SOWELA and Columbia Southern University Sign New Agreement for Criminal Justice Students to Transfer Credits

LAKE CHARLES, LA – SOWELA Technical Community College and Columbia Southern University (CSU) recently signed an articulation agreement between the two schools for their Criminal Justice programs making it easier for students to transfer credits from SOWELA to CSU.

Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from SOWELA, general education and Criminal Justice courses can be transferred and applied toward the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the College of Safety and Emergency Services at CSU. Students will then complete as few as 60 additional credit hours of Criminal Justice coursework at CSU to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“Although the majority of students who complete a program at SOWELA enter directly into the workforce; many, if they have the opportunity, choose to continue their education and work towards a bachelor’s degree or higher,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “Since SOWELA is a comprehensive community college accredited by SACSCOC, our students can transfer their course credits to four-year colleges/universities and complete a bachelor’s or higher degree. This transfer agreement with Columbia Southern University gives our students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program another option for earning a bachelor’s degree. We are fortunate to have yet another four-year partner who makes the pathway to the bachelor’s degree smoother.”

This articulation agreement between SOWELA and CSU marks the first transfer agreement between the two educational institutions.

“CSU is proud of this partnership and the opportunity to offer SOWELA criminal justice students a chance to broaden their knowledge and skills. Our faculty can provide real-world learning opportunities and help prepare students for the gamut of experiences that exist in today's criminal justice world,” added Ken Styron, DBA, CSU president.

Students at both institutions learn under credentialed faculty who meet accreditation requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

“Being able to transfer my SOWELA credits to CSU’s bachelor’s program gives me a clear and exciting path forward,” said Nahtahjauhlesah Thompson, a Criminal Justice student at SOWELA. “I’m planning to earn my bachelor’s degree after graduation and having transfer agreements like this makes continuing my education much easier and more accessible.”

SOWELA recently received approval to offer it’s Criminal Justice degree online in addition to its well-established on-campus program. The new format increases educational access to working adults, including law enforcement professionals. SOWELA also provides credit for three Criminal Justice classes to POST-certified individuals.

SOWELA is currently registering for all programs, including Criminal Justice, for the Fall 2025 semester. Amount of transfer credits is dependent upon transcript evaluation. Visit www.sowela.edu/criminal-justice to learn more or apply. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.

About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, military studies and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.

About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.