Columbia Southern University

 

 

Overview
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an online university that operates as a private for-profit institution. CSU strives to offer higher educational opportunities that will allow their students to excel in their personal and professional lives.

CSU provides a range of online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, and master degree level, as part of the larger Columbia Southern Educational Group. Support services focused on ensuring students have the best opportunity to succeed, are a priority for CSU. Innovative programs look to use the latest technology available in the area of online instruction.

 

Class schedules are flexible, allowing students to attend courses at times that are convenient for them. Students can also work at a pace that provides them with the time needed to manage other obligations without having to sacrifice the opportunity for a quality education. Any books required to complete a course are automatically included in the student’s tuition. This allows the student to begin their courses without any surprise expenses related to securing those necessary materials.

History of CSU
Founded in 1993 by Robert Mayes, Sr., CSU was initially designed to provide easier access to higher educational opportunities in the areas of environmental compliance and occupational safety. In 1996, additional program offerings were added to expand the offerings of the institution. CSU received national accreditation in 2001 from the Distance Education and Training Council.

By 2002, CSU had received approvals from multiple state schools, as well as receiving approval through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and Veterans Affairs. Programs were added on a regular basis, and approval to offer Federal Student Aid was received in 2008. In 2010, Waldorf University was purchased, operating as a sister university to CSU. Today, CSU provides education to over 29,000 students and has a faculty and staff of 1,000. Continuous improvement is a goal, ensuring that students have the best experience possible while in attendance.

State Authorization
CSU is licensed by the State of Alabama Community College System and is approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). To offer online educational options to other SARA member states, only home state authorization is required. Additional permissions are sought throughout the United States for approval to offer online educational programs to residents.

More information on states that have approved CSU to operate as an online educational provider can be found on their website’s State Authorization page.

Admissions Requirements
The admissions criteria set by CSU is used to help ensure that every student that is accepted has the highest likely of success. All applicants for undergraduate programs must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Home-schooled and international students must self-certify their completion of an equivalent education, and provide supporting documentation as required.

Students interested in entering a graduate degree program must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution to get into a master’s program and a baccalaureate degree with an associated master’s degree for a doctoral program.

All CSU students will go through a student identity verification process. Additionally, students must have access to a computer that meets the minimum requirements set forth. This is to ensure that all students will be able to successfully access all coursework and other classroom materials through the online educational format. These computer requirements include minimum internet speeds, operating system, and software requirements.

Degree Programs
CSU offers a broad range of degree programs ranging from associates to doctoral degrees.

Associate of Arts in General Studies
The AA in General Studies prepares students to further their career or education by providing a firm foundation upon which to grow. Class requirements include English, mathematics, science, humanities, and electives. The degree can function as a stepping stone for the later pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, or can help open additional employment opportunities.

Associate of Science in Business
This associate’s degree builds on a foundation of general studies with emphasis on business. Technical workplace skills are explored to help students qualify for entry-level management positions in a variety of fields.

Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
For students interested in the criminal justice system, the AS in Criminal Justice prepares students for issues facing law enforcement personnel and provides a fundamental understanding of the court system and correctional institution operation.

Associate of Science in Fire Science
An AS in Fire Science focuses the knowledge and skills required to work in the fire industry. Particular attention is paid to the areas of fire prevention, as well as fire protection methods. Issues of policy are discussed, and firefighting equipment is introduced. This program may be ideal for those interested in pursuing a career as a firefighter.

Associate of Science in Health Information Science
Health Information Science helps students achieve employment in the growing medical field. Coursework focuses on providing support for health information through medical coding, chart auditing, and insurance billing processes. An introduction to HIPPA law is included, as well as methods for managing other sensitive data.

Associate of Science in Occupational Safety and Health
The AS in Occupational Safety and Health prepares students to work in the workplace safety and health field. The included coursework meets the standards set forth by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation, as well as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
A BS in Business Administration prepares students to take on a position of responsibility within the field of business and management. Concentrations are available to help students target their desired industry including, but not limited to, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing, and Project Management.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
For students interested in the criminal justice system, the BS in Criminal Justice Administration prepares students for careers in the correctional system, court operations, and law enforcement. Graduates may find themselves qualified for a variety of entry-level positions, as well as certain professional jobs. Students can pursue a general course, or may elect to have a concentration in arson investigation.

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration
The BS in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administration provides students with the knowledge and skills required to work in a leadership role within an EMS system. Focus is placed on planning and development, risk management, and other areas of administration.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management
For those interested in being a professional in the field of environmental management, theory, and technology, the BS in Environmental Management provides a framework to help students pursue their career goals. After attaining a degree from CSU, students can be recognized by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals under the Associate Safety Professional certification as well as the Certified Safety Professional certification.

Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration
The BS in Fire Administration provides the knowledge needed to successfully manage and lead fire service organizations. Coursework includes issues of safety, community risk, human resource management, and strategic planning.

Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
Qualified healthcare professionals are anticipated to be in high demand. A BS in Healthcare Administration prepares students to provide professional support in the areas of facility leadership and administration. Courses help students improve their communication skills while establishing standard, policies, and procedures in regards to regular operating activities.

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
A BS in Homeland Security provides a foundation that allows graduates to work in careers focused on maintaining a safe and secure homeland. Coursework focuses on issues of national security, border control, immigration management, and cyber security.

Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
Students pursuing a BS in Human Resource Management will be equipped to work within the human resources field. This includes performing screening techniques, as well as developing appropriate policies and procedures for various organizations.

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security
A focus on information systems security prepares graduates to work in the fields of system analysis, programming, web development, and networking. IT infrastructure is covered, with issues of security being at the core of all studies. For those who wish to specialize, a concentration on homeland security is available.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
For students interested in a broad range of technical systems, the BS in Information Technology integrates a variety of technical disciplines into a single degree program. Coursework focuses on the management of computer-based information systems, as well as issues regarding maintenance and development.

Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health
The BS in Occupational Safety and Health enables students to work the field of workplace safety and health. The included coursework meets the standards set forth by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation, as well as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
A focus on organizational leaderships gives students the unique opportunity to understand how to better manage human capital. This includes improved communication skills and an introduction to the methodology involved in creating large-scale organizational change to enhance production.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A BS in Psychology provides students with a framework to begin exploring the science of psychology. Considered an interdisciplinary degree, psychology students are also exposed to coursework focused on various sciences, research methodology, healthcare, and human relations.

Master of Business Administration
Students who pursue a master’s in Business Administration are prepared to take on positions of responsibility within the field of business and management. Concentrations are available to help students target their desired industry including, but not limited to, Healthcare Management, Information Technology, Project Management, and Public Administration.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
An MS in Criminal Justice Administration allows post-baccalaureate students to expand their knowledge in the field. Successful graduates will be qualified for more advanced, higher paying positions within the field, and can often assume management or leadership roles within a variety of law enforcement, correctional, or courtroom facilities.

Master of Science in Emergency Services Management
Those who earn an MS in Emergency Services Management will develop additional managerial skills pertinent to working within the emergency services field.

Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health
The MS in Occupational Safety and Health prepares students to lead in the area of workplace safety and health. The included coursework meets the standards set forth by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) designation, as well as the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation.

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
A graduate of the MS in Organizational Leadership program will have knowledge regarding leadership theory and various best practices for a successful organization. Successful students will be prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of workplaces.

Master of Public Administration
A Master of Public Administration will possess some skills designed to help organizations work efficiently together regardless of whether they are private businesses, not-for-profits, or part of the public sector. Graduates often pursue careers in the public service field.

Master of Public Health
Students of the Master of Public Health program gain a thorough understanding of public health concerns. This includes how pressing issues are managed, as well as how research is conducted within the field.

Doctor of Business Administration
A Doctor of Business Administration offers the opportunity to build further on the skills learned in previous degrees, and advance their professional development.