The Lowcountry's Only Christian University

Charleston Southern is the Lowcountry’s only Christian university. Our learning community is dynamic. Students come from all over the country and many faith backgrounds. Committed faculty take the time to see your potential. They will help you achieve your personal and career goals. Our close-knit campus offers huge opportunities – including big-time, competitive NCAA Division I athletics.

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Who We Are

Our Mission

Promoting Academic Excellence in a Christian Environment

What do we mean by Christian University

We believe that the gospel has the power to transform lives, and that God has created each of us with a unique set of gifts and abilities. At CSU, students from all backgrounds are challenged to deepen their faith and explore their purpose.

Our Founding Principle: Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Our Vision

To be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving

Learning: 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Leading: Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Serving: Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Our Institutional Goals

  • Exemplify a Distinctively Christian Identity
  • Pursue a Culture of Excellence and Innovation
  • Attract and Engage a Vibrant Student Body
  • Prepare Graduates to Flourish Spiritually, Intellectually, Physically, and Professionally
  • Inspire, Empower, and Equip CSU Faculty and Staff
  • Renew, Develop, and Strengthen Relationships to Fulfill The Institution’s Mission and Vision
  • Faithfully Steward Resources



Accreditation

Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Charleston Southern University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Specialized Accreditations

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)
Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

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Leadership

Meet President Faulkner

A Charleston Southern University alum, President Keith Faulkner has a track record of exemplary leadership. Native of Montgomery County, North Carolina, Faulkner and his high school sweetheart, Patty, have been married for 31 years and have three children.

Location

The Charleston economy is booming. CSU is right in the middle of the action.

A top tourist location and expansive job growth draw many people to our great city. The growth of the STEM sector has propelled Charleston to rank #20 of the nation’s top 100 metropolitans for growth in the advanced industry sector.* The region is also growing in related sectors: supply chain, logistics, and transportation.

Growing Companies

  • Boeing
  • Mercedes
  • Volvo
  • Google

Leading Industries

  • Aerospace and aviation
  • Biotechnology
  • Transportation

*Advanced Industry Study, Brookings Institute