West Virginia State University announced Tuesday it’s launching its first doctorate degree program.
The university will launch its doctorate of education in leadership studies program in May, according to a news release.
The fully online, two-year program is the first doctorate degree in the history of WVSU and is designed for working professionals from a variety of fields.
“This is truly a historic moment in the 133-year history of our university. Today, we can proudly say that we are now a doctoral degree granting, land-grant university,” WVSU President Ericke S. Cage said in the news release. “This doctorate of education in leadership studies program will serve a vital need for the workforce in West Virginia by providing executive level education that will allow organizational leaders to continue to grow in their professional careers.”
The program utilizes a cohort model, in which a group of students moves through the program together, taking all classes in sequence as a group. Cohorts offer mutual academic, emotional, and logistical support and provide opportunities for members to learn from and study with one another, the news release said.