University of South Carolina Aiken Educator Preparation – SC

University of South Carolina-Aiken

About

The University of South Carolina Aiken is an all inclusive program that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional disciplines. At USC Aiken all programs are grounded in a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum.

USC Aiken is well known for its commitment to transformative teaching made possible through high impact learning practices, undergraduate research, small classes, and individual attention. The University encourages excellence in research and creative pursuits and prepares students for success by challenging them to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, to learn independently, and to acquire a depth of knowledge.

USC Aiken attracts students from around the world to form a community of students engaged in educational experiences and meaningful work. USC Aiken is a progressive hub for innovation, collaboration, and creativity. The program contributes to the community by enriching the region’s quality of life through a variety of activities including the visual and performing arts, intercollegiate athletics, continuing and distance education, educational outreach, and leadership.

College or University
Aiken

Institution Links

The School of Education at UofSC Aiken prepared me to teach middle level ELA as more than a core subject. I learned to create student centered lessons that are both relevant and relatable to today's society.

Briante Perkins

The UofSC Aiken School of Education puts the students first. The faculty wants the best for our future, and they push us to new limits beyond what we may see for ourselves.

Darius Ross

UofSC Aiken's School of Education is dynamic, intentional and full of passionate educators who go above and beyond in preparing the next generation of teachers. Thanks to the dedicated professors at USC Aiken, I feel confident in my transition from being the student in the classroom to the teacher of my own classroom one day.

Kelsey Spurlin

Briante Perkins

Programs

Certification-only

Certification Only Program

Start Checklist

From 24 to 47 months
Program Duration
In-person, Online, Hybrid
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
Yes

Relevant Links

Program

Program Info

As a leading teacher education program in South Carolina, The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Education prepares you to be a dynamic educator. In our program students are prepared to have the knowledge and skills needed to create an innovative learning environment and assist students in reaching their highest potential.

As a vital part of the University of South Carolina Aiken, the School of Education is committed to the University goals of active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and candidate scholarship, and service. Candidates in the School of Education participate in a rigorous curriculum, which is anchored by a strong liberal arts and sciences component, consisting of courses in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences.

These courses provide a foundation upon which the innovative content is built. The School of Education faculty model includes instruction based on research, infused with technology, and aligned with national, state, and local standards.

The School of Education collaborates with schools, school districts and community service organizations to provide numerous and varied field experiences that are structured to prepare candidates to work with all students. The teacher education faculty in the School of Education challenges candidates to acquire and develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become successful Dynamic Educators who can plan, instruct, manage, communicate, and grow professionally.

Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines
Program Start

Jul. 15, 2026
Fall
Dec. 01, 2026
Spring

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

$10,398
In State Tuition
$20,856
Out of State Tuition
$45
Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at University of South Carolina-Aiken have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with University of South Carolina-Aiken to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

The School of Education at USC Aiken has a number of scholarships dedicated to education majors. Scholarship amounts are dependent on available funds.:

Martha E. Unkel Memorial Scholarship: For Early Childhood Education majors (Sophomore, Junior or Senior) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. A recommendation from the School of Education is required.

Prude McCord-Ioneene Huggins Memorial Education Scholarship: Provides support to a junior education major. Preference given to an academically outstanding student who is an Aiken County resident and displays documented financial need.

Delta Kappa Gamma,Beta Delta Chapter Scholarship: For full time Junior or Senior students majoring in education and with a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Huffer Endowed: Awarded to a full-time student majoring in Education. Preference is given to students with financial need.

Teaching Fellows: For qualified South Carolina high school students who wish to pursue a degree in education and a career in South Carolina’s public schools following graduation.

Call Me Mister: To apply to the Call Me MISTER™ program at USC Aiken, a teacher candidate must enroll as an education major in one of the following programs: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Special Education, or Music Education.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Biology 9-12
Chemistry 9-12
Early Childhood Education 2-6
English Language Arts 9-12
Instrumental Music Pre-K-12
Language Arts 5-8
Mathematics 5-8
Mathematics 9-12
Music / Choral Pre-K-12
Science 5-8
Social Studies 5-8
Social Studies 9-12
Special Education / Multi-categorical Pre-K-12

Program Semesters/Steps Overview

Program Hallmarks

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit University of South Carolina-Aiken's website to learn more and apply.