The Columbia campus offers 80 programs of study leading to the bachelor's degree. Master's degrees are offered in 175 disciplines, the Ph.D. degree in 70, and professional doctorates in 24 areas, including law, medicine, pharmacy, and public health. With nearly 10,000 students currently enrolled in postbaccalaureate work, the University is in the top 15 graduate institutions in the nation. About 1,800 master's and 250 Ph.D. degrees are awarded annually. The City of Columbia Columbia, with a metropolitan population of more than 500,000 combines the advantages of a progressive, growing area with the pace of a smaller city.
Residents enjoy temperate seasons with mild winters.
In the spring, dogwood and azalea create a profusion of color. At the geographic center of South Carolina, Columbia is the seat of state government as well as headquarters for numerous state and regional businesses. The metropolitan area is also home to several institutions of higher education, and some of South Carolina's most outstanding public schools. Moderately priced rental housing is readily available. Located at the intersection of three interstate highways, Columbia is midway between Miami and New York.