CHARLESTON SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Charleston, South Carolina
The University
Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a fully accredited four-year liberal arts university. It's mission is to promote academic excellence in a Christian environment for students of all faiths. Charleston Southern is listed as one of America's Best Christian Colleges, identifying CSU as a school that provides students with the highest quality education in a Christian environment.
A coeducational university, Charleston Southern University's enrollment has grown from 500 students to nearly 3,000 students in its forty years and continues to change to meet the needs of a fast-paced society. CSU is affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.
Charleston Southern University seeks to develop the total person emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. Programs are designed to prepare students for a successful and fulfilling life. Each major program is combined with a comprehensive liberal arts foundation. Courses in the humanities, the fine arts, natural science, and social science are included in this foundation. These subjects are designed to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively. A special career counseling center is designed to help students plan for the future.
Men's and women's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference. The University fields teams in baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, soccer (women), softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball as well as an NCAA Division I-AA football team. For outdoor recreation, there are NCAA-quality tennis courts, putting greens, and athletic fields; nature trails; and a lake for fishing.
Students are informed of campus activities through the University newspaper, Buc in Print, published by students under staff member supervision. In addition, the University yearbook, Cutlass, and the University literary magazine, The Sefer, are published by students under faculty and staff supervision.
Location
Situated on 300 acres, Charleston Southern University is strategically located near Charleston, South Carolina, in the center of the modern growth patterns of North Charleston. Students take advantage of the cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities the city offers. Nearby Interstate 26, with access to I-95, is conveniently located to the campus. Five airlines serve the Charleston area. Mild winters and long summers allow many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Charleston is a city famous for its well-preserved colonial houses, famous gardens and plantations, miles of wide sandy beaches, and major fine arts events, including the Spoleto Festival USA--a kaleidoscope of opera, dance, music, theater, and visual arts.
Majors and Degrees
Charleston Southern University awards the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in business, communications and theater, English, English education, humanities and fine arts, music (with emphases in vocal performance and church music), music education (with emphases in choral and instrumental), music therapy, religion, Spanish, Spanish education, and youth ministry. The Bachelor of Science degree is offered with majors in applied math, athletic training, biochemistry, biology, business administration (with emphases in accounting, finance, information systems, management, and marketing), chemistry, computer science/mathematics, criminal justice, early childhood education, economics, elementary education, environmental management, history, mathematics education, mathematics, natural science, nursing, physical education, political science, psychology, science education, social science, social studies education, and sociology. Minors are offered in most of the above areas, and are also offered in aerospace studies (AFROTC), art, Christian leadership, and French. The School of Education offers a secondary education minor for several majors to meet teacher certification requirements. The Bachelor of Technology degree is offered to students who have completed an associate degree in a technical field prior to entry.
Preprofessional programs are offered in allied health science, dentistry, engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, and seminary. Some of these programs require a four-year degree from CSU while others require two or three years of study at CSU before the student transfers to a professional school.
The Bachelor of Management Arts (B.M.A.) is a new program of study for adult learners in the Evening College. Students in this program can graduate in as little as twenty months after requirements are met.
The Graduate Studies Program offers Master of Education degrees in elementary education, secondary education, and school administration. In addition, there is a Master of Arts in teaching, a Master of Science in criminal justice, and a Master of Business Administration, with emphases in accounting, finance, information systems, health-care administration, and organizational development.
Academic Programs
The purpose of Charleston Southern University is to help students to develop intellectually, socially, culturally, and spiritually. This is accomplished by ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. The University requires all students to complete a core of liberal arts courses. The comprehensive course of study is subdivided into general education courses, including courses in English, the fine arts, history, mathematics, computer literacy, foreign language, natural science, religion and philosophy, and the social sciences. In addition, students are offered an opportunity to pursue a field of study in a major and minor area. Elective credits may also be taken to complete the minimum graduation requirements of at least 125 semester hours.
The academic-year calendar operates on a 4-4-1 system. The fall term begins in mid-August and ends in December, and the spring term begins in January and ends in early May. May is set aside as a one-month Maymester during which students may enroll in one course. Students also have the option of attending two 5-week summer sessions.
An award-winning Air Force ROTC program is available on campus.
Advanced placement credits are given for successful scores on approved tests of the Educational Testing Service. Credit may also be granted for successful scores on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), military experience, CSU challenge exams, AP credit, and IB credit.
Academic Facilities
The University has a modern library that contains more than 200,000 volumes, a modern chapel-auditorium with impressive fine arts facilities, and a multipurpose gymnasium. The Brewer Center, the wellness and activities building, houses state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a snack bar, social areas, an intramural gym, and meeting rooms for clubs and organizations. The music facility, Whittington Hall, includes a large music rehearsal hall, practice suites, a technology lab, and classrooms.
Costs
Tuition for the 200405 academic year was $15,292, and room and board were $5878 per year. Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
A comprehensive financial aid program, consisting of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment, has been established at Charleston Southern. Approximately 95 percent of the student body receives some type of financial assistance. The University participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study programs. Assistance is also available through Federal Perkins Loans and Federal Stafford Loans. Endowed or donated funds are available for many students; such awards are administered according to the provisions of the contributing agency or person. State tuition grants are available to eligible South Carolina residents.
Students may also be eligible to receive institutional scholarships and grants. Awards are not automatic and are subject to the availability of funds.
At Charleston Southern University, it is understood that financial concerns can often play a major role in the decision on which university to attend. The purpose of the financial aid program is to remove cost from the student's decision and allow the student to decide based on the academic and social environment offered at CSU.
Faculty
Charleston Southern University has a well-qualified and dedicated faculty. Faculty members combine teaching ability and scholarship with a concern for students. The majority hold doctoral degrees. Professors work directly with students in many phases of University life, including academic advising. Once the student selects a major course of study, he or she is assigned a faculty adviser in that major area. CSU offers small class sizes, which allow for individual attention and facilitates the pursuit of academic excellence.
The University encourages advanced study and research. Excellence in teaching is also recognized through an annual award.
Student Government
All full-time students become members of the Student Government Association upon enrollment. This organization enables students to develop leadership skills while achieving the goals the University has set for them.
Admission Requirements
The Enrollment Services staff works diligently to maintain a socially, economically, and culturally diverse student body. The University is a private, church-supported educational institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, or handicap.
Students may be admitted as first-time freshmen or as transfer students with acceptable credit. New freshmen must have official transcripts sent from their high schools and official SAT or ACT scores sent from the appropriate testing service. Transfer students must have official transcripts sent from all colleges previously attended. Interviews are not required, but students are encouraged to visit the campus. Arrangements may be made by calling the Office of Enrollment Services.
Application and Information
Candidates for freshman admission are encouraged to submit applications in the fall of their senior year in secondary school. Transfer students are welcome to apply anytime during the academic year. A $30 nonrefundable application processing fee must be submitted with an application. An online application is also available at the Web site listed. The University uses a rolling admission system, and students are notified of the admission decision as soon as all application materials have been received and evaluated.
Application forms and other information about Charleston Southern University may be obtained by contacting:
Baseball
