College of Charleston to Launch First Doctoral Program

In the fall of 2023, the College of Charleston will offer an innovative doctoral program in mathematics with computation to address increasing demands by hi-tech companies for people with strong mathematical and computational skills. The program is the College’s first doctoral program since its reclassification as a Professional Doctorate University (PDU) by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.*

“We are very excited to be offering our first doctoral program at the College and plan to introduce more in the coming years,” says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Our PDU status not only gives us the opportunity to better serve the Lowcountry and South Carolina, it also increases our standing as an institution.”

Offering late afternoon and evening classes, the doctoral program in mathematics with computation is designed for people who wish to obtain a doctorate without leaving their current employment. All candidates, whether their research is in pure or applied mathematics, must fulfill a required computational component. This reflects the increased relevance of computational tools in all areas of mathematics and will give graduates a competitive advantage in industrial as well as higher education settings.

“I am so proud of our mathematics department for leading the College of Charleston’s transformation to a national university,” says Sebastian van Delden, dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering. “The doctorate in mathematics with computation is a highly innovative program designed by our professors and industry experts. This program will be a key driver of innovation and success as the Lowcountry evolves to include more R&D initiatives that complement the existing abundance of manufacturing and engineering operations in the region.”

Mathematics professors Annalisa Calini, Martin Jones, Bob Mignone and Liz Jurisich led the formation of the mathematics with computation doctoral program. “They worked tirelessly to ensure the program harmonizes with the tenets of our institution, integrates seamlessly with our undergraduate program, and supports and enhances the academic student experience,” adds van Delden.

The program will also offer doctoral candidates unique opportunities and extensive support to develop their teaching skills in an environment where excellence in undergraduate instruction is a top priority.

“The doctoral program’s strong focus on research, close relationships with faculty mentors, computation component and team-driven research model will result in high quality research and establish the reputation of the program,” says Austin. “Graduates will be well-versed in theory and at ease with computational methods and tools that advance mathematical understanding, which will give them the know-how and skills to make a positive impact in South Carolina.”

*Approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) and pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).