CSU announces first doctoral program

Charleston Southern University announced that its first doctoral program – the Doctor of Education (EdD) with an emphasis in Leadership – will accept applications starting July 1, 2018. The inaugural cohort of 20 students will begin in January 2019, with completion in December 2021.

The program will consist of 60 semester hours. Courses will be offered in traditional on-campus or hybrid formats, with courses meeting on evenings and weekends. Students usually take one course per term. Courses include a leadership core, a cognate and a research core. Courses conclude with the defense of the dissertation.  

The EdD in Leadership is designed to provide current and aspiring leaders with the opportunity to pursue a professional doctoral degree. Designed for working adults, it extends into all types of administrative leadership roles, including education, healthcare and business.

“This is a historic time at Charleston Southern University as the first doctoral program is launched,” Dr. George Metz, dean of the College of Education, said. “The College of Education is excited to be part of bringing the EdD to the Lowcountry where all classes are taught by higher education faculty and outstanding practitioners in various leadership roles in the Charleston metro region. CSU continues to provide educational opportunities for our residents and the EdD further positions the university as a leading institution of higher education promoting academic excellence in a Christian environment.”

CSU’s doctoral program includes:

• Curriculum designed to advance knowledge and skills by studying and researching various leadership models
• Dissertation phase to allow students to develop and implement research rooted in both theory and practice
• Research core to provide advanced skills in writing and analysis
• Ethical and character-based leadership course unique to the CSU program of study

“With the combination of a rigorous curriculum and a credentialed faculty, the doctoral program at CSU continues the commitment of preparing graduates with advanced skills in leadership as they serve in multiple roles throughout the Lowcountry and beyond,” said Dr. Jackie Fish, vice president of academic affairs.

Dr. Jairy C. Hunter Jr., president of CSU, added, “The EdD in Leadership will provide yet another opportunity to expand Charleston Southern University’s graduate educational opportunities with Berkeley, Dorchester District 2, Charleston county schools and others. We have excellent graduate course offerings in Literacy and the Gifted and Talented. CSU’s Supervision and Administration graduate program is nationally recognized for future school administrators.” 

Learn more about CSU’s EdD program at www.charlestonsouthern.edu/edd. This program is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

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