South Carolina's master plan for improvement and advancement of its 33 public institutions of postsecondary education is presented. Areas examined are listed in topical order and include such areas as: recommendations, goals, governance, finances, academic programs, faculty, students, computers, and management systems. Twenty-five tables provide statistical information on enrollment, appropriations, educational comparisons, salaries, and building specifications. Appendices discuss several procedures and regulations used by the commission drawing up the master plan, as well as principles established for future implementation. Several conclusions were drawn, including: (1) the three universities should offer professional and graduate programs emphasizing research and public service, and undergraduate programs that should be open to students with above average potential; (2) the nine senior colleges should provide basic liberal arts and science programs and in some cases a limited range of professional and master's level graduate programs; and (3) the 21 two-year institutions should provide a wide range of occupational programs, and some should offer lower division college programs. Focus in other recommendations is on consistent admission policies, elimination of unnecessary programs, improving evaluation measures for future planning, and excellence in academic programs in all levels. (LC)