers direct admission for South Carolina technical college students in specific degree programs into its online Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding access and supporting student success across South Carolina,” says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the College of Charleston. “By creating a clear path to the College of Charleston, we are helping more students reach their goals as we strengthen the state’s workforce.”
The BPS offers a flexible, fully online format, providing students a streamlined pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. EPIC Scholars are guaranteed admission into the BPS program, bypass program prerequisites, receive a 20% tuition discount, a merit scholarship, and benefit from student support and academic success practices like personalized career planning and Design-Your-Life coaching.
"The EPIC Scholars program creates new opportunities for students to complete their degrees," says Paul Schwager, dean of the College of Charleston School of Business. "We are proud to help prepare the next generation of leaders for the state’s evolving economy, making a four-year degree more accessible."
A recent signing ceremony with Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) marked the official launch of the program. HGTC is the first of multiple partnerships planned with technical colleges statewide
"We are excited to offer our students this opportunity to continue their education at one of the most prestigious institutions in South Carolina,” says Theresa Strong, dean of the School of Business, Computer Technology, and Personal Service at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. “This partnership will not only benefit our students but also contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce in our region."
To learn more about the EPIC Scholars program, visit go.charleston.edu/EPIC.