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Forget everything you think you know about military schools. At The Citadel, tradition meets innovation in a way that redefines what it means to be a leader. Nestled in Charleston, South Carolina — the #1 city in America as named by Travel + Leisure — The Citadel stands as the top-ranked public university in the South (US News & World Report), but it’s not just the rankings that set it apart.
The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets is a full-time, residential programme with 2,300 cadets representing 50 states and a dozen countries. When you join the Corps of Cadets you will not only benefit from a structured military environment but will also be transformed.
Here, the same principles that guide military precision fuel groundbreaking education in cybersecurity, engineering, and entrepreneurial business methods.
The Citadel’s programmes encourage students to develop critical thinking skills, discipline, and a strong ethical foundation. Source: The Citadel
Since leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, The Citadel’s breadth of academic programmes fuels a spectrum of aspirations.
The AACSB-accredited Tommy and Victoria Baker School of Business aims to educate leaders who can serve a global community through experiential learning. At the undergraduate level alone, it offers business administration degrees in accounting, finance, management, marketing and business development, and supply chain management.
The Citadel School of Engineering also offers five Bachelor of Science degrees to full-time cadets and transfer students. They cover civil engineering, computer engineering, construction engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. All routes are effective, considering 99% of the school’s alumni landed jobs within six months of graduating.
Even more 21st century topics are covered within the Swain Family School of Science and Mathematics — particularly in its Department of Cyber and Computer Sciences, which is home to a BS in Computer Science (accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET) and the BS in Cyber Operations. The Citadel’s status as a National Centre of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education highlights its commitment to excellence in this critical area.
The Citadel’s cyber team competed in the 2022 Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition, where they had to protect their network from attacks. Source: The Citadel Electrical and Computer Engineering/Linkedin
Across programmes, cadets and students at The Citadel are immersed in experiences that stretch far beyond the traditional classroom, proving that leadership and innovation thrive in every corner of their education.
For example, Cadet Katelyn Pruitt, ’26, exemplified global engagement with her stint as a Parliamentary Fellow in the UK. The political science major’s hands-on work with Sir Conor Burns in Parliament involved researching international trade policies for Chick-fil-A — a nod to her roots in Geogia. Her exposure to the intricacies of UK politics and international relations broadened her understanding and honed her skills in navigating complex political landscapes.
Cadet James Ives, ’25, and his team took their skills to Rwanda and Kenya, where they contributed to mountain bike trail restoration through the nonprofit Rwanda Enduro. Their efforts, which included employing local workers and planning an international race, are set to boost eco-tourism and foster cross-cultural partnerships.
Meanwhile, Kirin Chaplin, ’25, is making strides in cybersecurity. Partnering with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, she explored vulnerabilities in the energy sector and participated in competitive cyber challenges. “Being able to work with professionals at the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and learn what an IT professional actually does, versus having a preconceived idea that IT is just plugging stuff in when it’s actually so much more, was really enlightening for me,” said Chaplin.
These stories are just a few of many, but they collectively illustrate The Citadel’s commitment to developing principled leaders through diverse and transformative experiences. They also explain how it boasts the highest four-year graduation rate in South Carolina — 88% of Citadel graduates secure employment, military positions, acceptance to graduate school, or internships upon graduation, and their average salary surpasses the national average.
Learn more about how The Citadel prepares students to excel in any field they choose.
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