Special Programs
Claflin has a number of programs specially designed to enhance student learning and enable the institution to realize its mission of education, service and research.
Dual-Degree Programs
Claflin offers four dual-degree programs through partnerships with South Carolina State University, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and Clemson University. All degrees are housed in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. They include the following:
A 3+2 program where students earn B.S. in Biology from Claflin and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic.
A 2+2 program where students earn an Associate Degree in Biotechnology from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and a B.S. in Biotechnology from Claflin.
A 3+2 program where students earn a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Claflin and a B.S. in Engineering from Clemson University.
A 3+2 program where students earn a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Claflin and a B.S. in Engineering Technology from South Carolina State University.
Upon completion of the first segment of a dual degree program, students enroll on a full-time basis at their chosen partner institution and must seek financial aid from that institution prior to enrollment.
The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College
A prestigious college within the University, the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College offers a stimulating, rigorous learning environment for high-achieving continuing students and for first-year students who come to Claflin clearly prepared for success in their college-level work.
The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College provides a program that includes rigorous and coherent learning experiences, intense academic advising, cultural enrichment activities, community-service experiences and other activities designed to enhance and develop students’ academic and leadership potential.
Honors students take courses in which instruction is rigorous and accelerated. Faculty who teach Honors courses encourage increased student participation, require more original writing and demand a greater amount of reflective thinking. Students also participate in special leadership seminars to learn about the nature, practice and responsibilities of leadership. A special Honors laboratory and an Honors lounge offer Honors students reserved facilities for studying, holding seminars and meeting informally.
The Center for Leadership Development
Historically, Claflin University has produced among its graduates prominent leaders at the local, state, regional and national levels. Included in the mission is the commitment of the institution to prepare students for leadership in their chosen disciplines and for service to their communities, society and humanity.
The Leadership Development Center operates in three major domains: academics, community service, and research. The Center sponsors and coordinates students and community programs and activities designed to enhance leadership and service awareness, skills, and experiences.
The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies
In line with its stated mission, Claflin offers non-traditional programs through The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies. Presently, the Center administers two distinct programs, the Degree Completion Program and the Continuing Studies program.
The Degree Completion Program provides adult students who are 22 years and older, and who have completed one and one-half or more years of college, the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees in Organizational Management and Sociology/Criminal Justice Administration. The curricula of the degree completion programs are offered in conjunction with the Department of Business Administration and the Department of History and Sociology. For additional information, including admission requirements and program descriptions, consult the Adult Learner Program Handbook and contact The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies.
The Continuing Studies Program provides adult learners opportunities to take general education courses in the evenings and on Saturdays. The program is designed primarily for non-traditional students who need to meet the entrance requirements for the Degree Completion Program. For further information, contact The Center for Professional and Continuing Studies.
International Studies Program
The Office of International Studies promotes and coordinates Claflin University’s international activities. The major foci of the International Studies Office are to: (1) help departments internationalize the curriculum, (2) to develop and promote academic exchange initiatives, and (3) to forge international/collaborations, consortia alliances/friendships with institutions worldwide. The Office offers opportunities that equip students with skills that are vital to international competence, enabling them to communicate in other languages to know other cultures and markets, and to understand the increasingly fluid economic, social and political realities.
Study Abroad Programs
The Study Abroad program, a component of International Studies, exists to expand the horizons of the Claflin University student through exposure to other cultures by participating in international study. Students who take advantage of this program will primarily have the opportunity to study in Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or Japan. In Kenya, Claflin has a vibrant student exchange program with the United States International University is Nairobi, Kenya, where students may take courses from all the available disciplines. In Japan, students may study in the Asian Studies at Kansai Gaidai University.
Taking part in the Study Abroad program equips students with skills that are vital to international competence, enabling them to communicate in other languages, to know other cultures and markets, and to understand increasingly fluid economic and political realities. In the near future, the International Studies Program expects to have opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to exchange ideas and places with their counterparts in Mexico, Canada, Bangladesh, South Africa, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe.
