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UNIVERSITYCatalog2015G R A D U AT E & U N D E R G R A D U AT E
GENERAL INFORMATIONNondiscrimination PolicyCSU provides equal educational opportunity and does not discriminate with respect to race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, physicalhandicap, age, marital status, gender, or status such as a disabled veteran.Policy DisclaimerAt CSU, we are committed to ensuring that our students are kept informed of the latest principles, theories, and applications pertaining to theirstudies. However, CSU reserves the right to make changes as deemed appropriate in our course offerings, curricula, academic policies, and otherrules and regulations affecting students without prior notification.Catalog DisclaimerThis publication is not a contract between the student and CSU or any party or parties and should not be regarded as such. Reasonable effort wasmade at the time this document was created to ensure that all policies and provisions of this publication were correct. CSU reserves the right tomake changes and addendums to current policy as necessary and will post these changes on the CSU website at http://myCSU.ColumbiaSouthern.edu. Students affected by policy changes will be contacted by the appropriate CSU faculty or staff member to discuss the student’s options underthe new policy.iiColumbia Southern University University Catalog
Columbia Southern UniversityUniversity Catalog 2015 Edition IPublished January 201521982 University Lane (Shipping) P.O. Box 3110 (Mailing) Orange Beach, AL 36561Main Phone 800.977.8449 251.981.3771 Main Fax 251.981.3815Copyright 2015 Columbia Southern University
GENERAL INFORMATIONJanuary 1, 2015Dear Student,Thank you for your interest in the online programs available at Columbia Southern University. One of thenation’s first completely online universities, CSU offers a unique educational experience designed to fitaround your schedule. Choose from associate, bachelor, master, and certificate programs that support youreducational and career goals.We are dedicated to helping our students achieve their goals. Students choose CSU for the following reasons.Convenience— All of CSU’s degree programs are offered completely online, giving you the flexibility to fityour education around c areer and family commitments.Exceptional Service— Beginning with your initial contact, you’ll find that our personalized service is secondto none. Building long-term relationships and providing student-centered services is an important part of ourcore values. Faculty and staff are readily available to assist you. From the application process, to classwork,and all the way through to graduation, we are with you every step of the way.Flexible Learning— Take your classroom with you wherever you go. At CSU, there are no scheduled onlinesessions or on-site exams. Residency is not a requirement and coursework can be completed at times that aremost convenient for you. Choose between two online learning models, Term or LifePace Learning.Textbooks Provided— For your convenience, textbooks are provided at no cost through the CSU Book Grant.Complimentary Success Center Services— The CSU Writing and Math Center provides services to studentsthat will aid in your success throughout your academic career. Services are provided at no cost and areavailable from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday CST.Value— Our tuition is competitively priced to make achieving a quality education affordable and realistic.Federal Student Aid (FSA), T A and VA benefits are also available for eligible participants.We welcome any questions you may have and look forward to assisting you with the admission process.Applications and enrollments are accepted throughout the calendar year. You may access the CSU applicationfor admission by visiting www.columbiasouthern.edu.Sincerely,Robert Mayes, PresidentivColumbia Southern University University Catalog
Table of ContentsI. General Information. 2About CSU.2Accreditation.3State Authorization and Licensure.3Higher Education Related Membership.3Clery/Campus/Security Policy.3Student Records .3Student Handbook.3Gainful Employment Disclosure.3Registering A Complaint with CSU.3Registering A Complaint withExternal Agencies .4Title IX.4Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).4Hours of Operation and Contact Information .5II. Student Resources. 6myCSU Student Portal.6Academic Advising Center.6Bookstore Operations .6Business Affairs.6Career Services.6Military Support Group.6Office of Disability Services.6Office of Financial Aid.6Office of the Registrar.6Office of Student Resolution.6Student and Alumni Engagement .6Student Services.7Writing / Math Center.7III. Admissions. 8Admission Requirements.8Other General Requirements.8Admission Status.9Admission Process.10Online Learning Options .10Transcript Request Service.11Transfer Credit.11IV. Tuition & Fees. 12Tuition Rates. 12Student Fees. 12Automatic Credit Card Payment Plan. 12Military Educational Benefits . 13Corporate Billing. 13Types of Federal Student Aid Available. 13Tuition Refund Policy. 13Textbook Policy. 14V. Financial Assistance. 15Types of Federal Student Aid Available. 15Leave of Absence Policy. 15Tuition Assistance/DANTES. 16VA Benefits. 16GoArmyEd. 16Air University Associate-to-BaccalaureateCooperative (AU-ABC). 16Scholarships. 16VI. Academic Information. 17Academic Year . 17Degree Programs and Certificates. 17Courses. 18Academic Integrity. 19Institutional Academic Progress Policy. 19Inactive Status. 20Graduation Requirements. 20Transcripts. 20VII. College of Arts & Sciences. 23General Education. 24General Education Curriculum. 25Associate of Arts in General Studies. 26Bachelor of Science in Psychology. 26VIII. College of Business. 29Associate of Science in Business. 30Associate of Science in Health Information Science. 30Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.31Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration. 33Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management. 34Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. 35Master of Business Administration. 36Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. 37Master of Public Administration (MPA) . 37College of Business Certificates. 38Doctor of Business Administration. 40IX. College of Safety & Emergency Services. 43Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. 44Associate of Science in Fire Science. 44Associate of Science in Occupational Safety and Health. 45Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. 45Bachelor of Science in EmergencyMedical Services Administration. 46Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management. 47Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration. 48Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. 48Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Security. 49Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. 50Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health.51Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.51Master of Science in Emergency Services Management. 52Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health. 52College of Safety and Emergency Services Certificates. 53X. Course Descriptions. 55XI. Continuing Education. 82XII. Alliances. 83Learning Partnerships. 83University Academic Partnerships. 83XIII. Board of Trustees. 85XIV. Administration. 86Administration & Academic Officers . 86XV. Faculty. 88The content and policies included in this catalog are subject to change and will be updated periodically throughout the year as needed.
GENERAL INFORMATIONI. General InformationAbout CSUMission StatementColumbia Southern University provides diverse learningexperiences and affordable, flexible distance education programsat the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to a globalstudent body, delivered by qualified, student-centered facultycommitted to teaching and student learning. The University isdedicated to providing exceptional academic and student supportservices.Core ValuesThe CSU mission rests on the commitment to and achievementof the following core values: Integrity, fairness, tolerance, and professionalism in alloperations which support our mission; Focus on affordable, quality online instruction includingundergraduate programs with a general education core thatpromotes life-long learning and the success of its graduates; Receptivity and respect for a diversity of cultures, ideas,experiences, and people by all areas of the university; Accessibility, flexibility, and the use of appropriatetechnology in the delivery of its online programs, services,and operations; Encouragement of scholarly pursuit and creative endeavorsof students, faculty, and university staff; Provide student-centered support services that are personal,responsive, and geared toward assisting students in achievingtheir educational goals; Collaboration with business, industry, the community, andgovernmental bodies to create affordable and accessiblelearning opportunities for employees; A focus on long-term relationships and servingconstituencies with special needs that include membersof the armed services, public service employees, lawenforcement, fire, and public safety individuals; A professional outlook that values innovation, ongoingself-assessment, creative thinking, and a willingness to leadpositive educational change; Provide staff and faculty with a stable and enjoyable workenvironment enriched by a family culture of caring, respect,and open communication; Fulfill the role of a good corporate citizen throughcommunity participation and support.2Columbia Southern University University CatalogVisionThe Vision of Columbia Southern University is to change andimprove lives through higher education by enabling students tomaximize their professional and personal potential.HistoryColumbia Southern University has always maintained astudent-first philosophy by providing educational opportunitiesthrough distance learning to non-traditional students. This visionoriginated from the founder of Columbia Southern University,Robert Mayes, Sr. He established a family-oriented culture ofcaring and respect among staff and faculty that is maintained tothis day.His experience in developing and presenting training programsin environmental compliance and occupational safety for smallbusinesses led to the establishment of two certificate programs inthe field, and later, the founding of CSU in 1993.To fill the void of formal online degree programs for safety andenvironmental managers, two bachelor’s degree programs weredeveloped in the areas of occupational safety and health andenvironmental management.In 1996, online programs beyond the safety and environmentalcareer fields were developed and included businessadministration, computer science, criminal justice administrationand health administration. Achieving accreditation had been agoal for CSU since its inception and that goal became a realityon January 15, 2001, when the Distance Education and TrainingCouncil granted national accreditation to CSU.In 2002, several approvals and affiliation agreements with stateschools were achieved along with receiving Defense Activity forNon-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and VeteransAffairs approval.In 2003, CSU expanded its international offerings by beingone of the first U.S. universities to offer a hybrid (online andclassroom) degree program in Vietnam. The opportunity to earnan MBA degree was offered in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.Between 2002 and 2004, CSU expanded its degree offeringsto include associate degrees and six new majors and launchedthe learning partnership program. This program would allowbusinesses, municipalities, organizations and corporations topartner with CSU and receive benefits such as tuition discounts,application fee waivers, and later scholarship opportunities, foremployees/members and their spouses and children.
GENERAL INFORMATIONAs growth continued, CSU moved into a new facility in 2005 onCanal Road in Orange Beach, Alabama. However, this news wassoon overshadowed by great sadness to CSU as Robert Mayes, Sr.,passed away after a lengthy illness on September 26, 2005. Hewas succeeded as president by his son Robert Mayes, Jr.In 2006, CSU continued to grow as CSU’s student body reached6,700 active students. Soon, additional staff members werebrought in, and CSU’s one-year old facility began to rapidlyapproach capacity. In addition, CSU was reaccredited by theDistance Education and Training Council with very high praisefrom the accreditation team. CSU was also honored by beingselected among the first group of colleges and universities tobe accepted into the Air Force Academic Institution Portal andinto the U.S. Army’s Centralized Tuition Assistance Management(CTAM) program, GoArmyEd.State Authorization and LicensureColumbia Southern University is licensed by the State ofAlabama, Department of Postsecondary Education pursuant tothe Alabama Private School License Law, Code of Alabama,Title 16-46-1 through 10. For additional information on stateauthorization, please visit ation-Licensure/State-Authorization.Higher Education Related MembershipCSU is an institutional member of the American Council onEducation (ACE), a major higher education coordinating bodythat influences public policy through advocacy, research, andprogram initiatives. ACE membership is open to accrediteddegree-granting colleges and universities, and higher educationassociations within the United States.In 2008, CSU received approval by the U.S. Department ofEducation to offer Federal Student Aid. In the same year, CSUbroke ground on a new 67,000-square-foot building whichwould open in 2009.Clery/Campus/Security PolicyOn January 8, 2010, Waldorf College, a private undergraduateliberal arts college in Iowa, was purchased and became CSU’ssister college. CSU’s active student count at the end of 2010was 25,291. In 2011, CSU’s program in Vietnam became thefirst distance learning program to be accredited by the VietnamMinistry of Education and Training.Student RecordsIn 2012, the corporate structure of the organization was changedso that a parent company, Columbia Southern Education Group,would own Columbia Southern University and Waldorf College.Today, CSU continues to focus on building long-termrelationships while providing an exceptional student experience,affordable tuition, and a flexible learning format to more than29,000 students. CSU boasts a faculty and staff of 1,000 whodiligently focus on continually improving CSU’s academicprograms, services, and operations while maintaining anexceptional standard of customer service.AccreditationColumbia Southern University is an accredited member of theDistance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) [formerlythe Distance Education and Training Council - DETC]. The DEACis recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) asa nationally recognized accrediting agency, and is a recognizedmember of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA). CHEA is a nonprofit organization serving as a nationaladvocate for self-regulation of academic quality throughaccreditation.Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)(Formerly the Distance Education and Training Council - DETC)1601 18th Street, N.W., Suite 2Washington, D.C. 20009Phone: (202) 234-5100Fax: (202) 332-1386www.deac.orginfo@deac.orgTo view the Clery/Campus Security Policy, please policy.Student records, including financial and academic records, arekept indefinitely.Student HandbookThe Student Handbook is the official document on policies,procedures, and resources of Columbia Southern University.The handbook serves as the student’s personal guide book,assisting them in answering questions related to policies andprocedures that are both academic and administrative in nature,support services available for student success, academic guidance,and the responsibilities, expectations, and rights of students.The handbook can be found at book/CSU-StudentHandbook.PDF.Gainful Employment DisclosureColumbia Southern University (CSU) self-discloses informationpursuant to Gainful Employment Regulations as requiredby the U.S. Department of Education. CSU is forthright inpublishing gainful employment information so students have theinformation necessary to make informed, rational educationaldecisions. For information concerning median loan debt, costof attendance, occupational information, or retention andgraduation rates, please visit on.Registering A Complaint with CSUColumbia Southern University (CSU) is committed to providinghigh quality educational and related services for students.From time to time students may have questions concerningadministrative policies or operations. CSU encourages studentsto notify the institution when there is cause for concern inacademic and non-academic matters. For information onColumbia Southern University University Catalog3
GENERAL INFORMATIONregistering a complaint with Columbia Southern University, ering A Complaint withExternal AgenciesStudents who wish to file a complaint with an agency, mayreview full contact and website information located on theCSU Website, ation-licensure/registering-a-complaint. Additionally,students should not contact these agencies unless they haveproceeded through the institution’s process for filing a complaintand no resolution has been achieved.DEAC Contact Information for Registering a ComplaintDistance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)(Formerly the Distance Education and Training Council - DETC)1601 18th Street, N.W., Suite 2Washington, D.C. 20009Phone: (202) 234-5100Fax: (202) 332-1386www.deac.orginfo@deac.orgState-Specific Contact Information for Registering aComplaintGeorgiaGeorgia Residents may register a complaint with the state ofGeorgia by following the contact information below.Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220Tucker, Georgia 30084(770) 414-3300Complaints can be submitted through the following website:www.gnpec.orgTitle IXTitle IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal lawthat prohibits sex discrimination in education. It reads: “Noperson in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excludedfrom participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjectedto discrimination under any education program or activityreceiving Federal financial assistance.”--Legal Citation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX)4Columbia Southern University University CatalogStatement of PolicyIt is the policy of Columbia Southern University to prohibitdiscrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender,national origin, race, religion, sex or veteran’s status in regard tothe administration of all programs, services and activities.To ensure compliance with Title IX, the President of theUniversity has designated the Title IX Administrator as theprimary contact responsible for developing, adopting and/orassuring the dissemination of the University’s nondiscriminationpolicy and for making the policy available to the Universitycommunity, to include students, faculty, staff, and to the public.Contact InformationColumbia Southern University students, faculty, and staff withinquiries concerning the application of Title IX to the University’sprograms and activities, or for inquiries regarding allegations ofdiscrimination or grievances concerning Title IX are encouragedto contact:Mona McPherson, B.S.Title IX Administrator21982 University LaneOrange Beach, AL 36561877.729.0718Mona.McPherson@csegroup.comFamily Educational Rights & Privacy Act(FERPA)The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)affords a student certain rights with respect to their educationalrecords. Columbia Southern University (CSU) acknowledges thislaw as university policy.For complete FERPA information, visit the CSU formation/FERPA.
GENERAL INFORMATIONHours of Operation and Contact InformationAddressColumbia Southern University21982 University Lane (Shipping)P.O. Box 3110 (Mailing)Orange Beach, AL 36561Main Telephone Numbers800.977.8449251.981.3771Main Fax Number251.981.3815Business Hours (CST)Main Office HoursMonday—Thursday: 8AM to 5PMFriday: 8AM to 3PMAcademic Advising, Student Services, andAdmissions HoursMonday—Friday: 8AM to 7PMBusiness Affairs, Office of Financial Aid,and Office of the Registrar HoursMonday—Friday: 8AM to 5PMTechnical Support HoursMonday—Friday: 8AM to 11PMSaturday—Sunday: 10AM to 7PMCareer Servicescareerservices@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.297.6192Main Office HoursCSU Online LibraryPhone: 877.268.8046Main Office HoursEmail: library@columbiasouthern.eduSeven Days Per WeekLive Chat Service:http://libguides.columbiasouthern.edu24 Hours Per Day / Seven Days Per WeekLearning hone: 800.344.5021Main Office HoursOffice of Disability ne: 888.785.3005Main Office HoursOffice of Financial Aidfinancialaid@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.316.8396Fax: 251.224.0590Main Office HoursContact InformationOffice of the Registrarregistrar@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.316.0219Fax: 251.224.0575Accounting/Business Affairsaccounting@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.323.4472Fax: 251.224.0570Office of Student one: 877.845.7926Main Office e: 877.347.6050Fax: 251.224.0540Quality Assurancecoursequality@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 800.977.8449Main Office ubookstore@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.323.4474Main Office HoursStudent AffairsVPSA@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 888.758.8614Main Office HoursStudent and Alumni EngagementCSU-SAE@columbiasouthern.eduStudent Services and Academic Advisingstudents@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.323.4471Fax: 251.224.0550Success Centerteamsucceed@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.875.0533Main Office HoursTechnical Supporttechsupport@columbiasouthern.eduPhone: 877.399.1063CSU Websitehttp://www.columbiasouthern.eduBlackboard Websitehttp://online.columbiasouthern.eduStudent Portalhttp://mycsu.columbiasouthern.edu2015 Observed HolidaysUniversity offices are closed annually in observanceof the following holidays:New Year’s—January 1Martin Luther King Jr. Day—January 19Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras)—February 17Good Friday— April 3Memorial Day—May 25Independence Day—July 3Labor Day— September 7Veterans Day— November 11Thanksgiving—November 25, 26, & 27Christmas—December 23, 24, & 25Academic CalendarTo view the current academiccalendar, please visit emic-CalendarColumbia Southern University University Catalog5
STUDENT RESOURCESII. Student ResourcesBelow is a brief summary of resources available to CSU students.Students should consult the CSU Student Handbook, website,and support departments for detailed information on these andother resources.myCSU Student PortalThe myCSU Student Portal is the gateway to the University.Students have the option to: Log in to Blackboard to access and submit coursework View course grades Submit course enrollments Access the CSU Online Library View degree-specific information such as a ComprehensiveDegree Report Verify course start and end datesAcademic Advising CenterTrained academic advisors are available to assist students withselecting the courses needed to successfully complete theirdesired program of study. Academic advisors answer questionsabout course selection, policies, and procedures, and alsoencourage students to look to the future to formulate theireducational and career goals. Each student is assigned anacademic advisor who is available by phone or email to discussprogram requirements. Students are encouraged to contact theiradvisor with any questions about their degree plan.Bookstore OperationsThe Bookstore Operations include shipping textbooks tostudents, processing incoming and outgoing mail for theuniversity, as well as managing the online bookstore and physicalstore located in the CSU administrative building in OrangeBeach, AL.Military Support GroupWith over half of CSU students being military, it is important tous that service members receive the proper support and respect asthey move forward in completing their degree with CSU.Office of Disability ServicesIt is the policy of CSU to provide reasonable accommodation(s)for persons defined as disabled under Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990, and all other local and state requirements dealing
at the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to a global student body, delivered by qualified, student-centered faculty committed to teaching and student learning. The University is dedicated to providing exceptional academic and student support services. Core Values The CSU mission rests on the commitment to and achievement
