The University of South Carolina, founded in 1801, has a tradition of more than 200 years of educational excellence. The University's Columbia campus has more than 350 degree programs through its 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. Degree programs extend from business, engineering, health and the sciences to liberal arts and humanities. Many of these programs are nationally and internationally ranked. The University pursues active research and scholarship at the graduate and undergraduate levels, in conjunction with outstanding teaching and student mentoring. The University’s international business program has been ranked 1st in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Other top programs include chemical engineering, library and information science, marine science, exercise science, computer science and engineering, biomedical science, chemistry, biology, social psychology, political science, psychology, and geography. Professional schools include business, engineering, law, health sciences, and pharmacy. Academically talented undergraduate students can apply for admission to the Honors College, which has been recognized as one of the best in the nation. The Columbia campus offers the best of both worlds. It is a scenic academic oasis in the midst of a busy state capital city. Centered around the historic Horseshoe, with its tall oak trees and lush lawn, the campus has a variety of shady paths and pedestrian walkways that complement the downtown landscape. Located at the center of South Carolina, the city of Columbia is just hours away from beautiful beaches on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and mountains to the west. Columbia offers beautiful rivers, lakes, and public parks, and is famous for its friendly and welcoming community spirit.