Clemson Academics

The History

Clemson University was established as Clemson Agricultural College in November 1889, by Thomas Green Clemson.Thomas Clemson was born in Philadelphia and educated in the United States and Europe. He married Anna Maria Calhoun, a daughter of South Carolina's famous statesman, John C. Calhoun. Upon the death of Mr. Calhoun, his daughter and Thomas Clemson received ownership of all of his farmland. When John Peter Richardson signed Thomas Clemson's death certificate on April 6, 1888, the land was left to the state. Clemson stated in his will that the state was to build an institution of higher learning on his land. The year after his death the school was established. Clemson University formally opened in July 1893 with an enrollment of 446 students. From 1893 to 1955, the school remained as an all male military school. In 1964, the college was renamed Clemson University as the state legislature formally recognized the school's expanded academic offerings and research pursuits.

One of the Best Public Universities

Clemson University ranks 22nd among national public institutions, according to the annual ranking by U.S. News and World Report, and remains the highest ranked public institution in South Carolina. Clemson University keeps improving with the most promising and innovative approaches toward academics, faculty, students, and campus facilities.

General Academic Information

Since Clemson University's acceptance rate is lower than other colleges in South Carolina, it is very hard to be accepted to Clemson. The harder the college is to get into, the better the school. Clemson University offers almost 200 majors, as well as MBA and PhD degrees. Clemson offers more majors than any other public or private college in South Carolina. In comparison, the University of South Carolina offers 50 less majors than Clemson does.

Clemson University's library is open 24 hours a day so that it can be at the students' total disposal. Clemson's library has six floors which contain thousands of books, articles, and journals - all of which are readily available to the students. Students can find any resource they need through the library at Clemson since it is connected to other libraries and online sources such as Pascal. This connection allows students to check out books that the school library does not have.

Many prestigious companies seek Clemson students who can co-op and intern with the company. In addition, they seek Clemson graduates who can benefit the company. These internships and co-op opportunities offer a lot to the Clemson students, providing learning opportunities and, at the same time, providing hand's on experience for the real world. Clemson University also offers a study abroad program that allows students to learn at different colleges around the world and experience other cultures. Study Abroad is a great opportunity for Clemson students as it allows them to travel to different places all over the world, but more importantly, it teaches the students a lot about foreign relations.