The Ritedose Corporation has forged a new partnership with Newberry College to provide targeted leadership training and professional development opportunities for select Ritedose employees through the college’s Organizational Development and...

Erskine College announced that it will offer a multidisciplinary Master of Arts in International Studies degree, beginning in fall 2027. The program is designed to be completed in one year with courses offered primarily online. “This new master’s degree marks a significant step in the expansion of Erskine’s graduate offerings,” says Erskine President Steve Adamson. “The program combines rigorous academic study with practical preparation for international business and the global marketplace.” Erskine’s M.A. in International Studies will offer four distinctives: its interdisciplinary nature, Christian perspective, affordability, and emphasis on practical skills. The innovative program has been championed by Associate Professor of History Christiane-Marie Abu Sarah, whose background in diplomacy and international relations has helped to shape the curriculum. In preparation, she conducted extensive research on other universities’ offerings and found a clear niche for Erskine to fill. “One of the things that we found is that when we did comparative analysis of other M.A. programs in international studies, there’s a lot of theory — political theory — and not a lot of concrete job skills,” Abu Sarah says. Erskine’s program will include both, helping students gain essential skills in areas such as negotiation and conflict resolution, strategic decision-making, law and policy, intercultural communication, project management, and data analysis. “It’s meant to be very practical but also contain the cultural components that will help navigate these new global spaces,” says Abu Sarah. She notes that Erskine’s location in Upstate South Carolina is a particular advantage because of the considerable presence of international business in the region. “We want our graduates to understand the forces shaping international commerce,” Dr. Adamson says, adding that Erskine’s graduates will be prepared to “negotiate effectively and make sound decisions while conducting business with integrity.” Affordability will also differentiate the program from many of its peers. With some master’s programs in international studies in the $40,000-$70,000 range, Erskine’s will be considerably more affordable, with an initial estimated cost of $16,000-$17,000. Another key differentiator will be the integration of the Christian faith. Many of the programs Erskine studied are at state universities that lack an emphasis on faith, and more broadly, the interdisciplinary focus that will distinguish Erskine’s. “As a Christian university, we are committed to preparing men and women to bring professional competence and a biblical worldview to the responsibilities of leadership,” Adamson says. Abu Sarah echoes that sentiment and sees it as a natural extension of the uniquely interdisciplinary focus of the program. “Most of the (other) programs had a lot of political theory but weren’t interdisciplinary,” Abu Sarah says. “When we were looking at the different programs in international studies, nobody had the Christian faith component. We saw that as a space that was needed; a space that could distinguish the program from some of the others. If employers are looking for employees who are going to be ethical and reliable, then that faith component … will also do them a great service.”

Higher Education's Campus Improvements Higher education is getting a makeover. Across the state millions of dollars are being invested into infrastructure and campus improvements designed to make South Carolina's universities and colleges larger,...

South Carolina is spending $10 million to help more teachers pay off or erase their student loans.

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Oct. 5, 2026) - Legendary Exits, a Greenville-based exit planning and growth advisory firm for business owners, today launched a free assessment and 28-day email course to help business owners prepare for life after the...

While South Carolina State University is the least compliant with the state's "program productivity" standards, it’s far from the only public university offering degrees with little-to-no participation.

Erskine College was recently awarded a $3 million grant through the Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program. The award, called the Erskine Forward grant, will provide support in a wide variety of areas, with funds made...

South Carolina teachers have a new opportunity to refinance their student loans at a 2-percent fixed rate and, in some cases, receive loan forgiveness in return for teaching in the state’s public schools. The new programs offered by South Carolina...

High-dollar upgrades to athletic facilities remain essential to fans, team personnel, players and prospects, even in an era where sponsorship contracts and court-mandated revenue sharing for players has reshaped the sport.

For 30 years, the South Carolina Charter Schools Act has stood as one of our state’s most consequential public education reforms. Public charter schools are public, tuition-free schools that give families additional options and educators room to create distinctive programs within a framework of public accountability. Generations of South Carolina students have benefited from those […]

Furman University has announced that it is bringing together the Center for Innovative Leadership (CIL), graduate studies, and Furman’s institutes into one hub: The Furman Innovation Lab (iLab). The iLab prepares organizations and individuals to...

The Meyer Center for Special Children recently celebrated the opening of its first inclusive 4K classroom with a ribbon-cutting at its Rutherford Road campus, recognizing Pacolet Milliken, LLC, whose $200,000 grant made the program possible. Six...

Without more funding, USC's Palmetto College may have to stop accepting high school students who want an early start on a college degree.

Three Palmetto State colleges have been named to the 2026 Recognized Colleges list by Great Colleges to Work For. In the Upstate, Anderson and Lander universities made the list, and in the Pee Dee, Francis Marion University was honored. The...

University of Phoenix announced a new academic agreement with York Technical College that supports building pathways from community college coursework to higher education degree opportunities at the University. The agreement allows eligible...

GREENVILLE, SC – The 200 years of Furman University will be the subject of the first event in the Greenville County Historical Society’s 2026-27 Lecture Series. The Lecture Series brings together eminent historians to speak on key topics that...

Countybank Foundation, on behalf of Countybank and Greenwood Capital, has established a new scholarship at Tri-County Technical College to support local students pursuing careers in business. The scholarship will award $1,000 annually to a...

Erskine College has announced an extended celebration of America’s 250th anniversary to last throughout the 2026-'27 school year. The public is invited to participate in an array of community events, including a movie screening, musical tributes,...

Francis Marion University began its 57th academic year Monday, Aug. 24 with the announcement of new academic programs, record scholarship funding, and continued investments in the university’s campus and students.    FMU President Fred...

Greenville Technical College celebrated the official opening of the Center for Welding & Automation Excellence (CWAE), cutting ribbon on the 44,000 square foot facility with the help of college and community leaders, elected officials, faculty...