Carson-Newman University to offer first doctoral degree this fall

This fall Carson-Newman University will offer its first doctoral degree along with a new graduate degree option for those in the field of education. The announcement comes after the University received word from the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS) that it has earned accreditation of the programs.

The new Doctor in Educational Leadership degree (EdD) and the Educational Specialist degree (EdS) build upon Carson-Newman’s already popular Master of Arts in teaching and Master of Education degrees.

“Carson-Newman is proud to be a doctoral degree granting institution,” said Dr. Kina Mallard, the University’s executive vice president and provost. “Our Education program has an excellent reputation in the region for preparing K-12 teachers. The addition of these new graduate degrees moves Carson-Newman closer to its vision of being the Christ-Centered, liberal arts-based university of choice in the southeast.”

The doctoral degree will be offered completely online, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Mallard says the specialist degree will be a hybrid format, including both on-campus and online components. “The focus of our EdS is a unique collaborative approach that provides strong professional and leadership development for counseling professionals to better serve children and their families.”

Mallard says the University’s decision to offer the new programs arose from a growing demand from those in the education field. She is pleased with the initial response. “We already have more than 100 prospects who have expressed interest in enrolling this fall,” said the executive VP and provost.

Those who would like more information may contact Carson-Newman’s Department of Education at 865-471-3320.