The Statement of Purpose that accompanies your application for Columbia Southern University’s doctoral programs is used, along with a review of your graduate school transcript(s) and resume, to assess both your academic and professional experience to provide insight into your proposed research. The Statement of Purpose must contain three elements:
- Introduction
- Summary of Academic and Professional Experience
- Academic Interest
The Introduction section is a concise description of what inspired you to begin a terminal degree in your chosen program area. It should not be an autobiography. The Summary of Academic and Professional Experience section is where you should discuss relevant graduate-level academic work you have completed, and the professional experience you have gained in preparation for entering a doctoral program. Finally, the Academic Interest section is your elaboration on your research interest, linking contemporary research you have found on the topic and its application to your doctoral program of choice.
Your statement of purpose should be an original, between 500-1000 words, single-spaced in 12 point font, and be free of spelling and grammatical errors.