West Virginia State University announced this week it’s launching its first doctorate degree program. The university will launch its doctorate of education in leadership studies program in May, according to a news release. The fully online, two-year program is the first doctorate degree in the history of WVSU and is designed for working professionals from a variety of fields. The program utilizes a cohort model, in which a group of students moves through the program together, taking all classes in sequence as a group. Cohorts offer mutual academic, emotional, and logistical support and provide opportunities for members to learn from and study with one another, the news release said.