Distance Education and Training Council
1601 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-5100

Accreditation and Licensure

Within higher education, accreditation is a voluntary nongovernmental process that assures the public of the overall academic, administrative, and financial quality of the organization. Accrediting agencies that meet all federal standards are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

DETC Logo Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is listed by the United States Department of Education as a nationally-recognized accrediting agency, and is a recognized member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a non-profit organization serving as the national advocate for self-regulation through accreditation. Institutional membership is limited to nationally or regionally accredited colleges or universities.

CSU is licensed by the State of Alabama, Department of Post Secondary Education pursuant to the Alabama Private School License Law, Code of Alabama, Title 16-46-1 through 10.

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals will recognize CSU degrees for the application process under both the Associate Safety Professional designation and the Certified Safety Professional designation.

CSU is an institutional member of the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE is the nation's umbrella higher education association. Institutional membership is limited to nationally or regionally accredited colleges or universities.

CSU is an institutional member of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). CAEL is a national leader in the field of adult learning dedicated to expanding lifelong learning opportunities for adults. Institutional membership is limited to nationally or regionally accredited colleges or universities.

Facts about DETC (PDF document)

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