Columbia Southern University Comments

I think that Columbia Southern is a great school to go to. I have already contacted TVA, one of the best places to work at in Tennessee and surroundings states, and they said they recognize CSU as an higher education school, and that some of their employees have graduated from there. So for those who have doubts about CSU, let them go and attend the school.

Do your own research. Yes CSU is nationally accredited but that is neither less than regional accreditation nor is it illegitimate... It's just different. Actually, NA is a more stringent process and is harder to get. RA is exactly what it says; regional. That means the institution is larger and makes more money-college is a business like everything else and those thAt make large profits want to keep it so they will tell you don't go NA.
CSUs OSH&H degree is accredited by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and is the premier accrediting body for the safety industry; if your degree isn't accredited by them you are not eligible to sit for industry certifications. Most major industries are like that and you should pay attention to your DEGREE accreditation. Research your field, check out the certifications and WHO accredits them, they will be able to guide you to degree programs they accredit. Example, the american library association accredits worthy degree programs in library science. Also, education requires backwards planning-know your final objective (or at least have an idea) beforehand so you can plan the most efficient path to it without wasting time, money, and credits. You're going to have problems transferring NA to RA because the accreditation is different not because NA is illegitimate. As long as you transfer NA to NA, you're ok...same for RA.
As far as poor class facilitation or easy work, that's on the instructor and you can get a bad one anywhere including the biggest colleges. CSU curriculum meets or exceeds the standard but some teachers are just easy, that's a part of education and life for that matter, everyone is not the same.  And if a student actually felt the teacher was lenient, they don't have to go along with it; write a 600 word essay instead of just 200. Account for & challenge yourself, instead of blaming the teacher for not pushing you enough...wow.  
Finally, no employer is going  to deny employment  because of an NA degree, it's legitimate, legal, and accredited. As with any other job, it's your impression in the interview that makes the biggest difference...always has been.
Go to the Dept of Edu website and familiarize yourself on accrediting bodies they recognize, there are many and recognizing them requires effort. Also, you need to be careful because there are companies that still assign themselves prestigious sounding names or important sounding accrediting bodies and will award you a worthless degree but CSU is not one of them. Let's not even get started on tuition costs; CSU is accredited and affordable. You're getting the same education with CSU that you'd get at an RA on campus program for a fraction of the cost.   
Take the time to actually educate yourself rather than go on someone else's word  with no knowledge or research of your own.

I had an employee who completed the environmental management program.  He used to claim to be an environmental engineer, but now claims to have a "four-year degree".  He has a glowing letter from CSU stating that his final research paper was the best they had ever received.  Unfortunately, he left the paper out for me to read one day - the spelling and grammar were horrible and it did not even make sense, changing subjects in the middle of a page and never going back to complete the thought.  If his work is typical of that of a CSU 4.0 student, then this cannot be a legitimate school.

1 typo: I meant OS&H degree :-)

@ Walter,

"Arguing with a fool, is like mud wrestling with a pig; you get all dirty." In other words, don't waste your time debating the mortgage crisis from someone who gets all their news from fixed, I meant fox news. Don't bother providing written facts from congress. A certain demographic only wants to acknowledge what is told to  them from Bill O'Reilly, Glenn Beck, Joe Scarborough and Rush Limbaugh because that is what they like to hear. I recently lived in Flagler County, FL and Houston County, GA. There are many people who have had homes foreclosed in those areas. All you have to do is check out the demographics in those areas hardest hit by the mortgage crisis and it gives you an idea of just WHO are defaulting on loans and losing homes, lol!!

Good school for the budget-minded individual and full-time parent and employee. Exceptional student services and reasonable course work. It may not be the college of choice if you are not currently employed or have little to no work experience. Though recognized by CHEA and USDOE, a majority of regionally accredited schools will not recognize CSU credits so do your homework if you intend to transfer your credits later on to another institution. Better yet, don't enroll if you don't intend to finish your studies in CSU. There's absolutely no use whining about it afterwards. The same goes for people looking for immediate employment with this degree. CSU will help you get a degree and an education but the rest is up to you. A degree is only part of the resume, and it is not the ONLY deciding factor in getting hired.

The credits won't transfer anywhere, so if you plan on having a higher degree from a genuine school, don't go here. Sure, they offer a degree, but employers don't count this school as a true 4-year college. If a school has to pay more attention to lying about their accreditation than anything else, it's a scam. Please be aware of this before letting them take your jobs education money or your GI Bill. 

Good solid school, reasonable tuition, great support.

I may strongly consider pursuing a CSU DBA if CSU attains regional accreditation...

I'm attending a CSU graduate program with two more classes to go until graduation. Online at CSU is great. And you can't beat the no-hassle textbooks mailed to your home! In my opinion, there is no difference in quality of the education between online and the traditional classroom.  By the way, I've interviewed people for positions at my organization over the last few years. Never once has regional versus national accreditation been an issue.  If they are accredited, they are accredited...period.  When I have been on interview panels, never once did anyone stop the dicussion say, "hold-on, what type of accreditation does this university have? It better not be national."...really?? If you think most organizations are placing that much weight on national versus regional accreditation, you're fooling yourself.  Be smart in the interview, highlight your accomplishments, be eager to learn, and you'll get hired.  Education is just the first step.     

I believe the only thing that CSU lacks is the regional accreditation status. Overall, an excellent online school.

Good school, I was accepted by a number of regional grad schools with my CSU undergrad degree. This number is increasing all the time. VERY helpful staff.

hello, i am doing B.Sc life science in Bhutan. For years now i have heard of this university as my uncle went to this university once. From distance it is clear that CSU is dissolving into the Choas but is there anything that can be expected for frre online from here. Every man u meet in life, is fighting a dearly war

I recently had my CSU MBA credential evaluated by WES Canada, and was disappointed with the report. The report stated that WES Canada would only recognize degrees accredited by the six regional US accreditation agencies. Although DETC is recognized by both the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), they are not recognized by a number of agencies and companies. 

I had thought about registering for classes at CSU.  They had me to fax documents to them several times. I have some college credits from another college and thought some would transfer. They asked me for my high school transcript.  Why do I need to send a high school transcript when I have college credits for an associate degree?  I told them to shred all documents that I sent to them.  Other colleges have not asked for high school transcript.  It should be a no-brainer that you do not need to sent a high school transcript when you have college credits.  Also I have been out of high school for 26 years.  

About 1/3-1/2 of the final exams require a proctor, depends on the program. I had a great experience getting my BS in IT degree from CSU. They provide a lot of support and always respond very quickly, even the professors. Some classes were hard, some were not so, depends on the professor and your own experience and work ethic. And it is good enough to get me accepted into a number of regionally accredited graduate programs. And you will not go broke either.

I am a prospective student of CSU.  I just want to know how often I will have to secure a proctor for my exams.  If a former or current student would be willing to tell me that would be great.  I have asked all over, including facebook, but no one seems to have the time to answer.  Thanks in advance.

Some students that attend this school don't understand that this type of college was meant for the working adult. I graduated in July with a BSBA from CSU and I busted my ass over the last 1 and half years to complete it.  If your young I would recommend a traditional school.    I absolutely enjoyed my time at CSU and would definitely recommend this to anyone that is in the same situation as me.  Most jobs don't look at where you went to school especially if you just completed 22 years in the military.  All they care is you took the time and had the motivation to complete your degree!!

Funny, the Marine Corps Institute, the Army Center for Professional Development and Western Governors University are all accredited by detc.  The sec of education in Jan 2011 in a published letter said there was no difference between a national accreditation, a regional accreditation or a special accreditation - just the scope of what it covers I.e. Detc would be more appropriate than a regional accreditation.  Don't ask people for their interpretation
Of the facts, go to the source and get the actual facts.

The air force ots web page says it accepts regionally OR NATIONALLY accredited degrees.  So all that dod talk is just fiction.  

Have a nice day.

Mike

The Air Force accepts degrees from Regional and Nationally colleges or university for Officer Commissioning (OTS/LO). The cumulative GPA, moral character, physical health, AFOQT score and credit check are also taken in to consideration during selection. So, I don't understand why you are all arguing about RA and NA. Perhaps, it isn't your NA degree that didn't get you promoted...

CSU is an affordable quality school. The national vs. regional accreditation debate is nonsense and a mere waste of time. Education is what you make of it. Plus, as long as its recognized by the US DOE and CHEA, it's a valid degree. What's more, most employers recognize nationally accredited degrees. Plus, only close-minded universities do not accept its transfer credits.

I cannot believe how well the staff at CSU treats there incoming students.  I am a DBA student.  Textbooks are relevant.  Instructors are helpful.  Why did I take so long to find CSU?  The absolute ONLY drawback I see is national accreditation vs. regional.  That matters to some, but not to all.  Overall, great school, I get the high ratings now.

I do not have the ability to commit to a standard class schedule so the flexibility CSU provides is ideal.  It's not easy...oh no, it's not easy.  It is doable but you have to be committed and self motivated in order to succeed.

I've never attended a school where the staff was so incredibly helpful and supportive as CSU. It's a pleasure to be a student here after some of the other miserable institutions I've attended.

CSU is great for working adults who want to get an accredited degree without going bankrupt. That's the market segment they serve. And they do a good job at it. If they are not prestgious enough for you then go elsewhere, plenty of choices these days. Anybody who is trying to further their education deserves praise and encouragement.

CSU is not a bad school. They are accredited and the coursework is somewhat challenging. I did not expect a degree that would be on the same level as Harvard, Yale or MIT. I did plenty of research beforehand and realized their way of doing business (and EVERY college and university is a business, don't forget it!) is what I was looking for: flexible hours, open enrollment, accredited, inexpensive.

The regional vs. national accreditation discussion: if you want to get a degree from a regionally accredited school, your credits from CSU probably won't transfer, so go to a regionally accredited school! Do your research. The whining and crying on these review sites is just ridiculous. If you don't know about accreditation and transferability before signing up for classes through ANY school, you should probably take a course in common sense first.

The degree doesn't make the person. It's similar to a resume getting you an interview and then YOU get the job. A degree is no more than a piece of paper that says you can learn and that you have theoretical knowledge of a specific field. That's it. I know plenty of people who have Master's degrees from brick and mortar schools who have no clue about their chosen industry. If you get a degree from an online school and your friends laugh at you because its not from a "real" school, then you and your friends need to grow up. As long as it is nationally accredited, you have a legitimate degree. Bottom line, its about the person and how you apply the knowledge you gain. Expecting to land a good job with a huge salary just from a degree will result in disappointment and utter failure.

I would agree for the most part on everything you say. But a National Accreditation is nowhere near as good as it coming from a Regionally Accredited school and although in and of itself getting a degree is good getting it from a Regionally Accredited school holds a lot more weight in the education world (transferring of credits) and employers do look for that regional accreditation. Not one from a diploma mill that holds a "national" accreditation. I'm not saying that is what this school is but I would be looking for a online school with regional status without a doubt.

Good school, classes on average are medium-difficult, some professors more demanding than others. Good trtansfer policy. Very reasonably priced, staff is incredibly helpful and responsive compared to other schools I have attended. They let you know exactly what you have to take next so there is no danger of taking unnecessary classes like at other schools. Proctored exams. Responsive high-quality professors. You will end up with an accredited degree recognized by employers, government, and military. I wear my CSU t-shirt proudly!

Before enrolling in CSU, I believe prospective students ought to meticulously review the particular program of interest to determine if it suits their personal requirements and educational goals. Students should (of course)look elsewhere if these conditions and prerequisites are not fulfilled initially...

Legit school, accredited, great for working adults or deployed military, doesn't cost a fortune..what more do you want?

Regional Accreditation??? Not a "National" accreditation which does not compare to regional at all!

Legitimate or not, it does not qualify you for officer's program. Unfortunately, that is goal of many enlisted personnel who pursue higher education. SO, look elsewhere if that is your goal.

That is complete BS.  I am a signal officer in the US Army because of the school.  I was an enlisted E6.  Thank you CSU.  Half way done with my Masters using TA.

It is the prerogative of the DOD to distinguish between RA and NA degrees but this does not make NA degrees less valid. I also find it strange that DOD pays TA for NA schools but considers it invaluable in the end. On the other hand, you will also find that a lot of DOD personnel have NA degrees. I guess as long as the DOE recognizes NA, NA degrees are still legitimate.

It is the prerogative of the DOD to distinguish between RA and NA degrees but this does not make NA degrees less invalid. I also find it strange that DOD pays TA for NA schools but considers it invaluable in the end. On the other hand, you will also find that a lot of DOD personnel have NA degrees. I guess as long as the DOE recognizes NA, NA degrees are still legitimate.

I agree with the latter statement. If DOD stop declining request for TA for the schools that are only NA, then NA schools will be force to apply for both accreditations. Then and only then we'll know if they are worthy. It's that simple.

The truth will set you free; remember DOD is not DOE. DOE may not discrimate between NA and RA, but DOD does. Well, I suppose it's time to jump ship, and remind your enlisted TA users that if they are looking to become officers, CSU or any NA schools are not the way to go. Their work will be more suited and appreciated elsewhere. Check out Thomas Edison College, it's inexpensive and highly respectable undergraduate school. More importantly, with a bachelor from TE, you can go to any Officer's Program, granted of course your degree meets the need. NA accreditation should be abolished, RA should be it! DOD should stop paying TA for NA schools since they don't take them anyway. What for, just to say we have the highest educated ENLISTED force in world? It's a waste.

The Marine Corps will not let enlisted Marines commission with a NA degree either. I personally dont understand the problem since TA is paid out to both RA and NA schools. 
I have had better interaction as a grad student at CSU than I did at the very expensive highly accredited Hawaii Pacific University. 
If you plan to transfer to a RA university you may need to do some investigating on credit transfers, but I love CSU. 
I think the BS from the RA universities just allows the academia to feel a bit more elite. 

alright, launch your drones because of my typos but not on my points of argument.

peace, I am still proud of being an enlisted man with a degree. However worthless, it makes my wall looks good.

Well, I suppose Navy Officer recruiting is also being biased because for some reason, the Navy only accepts RA degrees. I received my HCA degrees from CSU and I have been putting in my Officer package three times now, all three times I wasn't selected. Before CSU defenders start launching their drones on me, allow me to expound. I had a straight 4.0 average from CSU, I have been selected as SNCO of the year, but yet I wasn't given a quota. However, the guy from Univ of Washington with a "B" average and not even close to being a runner up on SNCO of the year was selected. I was told because Army Baylor accepted his application for MBA and not mine. That leads me to a conclusion that, yes, they say it is not a disqualifying factor, which is true, but it cannot compete with any RA degree when quota is limited. In short, like being an NBA player, starting fives are the HARVARDS, reserves are the STATES, well, the CSUs are still NBA players who never see minutes. Good enough to be in the profeesional basketball, but not enough to actually play. Bummer. 

othello1 pretty much sums up the entire RA NA debate i.e. "The government (DOE) does not discriminate either way. Nor do most employers. *Only when attempting to transfer credits from a NA school to a RA one might one encounter difficulties*..." and "There is no question that CSU has valid and legitimate accreditation, as does any DETC (NA) school. DETC accreditation is fully recognized by the US Department of Education as being absolutely valid. RA denigration of NA institutions is purely political and not in any way related to academic rigor or legitimacy."

I would also like to add the following points: 
(1) Don't go to an NA school/university if you're particularly concerned about school name recognition or prestige.
(2) Don't go to an NA school/university if you plan to transfer to an RA school later on that does not recognize NA credits.
(3) Do your research/homework before posting obtuse opinions and comments about accreditation in this thread.

Fact: US DOE and most employers do not distinguish between RA and NA degrees.
Opinion: RA is the gold standard for educational accreditation.

In the end, "Education is what is left after you've forgotten everything you've learned." - Albert Einstein.

I find it difficult to believe that a graduate of a particular college would then come to a site like this and then proceed to slam them. These types of posts are highly suspect. If anything, one would expect the opposite to occur. At any rate, some of the below posts are correct in stating that only the RA institutions themselves may denegrate NA accreditations. The government (DOE) does not discriminate either way. Nor do most employers. *Only when attempting to transfer credits from a NA school to a RA one might one encounter difficulties*. I have attended both types of institutions and find them both to be sufficiently rigorous, and both are absolutely valid. There is no question that CSU has valid and legitimate accreditation, as does any DETC (NA) school. DETC accreditation is fully recognized by the Department of Education as being absolutely valid. RA denegration of NA institutions is purely political and not in any way related to academic rigor or legitimacy.

You guys make some decent points about accreditation. However, in my own experience, it seems as if a person's possiblities are endless with an RA degree and extremely limited (if any) with an NA degree. You can pretty much go to graduate school anywhere you want with an RA degree (if that's your goal). NA degrees are such a gamble because no one who knows anything about accreditation (employers, colleges, etc.) takes them seriously. In some instances, it is almost like having NO accreditation at ALL...

While RA degrees may have seemingly endless utility, it is NOT as if NA degrees are "no accreditation" degrees.  Most employers only want to be sure that there is SOME sort of accreditation attached to your diploma.

Come on guys. That may be so, but as it stands right now, NA is still in losing end. Also, the other accrediting bodies such as AACSB, ACSBP, NCATE,  CCNE, etc., wouldn't even consider NA institutions. CSU has a long way to go. Similarly, so does AMU since all it has to show for is NCA and DETC. It is not being said that because CSU is lacking this types of accreditations, it is also lacking credibility; it's just hasn't been tested and proven its credibility. The first step is get both RA and NA, then think about shooting for the stars.

Phil you cast light on the dark secret of the RA vs. NA debate, the only people who see RA as being superior are the RA accrediting bodies themselves. The DoE sees no difference. Personally I would choose a school that had both, like AMU, to avoid any perception problems down the road. But CSU is a fine school too.

National accreditation is actually more rigorous than regional, and they require recertification twice as often. The myth of RA superiority is only being perpetrated by the 6 RA counclils themselves, for self-protection ($). They do not want the myth to evaporate, but it will.

This NA and RA issue needs to stop. CSU needs to prove that it is worthy. CSU, are you worthy? Or are you just going to validate what Jake said. Your move CSU. Are you just going to sit there and lick your wounds? Or are you going to shoot back?

Pathetic, simply pathetic...

Jealous? Why would I be jealous? FHSU's ranking has nothing to do with why NA degrees are not consistently regarded as equal to RA degrees. I actually have an AS and BS in psychology from an on-line NA college. I found out after the fact that no one here where I live on the East coast will acknowledge an NA degree for the types of employment I desire (law enforcement, teaching, etc.). That's my fault I did not double check before earning those NA degrees. FHSU is not perfect and I have had frustrations with some of the instructors, but I have worked hard and maintained a 4.0 average. I speak greatly of Fort Hays because they are the cheapest, yet highest quality regional college I have found after searching high and low. They may indeed have some bad reviews, but it is difficult to please everyone and I do realize that any institution out there can and will disappoint students sometimes. 

I'll be getting my CSU masters degree hopefully next month. All I can say is that my experience in CSU was well worth my time and money. It has also helped me career-wise.

If CSU does not meet your expectations, then go somewhere else. Don't finish your degree here and subsequently whine about it. 

Having spent more then 2 years at Columbia Southern University, I am taking my transfer credits and hitting the high road to another university. The first year was great, no problems but as things progressed - the consistency of the professors has become awful in grading (One giving you all A's without even trying and another cutting you close to failing the class when you do give it your all) - the work is far too easy that half way through the 8 week course I'm praying the final weeks open up because I'm bored to death and just want to get the course over with. There are just too many problems to speak of here. Thank goodness the university that I am starting has already set the challenge bar to where I need it to be and I know that I can go to any university in the country after I graduate. 

Don't listen to Jake. He's just jealous that FHSU didn't make it to onlinedegreereview's top ten list. Moreover, the US DOE recognizes both regional and national accreditation; plus, nearly all employers do not differentiate between regional and national accreditation status. FHSU is a great school but apparently, according to the feedback in this website not everyone agrees. CSU is not for everyone but it has helped many people in terms of career and professional enhancement.

If you want regional accreditation, affordable tuiton, and actually want to learn something from an established university with a great online program then look at Ft. Hays State University (fhsu.edu). It is the best value by far. I have been attending online there for 2 plus years with no problems whatsoever. Undergraduate courses are $500 per class. Graduate courses are $675. School is over a hundred years old and the online program is about 20 years old. DO NOT waste your time with nationally accredited schools when an opportunity like this is available to you!!!

Time is of the essence.In a nutshell, CSU must adapt to divergent demands, mainly to students' needs to remain competitive. I believe Grantham university is also attempting to attain regional status. So far, these 2 DETC schools are similar. Their facebook accounts also show a comparable number of fans. IF CSU achieves regional status, then it will join the dual RA NA list along with AMU, EU and WGU. However, I believe CSU is farther better in terms of costs, flexibility and student services... 

Your move CSU.

Still not RA yet huh? Bummer! See you CSU, I am out of here. I am tired of waiting, and I am taking my TA and GI Bill with me. Plus, I will tell all my troops to look elsewhere. Or better yet, I am just going to simply disapproved their request for VOLED if the school they chose is CSU. Of course, I will give them a different reason to make it sound legit, like "Mobilization" "alerts" Work-ups" etc. How is that for fighting fire with fire? "IF YOU WANT DRASTIC CHANGE, YOU MUST TAKE DRASTIC MEASURE."

If you guys want RA, then please convey this to CSU!!! CSU must get regionally accredited this year if not next year!!! CSU must compromise. Plus, I don't mind 20% more for tuition as long as the book grant, course work, and quality of student services and education remains unaffected.

Go CSU!!! :)

Yes, the school applied for RA last year, however, it was found wanting...RA did not like the idea of "per course enrollment." There, I said it. If you don't believe me, call the school and find out for yourself. The school will fire me anyway for leaking information like this one. Also, CSU tried applying again this year but since it hasn't realigned the "Per course enrollment" yet, I doubt it is going to get it. If RA is what you guys are after, I suggest look elsewhere because it will be a while for this school to get such accreditation. This school is definitely making positive changes though, just not enough. Compromise is not in this school's vocabulary. In the long run, the school will only hurt itself and the students. I honestly think that this school is good enough for RA, it just need a little bit more push from the students, but be prepared to pay a little extra (around 20 percent increase in tuition).

Are we RA yet? I haven't hear anything...I am so excited!

To expedite this need for CSU to be regionally accredited, its students must take part in this process as well by expressing their concerns directly to CSU. And the best way to communicate this message is through CSU's facebook account!!! Also, CSU will only instigate this process if it sees that its stakeholders (i.e. students) really want/demand it. 

I believe CSU is worthy of Regional accreditation status. However, will CSU accept the challenge? or will it continue to be stagnant with DETC accreditation? 

Miss Optimist and Mr. Pessimist, you guys are both right. It is good that talks such as this one come up, which means, if there's smoke, there is fire. RUmors like this one just don't surface without some sort of basis. The question is, whether CSU is worthy of such accreditation in the eyes of the "Commission Members." Let's hope that it is true.

IF CSU gets regional accreditation, then it will be good news for the school and even better news for students. Plus, it will definitely attract more applicants which means more revenue to improve CSU operations. Besides, in the long run, CSU needs RA to remain "strategically viable". In other words, CSU RA equals good business strategy... 

Then again, seeing is believing.

I sure hope the rumor about CSU plans for SACS accreditation is true. 

However, it will take CSU at least 18 months to acquire the regional accreditation status. That means, they could be regionally accredited as soon as 2013 provided that they apply this year. 

And I agree with the statement below. Once CSU achieves regional status, a lot of online schools will definitely have to work harder to attract and retain students. When it comes to student services and tuition costs, more students will simply choose CSU.

Good luck CSU :)

To all,

Don't you guys just love it when everyone can express their own opinion? I know I do.

CSU is a great school, but it can be greater once its request for RA gets approved. There are some insider information going around (it's a secret, shhh) that they are after RA after all. I suppose the call to arms, I mean the call for RA by its students finally was heard. Imagine the sudden influx of students once this finally happens, it will be huge. Open the flood gate, that is all I can say. 

In addition, AMU, TIU, Ashford and the rest of the online universities will be facing a stiff competetion. CSU programs are great, the students are satisifed, however, the only one thing that hinder it from being the top-notch online school is its lack of RA accreditation, and once that roadblock is gone we all know sky is the limit with school. Just like what a great president once said "SACS, tear down that wall and let this school be the best school it can be and destined to be," ok, mybe no president said that but you got my point. It's coming soon!!!

Oh, and @honest truth, chill out, I heard you got someone fired!!! Oh well, that's what happen when you hire an AMU graduate. LOL. 

CSU has a facebook account. You can also address your complaints there.

Personal experience, I had my transcript re-evaluate for a change of degree plan, but when it was completed (within eight days, efficient right?) the result was nowhere near the the original. I have already taken 18 credits from them and have tranferred 72. So, I figured by following their program, I might have to take additional 6 credits since they were considered required courses for the new degree plan to complete my new concentration. However, I never expected that some of the courses that I have previously credited for just disappeared and I have to take them again. It would have been fine if they were just not included because of duplicity, but that was not the case because they were still listed as courses for me to take. Incidentally, I brought up my concern to CSU, but the resolution is yet to come. Sure, the customer service may be fine, but some of their employees are just plain inept. There's no quality assurance, just speedy inaccurate answer to all issues. I, personally, rather have an accurate answer with a decent turn around time as opposed to "go ahead and give them the answer whether right or wrong as long as it's timely" mentality.

Get it right, that is all I am asking so negative posts such as this one do not get brought up. The school is already facing challenges in terms of the credibility and accreditation, and good customer (should I say student?) support is the only good thing going for the school, I am sure you wouldn't want to ruin that as well, otherwise your students are going to keep jumping ship.

Regional,

Maybe CSU is not worthy of such accreditation...that's just my baseless observation.

So far, only 3 institutions are RA and NA accredited - WGU, APUS and EU. EU, however, has trouble with its regional accreditation. Why can't CSU be on the RA NA dual accreditation list? That should be their next strategy i.e. RA = More students = more revenue :)

Congratulations CPT, now may I ask how did you do it? Can you be more specific on the procedures, maybe points of contact to recruiters, referrals, web-sites or whatever? I don't mean to be skeptical, however, I contacted the Navy recruiter here in Washington state and I was disappointed. You think Fort Lewis Army people can help?

I will research and get the POCs needed.  Give me a few weeks,

CPT "G"

RA or NA is a legitimate concern. If CSU is really worthy of both, then why not? You say your RA school is awful (but since we are lowering our standard of conduct here, I prefer to say "$HITTY"), then how come you don't transfer to CSU. Furthermore, with all due respect, Sir, this forum is everyone's business as it is yours. If you hate your RA school, come and join us at CSU, but I warn you, we are only NA accredited.

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence. 
Robert Frost 

I'm almost done with my MBA and I'm thinking about doing my second masters in CSU. I have truly benefited from a CSU degree and the education is simply what you make of it. I have already applied what I've learned at work and the results are more than what I expected. 

The school is not well-known but then again, most employers only want to know if the school/degree is legitimate i.e. accredited (NA or RA distinction insignificant). Overall, CSU is worth every penny and I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking an affordable, flexible quality education.

Oh I forgot. Now that I am starting my second lifetime career (older student) I have been signed on with a major Hospitality management company who takes on properties in distress from owners and banks and turns them around to make them successful. I am being trained for management and I have not even finished my degree yet.. Chaching

Hello
I have been taking courses for my BS in Hospitality and Tourism for the last year and a half and I have just started my last term to graduate. I had researched many schools keeping accreditation and cost as prime targets. I came across Columbia Southern University and compared with Kaplan and Phoenix the accreditation was identical but the cost was less then half. I have learned since then by talking with other online students from Phoenix that the curiculum that I am taking is actually more difficult as I believe the reason for this is that Columbia Southern is more motivated by student success rather then higher addmision fees. Because the school is still unknown to many as the higher priced online schools have more funds for advertising CSU stands superior. It has migrated as a prime candidate for government agencies and applicants of the military. The best kept secret... The students are more disciplined and determined to acheive their goals. Just from the time I have been in the school I see it has grown a great deal and the tuition has only risen 5.00 per unit. It is where you can go to get a degree completely covered by financial aid. Online school is not for everyone as you must be disciplined and understand and adhere to due dates. Most of my Professors have been superior in feedback and know what they are teaching. There has only been one professor out of several classes that I found inadequate and I just needed to stay on top of my assignments and question the feedback to prove my theories. I have now read several reviews of students who have now gained the essential tools from Columbia Southern University to start thier careers and are very happy with the results. I had already completed a little over a hundred units from a previous AA and Cert and I was able to transfer 78 of the those credits over. If your weighing out the different Universities you should heavily weigh the possibility of CSU.. Plus all my text books were included (and I get to keep them).. As you know that is big, big money saved.. 

Boycott, thanks for your input, and yes! It's better for my diploma to have regionally accreditation, I think your right. I hope I didn't waste your time, but If I could pay you one dollar for every word you typed I would of paid you about $207.00,not bad. huh! I will look into Waldorf, but didn't undersand about the religion classes, are those resquired? (rhetorical) I'll call and find out myself. 
Hey Boycott, did you take online classes from CSU, if you did, did you like the program they used? Or anyone reading this that wants to comment please feel free. Thanks

RA or NA, who cares, NA accreditation is not inferior it is just different accreditation and that is why RA colleges may not take NA credits. It is just different requirements, period. I am pretty sick of the RA versus NA crap. I currently attend an RA University that is awful, horrible teachers, bad customer service, and this is the gold standard? And, it is not the schools responsibility to hold your hand; you need to find out what their accreditation is. It is usually right on their school website, if not then run. I am pretty sick of the bitching and whining by those who did not even bother to find out the schools accreditation and now are pissed, give me a break. This is your fault and not the schools. As tuition soars and these over priced RA schools keep raising their tuition these NA schools will have more students turn to them for their educational needs. If you want the debt that an RA school will leave you in by all means bypass CSU. Someone else will be more than happy to take your spot. Quit putting down people who want to attend an NA school, what business is it of yours anyway?  RA, NA, and most employers I talked to do not really care as long as it is accredited. 

It's too bad CSU has no current plans for regional accreditation... tsk tsk  :(

@Ms. Unsure, Waldorf is NCA, however, its on-line BSBA doest have a concentration...that's another drawback. Plus, those religion classes...oh well, it's all up to you... ^_^

I hope CSU gets regional before I graduate... 

@Ms Unsure, if you haven't started yet, I suggest do your research first. Waldorf is also inexpensive (not cheap, but inexpensive) just like CSU, but with a few drawbacks, i.e, residential seminar...but at least you are sure that it is a real college, what I mean is "regionally accredited." Going to Nationally accredited school limits yourself exponentionally. 

No doubt that CSU is a great school and I have heard or read great things about it, but in this day and age, perception can have a negative impact. Ask yourself, would you rather have DETC or SACS under your diploma, especially when you are required to put the same effort to get it? CSU is a challenging on-line school, probably more challenging than every other B&M school, but it doesn't negate the fact that it has major limitations, particularly its accreditation. 

In addition, to go BSBA, there are alot to consider. First, rational vs regional. Next Regional vs AACSB, then AACSB vs ACSBP...in short CSU being national, in terms of BSBA is in the bottom of the totem-pole. CSU BS in OSH, however, can be competitive. I hope this helps, if not, I am sorry to have wasted your time (and mine so to speak).

I am about to finish my BSBA from CSU, I guess we'll see if it's worth something eh. Trust me when I say, I will personally start a hate-group towards CSU if its degree doesn't serve me well. I spent two years with them and foregone my chance of going to AMU/APUS or even TIU or UMUC just so I can have my degree before I retire from the USMC.

To say the least, I am beginning to worry about its acceditation...I know I went through it without out-of-pocket expenses but I am beginning to wonder if I should have just spent them elsewhere. Damn, I should have stayed at UMUC.

I wish CSU is regionally accredited, I could have been a proud Alumnus of this school. But hey, worst come to worst, my diploma can be a good wall decoration.

BOYCOTT is right. Go to Waldorf College for your BSBA instead - http://w w w.waldorf.edu/Online/Academics/Programs-of-Study/Business-Administration. It's regionally accredited and the price is reasonable as well. It also means you'll have better luck getting accepted into a regionally accredited MBA Program later on. 

Then again, if you plan to acquire your Masters or MBA in a DETC accredited institution afterward, then go ahead and enroll in CSU for your BSBA. Btw, the US DOE doesn't distinguish between regional and national accreditation and considers them to be the same. Certain employers (not all), however, prefer regional accreditation. Overall, CSU is a great online school. If you want a degree and don't have adequate funds, then CSU is for you.

Hey Boycott! are you enrolled on campus
or online studies? Are you saying that
this school is not worthy because of
it's accreditation? Can somone please 
comment more on this and if you like 
the online classes?
and if your happy with the instructors?
I haven't made a decision and this seems 
to be resonable in credit price. I just
want to get my Bachelors in Business Admin.
I'm not interested in transfering credits.

Enough said, CSU must get its regional accreditation to prove its worth...AMU did it and still able to keep its costs down. Unless of course CSU does not have what it takes to qualify...I think that's it. @Ms. Unsure, go for Waldorf instead. Check it out.

How come CSU is not regionally accredited? Is it not worthy of such accreditation? How can AMU/APUS acquire regional accreditation but CSU cannot? I don't know, I am a little skeptical about this school. By the way, I am a current student of this school and I am just looking for a peace of mind. No hate-mails please, I am a little sensitive :)

Can someone comment about the Business Administration program, I'm reserching several schools and it's really
hard to choose, especially when you read all the bad comments about the financial aid problems and 
instructors being rude. This is the "Adult World" 
and why so much drama! Don't understand it. I just 
to get my bachelors degree & finish. This is suppose 
to be a very good school from the comments I've been
reading from 2007. Can someone comment please! All 
comments are welcome, but if you are an employee
of CSU or an insrutor, just be honest. 

great school, even better when you join sheriff association you get a 10% off yearly discount off tuition plus donation is only $25.00.  Well worth it!  8 wk class structure accred. school, great teachers, love this place!

Quality education at an affordable price. Nuff said :)

I am in the psy program and its great!!!

Any one here in their Psychology program and if so, how do you like it?

I have completed almost half of the course work towards my DBA degree with CSU. The courses follow a defined curriculum, and the textbooks are current and from some of the top textbook publishers. The online assessments range from multiple choice questions to short essay answers. I can't speak to the undergraduate programs, but the doctoral program also requires case studies and article critiques in proper APA format, with resources from beyond the course materials. The assignments are challenging, but I have experienced more difficult course work in some of my Master Degree courses at a traditional B&M university. At the doctoral level, the challenges are often self-imposed; essentially you get out of the program what you put into it. At this stage of my life, the completion of a doctorate degree will not impact my employment, so I'm completing it to fulfill an individual goal. The accreditation issue does not really affect me, as I have had the CSU program evaluated and it has been accepted as the equivalent of a PhD in Canada, so it meets my criteria. I would like to add that my undergrad degree was completed by distance at a fully accredited Canadian university and was accepted for admittance to one of the top B&M universities in Canada. I am currently the Program Director for an online degree program at the same university where I completed my undergrad degree, and find the CSU courses on par for content and academic rigour. Distance education is not for everyone, but it serves a purpose and the entire process should not be discounted simply because it did not meet one's expectations. 

Scott
I am thinking about starting the DBA program also, and I live in Canada. How or where did you get the DBA program evaluated? Can you send me the links? 

Thanks

I did it through World Education Services (WES), which is one of the major academic evaluation services. I work at a Canadian University and ran the WES response past our Registrar and it was good enough for him. You can contact me at scottb@athabascau.ca for more details.

To anyone who feels CSU may be a scam:

If CSU is such a scam, then why does the Board of Certified Safety Professionals accept the AAS / BS in Occupational Safety and Health?

Also, the Military accepts accredited degrees.  CSU is accredited.

CSU can receive financial aid.
CSU can receive Montgomery and Post 911 GI Bill.

Not exactly what I would call a fraud or a scam.

HM2 (FMF) Wolfe

I was surprised that the classes offered were as challenging as they were, I expected it to be breezy because it was an unknown online program from the south. While online classes aren't for everyone and you have to train yourself to actually do the course reading, I think the program (especially for the price) was really worth it.  I took some transient classes for my school and plan to look into their MBA program.  

Professors are decent; however, my experience with their office staff have been a little rocky.

Wish they were regionally accredited...

Go to CSU for both, its a fine school!!! Don't let anyone tell you anything different!!!

Should I go for CSU or Calu for my masters? Both have good reputations.

hmmmm... 

Dear "@Pam",
I think you mean "TAM" and you are exactly correct. This individual has been posting on this forum ranting and raging for years. Also, check for TAM on other schools reviewed here at online degrees and you will find it is not limited to just CSU. Your assumption is probably correct....

CSU is awesome! Great support from everyone!