Online Education at Columbia Southern University
Expect more from your online university! Get more out of life.
Columbia Southern University was developed to meet the needs of the adult learner. All programs are offered online, allowing you to honor your career and family commitments while steadily progressing toward your educational goals. Flexible programs and open enrollment give you the opportunity to begin courses at anytime and study when it best fits your schedule.
Beginning with your initial contact you will find that CSU's personalized service is second to none. Faculty and Staff are dedicated to the principle that it is only through your success that we succeed. You will find us readily available to assist you with information from the application process to graduation requirements.
Find out how close you are to earning your degree. You could be closer than you know!
Apply now with no obligation to enroll and experience our quality service firsthand.
Why Choose CSU?
Comprehensive Evaluation
Once you submit your application, CSU will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your prior academic credit, training experiences and relevant professional licenses and certifications. You will be provided with a detailed evaluation report outlining transfer credit accepted and courses required for degree completion. While there's no obligation to enroll, you will experience first hand CSU's quality service.
Transfer Credit
CSU allows maximum transfer credit for your prior academic credits, training and relevant professional licenses and certifications. Up to 75 percent of undergraduate courses and 50 percent of master’s level courses can be transferred into your degree program. Students are allowed to transfer in 15 percent of course work into the DBA program.
Academic Credit
CSU accepts transfer academic credit from institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). For prior undergraduate academic credit to be eligible for transfer grades earned must be a "C" or higher. However, a maximum of three courses in which a "D" was earned may be considered during the admission process. "D's" are not accepted as transfer credit for English Composition I, II or their equivalent. For prior academic credit to be eligible for transfer at the master's degree level, grades earned must be a "B" or higher. However, a maximum of one course in which a "C" was earned may be considered for acceptance.
Professional Licenses, Certificates, and Training Programs
CSU uses guidelines established by the American Council on Education (ACE) to determine if certain training programs, certificates, professional licenses, and/or military training warrant awarding academic credit. The following ACE publications are used.
Transfer Credit by Examination
CSU accepts credit by examination from the following:
- The College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education (DANTES)
Open Enrollment
Start class when you are ready, with CSU's Per Course Enrollment. There are no predetermined semester or session dates you need to contend with your enrollment. CSU sets the objectives, you set the schedule, and CSU's faculty and staff provide the support you need to successfully complete your degree program. Once enrolled, you will be assigned a personal Student Service Representative who works with you on an individualized basis throughout your program of study. Faculty members are assigned at the beginning of each course providing the academic support you need to successfully complete each course.
Flexible Learning
At CSU, there are no scheduled online sessions you need contend with, nor are you required to participate in learning teams or groups designed for the "typical" younger campus based student. You will work at your own pace, completing assignments in time frames that work best for you. CSU's method of flexible individualized instruction is designed to provide each student the guidance and support needed for successful course completion.
Course Structure
CSU's online courses combine the best of online delivery and traditional university textbooks. Online you will find the course syllabus, course content, and assignments. This student friendly course design allows you the most flexibility in choosing when and where you will study. Once enrolled, you will be assigned a personal Student Service Representative who works with you on an individualized basis throughout your program of study. Faculty members are assigned at the beginning of each course providing the academic support you need to successfully complete each course.
Tuition Assistance, DANTES and VA Benefits
Tuition Assistance is available to all Active Duty, Active Guard/Reserve, and Military and Civilian personnel of the Army National Guard, through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), which qualifies active duty military personnel for tuition reimbursement. CSU is approved for Veterans' Educational Benefits. Eligible participants may apply for benefits by calling the VA Office or visiting their Web site.
Value
CSU's tuition rate is one of the most competitive rates available. Combine that with excellent service and a quality program, and we think that you will agree that CSU offers an unbeatable value in online education.

