South Carolina offers a diverse range of engineering programs supported by strong ties to industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and energy. Whether studying in a coastal city or a thriving research corridor, engineering students in South Carolina benefit from quality academics and access to hands-on learning experiences.
South Carolina combines affordability, industrial growth, and academic quality to create a welcoming environment for engineering students. With expanding industries and collaborative research hubs, students are well-positioned to begin successful careers both in-state and beyond.
Here’s why South Carolina stands out for engineering education:
South Carolina’s engineering programs span nationally ranked research institutions and specialized colleges with strong military, liberal arts, and STEM traditions. Below are some of the leading engineering schools in the state. For a more complete overview, see the ABET-accredited programs section at the end of this profile.
Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs designed to prepare students to tackle today’s technological and scientific challenges through innovation, interdisciplinary study, and real-world engagement.
Clemson University is a public land-grant research institution located in Clemson, South Carolina. Known for its strong commitment to STEM education and community engagement, Clemson provides a supportive, high-impact learning environment that fosters both academic and professional success.
The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing at the University of South Carolina offers a broad spectrum of programs designed to develop technically proficient and socially conscious engineers and computing professionals. Students benefit from research opportunities, interdisciplinary initiatives, and industry-aligned academic experiences.
The University of South Carolina is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life, USC combines traditional college experiences with a commitment to innovation and public service.
The Citadel’s School of Engineering, part of South Carolina’s military college, offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on applied engineering and leadership. The school accommodates both cadet and non-cadet students, including veterans, transfer students, and working professionals through its flexible afternoon and evening course options.
The Citadel is a public senior military college located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its Corps of Cadets, commitment to leadership development, and structured environment that supports academic and personal discipline.
South Carolina offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs to support engineering students. These include state-funded initiatives, institutional awards, and need-based grants, making engineering education more accessible and affordable.
Clemson University
University of South Carolina–Columbia
The Citadel
Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) early to maximize eligibility for both federal and state aid programs.
Engineering students who plan to become licensed professionals in South Carolina must meet the state’s licensing requirements. A number of professional organizations also support students and early-career engineers with educational resources, networking, and advocacy.
These resources are valuable for engineering students preparing for licensure and transitioning into professional roles in South Carolina and beyond.
Mechanical, civil, aerospace, and industrial engineering are in high demand, reflecting the state’s strengths in manufacturing, automotive, and defense industries.
Yes. Students can pursue an online bachelor's degree in engineering or an online engineering master's degree, which are particularly useful for working professionals or those in rural areas.
Yes. Institutions like Clemson and USC have well-developed internship and co-op programs through partnerships with industries such as Boeing, BMW, and Dominion Energy.
Students benefit from faculty mentoring, career services, academic advising, and active student chapters of engineering societies like ASCE, IEEE, and NSPE. Many schools also support undergraduate research and global learning programs.
Choosing an ABET engineering degree program ensures your education meets nationally recognized standards for academic quality and professional preparedness. ABET accreditation is especially important for students pursuing licensure, graduate study, or technical careers in engineering.
| Benedict College | Columbia | - Environmental Engineering |
| Bob Jones University | Greenville | - Engineering |
| Charleston Southern University | North Charleston | - Computer Science
- Cybersecurity |
| Claflin University | Orangeburg | - Computer Science |
| Clemson University | Clemson | - Bioengineering
- Biosystems Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Computer Science - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Environmental Engineering and Science (Environmental Health Physics) - Industrial Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| Coastal Carolina University | Conway | - Computer Science
- Engineering Science - Information Systems - Information Technology |
| College of Charleston | Charleston | - Computer Science |
| Denmark Technical College | Denmark | - ElectroMechanical Engineering Technology |
| Francis Marion University | Florence | - Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering |
| Greenville Technical College | Greenville | - Architectural Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology - Engineering Design Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia | - Architectural Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering Technology - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology |
| Orangeburg - Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg | - Electronics Engineering Technology |
| Piedmont Technical College | Greenwood | - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology
- Engineering Design Technology |
| South Carolina State University | Orangeburg | - Civil Engineering
- Computer Science - Electrical Engineering Technology - Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Nuclear Engineering |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg | - Electronic(s) Engineering Technology |
| The Citadel | Charleston | - Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering - Computer Science - Construction Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia | - Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Computer Information Systems - Computer Science - Electrical Engineering - Integrated Information Technology - Mechanical Engineering |
| University of South Carolina Aiken | Aiken | - Process Engineering |
| University of South Carolina Upstate | Spartanburg | - Computer Science
- Engineering Technology Management |
| Winthrop University | Rock Hill | - Computer Science |
| York Technical College | Rock Hill | - Computer Engineering Technology
- Electronic(s) Engineering Technology - Engineering Graphics Technology - Mechanical Engineering Technology |
Note: The list of ABET-accredited engineering programs in South Carolina was compiled in 2025. Because accreditation statuses and offerings may change, readers should consult the ABET official website and individual university sites for the most up-to-date information. Additional guidance is available from the South Carolina Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers.
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