The commission approved a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Winthrop University and a Master of Science in Cancer Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina during its June 2026 meeting.
Based on a release from S.C. Commission on Higher Education.
The S.C. Commission on Higher Education approved two new academic programs at two institutions during its June 2026 business meeting, according to the commission.
Winthrop University will offer a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences beginning in Fall 2026, according to the commission. The interdisciplinary program will provide students with a foundation in the biological, psychological and social aspects of health while allowing them to customize their studies through a required minor and applied learning experiences, according to the commission.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers in community health, wellness and healthcare organizations, as well as graduate and professional study, according to the commission. Graduates may pursue careers such as health education specialist, exercise physiologist, medical and health services manager or health policy analyst, according to the commission. The program is recognized as a priority occupation area under South Carolina’s workforce development plan and falls within the Health Science career cluster, according to the commission.
The Medical University of South Carolina will launch a Master of Science in Cancer Biology in August 2027, according to the commission. The program will provide advanced training in tumor immunology, cancer genomics, metastasis, drug development and precision medicine, according to the commission. Students will develop technical and research skills through hands-on scientific investigation and collaborative problem-solving while preparing for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, academic and clinical research laboratories, and cancer centers, according to the commission.
In its program proposal, MUSC cited growing demand for medical scientists, biomedical scientists, clinical research scientists and other cancer research professionals as justification for the program, according to the commission. The degree also provides a pathway for students seeking advanced professional or graduate education, including doctoral and medical programs, according to the commission. The program is recognized as a priority occupation area supporting workforce needs within both the Health Science and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics sectors, according to the commission.
Source: S.C. Commission on Higher Education original release.
