Columbia Southern University - Occupational Safety & Health

Good, Quality Program

By: spec_v5150 (Graduate) on September 23, 2008

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Institution:		Support:
Value:		Technology:

Review:

I chose to go to CSU because it was one of the few schools that offered the exact programs I wanted to degree in at a price I could afford.  At first, I was very skeptical of a strictly online degree.  It seemed "phony" to me.....like a diploma mill.  However, finding a program in safety AND having the convenience of staying home with my kids during the day and working nights was a bit difficult especially since I lived in North Dakota which had ZERO colleges with safety programs in the immediate area!  I researched the accreditation, read reviews, did more research, spoke with the active duty education office (which is very strict for tuition assistance purposes) and everything looked good (you also can't beat FREE, BRAND NEW TEXTBOOKS!!!!!)

While I technically wasn't paying my own money (used GI Bill), I didn't want to waste it on something that would be of no use to me.  However, after taking my first set of classes, I realized it was money well spent.  The instructors were there to help and I actually learned something.  I thought since it was open book, I would ace every class.  I found it to be harder because of this.  I found I couldn't "wing it" like I thought I would be able to.  I actually had to read the text and study.

When I progressed into my core and major courses, I felt even better about the program because I was learning things I already recognized as fact.  I already knew about OSHA and industrial hygiene monitoring and the courses re-enforced what I already knew and taught me things that I didn't, particularly with accident investigation and ergonomics.

Another reason it turned out to be a great choice is my ultimate goal was to become a Certified Safety Professional.  BCSP recognizes CSU and I can use my degree as my educational requirement when I begin the CSP application process.  

There is no way a well known, industry leading organization like BCSP would accept a "diploma mill".

My only complaint thus far has been the wait time for the graduation audit to be complete to receive my diploma.  For GI Bill purposes, I can't begin my MS program until I have completed my current program.  The wait is also holding up my CSP application as well.