Columbia Southern University is honored to serve military members, veterans and their families. Our founder, Dr. Robert Mayes Sr., a U.S. Army veteran, recognized the importance of flexibility and accessibility for our military students. Today, we take great pride in providing the highest level of service, along with quality educational programs to those who sacrificed so much to protect and defend our great nation.

As part of our goal to best serve our military community, CSU is a signatory of the DoDI 13225.25 which is better known as the Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding. Additionally, we participate in the U.S. Army’s ArmyIgnitEd program and are a member of the U.S. Air Force’s Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) program. We are a member of the Council of Colleges and Military Educators (CCME) and have a vibrant Student Veterans Association.

Our academic advisors, Success Center specialists and Office of Disability Services offer a host of resources to help our students succeed, such as degree and career planning, tutoring and special accommodations for students with disabilities. Our VA certifying officials are also standing by to assist veterans with enrollment and administrative needs.

CSU's dynamic Student Veterans Association provides resources and participates in community service projects and outreach events around the nation. As a proud member of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve program, CSU actively seeks to hire and develop veterans.

Keenly aware of the unique challenges faced by our active-duty and veteran military members and their families, CSU faculty and staff are here to support and serve you in pursuit of your educational goals.

Contacting the CSU Military Support Group

Students who wish to speak to military support representatives may contact the Military Support Group at 1-(888) 394-5738 or send email to militarysupportgroup@columbiasouthern.edu.

Any reference to United States Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD.

College of Safety and Emergency Services Guidelines

The College of Safety and Emergency Services provides students with cutting edge real-world application in the public safety fields. Expert faculty provide for leadership and industry related experience encompassing a wealth of practical knowledge utilizing a student-centered approach to education. The college leadership, faculty, and course curriculum focus on preparing students who can take their classroom experiences and knowledge directly into their professional field providing for effective public safety professionals able to excel in their field as well as future career opportunities.

Additional information about specific program requirements can be found below.

Undergraduate Programs

Associate of Science in Emergency Services Management

Applicants must submit documentation of an active paramedic license which indicates date of expiration.

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Emergency Management

Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s in emergency management, or a closely related discipline. For applicants who do not hold a master’s degree related to emergency management, the following graduate-level courses are required, as prerequisites*:

  • Emergency Management

Note: Closely related disciplines include homeland security, criminal justice, or public safety. Applicants with credentials in similar programs may submit an appeal to the College Dean.

Doctor of Occupational Safety and Health

Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s in occupational safety and health, or a closely related discipline, which includes the following four graduate-level occupational safety and health courses, as prerequisites*:

  • Industrial Safety
  • Industrial Hygiene
  • Any two additional courses within, or closely related to, the Occupational Safety and Health discipline.

The Academic Program Director or College Dean may consider advanced practice in OSH, as demonstrated by a relevant and accredited professional certification, as an exception to the course-level requirement(s).

Note: Closely related disciplines include health physics, public health, ergonomics and human factors, environmental science, industrial hygiene, emergency management, fire science/technology, epidemiology, or occupational health nursing. Applicants with credentials in similar programs may submit an appeal to the College Dean.

*Students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “B” or better for entry into the program. In cases where applicants have not completed the required courses, a documented summary indicating mastery of the competencies for each course may serve as evidence that the applicant is prepared to learn and benefit from a rigorous program of study.

The College Dean, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, or Provost may approve exceptions to these guidelines.