College Mission Statement
The College of Charleston is a state-supported comprehensive institution providing a high-quality education in the arts and sciences, education and business. Consistent with its heritage since its founding in 1770, the College retains a strong liberal arts undergraduate curriculum. Located in the heart of historic Charleston, it strives to meet the growing educational demands primarily of the Lowcountry and the state and, secondarily, of the Southeast. A superior-quality undergraduate program is central to the mission of the College.
The College of Charleston seeks applicants capable of successfully completing degree requirements and pays particular attention to identifying and admitting students who excel academically. The College of Charleston serves a diverse student body from its geographical area and attracts students from national and international communities. The College provides students a community in which to engage in original inquiry and creative expression in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom. This community, founded on the principles of the liberal arts tradition, provides students the opportunity to realize their intellectual and personal potential and to become responsible, productive members of society.
In addition to offering a broad range of baccalaureate degree programs, the College provides an increasing number of master’s degree programs, which are compatible with the community and the state. As a prominent component of the state’s higher education system, the College encourages and supports research. Its faculty are important sources of knowledge and expertise for the community, state and nation. Additionally, the College provides an extensive credit and non-credit continuing education program and cultural activities for residents of the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
This Mission Statement (also called the Statement of Purpose) has been approved or revised by the Board of Trustees of the College of Charleston on March 12, 1986; January 16, 1991; February 15,1994; and July 13, 2006.
