Greenville Technical College partners with USC Upstate to expand transfer program

The University of South Carolina Upstate has expanded its Direct Connect Transfer Program, enabling students who have earned an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from Greenville Technical College to transfer seamlessly to USC Upstate. This effort supports the transition of students who wish to complete a four-year degree at USC Upstate in a variety of majors.

“Our Direct Connect program is rooted in student success and enhances our ability to impact baccalaureate completion rates in the region,” said USC Upstate Interim Chancellor Derham Cole. “Providing an accessible, career-relevant education to as many students as possible fits squarely in our mission as a regional comprehensive university while fulfilling a strategic objective to provide an enhanced quality of life for citizens of the Upstate.”

Direct Connect guarantees admission to USC Upstate to students who graduate with an AA, AS or select Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees from Greenville Tech, Piedmont Technical College, Spartanburg Community, and Tri-County Technical College, among many others in the state, provided they meet the minimum grade point average (GPA).

“The University of South Carolina Upstate has been one of the top transfer destinations for Greenville Technical College graduates for many years,” said Dr. Larry Miller, interim vice president of Learning and Workforce Development at Greenville Tech. “We are excited that Upstate has extended transfer opportunities for GTC Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) graduates by providing a seamless transfer of general education requirements. This opportunity provides Greenville Tech AA and AS graduates a more direct and affordable pathway for completion of their bachelor’s degree.”
Additionally, students who declare early their intention to pursue a bachelor’s degree through Direct Connect may qualify for other program benefits, including an accelerated admissions process. By partnering with two-year institutions, USC Upstate is well positioned to serve students who may wish to consider options for continuing their education.

“Direct Connect provides students with an opportunity to participate in orientation, advising and to work with our financial aid officers,” said Donette Stewart, vice chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services at USC Upstate. “Students are eligible to receive comprehensive, on-site advising from both their two-year college advisors and Upstate advisors, which can help ensure that students are enrolling in the courses they’ll need to complete degree requirements in their chosen field.”

AA and AS students with a 2.0 GPA and a grade of “C” or better in all transfer courses will be eligible to apply Students who do not complete a degree will be able to transfer credits on a course-by-course basis. While USC Upstate will accept AA and AS degrees as fulfillment of general education credits, additional 100- or 200-level courses may be required due to degree requirements in some majors. Students will still be required to meet any GPA or other admissions requirements of the program to which they have applied. This program will not affect any upper-division general education requirements, prerequisite requirements and residency requirements.

For more information about the Direct Connect Program, please contact Donette Stewart, Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services, 864-503-5280, or visit dedicated pages on the university website, https://www.uscupstate.edu/admissions-and-financial-aid/transfer/direct-connect/.