Six new academic degree programs were approved at today’s business meeting, offering new academic pathways for students to enter high‑demand careers that also support the state’s workforce and economic development goals. 

CHE thanks the leadership, faculty, and staff at each institution for their collaboration throughout this process, and for their vision in helping expand South Carolina’s educational opportunities in alignment with high‑priority occupational demands.

Programs Approved:

USC-Aiken

• B.S. in Cybersecurity: This program will provide a dedicated pathway for those pursuing advanced knowledge and careers in cybersecurity and is designed to meet the growing demand for specialized cybersecurity education. Proposed implementation date: Spring 2026.

Coastal Carolina University 

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): This program in Physical Therapy prepares individuals to become licensed physical therapists (PTs) who provide rehabilitative and restorative care, diagnose physical impairments, and develop treatment plans. First implementation date: Fall 2029.

College of Charleston

• B.A./A.B. in General Engineering: This program is primarily designed for students interested in careers that benefit from an understanding of the application of science and mathematical principles applied through engineering design. It offers much more course selection flexibility than a traditional engineering program, combining engineering and the liberal arts. First implementation date: Fall 2026.
• B.S./A.B. in Integrated Engineering and Business: This interdisciplinary program combines core engineering principles with essential business foundations, including economics, finance, marketing, and strategic management, while integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and practical topics like shop floor management. First implementation date: Fall 2026.

Medical University of South Carolina

• B.S. in Applied Health Intelligence and Administration: This program is designed as an online, workforce-aligned degree completion pathway that prepares students for emerging roles at the intersection of healthcare leadership, management, data literacy, and applied artificial intelligence. It builds upon the foundational structure of a traditional B.S. in Health Administration program but introduces a forward-looking curriculum that integrates AI and health informatics competencies across all course levels. First implementation date: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.
• M.S. in Healthcare Quality and Safety: This graduate‑level program is designed as an online, workforce-responsive graduate degree that prepares current and aspiring healthcare professionals to lead quality improvement, patient safety, and systems transformation efforts across diverse care settings leveraging artificial intelligence and other industry-recognized best practices, tools, and standards. The MSHQS is rooted in core principles of healthcare management and quality science but distinguishes itself by integrating artificial intelligence applications, implementation science, and safety leadership throughout the curriculum. First implementation date: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027.

Additional program details are available here.