All first-year students major in pre-business as they work to meet progression requirements during their first academic year. Students can declare their specific major(s) informally when meeting with their advisor, and will formally declare once all first-year progression requirements are met. Learn more about available business majors.
Progression Requirements
Progression Courses
First-year undergraduate students must complete the seven progression courses by the end of the summer of their first year. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
Progression GPA
First-year students must have a 3.000 institutional (USC) GPA by the end of their spring semester. Students who do not meet that GPA requirement will have the summer to take courses that may boost GPA and maintain standing in the Moore School. Courses taken at a USC campus will count towards the total institutional (USC) GPA, while courses taken at a non-USC campus will NOT count towards the total institutional (USC) GPA.
Are you interested in majoring in international business?
First year and transfer students pursuing the classic track must apply for this major through a separate application process. The minimum requirements to apply to the IB program are:
- 3.650 Institutional (USC) GPA
- Successful completion of all first year progression courses
- 30 completed collegiate hours
Consultation with your assigned academic advisor is required for further information regarding important deadlines to meet requirements and apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students will need to complete the Math Placement test (MAP) and Language Placement test. We recommend completing both of these tests before coming to New Student Orientation. Some students may have AP, Cambridge, IB, and/or dual enrollment college credit that may exempt them from having to take these tests. It is recommended students take these tests to prevent delays in being able to take courses needed for graduation.
We recommend that students enrolled in the Moore School use a Windows-based computer. Although a Mac computer can be used, workarounds will be needed to complete assignments. Students will have a better experience using a Windows-based computer. There will be multiple business courses and course-specific projects that will not be compatible with the Mac operating system. If a student chooses to purchase a Mac, he/she should be prepared to use a Windows computer for some courses. Additional help is provided through the Carolina Tech Zone.
Minimum recommendations for computers are:
- Operating System: Windows 10/11 home or Pro version
- Processor: 3.5GHz AMD A6, AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i5/i7 processor
- Memory: 16 gigs of ram
- Storage: 512 gig storage
- Protection: Extended Warranty
- Wireless: 802.11 a/b/g/n
- Wired: Gigabit Ethernet
Microsoft Office 365 is provided free to all enrolled students. Anti-virus software is also available if needed. Students may visit the Carolina Tech Zone for assistance or visit the IT Knowledge Base and search for install O365 for instructions.
The University of South Carolina has a partnership with Dell that gives students the opportunity to purchase computers, printers and accessories at educational discounts. Use the USC Member ID US126277047 to receive your discount.
Yes! To apply for any Moore School scholarship, you need to complete an online application, known as the Moore School Common Scholarship Application, annually. For the upcoming academic year, students who complete and submit the application are automatically considered for all scholarships they qualify for. This means that you only need to fill out and submit one annual application to apply for all available scholarships.
Applications for scholarships open in January and have differing dates depending on student classification:
- Incoming freshmen need to apply by May 1
- transfer students need to apply by August 1
- Current students (already taking courses in the Moore School) need to apply by March 1
Yes! Every student must meet with their assigned advisor each semester to have their advisement hold removed. It is also important to meet with your advisor each semester to make sure you are on track for graduation. Your advisor is also a great resource to learn about other aspects of the student experience, such as study abroad, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and helping you troubleshoot difficulties that may arise.
You will need to take the course over the summer through USC Columbia or through another institution. You can work with your assigned advisor to discuss your course options and get approval to take a course outside of USC Columbia. Your advisor will also provide a deadline that the course must appear on your USC transcript to maintain your standing in the Moore School.
If you want to apply grade forgiveness for a grade below a C, you must take the course through USC Columbia or a USC Palmetto College campus (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter or Union). Courses taken outside of the USC system do not count for grade forgiveness or impact institutional GPA.
You will need to fill out a Consent to Release Information form with your assigned advisor. This form will be kept in your records and states that we can only give information to the individual(s) you’ve indicated on this form. This form will need to be updated each semester. You can email your assigned advisor to get a link to the electronic form.