OpenFieldCharleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University (CSU) is an independent comprehensive Christian liberal arts university located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Accredited by SACSCOC and affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention, CSU provides over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs spanning business, nursing, engineering, computer science, and aeronautics.
Institutional Overview
CSU emphasizes integration of faith, intellectual inquiry, and career readiness. It hosts the College of Science and Mathematics, the Hans A. Nielsen College of Business, and South Carolina's only collegiate aeronautics program offering BS in Aeronautics degrees with FAA pilot certification. Division I athletics (NCAA Big South Conference) complement a vibrant collegiate campus life.
- Students
- 3,400+
- International
- 8%
- Faculty
- 180+
- Established
- 1964
Academic Strengths & Distinctive Focus
CSU emphasizes integration of faith, intellectual inquiry, and career readiness. It hosts the College of Science and Mathematics, the Hans A. Nielsen College of Business, and South Carolina's only collegiate aeronautics program offering BS in Aeronautics degrees with FAA pilot certification. Division I athletics (NCAA Big South Conference) complement a vibrant collegiate campus life.
Research Profile, Admissions & Scholarships
Admissions at CSU evaluate high school academic records, SAT/ACT scores (optional for standard admission), personal essays, and character references. International applicants submit TOEFL (min 71) or IELTS (min 6.0). Over 95% of full-time undergraduate students receive institutional aid, including President's Scholarships and athletic awards.
Current Verified Opportunities & Fellowships (7)
B.S. in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Academic Scholarship
Designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) undergraduate curriculum covering penetration testing, network defense, and malware reverse engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics (Commercial Professional Pilot)
South Carolina's premier collegiate aviation degree delivering Private, Commercial, Instrument, and Multi-Engine FAA flight ratings alongside aeronautical engineering science.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Leadership
IACBE-accredited graduate business curriculum exploring financial modeling, corporate governance, global supply logistics, and ethical corporate management.
Boeing South Carolina Aerospace Engineering Fellowship
Industry partnership fellowship placing exceptional engineering students inside Boeing South Carolina manufacturing operations in North Charleston.
Master of Science in Biology and Environmental Coastal Science
Field-intensive graduate biology degree studying salt marsh biogeochemistry, estuarine fisheries ecology, and climate resilience in the Charleston Lowcountry basin.
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Clinical Healthcare Internship
Hands-on clinical internship across MUSC hospital wards, pediatric trauma units, and outpatient clinics in downtown Charleston.
Certificate in Christian Apologetics and Philosophical Worldviews
Four-course certificate exploring classical philosophical arguments for theism, historical reliability of biblical texts, and science-faith dialogues.
Sourced Faculty & Research Advisors (3)
Dr. Dondi Costin
Former President and Senior Scholar of Higher Education Leadership · Office of the President / Leadership Studies
Dr. Dondi Costin, former Major General and Chief of Chaplains for the United States Air Force, served as President of CSU, leading major expansions in aeronautics and health sciences.
Dr. Todd Heldreth
Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair · Department of Physical Sciences
Dr. Todd Heldreth chairs the physical sciences department, directing laboratory research on natural bioactive compounds extracted from South Carolina coastal marine flora.
Dr. Valerie Sessions
Professor of Computer Science & Director of Cyber Research · Department of Computer Science
Dr. Valerie Sessions leads computer science and cybersecurity research, holding PhD credentials in computer science and leading initiatives for NSA/DHS CAE-CD cyber defense accreditation.
Connect with OpenField Advisors
Our academic advisors provide free mentorship, admission guidance, and research proposal feedback for prospective scholars applying to Charleston Southern University.