FAQs

Commonly asked questions:

Q: What are the requirements for beginning a graduate degree program at CSU?
A conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is needed to apply and enroll in a graduate program at Columbia Southern University.  CSU does not require a standardized entrance exam to begin a graduate program.
Q: Which degree is right for me?
Before you decide on a degree, what is your ultimate goal?  Do you have experience in the field already? Do some research on the job; what kind of degree does it require?  Will you need industry certifications in addition to the degree?  What is the job outlook for your career choice?  This website is a great place to start if you are unsure:  http://www.mynextmove.org/.
Q: How can my advisor help me?
Your advisor can update degree advisements, take enrollments, discuss and help with degree plans, and help with course selection. Your advisor is here to help you plan and prepare so that you can graduate on time.
Q: Who can help me in the event my advisor is unavailable?
If your specific academic advisor is unavailable and you require immediate assistance, you may contact the Academic Advising Center and another advisor will be glad to assist you. You may contact them at 1-800-977-8449.
Q: I received my bachelor’s degree from CSU, how do I apply for my master’s degree?
You will complete a new application in myCSU student portal. You will find “ReApply Now” at the top, right corner of any page in the student portal.
Q: What happens if I fail a course?
If you fail a course, your academic advisor will typically advise that you retake the course as quickly as possible. Retaking the failed course replaces the F with an R (retake) and then only calculates the newly earned grade into your GPA. This is the quickest and most direct path to improving your GPA.
Q: How do I apply for scholarships? What scholarships are available through CSU?
CSU offers several scholarships. Several other scholarships are offered through CSU partners. To find out about available scholarships and the requirements, please visit the CSU website, Tuition and Financing, Scholarships. 
http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/tuition-financing/scholarships
Q: Will my transfer credit be accepted at CSU?
Columbia Southern University prides itself on the maximization of transfer credit. As is also common practice among universities, Columbia Southern University has articulation agreements with other institutions of higher learning. These articulations provide for the acceptance By CSU of credits and/or degrees earned at other universities and colleges.
A listing of these and their descriptions can be found at http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/admissions/transfer-credit/transfer-credit-to-csu.
Beyond the articulation agreements, transfer credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: How many courses can I take at one time?
Academic Course Load is dependent on the enrollment system that a student is enrolling in. Academic Course Load Policy is explained in the CSU Student Handbook on page 24.  http://www.columbiasouthern.edu/downloads/pdf/handbook/csustudenthandbook.aspx