Erskine College is a homeschool-friendly Christian institution that participates in the Southeast Homeschool Expo. Erskine is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The college has been equipping young people to flourish in lives of learning, serving, and leading for over 175 years. “We educate students for careers, but more importantly, we prepare you for your life’s calling. We’re committed to equipping the whole person – intellectually, physically and spiritually — to make a positive impact on their families, communities, country, and the world.”
Erskine was South Carolina’s first private Christian college, founded in 1839 by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Recognized as one of the most prestigious church-related liberal arts colleges in the South, Erskine is committed to Christian authenticity that is intentional and pervasive, but never coercive. In addition to the undergraduate liberal arts college, Erskine offers a graduate theological seminary.
Erskine’s rich heritage of thoughtful scholarship, spiritual devotion, and intentional community provides an academic experience that’s as distinctive as the students, faculty, and graduates. At Erskine, your unique talents, interests, and contributions really matter. The college provides a customized education that fits your individual interests and goals. Erskine has a special site just for prospective undergraduate students: http://know.erskine.edu/faith. You can create a personalized space highlighting your unique interests and goals so the folks at Erskine can get to know you.
Academics
Erskine College has a strong academic reputation, with a student to faculty ratio of 11:1. Nationally ranked among the best liberal arts colleges, an Erskine education is an exceptional value. “Erskine lays a foundation of learning and experience for any endeavor. More than simply educating you to be a competent professional, Erskine equips you to be all you were created to be.”
Erskine majors span the arts and sciences spectrum. No matter what you study, you’ll be personally challenged and profoundly inspired. You’ll work hard, think creatively and critically, explore options, and question assumptions across a variety of subjects. You can work with faculty to craft a course of study that suits your individual strengths and career interest from a wide variety of academic programs.
Erskine College offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in American Studies, Athletic Training, Art, Bible & Religion, Business & Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Early Childhood Education, English , French, History, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Studies, Spanish, Special Education, and Sports Management.
A Christian Education concentration is offered within the Bible and Religion major and special minors are offered in Family Studies, Computer Science, Non-Western Studies, Theater, and Information Technology. The college also offers pre-professional programs in medicine, law, pharmacy, and dentistry.
Seminary
Erskine Theological Seminary is evangelical, reformed, and ecumenical. It’s the only Associate Reformed Presbyterian Seminary in the United States. Erskine Seminary students and faculty commonly use the word “family” to describe the close-knit community. Erskine professors are active pastors, elders, deacons, military chaplains, and counselors who desire to equip you with skills to engage in effective ministry with integrity, wisdom, and emotional and spiritual maturity. Many of the seminary students are engaged in ministries. Their real-world experiences combine with your own to add a richness of practical perspective to your studies.
Athletics
Erksine College Flying Fleet sports teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II and as a member of the Conference Carolinas. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and volleyball; while women’s sports include basketball, cross country, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, and golf. Cooper Snow, previously on the homeschool all-star SCJGA team, and currently in the freshman class at Erskine, plays on the men’s golf roster.
Campus Life
Erskine College exists to glorify God as a Christian academic community where character is refined through meaningful relationships and students are equipped to flourish as whole persons for lives of service. Living on campus provides incredible opportunities for fellowship and leadership.
From tree-lined green spaces, gardens, and gathering spots to stately architecture, comfortable hangouts, and convenient wi-fi, Erskine’s campus is a great place to learn and live. Erskine’s small size has some advantages. It’s like one big family. You’ll know almost everyone, especially your professors. And they’ll not only know you, they’ll probably know if you’re having a bad day and why.
Due West
This small community is rich with its own history. Around 1789 Rev. Peter McMullan and families from his Ahoghil, Ireland congregation immigrated to South Carolina and built a church, which they named the Due West Corner Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church. Some say the name is a mispronunciation of “DeWitt’s Corner,” while others believe the town was due west on a pioneer trail. Anyway, the church and town grew from these beginnings. The ARP Church established a school that became Erskine College in 1835 and in 1860 local citizens raised money to create the Due West Female College. The two merged in the 1920s. These educational institutions gave the town a cultural heritage so that today’s residents enjoy the arts: plays, concerts, lectures, athletic events, and other features of an academic community. Also located at Erskine College is the Bowie Arts Center, containing permanent collections of antique furniture, porcelain, cut glass and clocks, musical instruments and period rooms.
Admissions
Erskine College admission criteria are somewhat competitive – in 2013-14 the school accepted 66% of those who applied. This college requires you to submit reference letters with your application but does not require admission test scores. Erskine College typically will accept your dual credits (from the courses giving both high school and college credits) and advanced placement credits (from the college-level courses taught in high school), but will decline your credits for life experience. Erskine offers generous financial aid and merit-based scholarships to students who qualify, in addition to federal direct student loan programs, state grants, denominational discounts, veterans benefits, and tuition assistance to active duty military personnel.