Admission Requirements Policy
The admissions policy and practices of Columbia Southern University (CSU) do not discriminate against individuals based on age, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexuality, or disability. CSU administers educational policies, scholarship programs, and other programs, and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and students with disabilities as required by applicable laws. Applicants under the age of 18 must supply parental consent when entering into signed agreements with the University.
Please refer to the CSU website for additional details regarding Title IX.
General Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission must:
- Complete an application, which includes, but is not limited to, a valid phone number, email, physical address, and Social Security number (SSN), if applicable.
- Meet minimum admission requirements as outlined in the Admission Documentation Guidelines
- Meet additional program requirements outlined in the specific College Guidelines
College of Business and Technology Guidelines
The College of Business and Technology provides students with business, management, and leadership acumen directly applicable to real-world, industry-relevant business experiences, delivered by qualified, experienced faculty who are committed to teaching and student learning. College leadership, faculty and program outcomes focus on preparing students who are effective communicators, ethically sound, and critical thinkers who can make data-driven decisions in future career opportunities.
ACBSP Accreditation
Several of the business programs at CSU have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Universities whose programs are accredited through ACBSP are committed to continuous improvement and providing business programs that will give students the skills employers are seeking and ensures that students gain appropriate skills from their educational investment. Additional information about specific program requirements can be found below.
Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Marketing Management
- Managerial Economics
- Managerial Finance
- Strategic Management
Doctor of Organizational Leadership
Applicants must have successfully completed master’s degree from an accredited institution. There are not any prerequisites for this program.
*Students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better for entry into the program. In cases where applicants have not completed the required courses, a documented summary indicating mastery of the competencies for each course may serve as evidence that the applicant is prepared to learn and benefit from a rigorous program of study.
The College Dean, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, or Provost may approve exceptions to these guidelines.
College of Education Guidelines
Columbia Southern University’s College of Education is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where all students are respected, supported, and valued. We acknowledge that no two learners are alike, so we strive to cultivate differentiated instructional methods to help students become compassionate, empathetic, and culturally competent educators, leaders, and trainers throughout the world. Additional information about specific program requirements can be found below.
Postgraduate Professional Program
Specialist in Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.S.)
- Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction
- Curriculum Design
- Student Centered Differentiated Instruction
Doctoral Program
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (Ed.D.)
Applicants must have successfully completed an education-related master’s degree. For applicants who do not hold a master’s degree related to education, the following graduate-level courses are required, as prerequisites*:
- Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction
- Curriculum Design
- Assessment, Learning, and Action Research
- Student Centered Differentiated Instruction
*Students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better for entry into the program. In cases where applicants have not completed the required courses, a documented summary indicating mastery of the competencies for each course may serve as evidence that the applicant is prepared to learn and benefit from a rigorous program of study.
The College Dean, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, or Provost may approve exceptions to these guidelines.
College of Nursing and Health Sciences Guidelines
Columbia Southern University School of Nursing promotes the holistic well-being and health of individuals and diverse communities through exceptional nursing education, informatics, impactful leadership, and lifelong learning. The mission of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is to achieve excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education by providing affordable, high-quality, and student-centered learning experiences to a diverse population of health professionals, to improve and positively impact the healthcare environment as well as the greater community. For all nursing programs, students must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license. Students whose license becomes inactive or encumbered during the program will not be permitted to register for a nursing course and may be dismissed from their program. Students must reside and be licensed in one of the states in which Columbia Southern University College of Nursing is authorized to provide online education, as part of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Additional information about specific program requirements can be found below.
Non-Degree Seeking Students*
*Pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Students who wish to complete the 3 Ps of Nursing in the graduate program, Advanced Pathophysiology & Physiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment, should refer to the Non-Degree Seeking Students section in the Admission Requirements Policy. Applicants must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
Undergraduate Program*
RN-Bachelor to Science in Nursing (BSN)*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
Graduate Programs*
Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSNE)*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (MSNI)*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems (MSNL)*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSNE) – Accelerated Dual Degree*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing Informatics (MSNI) – Accelerated Dual Degree*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
RN to Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration of Health Care Systems (MSNL) – Accelerated Dual Degree*
*Program pending approval by the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges Applicants must have successfully completed an associate degree in nursing or diploma in nursing from an approved program or a program with programmatic accreditation, or a program with specialty accreditation. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license.
International Applicants
All nursing transcripts from foreign institutions must be evaluated by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to determine the equivalence of bachelor’s degree in nursing. Applicants must have and maintain an active and unencumbered RN license. The College Dean, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, or Provost may approve exceptions to these guidelines.
College of Safety and Emergency Services Guidelines
The College of Safety and Emergency Services provides students with cutting edge real-world application in the public safety fields. Expert faculty provide for leadership and industry related experience encompassing a wealth of practical knowledge utilizing a student-centered approach to education. The college leadership, faculty, and course curriculum focus on preparing students who can take their classroom experiences and knowledge directly into their professional field providing for effective public safety professionals able to excel in their field as well as future career opportunities. Additional information about specific program requirements can be found below.
Undergraduate Programs
Associate of Science in Emergency Services Management
Applicants must submit documentation of an active paramedic license which indicates date of expiration.
Doctoral Programs
Doctor of Emergency Management
Note: Closely related disciplines include homeland security, criminal justice, or public safety. Applicants with credentials in similar programs may submit an appeal to the College Dean.
Doctor of Occupational Safety and Health
Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s in occupational safety and health, or a closely related discipline, which includes the following four graduate-level occupational safety and health courses, as prerequisites*:
- Industrial Safety
- Industrial Hygiene
- Any two additional courses within, or closely related to, the Occupational Safety and Health discipline.
The Academic Program Director or College Dean may consider advanced practice in OSH, as demonstrated by a relevant and accredited professional certification, as an exception to the course-level requirement(s).
Note: Closely related disciplines include health physics, public health, ergonomics and human factors, environmental science, industrial hygiene, emergency management, fire science/technology, epidemiology, or occupational health nursing. Applicants with credentials in similar programs may submit an appeal to the College Dean.
*Students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better for entry into the program. In cases where applicants have not completed the required courses, a documented summary indicating mastery of the competencies for each course may serve as evidence that the applicant is prepared to learn and benefit from a rigorous program of study.
The College Dean, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, or Provost may approve exceptions to these guidelines.
Homeschooled students must demonstrate successful completion of homeschooling at the secondary level as defined by state law in which the high school credential is earned. A detailed guide for meeting the CSU admission requirements is available in the CSU Homeschooled Admission Guidelines.
International students Applicants may self-certify that they have successfully completed the equivalent of grade 12 in a U.S. secondary school. They may also provide evidence of their successful completion of a program considered equivalent to an accredited high school diploma or GED certificate. If English is not their native language, they must show proficiency in it. A detailed guide for meeting the CSU admission requirements is available in the CSU International Admission Guidelines.
Other General Requirements
Student Identity Verification
CSU must confirm the identity of students registering in distance education programs. During the admissions process, applicants must submit a color image of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a state driver’s license, state identification card, or U.S. passport. CSU also holds the right to demand additional sources of identity verification, including the following:
- SSN card
- Utility bill less than 90 days old
- W-2 tax form
- Voter registration card
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Vehicle registration
- Current Homeowner’s insurance policy with name and address
International applicants must submit a color image of a valid international government-issued driver's license, national/state/province identity card (including European ID card), or a valid international travel passport. They may also need to provide additional sources of identity verification, including, but not limited to the following:
- Permanent Resident card
- Immigration and Naturalization Service Employment Authorization Card (I-766) (for those working in the U.S.)
- Border Crossing card
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission allows applicants to enroll in a program for a limited time pending the receipt of required official transcripts.
- For undergraduate programs, applicants who self-certify graduation from an approved high school program and/or those who must submit additional documents to meet programmatic requirements may complete up to 12 credit hours.
- For graduate programs, applicants who have documentation of a conferred bachelor’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, or the equivalent, may complete up to six (6) credit hours.
- For postgraduate professional and doctoral programs, applicants who have documentation of a conferred bachelor’s and master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution or the equivalent, may complete up to seven (7) credit hours.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Non-degree seeking status is available to applicants who do not wish to pursue a degree, but are interested in taking courses for self-enrichment or professional development, or for those who have not yet earned a high school diploma, or its equivalent.
Applicants seeking to enroll in one or more courses as a non-degree seeking student are expected to meet the minimum admissions requirements for the specified course level and any prerequisite coursework required.
Non-degree seeking students are subject to the standard tuition rate. Non-degree seeking status is not eligible for Title IV and students currently enrolled in a secondary school are not eligible for Federal Student Aid (see FSA eligibility).
High School Graduates
Applicants who have completed high school must self-certify successful high school completion (or equivalent) and provide the school’s name, city, state, and year of graduation on the Columbia Southern University (CSU) application for admission.
The maximum number of credits that can be earned under a non-degree seeking status, as a high school graduate, is 12 credit hours. The student may then petition to be placed into a degree program.
High School Students
For applicants who are currently enrolled in high school, the requirements are as follows:
- Completion of Columbia Southern University (CSU) application for admission
- Completion of sophomore year of high school
- Submission of current official high school transcript with a 3.00 cumulative GPA
- A letter of approval from a parent or legal guardian
- A letter of approval from a school official
- Only required if the student seeks to apply college credit to high school graduation requirements
Current high school students may enroll as non-degree seeking until such time a high school diploma, or its equivalent, is earned. The student may then petition to be placed into a degree program.
Denial/Conditional Probation Admission Decision and Appeal
CSU reserves the right to deny admission to applicants failing to meet admission requirements. Applicants might receive conditional admission or a probationary status, with their enrollment potentially limited to prove their capability to successfully complete college-level coursework. Factors considered in admission decisions may include, but not limited to, high school GPA, past academic performance at other post-secondary institutions, excessive course withdrawals, and other indicators of success.
Applicants who wish to appeal the admission decision may do so by providing additional information to validate their high school diploma or equivalency, or by submitting documentation that demonstrates extenuating circumstances during the period of substandard performance. This information, along with the completed Admission Decision Appeal Form should be sent to registrar@columbiasouthern.edu.
Exceptions to all Admissions requirements herein may be approved by the Dean of Students, College Dean, VPAA, Provost, or President.
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