West Virginia State University is launching its first doctoral program and the first application came in this week. The all-online two-year Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies program will start in May. Eyewitness News said professors at WVSU designed the program plan and classes and then had to get approval at the university level first then at the state level with the Higher Education Policy Commission. The process took about three years. Applications are due on March 7. Waugh said they are anticipating interest from about 50 to 60 people and plan to take 15 in the first cohort for the first two years. The program will use the cohort model meaning the same group will take all of the courses together and work together to foster a collaborative environment and finish with established colleagues.