The College dates to the 1700s, but its focus is on 21st-century concerns. Science programs include neuroscience and discovery informatics (data mining and information retrieval). In the liberal arts, the Latin American and Caribbean studies program investigates the history, culture and politics of a region growing in influence and importance. At the master’s level, the bilingual legal interpreting program is the only one of its kind.

Introductory astronomy students view the sky through a 16-inch telescope at the College of Charleston Observatory. In addition, the College uses its 8-inch telescopes to observe from 22 piers and two rooftop observing decks.