ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Beginning in the fall, Winthrop University aims to offer its first doctoral degree, a move that is a major milestone for the institution.
President Edward Serna ’02 said the university has already received state approval to create an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation degree and will ask for the green light from its major accreditation body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). “This is a proud moment for Winthrop University,” Serna said. “Now in its 139th academic year, Winthrop started as a college to train teachers. The addition of a doctoral degree is a natural evolution for our institution and will deliver significant dividends for the region and state for years to come.”
Provost Sebastian van Delden said the degree through the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences will give students a chance to explore advanced studies in the areas of learning, leadership and organizational change. The program will bring together different perspectives that exist in PK-12 school districts, institutions of higher education, nonprofits and businesses in an adult-oriented program that allows for dissertation studies focused on problems of practice that are expected to positively influence change.
Winthrop received state approval for the doctoral degree in December from the S.C. Commission on Higher Education. It will apply this spring to its main accreditation body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), to be reclassified from a Level 3 (master’s granting) institution to a Level 5 (three or fewer doctoral programs) institution.
Two new undergraduate degrees responding to the evolving needs of business also will be offered this fall.
The Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence will develop graduates capable of developing, not just using, artificially intelligent systems to solve a wide range of problems. The coursework will build upon established computing degrees at Winthrop, including computer science, data science and math.
The second degree is a Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology (FinTech) designed to build on traditional finance topics and equip students with knowledge of data-driven financial modeling and fintech tools, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, algorithmic trading, robo-advising and others.
Both degrees received state approval last fall, while notification through SACSCOC is pending, and are the first of their kind in South Carolina.
Other academic additions during this 2024-25 year include:
*Winthrop Elevate – Starting this spring, Winthrop has begun offering its first Competency-based Education degree programs through the Bachelor of Professional Studies program. Students could earn degrees in organizational operations, organizational leadership, health management and health informatics. The program provides self-directed and self-paced learning that is flexible for adult learners at an affordable cost. Delivered through subscription periods instead of rigid class schedules, Winthrop Elevate allow adult learners to manage their own schedules and maximize their learning experiences.
*B.A. in Criminal Justice – The new criminal justice major is designed to prepare students for careers in and related to the criminal justice system. In contrast to the existing criminology program, the criminal justice major contains more specified course requirements and has an internship/practicum rather than a research capstone. Additionally, this major has two tracks: general criminal justice along with cyber and corporate crime.
*B.S. in Business Administration, Concentration in Logistics/Supply Chain Management – *new concentration – Logistics and supply chain management is a growing area for jobs in the region, throughout the United States and globally. The movement of goods from manufacturers around the world to wholesalers, retailers, and customers in the United States is an area ripe for employment. This is a popular concentration that fits well with business activities in the Charlotte region.
*B.Des. in Design with Concentration in Game Design – This is a new concentration, modifying the existing concentration in experience design to cover game design.
*M.A.Ed. in Education Studies – The Master of Arts in Education degree in Educational Studies program is a new program that offers a flexible curriculum to accommodate the diverse needs and interests of its students. Core courses will provide a foundation in research, policy analysis, and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging principles. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in real-world educational projects, collaborate with faculty and work closely with mentors in their field. These practical experiences will complement the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and provide students with valuable skills for addressing challenges they will encounter in their future careers. Additionally, students will have the flexibility to choose from a range of electives that align with their specific career goals.
About Winthrop University
Founded in 1886, Winthrop University is a four-year, top-ranked, mid-sized public regional comprehensive university that provides personalized and challenging undergraduate, graduate and professional education programs of national caliber in a variety of on-campus and online programs and modalities. Located in the heart of the Carolinas, Winthrop upholds a tradition of national caliber academics, championship athletics and a student-centered approach. The university provides an education that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness and civic engagement with an emphasis on lifelong professional and personal development. Winthrop grants 46+ undergraduate degrees and more than 20 graduate degrees across four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Technology, the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Beginning in fall 2025, an Honors College will be added to the academic offerings. Learn more about Winthrop here.
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